Another Setback for the Architecture Billings Index in June
June marked the third consecutive decline in revenue at U.S. architecture firms as measured by the Architecture Billings Index. As a leading economic indicator of construction activity, the ABI reflects the approximate nine- to 12-month lag time between architecture billings and construction spending.
The American Institute of Architects reported the June ABI score was 46.3, almost a full point below the reading of 47.2 the previous month. This score reflects a continued decrease in demand for design services (any score above 50 indicates an increase in billings). However, the new projects inquiry index was 58.1, up sharply from a mark of 52.6 in May.