U.S. Architecture Billings Index Ends Q1 on Uptick

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Healthy rebound for multi-family projects reported by AIA

The American Institute of Architects (AIA) reported this week that the March 2016 Architecture Billings Index score was 51.9, up from the mark of 50.3 in the previous month. This score reflects an increase in design services (any score above 50 indicates an increase in billings). The new projects inquiry index was 58.1, down from a reading of 59.5 the previous month.

"The first quarter was somewhat disappointing in terms of the growth of design activity, but fortunately expanded a bit entering the traditionally busy spring season. The Midwest is lagging behind the other regions, but otherwise business conditions are generally healthy across the country," said AIA Chief Economist, Kermit Baker, Hon. AIA, PhD.  "As the institutional market has cooled somewhat after a surge in design activity a year ago, the multi-family sector is reaccelerating at a healthy pace."

Key March ABI highlights:

• Regional averages: South (52.4), Northeast (51.0), West (50.4), Midwest (49.8)

• Sector index breakdown: multi-family residential (55.7), commercial / industrial (51.8), mixed practice (50.0), institutional (48.0)

• Project inquiries index: 58.1

• Design contracts index: 51.8

The Architecture Billings Index reflects consecutive months of increasing demand for design activity at architecture firms.  Considered as a leading economic indicator of construction activity, the ABI reflects the approximate nine to twelve month lead time between architecture billings and construction spending.