Construction + Economy

Growing at a faster rate than the overall U.S. economy, the nonresidential construction industry is expected to see solid, yet measured, increases in activity this year, according to the AIA Consensus Construction Forecast, a survey of the nation’s leading construction forecasters. High demand for hotels and retail projects have the commercial sector pacing what projects [...]

Business conditions at architecture firms continue to improve. As a leading economic indicator of construction activity, the Architecture Billings Index (ABI), produced by the American Institute of Architects (AIA), reflects the approximate 9- to 12-month lag time between architecture billings and construction spending. The AIA reported the December ABI score was 52.0, down from the [...]

Billings at architecture firms across the country continue to increase. As a leading economic indicator of construction activity, the Architecture Billings Index (ABI) reflects the approximate 9- to 12-month lag time between architecture billings and construction spending. The American Institute of Architects (AIA) reported the November ABI score was 53.2, up from the mark of [...]

NEMA’s Electroindustry Business Confidence Index (EBCI) for current North American business conditions extended its late-year rally in December, climbing for a fourth month in a row to 63.9. The index reached its highest mark since March, while more respondents than not reported an improved business environment for the second consecutive month. The EBCI for future [...]

The American Institute of Architects (AIA) today issued the following statement in reaction to the House and Senate votes approving the “Fiscal Cliff” deal negotiated by Congressional leaders earlier this week. The statement should be attributed to AIA President Mickey Jacob, FAIA: “On the plus side, the agreement prevents a tax increase on millions of [...]

Billings at architecture firms accelerated to their strongest pace of growth since December 2010. As a leading economic indicator of construction activity, the Architecture Billings Index (ABI), produced by the American Institute of Architects (AIA), reflects the approximate 9- to 12-month lag time between architecture billings and construction spending. AIA reported the October ABI score [...]

Construction employment declined by 20,000 jobs in November while the industry’s unemployment rate hit 12.2%, according to an analysis of new federal data recently released by the Associated General Contractors of America. The construction employment figures likely reflect the fact many contractors have already cut staff and delayed hiring new employees because of the threat [...]

NEMA’s Electroindustry Business Confidence Index (EBCI) for current North American business conditions climbed nearly 13 points in October, its third straight monthly increase, to 58.3. The index reached its highest mark for since April, while more respondents than not reported an improved business environment for the first time since June. The EBCI for future North [...]

The design and construction industry, still reeling from the real estate crash, could face another $2 billion in lost work if Congress and the White House fail to reach agreement on a federal budget in time to avoid massive mandatory federal spending cuts on January 2, an American Institute of Architects (AIA) analysis warns. Read [...]