flexiblefullpage
billboard
interstitial1
catfish1
Currently Reading

Architecture Billings continue to lose ground

Market Data

Architecture Billings continue to lose ground

The pace of decline during December accelerated from November.


By AIA | January 19, 2021

Courtesy Pixabay

Demand for design services from U.S. architecture firms took a pointed dip last month, according to a new report from the American Institute of Architects (AIA).

The pace of decline during December accelerated from November, posting an Architecture Billings Index (ABI) score of 42.6 from 46.3 (any score below 50 indicates a decline in firm billings). Meanwhile, the pace of growth of inquiries into new projects remained flat from November to December with a score of 52.4, though the value of new design contracts stayed in negative territory with a score of 48.5.

“Since the national economic recovery appears to have stalled, architecture firms are entering 2021 facing a continued sluggish design market,” said AIA Chief Economist Kermit Baker, PhD, Hon. AIA.  “However, the recently passed federal stimulus funding should help shore up the economy in the short-term, and hopefully by later this year there should be relief as COVID vaccinations become more widespread. Recent project inquiries from prospective and former clients have been positive, suggesting that new work may begin picking up as we move into the spring and summer months.”

Key ABI highlights for December include:

•    Regional averages: South (46.8); Midwest (43.6); West (43.4); Northeast (38.8) 
•    Sector index breakdown: mixed practice (48.0); commercial/industrial (47.2); multi-family residential (46.1); institutional (38.5)
•    Project inquiries index: 52.4
•    Design contracts index: 48.5

The regional and sector categories are calculated as a three-month moving average, whereas the national index, design contracts and inquiries are monthly numbers.

Visit AIA’s website for more ABI information.

Related Stories

Market Data | Sep 15, 2020

7 must reads for the AEC industry today: September 15, 2020

Energy efficiency considerations for operating buildings during a pandemic and is there really a glass box paradox?

Market Data | Sep 14, 2020

6 must reads for the AEC industry today: September 14, 2020

63% of New York's restaurants could be gone by 2021 and new weapons in the apartment amenities arms race.

Market Data | Sep 11, 2020

5 must reads for the AEC industry today: September 11, 2020

Des Moines University begins construction on new campus and the role of urgent care in easing the oncology journey.

Market Data | Sep 10, 2020

6 must reads for the AEC industry today: September 10, 2020

Taipei's new Performance Hall and Burger King's touchless restaurant designs.

Market Data | Sep 9, 2020

6 must reads for the AEC industry today: September 9, 2020

What will the 'new normal' look like and the AIA hands out its Twenty-five Year Award.

Market Data | Sep 8, 2020

‘New normal’: IAQ, touchless, and higher energy bills?

Not since 9/11 has a single event so severely rocked the foundation of the commercial building industry.

Market Data | Sep 8, 2020

7 must reads for the AEC industry today: September 8, 2020

Google proposes 40-acre redevelopment plan and office buildings should be an essential part of their communities.

Market Data | Sep 4, 2020

6 must reads for the AEC industry today: September 4, 2020

10 Design to redevelop Nanjing AIrport and TUrner Construction takes a stand against racism.

Market Data | Sep 4, 2020

Construction sector adds 16,000 workers in August but nonresidential jobs shrink

Association survey finds contractor pessimism is increasing.

Market Data | Sep 3, 2020

6 must reads for the AEC industry today: September 3, 2020

New affordable housing comes to the Bronx and California releases guide for state water policy.

boombox1
boombox2
native1

More In Category




halfpage1

Most Popular Content

  1. 2021 Giants 400 Report
  2. Top 150 Architecture Firms for 2019
  3. 13 projects that represent the future of affordable housing
  4. Sagrada Familia completion date pushed back due to coronavirus
  5. Top 160 Architecture Firms 2021