Architecture Billings Index Points to Possible Economic Improvement

After an 8-point jump in March, the Architecture Billings Index (ABI) fell less than a full point in April. As a leading economic indicator of construction activity, the ABI reflects the approximate 9- to 12-month lag time between architecture billings and construction spending. The American Institute of Architects (AIA) reported that the April ABI rating was 42.8, down from the 43.7 mark in March. This was the first time since August and September 2008 that the index was above 40 for consecutive months, but the score still indicates an overall decline in demand for design services (any score above 50 indicates an increase in billings). The new projects inquiry score was 56.8.

“The most encouraging part of this news is that this is the second month with very strong inquiries for new projects. A growing number of architecture firms report potential projects arising from federal stimulus funds,” says AIA Chief Economist Kermit Baker. “Still, too many architects are continuing to report difficult conditions to feel confident that the economic landscape for the construction industry will improve very quickly. What these figures mean is that we could be seeing things turn around over a period of several months.”

Key April ABI highlights:
    •Regional averages: Northeast (47.1), South (45.0), Midwest (40.1), West (39.2). 
    •Sector index breakdown: mixed practice (44.2), institutional (43.2), multi-family residential (43.2), commercial/industrial (41.7).
    •Project inquiries index: 56.8.