Architectural Billings Index Hit a Bump in November

Washington, DC, December 16, 2015—As has been the case a few times already this year, the Architecture Billings Index (ABI) dipped in November to a score of 49.3.

The index was down from the mark of 53.1 in the previous month.

This score reflects a decrease in design services (any score above 50 indicates an increase in billings).

The new projects inquiry index was 58.6, up just a nudge from a reading of 58.5 the previous month.

“Since architecture firms continue to report that they are bringing in new projects, this volatility in billings doesn’t seem to reflect any underlying weakness in the construction sector,” said AIA Chief Economist Kermit Baker, Hon. AIA, PhD. “Rather, it could reflect the uncertainty of moving ahead with projects given the continued tightness in construction financing and the growing labor shortage problem gripping the entire design and construction industries.”

In November, the regional averages were as follows: South, 55.4; West, 54.5; Midwest, 47.8; and Northeast, 46.2.

The sector index breakdown was multi-family residential, 53.8; institutional, 52.0; commercial / industrial, 51.0; mixed practice, 47.6.

The project inquiries index was 58.6, and the design contracts index was 53.5.

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