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
Multifamily Housing | Aug 19, 2019
Top 10 outdoor amenities in multifamily housing for 2019
Top 10 results in the “Outdoor Amenities” category in our Multifamily Design+Construction Amenities Survey 2019.
Multifamily Housing | Aug 12, 2019
Multifamily Amenities 2019: Rethinking the $30,000 cup of coffee
What amenities are “must-have” rather than “nice to have” for the local market? Which amenities will attract the renters or buyers you’re targeting? The 2019 Multifamily Amenities Survey measured 113 amenity choices.
Codes and Standards | Jun 27, 2019
Public restrooms being used for changing clothes, phone conversations, and 'getting away'
About 60% of Americans use a public restroom one to five times a week, according to the latest annual hand washing survey conducted by Bradley Corporation.
Industry Research | Jun 11, 2019
New research suggests individual work spaces increase productivity
The research was conducted by Perkins Eastman and Three H.
Industry Research | Apr 8, 2019
New research finds benefits to hiring architectural services based on qualifications
Government agencies gain by evaluating beyond price, according to a new Dodge survey of government officials.
Office Buildings | Jul 17, 2018
Transwestern report: Office buildings near transit earn 65% higher lease rates
Analysis of 15 major metros shows the average rent in central business districts was $43.48/sf for transit-accessible buildings versus $26.01/sf for car-dependent buildings.
Market Data | May 29, 2018
America’s fastest-growing cities: San Antonio, Phoenix lead population growth
San Antonio added 24,208 people between July 2016 and July 2017, according to U.S. Census Bureau data.
Industry Research | Jan 30, 2018
AIA’s Kermit Baker: Five signs of an impending upturn in construction spending
Tax reform implications and rebuilding from natural disasters are among the reasons AIA’s Chief Economist is optimistic for 2018 and 2019.
Market Data | Jan 30, 2018
AIA Consensus Forecast: 4.0% growth for nonresidential construction spending in 2018
The commercial office and retail sectors will lead the way in 2018, with a strong bounce back for education and healthcare.
Market Data | Jan 29, 2018
Year-end data show economy expanded in 2017; Fixed investment surged in fourth quarter
The economy expanded at an annual rate of 2.6% during the fourth quarter of 2017.
