The American Institute of Architects’ (AIA) semi-annual Consensus Construction Forecast indicates a growth of 8% in construction spending in 2016.
Even better, 2017 could be nearly as strong. AIA is predicting a 6.7% increase next year, as demand for offices, hotels, industrial centers, and amusement and recreational facilities remains high.
“While rising interest rates could pose a challenge to the U.S. economy, lower energy prices, improved employment figures, and an enacted federal budget for 2016 are all factoring into a very favorable outlook for the construction industry,” AIA Chief Economist, Kermit Baker, PhD, Hon. AIA, said in a statement. “And after several years of challenging economic circumstances the institutional project sector is finally on very solid footing.”
Going even further than 2017, AIA found some of the top nonresidential design trends for the next 10 years. Technologies like BIM software, motion-sensing lighting, new glass and glazing products, and solar and wind generation are all expected to become more sophisticated over time.
Related Stories
Market Data | Jan 5, 2021
Barely one-third of metros add construction jobs in latest 12 months
Dwindling list of project starts forces contractors to lay off workers.
Market Data | Jan 4, 2021
Nonresidential construction spending shrinks further in November
Many commercial projects languish, even while homebuilding soars.
Market Data | Dec 29, 2020
Multifamily transactions drop sharply in 2020, according to special report from Yardi Matrix
Sales completions at end of Q3 were down over 41 percent from the same period a year ago.
Market Data | Dec 28, 2020
New coronavirus recovery measure will provide some needed relief for contractors coping with project cancellations, falling demand
Measure’s modest amount of funding for infrastructure projects and clarification that PPP loans may not be taxed will help offset some of the challenges facing the construction industry.
Market Data | Dec 28, 2020
Construction employment trails pre-pandemic levels in 35 states despite gains in industry jobs from October to November in 31 states
New York and Vermont record worst February-November losses, Virginia has largest pickup.
Market Data | Dec 16, 2020
Architecture billings lose ground in November
The pace of decline during November accelerated from October, posting an Architecture Billings Index (ABI) score of 46.3 from 47.5.
AEC Tech | Dec 8, 2020
COVID-19 affects the industry’s adoption of ConTech in different ways
A new JLL report assesses which tech options got a pandemic “boost.”
Market Data | Dec 7, 2020
Construction sector adds 27,000 jobs in November
Project cancellations, looming PPP tax bill will undercut future job gains.
Market Data | Dec 3, 2020
Only 30% of metro areas add construction jobs in latest 12 months
Widespread project postponements and cancellations force layoffs.
Market Data | Dec 2, 2020
New Passive House standards offers prescriptive path that reduces costs
Eliminates requirement for a Passive House consultant and attendant modeling.