Architecture Billings Fell to 51.9 in July, Remained Positive

Washington, DC, August 24, 2017- The American Institute of Architects (AIA) reported the July ABI score was 51.9, down from a score of 54.2 in the previous month., as reflected in the July Architecture Billings Index (ABI).

This score still reflects an increase in design services (any score above 50 indicates an increase in billings). The new projects inquiry index was 59.5, up from a reading of 58.6 the previous month, while the new design contracts index increased from 53.7 to 56.4.

“The July figures show the continuation of healthy trends in the construction sector of our economy,” said AIA chief economist, Kermit Baker, Hon. AIA, PhD. “In addition to the balanced increases in design billings across all major regions and construction sectors, the strong gains in new project work coming into architecture firms points to future growth in design and construction activity over coming quarters.”

The regional averages were as follows: South, 53.8; Midwest, 53.8; Northeast, 53.6; and West, 50.9.

The sector index breakdown was multi-family residential, 55.8; commercial/industrial, 55.4; institutional, 52.0; and mixed practice, 48.4).

The project inquiries index registered 59.5, and the design contracts index registered 56.4.

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