Architecture Billings Index Increases in September
Billings at architecture firms in September increased at their fastest pace since late 2010. As a leading economic indicator of construction activity, the Architecture Billings Index reflects the approximate nine- to 12-month lag time between architecture billings and construction spending.
The American Institute of Architects reported the September ABI score was 51.6, up from the mark of 50.2 in August. This score reflects an increase in demand for design services (any score above 50 indicates an increase in billings). The new projects inquiry index was 57.3, compared to a mark of 57.2 the previous month. “Going back to the third quarter of 2011, the multifamily residential sector has been the best-performing segment of the construction field,” said AIA Chief Economist Kermit Baker, PhD.