Architecture Billings Index Dipped Negative in January

Washington, DC, February 23, 2017—The Architecture Billings Index (ABI) dipped slightly into negative territory in January with a score of 49.5, after a very strong showing in December, down from a score of 55.6 in the previous month.

This score reflects a minor decrease in design services.

The new projects inquiry index was 60.0, up from a reading of 57.6 the previous month.

“This small decrease in activity, taking into consideration strong readings in project inquiries and new design contracts, isn’t exactly a cause for concern,” said AIA chief economist, Kermit Baker, Hon. AIA, PhD. “The fundamentals of a sound nonresidential design and construction market persist.” 

Regional averages were as follows: South, 54.2; Northeast, 53.0; Midwest, 52.4; and West, 48.8.

The sector index scores were institutional, 54.6; commercial / industrial, 53.4; mixed practice, 48.1; and multi-family residential, 48.1.

The project inquiries index was 60.0, and the design contracts index was 52.1.