Architecture Billings Index Remains Positive in April

Washington, DC, May 24, 2017-The American Institute of Architects (AIA) reported the April ABI score was 50.9, down from a score of 54.3 in the previous month. This score still reflects an increase in design services.

The new projects inquiry index was 60.2, up from a reading of 59.8 the previous month, while the new design contracts index increased from 52.3 to 53.2.

“Probably even better news for the construction outlook is that new project work coming into architecture firms has seen exceptionally strong growth so far this year,” said AIA chief economist, Kermit Baker, Hon. AIA, PhD. “In fact, new project activity has pushed up project backlogs at architecture firm to their highest level since the design market began its recovery earlier this decade.”

Regional averages were as follows: South, 55.3; Midwest, 53.3; West, 50.9; and Northeast, 50.7.

The sector index breakdown was institutional, 54.0; mixed practice, 53.4; commercial / industrial, 52.4;. and multi-family residential, 49.9.

The project inquiries index was 60.2, and the design contracts index was 53.2.

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