After seeing consecutive months of contracting demand for the first time in four years, the Architecture Billings Index (ABI) saw a modest increase demand for design services. 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 October ABI score was 50.8, up from the mark of 48.4 in the previous month. This score reflects a slight increase in design services (any score above 50 indicates an increase in billings). The new projects inquiry index was 55.4, down sharply from a reading of 59.4 the previous month.
Key October ABI highlights:
- Regional averages: South (53.7), West (49.7), Northeast (47.3) Midwest (46.8)
- Sector index breakdown: multi-family residential (51.2), commercial / industrial (49.8), mixed practice (49.5), institutional (49.1)
- Project inquiries index: 55.4
- Design contracts index: 48.7
The regional and sector categories are calculated as a 3-month moving average, whereas the national index, design contracts and inquiries are monthly numbers.
For the full press release, click here.
Related Stories
Industry Research | Mar 3, 2022
AIA awards research grants to advance climate action
The American Institute of Architects (AIA) Upjohn Research Initiative is providing up to $30,000 to five research projects that will advance sustainability in architecture.
Industry Research | Mar 2, 2022
31 percent of telehealth visits result in a physical office visit
With little choice but to adopt virtual care options due to pandemic restrictions and interactions, telehealth adoption soared as patients sought convenience and more efficient care options.
Codes and Standards | Mar 1, 2022
Engineering Business Sentiment study finds optimism despite growing economic concerns
The ACEC Research Institute found widespread optimism among engineering firm executives in its second quarterly Engineering Business Sentiment study.
Multifamily Housing | Sep 1, 2021
Top 10 outdoor amenities at multifamily housing developments for 2021
Fire pits, lounge areas, and covered parking are the most common outdoor amenities at multifamily housing developments, according to new research from Multifamily Design+Construction.
Industry Research | Aug 19, 2021
BD+C Market Intelligence Reports
Exclusive research, data, and trends reports from the editors of Building Design+Construction.
Resiliency | Aug 19, 2021
White paper outlines cost-effective flood protection approaches for building owners
A new white paper from Walter P Moore offers an in-depth review of the flood protection process and proven approaches.
Multifamily Housing | Jul 7, 2021
Make sure to get your multifamily amenities mix right
One of the hardest decisions multifamily developers and their design teams have to make is what mix of amenities they’re going to put into each project. A lot of squiggly factors go into that decision: the type of community, the geographic market, local recreation preferences, climate/weather conditions, physical parameters, and of course the budget. The permutations are mind-boggling.
Digital Twin | May 24, 2021
Digital twin’s value propositions for the built environment, explained
Ernst & Young’s white paper makes its cases for the technology’s myriad benefits.
Industry Research | May 20, 2021
Latest ULI report forecasts robust real estate rebound
It’s going to take some time, though, for the office sector to recover
Industry Research | Apr 9, 2021
BD+C exclusive research: What building owners want from AEC firms
BD+C’s first-ever owners’ survey finds them focused on improving buildings’ performance for higher investment returns.
