AIA’s Architecture Billings Index flashes slow-growth sign in April

After indicating increasing demand for design services for the better part of a year, the Architecture Billings Index published by the American Institute of Architects (AIA), Washington, D.C., has reversed course in April, dropping 3.3 points to 48.6. This score reflects a decrease in demand for design services (any score above 50 indicates an increase in billings) and is the lowest mark since July 2012. As a leading economic indicator of construction activity, the ABI reflects the approximate nine to twelve month lag time between architecture billings and construction spending.

The new projects inquiry index was 58.5, down from the reading of 60.1 the previous month.  The Northeast (48.2) and Midwest (49.4) were below the growth line, while the South (52.6) and West (50.7) were above it. Key construction sectors broke out as follows: multi-family residential (52.0); institutional (50.1); commercial/industrial (49.2); and mixed practice (48.6).
“Project approval delays are having an adverse effect on the design and construction industry, but again and again we are hearing that it is extremely difficult to obtain financing to move forward on real estate projects,” said AIA Chief Economist Kermit Baker. “There are other challenges that have prevented a broader recovery that we will examine in the coming months if this negative trajectory continues. However, given that inquiries for new projects continue to be strong, we’re hopeful that this is just a short-term dip.” Details