Architecture Billings Index Slips, Overall Outlook Remains Positive

WASHINGTON, D.C. – On the heels of six out of seven months of increasing levels of demand for design services, the Architecture Billings Index fell just below the positive mark. As a leading economic indicator of construction activity, the ABI reflects the approximate 9-12- month lead time between architecture billings and construction spending. The American Institute of Architects reported the August ABI score was 49.7, down from the mark of 51.5 in the previous month. This score reflects a decrease in design services (any score above 50 indicates an increase in billings). The new projects inquiry index was 61.8, up sharply from a reading of 57.5 the previous month.

“This is only the second month this year where demand for architectural services has declined and it is only by a fraction of a point,” said AIA Chief Economist Kermit Baker, Hon. AIA, Ph.D. “Given the solid numbers for new design contracts and project inquiries, it doesn’t appear that this is the beginning of a broader downturn in the design and construction industry.”

Key August ABI highlights:

• Regional averages: South (55.2), Midwest (52.8), West (49.0), Northeast (44.9)
• Sector index breakdown: mixed practice (51.8), multi-family residential (50.9), commercial/industrial (50.8), institutional (50.7)
• Project inquiries index: 61.8
• Design contracts index: 52.7

The regional and sector categories are calculated as a three-month moving average, whereas the national index, design contracts and inquiries are monthly numbers.