Although demand for U.S. design services was unchanged in June, it remained well below levels required to fuel growth in non-residential construction, according to American Institute of Architects (AIA) Architectural Billing Index.
June's ABI score was 45.9, nearly identical to May's mark of 45.8, suggesting U.S. construction has hit another trough, given that scores below 50 denote a decline in demand. Demand was strongest in the Midwest (48.0), followed by the South (47.6), Northeast (46.4) and West (44.3).