Negative Conditions Persist in Architecture Billings Index

There was a negligible increase in the American Institute of Architects’ (AIA) Architecture Billings Index (ABI) last month. As a leading economic indicator of construction activity, the ABI reflects the approximate 9- to 12-month lag time between architecture billings and construction spending. The AIA reported the June ABI rating was 46.0, up slightly from a reading of 45.8 the previous month. This score reflects a continued decline in demand for design services (any score above 50 indicates an increase in billings). The new projects inquiry index increased from 55.5 to 57.7.

“The steep decline in nonresidential property values has slowed investment in new facilities,” said AIA Chief Economist Kermit Baker, PhD, Hon. AIA. “Conditions at architecture firms continue to remain very soft, but we’re optimistic that they will improve before the end of the year.”

Key June ABI highlights:

• Regional averages: Northeast (47.7), South (46.7), Midwest (46.3), West (43.6)
• Sector index breakdown: commercial / industrial (50.6), multi-family residential (46.5), institutional (45.0), mixed practice (44.7)
• Project inquiries index: 57.7

Craig DiLouie

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