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 | Jun 10, 2020
6 must reads for the AEC industry today: June 10, 2020
Singapore's newest residential district and CannonDesign unveils COVID Shield.
Market Data | Jun 9, 2020
ABC’s Construction Backlog Indicator inches higher in May; Contractor confidence continues to rebound
Nonresidential construction backlog is down 0.8 months compared to May 2019 and declined year over year in every industry.
Market Data | Jun 9, 2020
6 must reads for the AEC industry today: June 9, 2020
OSHA safety inspections fall 84% and the office isn't dead.
Market Data | Jun 8, 2020
Construction jobs rise by 464,000 jobs but remain 596,000 below recent peak
Gains in may reflect temporary support from paycheck protection program loans and easing of construction restrictions, but hobbled economy and tight state and local budgets risk future job losses.
Market Data | Jun 5, 2020
7 must reads for the AEC industry today: June 5, 2020
The world's first carbon-fiber reinforced concrete building and what will college be like in the fall?
Market Data | Jun 4, 2020
7 must reads for the AEC industry today: June 4, 2020
Construction unemployment declines in 326 of 358 metro areas and is the show over for AMC Theatres?
Market Data | Jun 3, 2020
Construction employment declines in 326 out of 358 metro areas in April
Association says new transportation proposal could help restore jobs.
Market Data | Jun 3, 2020
6 must reads for the AEC industry today: June 3, 2020
5 ways to improve cleanliness of public restrooms and office owners are in no hurry for tenants to return.
Market Data | Jun 2, 2020
Architects, health experts release strategies, tools for safely reopening buildings
AIA issues three new and enhanced tools for reducing risk of COVID-19 transmission in buildings.
Market Data | Jun 2, 2020
5 must reads for the AEC industry today: June 2, 2020
New Luxembourg office complex breaks ground and nonresidential construction spending falls.
