Business Conditions Still Soft For Design Firms, But Project Inquiries Continue Upward Trend

Washington, DC – In August, architecture firms experienced continued softness, with an AIA/Deltek Architecture Billings Index (ABI) score of 47.2. While the share of firms reporting declining billings slightly decreased from July, the overall trend remains downward. At the same time, inquiries for new projects increased for the fourth straight months. 

The value of new design contracts fell for the 18th consecutive month in August, marking the longest decline in 15 years of data collection. This year has been characterized by soft inquiries and a steady drop in newly signed design contracts, as clients remain hesitant to commit to new projects. With limited new work ahead, many firms are expected to face continued declines in billings in the months to come.

“While business conditions remained soft at architecture firms nationally, there are signs that the downturn may be bottoming out,” said Kermit Baker, PhD, AIA Chief Economist. “Inquiries for new projects have increased four straight months, and billings both at firms with a multifamily or commercial/industrial specialization are beginning to stabilize.”

Key ABI highlights for August include:

•    Regional averages: South (49.9); Midwest (48.0); Northeast (46.2); West (43.5)
•    Sector index breakdown: commercial/industrial (50.8); multifamily residential (49.9); institutional (44.5); mixed practice (firms that do not have at least half of their billings in any one other category) (43.3)
•    Project inquiries index: 50.3
•    Design contracts index: 47.2

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

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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.