August Architecture Billings Index rises
The Architecture Billings Index compiled by the AIA for August 2011 was 51.4, up from 45.1 in July, which is the first increase in four months.
On the heels of a period of weakness in design activity, the Architecture Billings Index (ABI) took a sudden upturn in August. 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 August ABI score was 51.4, following a very weak score of 45.1 in July. This score reflects an increase in demand for design services (any score above 50 indicates an increase in billings). The new projects inquiry index was 56.9, up sharply from a reading of 53.7 the previous month.
“Based on the poor economic conditions over the last several months, this turnaround in demand for design services is a surprise,” said AIA Chief Economist, Kermit Baker, PhD, Hon. AIA. “Many firms are still struggling, and continue to report that clients are having difficulty getting financing for viable projects, but it’s possible we’ve reached the bottom of the down cycle.”
Key August ABI highlights:
- Regional averages: Midwest (49.0), South (47.4), West (47.4), Northeast (46.5),
- Sector index breakdown: mixed practice (50.9), institutional (48.5), commercial / industrial (46.0), multi-family residential (44.8)
- Project inquiries index: 56.9
- Edited by Chris Vavra, Consulting-Specifying Engineer, www.csemag.com
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- AIA's guide for sustainable projects due out in May 2011 - 14.04.2011 15:21
- AIA's 2011 COTE top ten green projects selected - 14.04.2011 14:57
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- Architecture Billings Index continues positive momentum - 20.01.2011 11:03
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