AIA Survey Finds Business Conditions Still Soft For Nation's Architecture Firms

Washington, DC – August marked the nineteenth consecutive month of declining billings for architecture firms, according to the latest data from the AIA/Deltek Architecture Billings Index (ABI). The pace of decline during August accelerated, posting an ABI score of 45.7, a decrease from 48.2 in July.

“Unfortunately, even the impending interest rate cuts didn’t move the needle on project inquiries or new design contracts at architecture firms,” said Kermit Baker, PhD, AIA Chief Economist. “Hopefully, once the trajectory of further cuts gets clarified, delayed projects will restart, and new projects will gather momentum.”

Key ABI highlights for August include:

• Regional averages: Northeast (48.2); South (46.8); Midwest (46.6); West (45.7)
• Sector index breakdown: mixed practice (firms that do not have at least half of their billings in any one other category) (48.6); institutional (47.4); commercial/industrial (46.6); multifamily residential (44.0)
• Project inquiries index: 52.4
• Design contracts index: 47.3

The regional and sector categories are calculated as three-month moving averages and may not always average out to the national score.

Visit AIA’s website for detailed information about this, and past billing index reports.

About AIA
Founded in 1857, the American Institute of Architects (AIA) works to create more valuable, healthy, secure, and sustainable buildings, neighborhoods, and communities. Through more than 200 international, state, and local chapters, AIA advocates for public policies that promote economic vitality and public well-being.

AIA provides members with tools and resources to assist them in their careers and business as well as engaging civic and government leaders and the public to find solutions to pressing issues facing our communities, institutions, nation, and world. Members adhere to a code of ethics and conduct to ensure the highest professional standards. To learn more, visit AIA.org.

About Deltek
Deltek is a leading global provider of enterprise software and information solutions for project-based businesses and the home of AIA MasterSpec®. More than 30,000 organizations, including 12,000 Architecture & Engineering firms, rely on Deltek for project intelligence, management, and collaboration. Learn more at Deltek.