Architecture Billings Slow In December, But Remain Positive For 15th Straight Month
Washington,
DC – Architecture firm billings growth softened in December but remained positive for the fifteenth consecutive month, according to a recently released report from The American Institute of Architects (AIA). AIA’s Architecture Billings
Index (ABI) score for December was 50.4 compared to 54.7 in November. Despite the positive billings, a softening in growth was seen across several regions and sectors, as well as in project inquiries and design contracts.
“Given the concerns over the ongoing tariff situation, it is not surprising to see a bit of a slowdown in progress on current projects,” said AIA Chief Economist Kermit Baker, PhD, Hon. AIA. “Growing anxiety over unstable business conditions
and the partial shutdown of the government may lead to further softening in the coming months.”
Key ABI highlights for December include:
• Regional averages: Midwest (56.3), Northeast (51.6), South (49.4), West (49.2)
• Sector index breakdown: institutional (53.1), commercial/industrial (51.2), mixed practice (50.2), multi-family residential (49.8)
• Project inquiries index: 55.6
• Design contracts index: 52.1
Regional and sector categories above are calculated as a three-month moving average, whereas the national index, design contracts, and inquiries are monthly numbers. More information on AIA’s ABI is available online.
About The American Institute Of Architects
For over 150 years, members of the American Institute of Architects have worked with each other and their communities to create more valuable, healthy, secure, and sustainable buildings and cityscapes. Members adhere to a code of ethics and professional conduct to ensure the highest standards in professional practice. Embracing their responsibility to serve society, AIA members engage civic and government leaders and the public in helping find needed solutions to pressing issues facing our communities, institutions, nation and world. For more information, visit www.aia.org.