Demand for design services in February increased at a solid pace for the sixth month in a row, according to a new report today from The American Institute of Architects (AIA).
AIA’s Architecture Billings Index (ABI) score of 53.4 for February reflects an increase in design services provided by U.S. architecture firms (any score above 50 indicates an increase in billings).
During February, both the new project inquiries and design contracts scores moderated slightly but remained in positive territory, posting scores of 56.5 and 52.0 respectively.
“Business conditions at architecture firms have been surprisingly positive so far this year. However, firms were just beginning to feel the impact of the dramatic slowdown caused by COVID-19 as this survey was being conducted in early March.” said AIA Chief Economist, Kermit Baker, Hon. AIA, PhD. “The rapid pull-back in activity throughout the economy will obviously be felt in the design and construction sector, and architecture firms will be one of the first to see how these events play out.”
Key ABI highlights for February include:
• Regional averages: South (58.0); Midwest (53.6); West (49.8); Northeast (49.4)
• Sector index breakdown: multi-family residential (53.5); institutional (52.8); mixed practice (52.7); commercial/industrial (52.4)
• Project inquiries index: 56.6
• Design contracts index: 52.0
Related Stories
Coronavirus | Apr 10, 2020
COVID-19: Converting existing hospitals, hotels, convention centers, and other alternate care sites for coronavirus patients
COVID-19: Converting existing unused or underused hospitals, hotels, convention centers, and other alternate care sites for coronavirus patients
Coronavirus | Apr 9, 2020
COVID-19 Design Innovation Grant: IDA offers $14,000 to spur design innovation for combating the coronavirus pandemic
The International Design Awards is looking for innovations in low-cost ventilators, in-home isolation pods, and reusable masks.
Coronavirus | Apr 9, 2020
COVID-19 alert: Robins & Morton to convert Miami Beach Convention Center into a 450-bed field hospital
COVID-19 alert: Robins & Morton to convert Miami Beach Convention Center into a 450-bed field hospital
Coronavirus | Apr 8, 2020
AIA task force launches tool for assessing COVID-19 alternative care sites
The tool is intended to assist non-healthcare design professionals with identifying alternative sites suitable for patient care.
Coronavirus | Apr 8, 2020
COVID-19 alert: Most U.S. roofing contractors hit by coronavirus, says NRCA
NRCA survey shows 52% of roofing contractor said COVID-19 pandemic was having a significant or very significant impact on their businesses.
Coronavirus | Apr 8, 2020
Navigate supply chain and manufacturing challenges during disruption
First, most important and most complex: Create an extensive safety plan for your facilities and job sites that protects both the personnel onsite and the end users of your product.
Coronavirus | Apr 7, 2020
How to turn a high school into a patient care center in 15 days
HKS’s concept paper presents three scenarios.
Coronavirus | Apr 7, 2020
New Trump administration guidance now allows firms with 500 of fewer employees to qualify for paycheck protection program loans
Associated General Contractors of America secures fix to loan qualifications after alerting administration officials to small business administration language that excluded many firms.
Coronavirus | Apr 6, 2020
New small business administration loan guidance appears to exclude many construction firms that employ fewer than 500 people
Construction officials urge agency to make clear that firms that employ 500 or fewer people to qualify for paycheck protection program loans, regardless of revenue.
Coronavirus | Apr 6, 2020
Pandemic preparedness: How hospitals can adapt buildings to address worst-case scenarios
A Canadian healthcare architect looks at how hospital staff can act now to modify facilities and contain a pandemic.
