Architecture Billings Show Growth Again in August

Washington, DC, Sept. 24, 2014 -- On the heels of recording its strongest pace of growth since 2007, the latest Architecture Billings Index continued to show expansion in the sector in August.

The American Institute of Architects said the August ABI score was 53.0, down from a mark of 55.8 in July. Any score above 50 indicates an increase in billings.

The new projects inquiry index was 62.6, following a mark of 66.2 the previous month.

The score for design contracts in August was 56.9.

“One of the key triggers for accelerating growth at architecture firms is that long-stalled construction projects are starting to come back to life in many areas across the country,” said AIA Chief Economist Kermit Baker.

“Long awaited access to credit from lending institutions and an increasing comfort level in the overall economy has helped revitalize the commercial real estate sector in recent months. Additionally, though, a crucial component to a broader industry-wide recovery is the emerging demand for new projects such as education facilities, government buildings and, in some cases, hospitals.”

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