The Architecture Billings Index (ABI) concluded the year in positive terrain, with the December reading capping off three straight months of growth in design billings. As a leading economic indicator of construction activity, the ABI reflects the approximate nine to twelve month lead time between architecture billings and construction spending. The American Institute of Architects (AIA) reported the December ABI score was 55.9, up sharply from 50.6 in the previous month. This score reflects the largest increase in design services in 2016 (any score above 50 indicates an increase in billings). The new projects inquiry index was 57.2, down from a reading of 59.5 the previous month.
“The sharp upturn in design activity as we wind down the year is certainly encouraging. This bodes well for the design and construction sector as we enter the new year”,” says AIA Chief Economist, Kermit Baker, Hon. AIA, PhD, in a press release. “However, December is an atypical month for interpreting trends, so the coming months will tell us a lot more about conditions that the industry is likely to see in 2017.”
Key December ABI highlights:
· Regional averages: Midwest (54.4), Northeast (54.0), South (53.8), West (48.8)
· Sector index breakdown: commercial / industrial (54.3), institutional (53.3), mixed practice (51.9), multi-family residential (50.6)
· Project inquiries index: 57.2
· Design contracts index: 51.2
The regional and sector categories are calculated as a 3-month moving average, whereas the national index, design contracts and inquiries are monthly numbers.
Related Stories
Market Data | Jun 14, 2016
Transwestern: Market fundamentals and global stimulus driving economic growth
A new report from commercial real estate firm Transwestern indicates steady progress for the U.S. economy. Consistent job gains, wage growth, and consumer spending have offset declining corporate profits, and global stimulus plans appear to be effective.
Market Data | Jun 7, 2016
Global construction disputes took longer to resolve in 2015
The good news: the length and value of disputes in the U.S. fell last year, according to latest Arcadis report.
Market Data | Jun 3, 2016
JLL report: Retail renovation drives construction growth in 2016
Retail construction projects were up nearly 25% year-over-year, and the industrial and office construction sectors fared well, too. Economic uncertainty looms over everything, however.
Market Data | Jun 2, 2016
ABC: Nonresidential construction spending down in April
Lower building material prices, a sluggish U.S. economy, and hesitation among private developers all factor into the 2.1% drop.
Market Data | May 20, 2016
Report: Urban area population growth slows
Older Millennials are looking to buy homes and move away to more affordable suburbs and exurbs.
Market Data | May 17, 2016
Modest growth for AIA’s Architecture Billings Index in April
The American Institute of Architects reported the April ABI score was 50.6, down from the mark of 51.9 in the previous month. This score still reflects an increase in design services.
Market Data | Apr 29, 2016
ABC: Quarterly GDP growth slowest in two years
Bureau of Economic Analysis data indicates that the U.S. output is barely growing and that nonresidential investment is down.
Market Data | Apr 20, 2016
AIA: Architecture Billings Index ends first quarter on upswing
The multi-family residential sector fared the best. The Midwest was the only U.S. region that didn't see an increase in billings.
Building Technology | Apr 11, 2016
A nascent commercial wireless sensor market is poised to ascend in the next decade
Europe and Asia will propel that growth, according to a new report from Navigant.
Industry Research | Apr 7, 2016
CBRE provides latest insight into healthcare real estate investors’ strategies
Survey respondents are targeting smaller acquisitions, at a time when market cap rates are narrowing for different product types.
