AIA Billings Index Expanded to 53.7 in August

Washington, DC, September 20, 2017-The American Institute of Architects (AIA) reported the August ABI score was 53.7, up from a score of 51.9 in the previous month.

This score reflects an increase in design services provided by U.S. architecture firms (any score above 50 indicates an increase in billings).

The new projects inquiry index was 62.5, up from a reading of 59.5 the previous month, while the new design contracts index eased somewhat from 56.4 to 54.2.

“The August results continue a string of very positive readings from the design professions, pointing to future healthy growth across the major construction sectors, as well as across the major regions of the country,” said AIA chief economist, Kermit Baker, Hon. AIA, PhD. “Given the focus and discussions around the infrastructure needs of the nation, we expect strong growth in design activity for the coming months and years.”

The regional averages were as follows, South, 55.7; Northeast, 54.3; Midwest, 52.5; and West, 51.3.

The sector index breakdown was commercial / industrial, 57.6; multi-family residential, 53.8; mixed practice, 52.5; and institutional, 50.1.

The project inquiries index was 62.5, and the design contracts index was 54.2.

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