Architecture Billings Returned to Growth in February

Washington, DC, March 22, 2017—The American Institute of Architects (AIA) reported the February Architecture Billings Index (ABI) score was 50.7, up from a score of 49.5 in the previous month. This score reflects a minor increase in design services (any score above 50 indicates an increase in billings).

The new projects inquiry index was 61.5, up from a reading of 60.0 the previous month, while the new design contracts index climbed from 52.1 to 54.7.

“The sluggish start to the year in architecture firm billings should give way to stronger design activity as the year progresses,” said AIA chief economist, Kermit Baker, Hon. AIA, PhD. “New project inquiries have been very strong through the first two months of the year, and in February new design contracts at architecture firms posted their largest monthly gain in over two years.”

Regional averages were as follows: Midwest, 52.4; South, 50.5; Northeast, 50.0; and West, 47.5.

The sector index breakdown was institutional, 51.8; multi-family residential, 49.3; mixed practice, 49.2; and commercial / industrial, 48.9.

The project inquiries index score was 61.5, and the design contracts index score was 54.7.

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