Even with the uncertainty related to pending tax reform legislation that likely will have a mixed effect on the construction industry, design services at architecture firms remains in high demand.
The American Institute of Architects (AIA) reported the November ABI score was 55.0, up from a score of 51.7 in the previous month. This score reflects an increase in design services provided by U.S. architecture firms (any score above 50 indicates an increase in billings).
“Not only are design billings overall seeing their strongest growth of the year, the strength is reflected in all major regions and construction sectors,” said AIA Chief Economist, Kermit Baker, Hon. AIA, PhD. “The construction industry continues to show surprising momentum heading into 2018.”
The new projects inquiry index was 61.1, up from a reading of 60.2 the previous month, while the new design contracts index rose slightly from 52.8 to 53.2.
Key November ABI highlights:
• Regional averages: West (54.8), Northeast (52.8), South (52.8), Midwest (50.4)
• Sector index breakdown: multifamily residential (53.9), mixed practice (53.6), commercial / industrial (53.3), institutional (52.4)
• Project inquiries index: 61.1
• Design contracts index: 53.2
Related Stories
Market Data | Jun 2, 2020
5 must reads for the AEC industry today: June 2, 2020
New Luxembourg office complex breaks ground and nonresidential construction spending falls.
Market Data | Jun 1, 2020
Nonresidential construction spending falls in April
Of the 16 subcategories, 13 were down on a monthly basis.
Market Data | Jun 1, 2020
7 must reads for the AEC industry today: June 1, 2020
Energy storage as an amenity and an entry-point for wellness screening everywhere.
Market Data | May 29, 2020
House-passed bill making needed improvements to paycheck protection program will allow construction firms to save more jobs
Construction official urges senate and White House to quickly pass and sign into law the Paycheck Protection Program Flexibility Act.
Market Data | May 29, 2020
7 must reads for the AEC industry today: May 29, 2020
Using lighting IoT data to inform a safer office reentry strategy and Ghafari joins forces with Eview 360.
Market Data | May 27, 2020
5 must reads for the AEC industry today: May 28, 2020
Biophilic design on the High Line and the office market could be a COVID-19 casualty.
Market Data | May 27, 2020
6 must reads for the AEC industry today: May 27, 2020
AIA's COTE Top Ten Awards and OSHA now requires employers to track COVID-19 cases.
Market Data | May 26, 2020
6 must reads for the AEC industry today: May 26, 2020
Apple's new Austin hotel and is CLT really a green solution?
Market Data | May 21, 2020
7 must reads for the AEC industry today: May 21, 2020
'Creepy' tech invades post-pandemic offices, and meet the new darling of commercial real estate.
Market Data | May 20, 2020
6 must reads for the AEC industry today: May 20, 2020
A wave 'inside' a South Korean building and architecture billings continues historic contraction.