For the first time since the summer of 2012, the Architecture Billings Index (ABI) posted consecutive months of a decline in demand for design services.
The American Institute of Architects (AIA) reported the September ABI score was 48.4, down from the mark of 49.7 in the previous month. This score reflects a decrease in design services (any score above 50 indicates an increase in billings). The new projects inquiry index was 59.4, down from a reading of 61.8 the previous month.
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.
“This recent backslide should act as a warning signal,” said AIA Chief Economist, Kermit Baker, Hon. AIA, PhD. “But this drop-off in demand could be continued hesitancy in the marketplace to move forward on projects until the presidential election is decided. The fact that new work coming into architecture continues to slowly increase suggests that billings will resume their growth in the coming months”
Key September ABI highlights:
• Regional averages: South (53.4), Midwest (50.1), West (49.5), Northeast (44.0)
• Sector index breakdown: commercial / industrial (50.4), mixed practice (49.8), institutional (49.0), multifamily residential (48.8)
• Project inquiries index: 59.4
• Design contracts index: 51.4
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
Multifamily Housing | Jan 27, 2021
2021 multifamily housing outlook: Dallas, Miami, D.C., will lead apartment completions
In its latest outlook report for the multifamily rental market, Yardi Matrix outlined several reasons for hope for a solid recovery for the multifamily housing sector in 2021, especially during the second half of the year.
Market Data | Jan 26, 2021
Construction employment in December trails pre-pandemic levels in 34 states
Texas and Vermont have worst February-December losses while Virginia and Alabama add the most.
Market Data | Jan 19, 2021
Architecture Billings continue to lose ground
The pace of decline during December accelerated from November.
Market Data | Jan 19, 2021
2021 construction forecast: Nonresidential building spending will drop 5.7%, bounce back in 2022
Healthcare and public safety are the only nonresidential construction sectors that will see growth in spending in 2021, according to AIA's 2021 Consensus Construction Forecast.
Market Data | Jan 13, 2021
Atlanta, Dallas seen as most favorable U.S. markets for commercial development in 2021, CBRE analysis finds
U.S. construction activity is expected to bounce back in 2021, after a slowdown in 2020 due to challenges brought by COVID-19.
Market Data | Jan 13, 2021
Nonres construction could be in for a long recovery period
Rider Levett Bucknall’s latest cost report singles out unemployment and infrastructure spending as barometers.
Market Data | Jan 13, 2021
Contractor optimism improves as ABC’s Construction Backlog inches up in December
ABC’s Construction Confidence Index readings for sales, profit margins, and staffing levels increased in December.
Market Data | Jan 11, 2021
Turner Construction Company launches SourceBlue Brand
SourceBlue draws upon 20 years of supply chain management experience in the construction industry.
Market Data | Jan 8, 2021
Construction sector adds 51,000 jobs in December
Gains are likely temporary as new industry survey finds widespread pessimism for 2021.
Market Data | Jan 7, 2021
Few construction firms will add workers in 2021 as industry struggles with declining demand, growing number of project delays and cancellations
New industry outlook finds most contractors expect demand for many categories of construction to decline.
