Architecture firms reported increasing demand for design services in May, according to a new report today from The American Institute of Architects (AIA).
The ABI score for May was 53.5. While this score is down from April’s score of 56.5, it still indicates very strong business conditions overall (any score above 50 indicates an increase in billings from the prior month). Also in May, both the new project inquiries and design contracts indexes expanded, posting scores of 63.9 and 56.9 respectively.
“The strength in design activity over the past three months has produced a broader base of gains. The Northeast region and Institutional sector have struggled with slow billings activity, but now have posted consecutive months of positive scores.” said AIA Chief Economist, Kermit Baker, Hon. AIA, PhD. “With the improvement in inquiries and new design projects, demand for design services will likely remain high for the next several months, despite strong economic headwinds.”
Key ABI highlights for May include:
- Regional averages: West (59.3); Midwest (56.8); South (52.3); Northeast (51.4)
- Sector index breakdown: commercial/industrial (57.7); mixed practice (56.2); multi-family residential (54.5); institutional (51.7)
The regional and sector categories are calculated as a three-month moving average, whereas the national index, design contracts and inquiries are monthly numbers.
To learn more about recent economic developments impacting design and construction, visit AIA’s website.
Related Stories
High-rise Construction | Jan 23, 2017
Growth spurt: A record-breaking 128 buildings of 200 meters or taller were completed in 2016
This marks the third consecutive record-breaking year for building completions over 200 meters.
Market Data | Jan 18, 2017
Fraud and risk incidents on the rise for construction, engineering, and infrastructure businesses
Seven of the 10 executives in the sector surveyed in the report said their company fell victim to fraud in the past year.
Market Data | Jan 18, 2017
Architecture Billings Index ends year on positive note
Architecture firms close 2016 with the strongest performance of the year.
Market Data | Jan 12, 2017
73% of construction firms plan to expand their payrolls in 2017
However, many firms remain worried about the availability of qualified workers.
Market Data | Jan 9, 2017
Trump market impact prompts surge in optimism for U.S. engineering firm leaders
The boost in firm leader optimism extends across almost the entire engineering marketplace.
Market Data | Jan 5, 2017
Nonresidential spending thrives in strong November spending report
Many construction firms have reported that they remain busy but have become concerned that work could dry up in certain markets in 2017 or 2018, says Anirban Basu, ABC Chief Economist.
Market Data | Dec 21, 2016
Architecture Billings Index up slightly in November
New design contracts also return to positive levels, signifying future growth in construction activity.
Market Data | Dec 21, 2016
Will housing adjust to an aging population?
New Joint Center report projects 66% increase in senior heads of households by 2035.
Market Data | Dec 13, 2016
ABC predicts modest growth for 2017 nonresidential construction sector; warns of vulnerability for contractor
“The U.S. economy continues to expand amid a weak global economy and, despite risks to the construction industry, nonresidential spending should expand 3.5 percent in 2017,” says ABC Chief Economist Anirban Basu.
Market Data | Dec 2, 2016
Nonresidential construction spending gains momentum
Nonresidential spending is now 2.6 percent higher than at the same time one year ago.
