AIA Billings Index Falls Again in May

Washington, DC, June 22, 2011 -- The Architecture Billings Index, an indicator of future construction activity, slowed further in May, according to the American Institute of Architects.

The index reflects an approximate nine to 12 month lag time between architecture billings and construction spending.

AIA said the May ABI score was 47.2, a slight decrease from a reading of 47.6 the previous month. The score reflects a continued decrease in demand for design services. Any score above 50 indicates an increase in billings.

The new projects inquiry index was 52.6, down from a mark of 55.0 in April, its lowest level in almost a year and a half.

“Whatever positive momentum that there had been seen in late 2010 and earlier this year has disappeared,” said AIA Chief Economist, Kermit Baker.

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