The American Institute of Architecture’s ( AIA ) October Architectural Billing Index fell to 53.1, down slightly from the mark of 53.7 in September. The score still reflects an increase in design services ( scores about 50 indicates an increase in billings). The new project inquiry index was 58.5, down from 61.0 in the previous month.
Related: U.S. to Lead Construction Surge
The Architecture Billing Index is an economic indicator of construction activity that reflects the approximate nine to twelve month lead time between architecture billings and construction spending. This year there has been increasing levels of demand for design services for nearly all construction project types.
October ABI highlights:
- Regional averages: South (56.2), West (54.4), Midwest (52.6), Northeast (49.2)
- Sector index breakdown: commercial / industrial (55.1), mixed practice (54.9), multi-family residential (52.5), institutional (51.4)
- Project inquiries index: 58.5
- Design contracts index: 51.7
