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 | Mar 19, 2018
ABC's Construction Backlog Indicator hits a new high: 2018 poised to be a very strong year for construction spending
CBI is up by 1.36 months, or 16.3%, on a year-over-year basis.
Market Data | Mar 15, 2018
ABC: Construction materials prices continue to expand briskly in February
Compared to February 2017, prices are up 5.2%.
Market Data | Mar 14, 2018
AGC: Tariff increases threaten to make many project unaffordable
Construction costs escalated in February, driven by price increases for a wide range of building materials, including steel and aluminum.
Market Data | Mar 12, 2018
Construction employers add 61,000 jobs in February and 254,000 over the year
Hourly earnings rise 3.3% as sector strives to draw in new workers.
Steel Buildings | Mar 9, 2018
New steel and aluminum tariffs will hurt construction firms by raising materials costs; potential trade war will dampen demand, says AGC of America
Independent studies suggest the construction industry could lose nearly 30,000 jobs as a result of administration's new tariffs as many firms will be forced to absorb increased costs.
Market Data | Mar 8, 2018
Prioritizing your marketing initiatives
It’s time to take a comprehensive look at your plans and figure out the best way to get from Point A to Point B.
Market Data | Mar 6, 2018
Persistent workforce shortages challenge commercial construction industry as U.S. building demands continue to grow
To increase jobsite efficiency and improve labor productivity, increasingly more builders are turning to alternative construction solutions.
Market Data | Mar 2, 2018
Nonresidential construction spending dips slightly in January
Private nonresidential construction fell 1.5% for the month, while public sector nonresidential spending increased 1.9%.
Market Data | Feb 27, 2018
AIA small firm report: Half of employees have ownership stake in their firm
The American Institute of Architects has released its first-ever Small Firm Compensation Report.
Market Data | Feb 21, 2018
Strong start for architecture billings in 2018
The American Institute of Architects reported the January 2018 ABI score was 54.7, up from a score of 52.8 in the previous month.
