Architecture Billings Index Up Again in December

Washington, DC, Jan. 19, 2011 -- The Architecture Billings Index jumped more than two points in December, according to the American Institute of Architects.

In November the index reached its highest level since 2007. The December reading was 54.2, up from a reading of 52.0 the previous month.

As a leading economic indicator of construction activity, the score reflects an increase in demand for design services (any score above 50 indicates an increase in billings) over the next nine to 12 months.

The new projects inquiry index was 62.6, up slightly from a mark of 61.4 in November.

“This is more promising news that the design and construction industry is continuing to move toward a recovery,” said AIA Chief Economist Kermit Baker.

"However, historically December is the most unpredictable month from a business standpoint, and therefore the most difficult month from which to interpret a trend. The coming quarter will give us a much better sense of the strength of the apparent upturn in design activity.”

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