AIA Economic Indicators for Design Work at Architectural Firms Mixed in May

The downturn in design services billings has moderated, but the Architecture Billings Index (ABI), published by The American Institute of Architects (AIA), Washington, D.C., reveals that an economic recovery has stalled. 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. AIA reported the May ABI rating was 42.9, nearly identical to the 42.8 mark in April. This 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 55.2, the third straight month with a score in the mid-50’s.

“The design and construction marketplace is extremely competitive right now,” said AIA Chief Economist Kermit Baker. “Prospective clients are casting a wider net causing numerous firms to bid for the same project, which is why the high level of inquiries is not necessarily translating into additional billings for project work at many firms.”

The Architecture Billings Index is derived from a monthly “Work-on-the-Boards” survey and produced by the AIA Economics & Market Research Group.