The Architecture Billings Index (ABI) recorded its sixth consecutive positive month, according to a new report today from The American Institute of Architects (AIA).
The ABI score for July was 54.6. While this was down slightly from June’s score of 57.1, it still indicates very strong business conditions overall (any score above 50 indicates an increase in billings from the prior month). Scoring for new project inquiries also declined in July but remained near its all-time high at 65.0. The score for new design contracts was essentially unchanged from June to July with a score of 58.0.
“In prior business cycles, architecture firms generally saw their project work soften quickly and then recover slowly,” said AIA Chief Economist, Kermit Baker, Hon. AIA, PhD. “So the strength of this recovery is unprecedented. Firm leaders who have leaned into this economic upturn by reinvesting in their firms by hiring staff and upgrading their technology, will likely have a better year than those that anticipated a slower recovery.”
Key ABI highlights for July include:
- Regional averages: Midwest (58.3); West (56.0); South (54.6); Northeast (54.1)
- Sector index breakdown: commercial/industrial (58.4); institutional (55.4); multi-family residential (54.7); mixed practice (54.4)
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
Market Data | Feb 10, 2016
Nonresidential building starts and spending should see solid gains in 2016: Gilbane report
But finding skilled workers continues to be a problem and could inflate a project's costs.
Market Data | Feb 9, 2016
Cushman & Wakefield is bullish on U.S. economy and its property markets
Sees positive signs for construction and investment growth in warehouses, offices, and retail
Market Data | Feb 5, 2016
CMD/Oxford forecast: Nonresidential building growth will recover modestly in 2016
Increased government spending on infrastructure projects should help.
Market Data | Feb 4, 2016
Mortenson: Nonresidential construction costs expected to increase in six major metros
The Construction Cost Index, from Mortenson Construction, indicated rises between 3 and 4% on average.
Contractors | Feb 1, 2016
ABC: Tepid GDP growth a sign construction spending may sputter
Though the economy did not have a strong ending to 2015, the data does not suggest that nonresidential construction spending is set to decline.
Data Centers | Jan 28, 2016
Top 10 markets for data center construction
JLL’s latest outlook foresees a maturation in certain metros.
Market Data | Jan 20, 2016
Nonresidential building starts sag in 2015
CDM Research finds only a few positive signs among the leading sectors.
Market Data | Jan 20, 2016
Architecture Billings Index ends year on positive note
While volatility persists, architecture firms reported healthy performance for 2015.
Market Data | Jan 15, 2016
ABC: Construction material prices continue free fall in December
In December, construction material prices fell for the sixth consecutive month. Prices have declined 7.2% since peaking in August 2014.
Market Data | Jan 13, 2016
Morgan Stanley bucks gloom and doom, thinks U.S. economy has legs through 2020
Strong job growth and dwindling consumer debt give rise to hope.
