Construction + Economy

The Architecture Billings Index (ABI) was positive in July for the sixth consecutive month, and tenth out of the last 12 months as demand across all project types continued to increase. As a leading economic indicator of construction activity, the ABI reflects the approximate 9- to 12-month lead time between architecture billings and construction spending. [...]

After a strong 2015, there is a growing sense that the construction industry expansion will be more tempered over the next 18 months. However, continued strong demand for hotels, office space, and amusement and recreation spaces will ensure continued growth in the overall construction spending market over this time period. The American Institute of Architects’ [...]

NEMA’s Lighting Systems Shipments Index, a measure of demand for lighting equipment, decreased 0.8% quarter-to-quarter while posting a 0.6% increase year-over-year during 2016Q1. Fixtures and emergency lighting gained ground on a year-over-year basis, while ballasts, miniature lamps and large lamps recorded year-over-year declines.

After beginning the year with a decline, the Architecture Billings Index has posted three consecutive months of increasing demand for design activity at architecture firms. As a leading economic indicator of construction activity, the ABI reflects the approximate 9- to 12-month lead time between architecture billings and construction spending. The American Institute of Architects (AIA) [...]

The Architecture Billings Index reflects consecutive months of increasing demand for design activity at architecture firms. As a leading economic indicator of construction activity, the ABI reflects the approximate 9- to 12-month lead time between architecture billings and construction spending. The American Institute of Architects (AIA) reported the March ABI score was 51.9, up from [...]

NEMA’s Electroindustry Business Conditions Index (EBCI) for current conditions in North America surged in March, climbing to 64.7 from 44.4 the previous month as more panelists reported conditions improved than eroded. Compared to February, a larger share of the survey panel reported that business conditions improved (41% in March compared to 22% in February) and [...]

The Architecture Billings Index saw a dip into negative terrain for the first time in five months in January, but inched back up in February with a small increase in demand for design services. As a leading economic indicator of construction activity, the ABI reflects the approximate 9- to 12-month lead time between architecture billings [...]

National Architecture Week is a public awareness campaign dedicated to elevating the public’s appreciation of design and to bring attention to the role architects play as a force for positive change in communities. This year’s National Architecture Week will bring special focus on architects’ ability to impact communities through design and collaboration. Click here to [...]

The Lighting Controls Association has published a review of current construction economic indicators and the 2016 AIA Consensus Construction Forecast. GDP ended 2015 strongly with an annual estimated growth rate of 2.4%. The overall U.S. economy continues to improve. Positive economic conditions continue to support growth in demand for nonresidential construction. The nonresidential construction sector [...]