Reflecting the deteriorating conditions in the overall economy, demand for design services from architecture firms recorded a record fall, according to a new report today from The American Institute of Architects (AIA).
AIA’s Architecture Billings Index (ABI) score of 33.3 for March reflects a decrease in design services provided by U.S. architecture firms (any score below 50 indicates a decrease in billings). During March, both the new project inquiries and design contracts scores dropped dramatically, posting scores of 23.8 and 27.1 respectively.
“Though most architecture firms have made quick transitions to remote operations, the complete shutdown of business activity is severely impacting architects,” said AIA Chief Economist Kermit Baker, Hon. AIA, PhD. “The dramatic pullback in new and ongoing design projects reflects just how quickly and fundamentally business conditions have changed across the country and around the world in the last month as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.”
Key ABI figures for March include:
- Regional averages: West (45.3); South (44.2); Midwest (44.2); Northeast (38.4)
- Sector index breakdown: institutional (46.9); multi-family residential (43.3); commercial/industrial (41.9); mixed practice (40.6)
- Project inquiries index: 23.8
- Design contracts index: 27.1
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
Coronavirus | Apr 5, 2020
King County, Wash., addresses homelessness and COVID-19 with rapid-response site conversions
The county is adding 2,500 beds within a dozen Assessment & Recovery Centers that DLR Group helped to design.
Coronavirus | Apr 4, 2020
COVID-19: Construction completed on first phase of Chicago's McCormick Place into Alternate Care Facility
Walsh Construction, one of the largest contractors in the city of Chicago and in the United States, is leading the temporary conversion of a portion of the McCormick Place Convention Center into an Alternate Care Facility (ACF) for novel coronavirus patients. Construction on the first 500 beds was completed on April 3.
Coronavirus | Apr 4, 2020
COVID-19: Architecture firms churn out protective face shields using their 3D printers
Architecture firms from coast to coast have suddenly turned into manufacturing centers for the production of protective face shields and face masks for use by healthcare workers fighting the COVID-10 pandemic.
Coronavirus | Apr 3, 2020
Cities will survive the pandemic
Density may make it easier for the virus to spread, but let’s not forget that cities are in many ways the heart of society, and a springboard of big ideas, inventions, art, and culture.
Coronavirus | Apr 3, 2020
Kogniz Health launches AI-based fever detection cameras for crowds to help limit coronavirus spread
System continuously scans crowds for fever as they enter facilities to locate and isolate risks.
Coronavirus | Apr 3, 2020
27% of construction firms report layoffs amid COVID-19 outbreak, says AGC
The fast-worsening COVID-19 pandemic has triggered layoffs at more than a quarter of construction firms responding to an online survey released today by the Associated General Contractors of America. The finding, based on responses from earlier this week, contrasts with the government’s monthly employment report for March, which found that construction employment declined by 29,000 as of mid-March.
Coronavirus | Apr 3, 2020
Test facility in a box: Modular, walk-in booth design for coronavirus testing
To address the need for testing in urban areas for those without vehicles, CannonDesign architect Albert Rhee created a walk-in testing booth that is slated for public use.
Coronavirus | Apr 3, 2020
Survey of U.S. code officials shows trends in code compliance during COVID-19
The results of the survey tell us how jurisdictions throughout the U.S. are keeping up with inspections, new building permits and new construction.
Coronavirus | Apr 3, 2020
CallisonRTKL buoyed by overseas demand
Customer service across the globe remains No. 1 priority, says new CFO.
