Demand for design services in August took a markedly downward swing compared to July’s already soft score, according to a new report released today from The American Institute of Architects (AIA).
AIA’s Architecture Billings Index (ABI) score of 47.2 in August showed a significant drop in architecture firm billings compared to the July score of 50.1. Any score below 50 indicates a decrease in billings. The design contracts score also declined to 47.9 in August, representing a rare dip for this indicator. Billings in the West stayed modestly positive while all other regions remained in negative territory.
“The sizeable drop in both design billings and new project activity, coming on the heels of six months of disappointing growth in billings, suggests that the design expansion that began in mid-2012 is beginning to face headwinds,” said AIA Chief Economist Kermit Baker, PhD, Hon. AIA. “Currently, the weakness is centered at firms specializing in commercial/industrial facilities as well as those located in the Midwest. However, there are fewer pockets of strength in design activity now, either by building sector or region than there have been in recent years.”
Key ABI highlights for August include:
– Regional averages: West (51.2); Northeast (49.1); South (48.2); Midwest (46.4)
– Sector index breakdown: institutional (50.6); multi-family residential (50.5); commercial/industrial (46.9); mixed practice (46.3)
– Project inquiries index: 54.5
– Design contracts index: 47.9
The regional and sector categories are calculated as a three-month moving average, whereas the national index, design contracts and inquiries are monthly numbers.
Related Stories
MFPRO+ Research | Oct 15, 2024
Multifamily rents drop in September 2024
The average multifamily rent fell by $3 in September to $1,750, while year-over-year growth was unchanged at 0.9 percent.
Contractors | Oct 1, 2024
Nonresidential construction spending rises slightly in August 2024
National nonresidential construction spending increased 0.1% in August, according to an Associated Builders and Contractors analysis of data published today by the U.S. Census Bureau. On a seasonally adjusted annualized basis, nonresidential spending totaled $1.22 trillion.
The Changing Built Environment | Sep 23, 2024
Half-century real estate data shows top cities for multifamily housing, self-storage, and more
Research platform StorageCafe has conducted an analysis of U.S. real estate activity from 1980 to 2023, focusing on six major sectors: single-family, multifamily, industrial, office, retail, and self-storage.
Student Housing | Sep 17, 2024
Student housing market stays strong in summer 2024
As the summer season winds down, student housing performance remains strong. Preleasing for Yardi 200 schools rose to 89.2% in July 2024, falling just slightly behind the same period last year.
MFPRO+ Research | Sep 11, 2024
Multifamily rents fall for first time in 6 months
Ending its six-month streak of growth, the average advertised multifamily rent fell by $1 in August 2024 to $1,741.
Contractors | Sep 10, 2024
The average U.S. contractor has 8.2 months worth of construction work in the pipeline, as of August 2024
Associated Builders and Contractors reported today that its Construction Backlog Indicator fell to 8.2 months in August, according to an ABC member survey conducted Aug. 20 to Sept. 5. The reading is down 1.0 months from August 2023.
Construction Costs | Sep 2, 2024
Construction material decreases level out, but some increases are expected to continue for the balance Q3 2024
The Q3 2024 Quarterly Construction Insights Report from Gordian examines the numerous variables that influence material pricing, including geography, global events and commodity volatility. Gordian and subject matter experts examine fluctuations in costs, their likely causes, and offer predictions about where pricing is likely to go from here. Here is a sampling of the report’s contents.
Contractors | Aug 21, 2024
The average U.S. contractor has 8.4 months worth of construction work in the pipeline, as of July 2024
Associated Builders and Contractors reported today that its Construction Backlog Indicator held steady at 8.4 months in July, according to an ABC member survey conducted July 22 to Aug. 6. The reading is down 0.9 months from July 2023.
MFPRO+ Research | Aug 9, 2024
Apartment completions to surpass 500,000 for first time ever
While the U.S. continues to maintain a steady pace of delivering new apartments, this year will be one for the record books.
Contractors | Aug 1, 2024
Nonresidential construction spending decreased 0.2% in June
National nonresidential construction spending declined 0.2% in June, according to an Associated Builders and Contractors analysis of data published today by the U.S. Census Bureau. On a seasonally adjusted annualized basis, nonresidential spending totaled $1.21 trillion. Nonresidential construction has expanded 5.3% from a year ago.
