Demand for design services in November increased at a modest pace for the second 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 51.9 for November reflects an increase in design services provided by U.S. architecture firms (any score above 50 indicates an increase in billings). During November, both the new project inquiries and design contracts scores were positive, posting scores of 60.9 and 52.9 respectively.
“The uncertainty surrounding the overall health of the economy is leading developers to proceed with more caution on new projects,” said AIA Chief Economist, Kermit Baker, Hon. AIA, PhD. “We are at a point where there is a potential for an upside but also a potential for things to get worse.”
Key ABI highlights for November include:
- Regional averages: South (54.5); West (51.3); Midwest (51.1); Northeast (47.5)
- Sector index breakdown: commercial/industrial (52.9) mixed practice (52.2); multi-family residential (51.5); institutional (50.1)
- Project inquiries index: 60.9
- Design contracts index: 52.9
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 | Jan 24, 2020
U.S. Green Building Council releases the top 10 states for LEED
Colorado leads the nation, showing how LEED green buildings support climate action and a better quality of life.
Market Data | Jan 23, 2020
Construction contractor confidence surges into 2020, says ABC
Confidence among U.S. construction industry leaders increased in November 2019 with respect to sales, profit margins, and staffing, according to the Associated Builders and Contractors Construction Confidence Index.
Market Data | Jan 22, 2020
Architecture Billings Index ends year on positive note
AIA’s Architecture Billings Index (ABI) score of 52.5 for December reflects an increase in design services provided by U.S. architecture firms.
AEC Tech | Jan 16, 2020
EC firms with a clear ‘digital roadmap’ should excel in 2020
Deloitte, in new report, lays out a risk mitigation strategy that relies on tech.
Market Data | Jan 13, 2020
Construction employment increases by 20,000 in December and 151,000 in 2019
Survey finds optimism about 2020 along with even tighter labor supply as construction unemployment sets record December low.
Market Data | Jan 10, 2020
North America’s office market should enjoy continued expansion in 2020
Brokers and analysts at two major CRE firms observe that tenants are taking longer to make lease decisions.
Market Data | Dec 12, 2019
2019 sets new record for supertall building completion
Overall, the number of completed buildings of at least 200 meters in 2019 declined by 13.7%.
Market Data | Dec 4, 2019
Nonresidential construction spending falls in October
Private nonresidential spending fell 1.2% on a monthly basis and is down 4.3% from October 2018.
Market Data | Nov 25, 2019
Office construction lifts U.S. asking rental rate, but slowing absorption in Q3 raises concerns
12-month net absorption decelerates by one-third from 2018 total.
Market Data | Nov 22, 2019
Architecture Billings Index rebounds after two down months
The Architecture Billings Index (ABI) score in October is 52.0.
