The AIA Consensus Construction Forecast projects annual growth in the 3.5 percent to 4.0 percent range for the remainder of 2017 as well as for 2018, with a slower growing commercial/industrial market, and an institutional sector facing several challenges. While some slowdown in the commercial sector was anticipated for 2017 and 2018, it was expected to be offset by acceleration in the institutional sector. However, year-to date growth in spending for institutional buildings is at only 3%, well below expectations when the year began.
“Despite billings at architecture firms performing quite well this year, the larger construction industry is facing a range of issues,” says AIA Chief Economist, Kermit Baker, PhD, Hon. AIA. “The somewhat weaker outlook is driven by several factors, some dealing with the broader U.S. economy, some dealing with general construction industry fundamentals, and some dealing with weakness in specific construction sectors.”
Learn more about the AIA Consensus Construction Forecast.
Related Stories
Market Data | Sep 21, 2018
Mid-year forecast: No end in sight for growth cycle
The AIA Consensus Construction Forecast is projecting 4.7% growth in nonresidential construction spending in 2018.
Market Data | Sep 19, 2018
August architecture firm billings rebound as building investment spurt continues
Southern region, multifamily residential sector lead growth.
Market Data | Sep 18, 2018
Altus Group report reveals shifts in trade policy, technology, and financing are disrupting global real estate development industry
International trade uncertainty, widespread construction skills shortage creating perfect storm for escalating project costs; property development leaders split on potential impact of emerging technologies.
Market Data | Sep 17, 2018
ABC’s Construction Backlog Indicator hits a new high in second quarter of 2018
Backlog is up 12.2% from the first quarter and 14% compared to the same time last year.
Market Data | Sep 12, 2018
Construction material prices fall in August
Softwood lumber prices plummeted 9.6% in August yet are up 5% on a yearly basis (down from a 19.5% increase year-over-year in July).
Market Data | Sep 7, 2018
Safety risks in commercial construction industry exacerbated by workforce shortages
The report revealed 88% of contractors expect to feel at least a moderate impact from the workforce shortages in the next three years.
Market Data | Sep 5, 2018
Public nonresidential construction up in July
Private nonresidential spending fell 1% in July, while public nonresidential spending expanded 0.7%.
Market Data | Aug 30, 2018
Construction in ASEAN region to grow by over 6% annually over next five years
Although there are disparities in the pace of growth in construction output among the ASEAN member states, the region’s construction industry as a whole will grow by 6.1% on an annual average basis in the next five years.
Market Data | Aug 22, 2018
July architecture firm billings remain positive despite growth slowing
Architecture firms located in the South remain especially strong.
