The Architecture Billings Index reflects consecutive months of increasing demand for design activity at architecture firms.
As a leading economic indicator of construction activity, the ABI reflects the approximate nine to twelve month lead time between architecture billings and construction spending. The American Institute of Architects (AIA) reported the March ABI score was 51.9, up from the mark of 50.3 in the previous month. This score reflects an increase in design services (any score above 50 indicates an increase in billings). The new projects inquiry index was 58.1, down from a reading of 59.5 the previous month.
“The first quarter was somewhat disappointing in terms of the growth of design activity, but fortunately expanded a bit entering the traditionally busy spring season. The Midwest is lagging behind the other regions, but otherwise business conditions are generally healthy across the country,” AIA Chief Economist, Kermit Baker, Hon. AIA, PhD, said in a statement. “As the institutional market has cooled somewhat after a surge in design activity a year ago, the multi-family sector is reaccelerating at a heathy pace.”
Key March ABI highlights:
- Regional averages: South (52.4), Northeast (51.0), West (50.4), Midwest (49.8)
- Sector index breakdown: multi-family residential (55.7), commercial/industrial (51.8), mixed practice (50.0), institutional (48.0)
- Project inquiries index: 58.1
- Design contracts index: 51.8
The regional and sector categories are calculated as a 3-month moving average, whereas the national index, design contracts and inquiries are monthly numbers.
Related Stories
Market Data | Aug 16, 2016
Leading economists predict construction industry growth through 2017
The Chief Economists for ABC, AIA, and NAHB all see the construction industry continuing to expand over the next year and a half.
Multifamily Housing | Aug 12, 2016
Apartment completions in largest metros on pace to increase by 50% in 2016
Texas is leading this multifamily construction boom, according to latest RENTCafé estimates.
Market Data | Jul 29, 2016
ABC: Output expands, but nonresidential fixed investment falters
Nonresidential fixed investment fell for a third consecutive quarter, as indicated by Bureau of Economic Analysis data.
Industry Research | Jul 26, 2016
AIA consensus forecast sees construction spending on rise through next year
But several factors could make the industry downshift.
Architects | Jul 20, 2016
AIA: Architecture Billings Index remains on solid footing
The June ABI score was down from May, but the figure was positive for the fifth consecutive month.
Market Data | Jul 7, 2016
Airbnb alleged to worsen housing crunch in New York City
Allegedly removing thousands of housing units from market, driving up rents.
Market Data | Jul 6, 2016
Construction spending falls 0.8% from April to May
The private and public sectors have a combined estimated seasonally adjusted annual rate of $1.14 trillion.
Market Data | Jul 6, 2016
A thriving economy and influx of businesses spur construction in downtown Seattle
Development investment is twice what it was five years ago.
Multifamily Housing | Jul 5, 2016
Apartments continue to shrink, rents continue to rise
Latest survey by RENTCafé tracks size changes in 95 metros.
Multifamily Housing | Jun 22, 2016
Can multifamily construction keep up with projected demand?
The Joint Center for Housing Studies’ latest disection of America’s housing market finds moderate- and low-priced rentals in short supply.
