Architecture Billings Index shows nominal increase
The commercial and industrial sector is the strongest-performing building category for February.
Source: American Institute of Architects
The American Institute of Architects (AIA) reported the February Architecture Billings Index (ABI) score was 50.6, up slightly from a reading of 50.0 the previous month. This score reflects a modest increase in demand for design services (any score above 50 indicates an increase in billings). The new projects inquiry index was 56.4, compared to a mark of 56.5 in December.
During the first two months of 2011, the ABI was not exhibiting the strength of business conditions that were seen in the final quarter of 2010. 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.
“Overall demand for design services seems to be treading water over the last two months,” said AIA chief economist, Kermit Baker. “We’ve been preaching patience and cautious optimism for a full recovery because there continues to be a wide range of business conditions for architecture firms that are also influenced by firm size, practice specialties, and regional location. We still expect the road to recovery to move at a slow, but steady pace.”
Key February ABI highlights:
- Regional averages: Midwest (55.3), South (50.1), West (49.1), Northeast (46.4)
- Sector index breakdown: commercial / industrial (55.0), mixed practice (51.3), multi-family residential (49.7), institutional (48.9)
- Project inquiries index: 56.4
- Related News:
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- AIA's 2011 COTE top ten green projects selected - 14.04.2011 14:57
- Wealthy Americans invest in commercial property - 10.03.2011 11:30
- U.S. construction spending falls on slump in commercial projects - 04.03.2011 11:09
- Construction Index trending up for First Quarter of 2011 - 03.03.2011 12:28
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