Demand for Design Services Accelerates

Demand for design services from U.S. architecture firms grew at an accelerated pace in August, according to a report from The American Institute of Architects.

AIA’s Architecture Billings Index score for August rose to 53.3 compared to 51 in July (any score above 50 indicates an increase in billings). During August, the score for new project inquiries rose to 57.9 from 56.1 the previous month, while the design contracts score softened slightly with a score of 52.3, down from 52.9 in July.

Key ABI highlights for August include:
• Regional averages: South (52.9); Midwest (51.4); West (50.2); Northeast (49.8)
• Sector index breakdown: multi-family residential (52); institutional (52); commercial/industrial (51.2); mixed practice (51.2)
The regional and sector categories are calculated as a three-month moving average, whereas the national index, design contracts and inquiries are monthly numbers.

Visit AIA’s website for more information.