AIA’s Architecture Billings Index (ABI) score for January was 51.0 compared to 51.0* in December (any score over 50 indicates billings growth). Inquiries into new work and the value of new design contracts both remained strong with scores of 61.9 and 56.1 respectively.
“Architecture billings, while remaining at very healthy levels in recent months, have slowed considerably from the middle of last year,” said AIA Chief Economist, Kermit Baker, Hon. AIA, PhD. “This no doubt reflects delays in the construction sector caused by supply challenges for both labor and materials, as well as ongoing staffing constraints at architecture firms.”
Key ABI highlights for January include:
Regional averages: South (61.2); Midwest (51.5); West (47.6); Northeast (46.8)
Sector index breakdown: mixed practice (59.3); commercial/industrial (54.2); multi-family residential (50.1); institutional (47.3)
Project inquiries index: 61.9
Design contracts index: 56.1
The regional and sector categories are calculated as a three-month moving average, whereas the national index, design contracts and inquiries are monthly numbers.
Related Stories
Market Data | May 18, 2021
Grumman|Butkus Associates publishes 2020 edition of Hospital Benchmarking Survey
The report examines electricity, fossil fuel, water/sewer, and carbon footprint.
Market Data | May 13, 2021
Proliferating materials price increases and supply chain disruptions squeeze contractors and threaten to undermine economic recovery
Producer price index data for April shows wide variety of materials with double-digit price increases.
Market Data | May 7, 2021
Construction employment stalls in April
Soaring costs, supply-chain challenges, and workforce shortages undermine industry's recovery.
Market Data | May 4, 2021
Nonresidential construction outlays drop in March for fourth-straight month
Weak demand, supply-chain woes make further declines likely.
Market Data | May 3, 2021
Nonresidential construction spending decreases 1.1% in March
Spending was down on a monthly basis in 11 of the 16 nonresidential subcategories.
Market Data | Apr 30, 2021
New York City market continues to lead the U.S. Construction Pipeline
New York City has the greatest number of projects under construction with 110 projects/19,457 rooms.
Market Data | Apr 29, 2021
U.S. Hotel Construction pipeline beings 2021 with 4,967 projects/622,218 rooms at Q1 close
Although hotel development may still be tepid in Q1, continued government support and the extension of programs has aided many businesses to get back on their feet as more and more are working to re-staff and re-open.
Market Data | Apr 28, 2021
Construction employment declines in 203 metro areas from March 2020 to March 2021
The decline occurs despite homebuilding boom and improving economy.
Market Data | Apr 20, 2021
The pandemic moves subs and vendors closer to technology
Consigli’s latest market outlook identifies building products that are high risk for future price increases.
Market Data | Apr 20, 2021
Demand for design services continues to rapidly escalate
AIA’s ABI score for March rose to 55.6 compared to 53.3 in February.
