| AIA's Billings Index Minimal Improvement in Architecture |
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| Wednesday, 21 October 2009 09:49 | |
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As the nonresidential construction industry continues to struggle, the Architecture Billings Index (ABI) showed a nominal improvement in September. As a leading economic indicator of construction activity, the ABI reflects the approximate nine to twelve month lag time between architecture billings and construction spending. The American Institute of Architects (AIA) reported the September ABI rating was 43.1, up slightly from 41.7 in August. This score indicates a decline in demand for design services (any score above 50 indicates an increase in billings). The new projects inquiry score was 59.1, its highest level since September 2007.
“The fact that inquires for new project are so high is an encouraging sign that we may be seeing new construction activity entering the design phase,” said AIA Chief Economist Kermit Baker, PhD, Hon. AIA. “But that optimism has to be tempered by the fact that the marketplace is so competitive that firms are broadening their search for new projects, thereby inflating the number of inquiries that they are reporting. However, some larger stimulus-funded building activity should be coming online over the next several months, partially offsetting the steep decline in private commercial construction.” Key September ABI highlights: Regional averages: Northeast (47.2), Midwest (43.0), South (42.7), West (36.0) Sector index breakdown: multi-family residential (45.1), institutional (43.9), commercial / industrial (39.0), mixed practice (36.3), Project inquiries index: 59.1 Related Articles:  Books: Wendy Evans Joseph “Pop Up” ArchitectureWendy Evans Joseph POP UP Architecture is an unconventional firm... Read More >>Architecture Billings Index Bounces Back After Substantial Dip Improvement in business conditions tempered by a leveling off in... Read More >>Competition: Europan 10 - Find Innovative Architectural and Urban Solutions As explained on their web site, the objective of Europan... Read More >> 3XN - Deloitte Headquarters in CopenhagenThe Deloitte Headquarters is Denmark’s largest open office building. Designed... Read More >>Trackback(0)
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