The American Institute of Architects (AIA) recently released their monthly Architects Billings Index (ABI), which is a leading economic indicator that provides an approximate nine to twelve month glimpse of future commercial construction spending activity. The AIA reported that the June ABI score was 55.7, which is a substantial increase from May’s report of 51.9. Sectors such as healthcare facilities, education and government institution saw the largest jump in future billings. The score reflects an increase in design services. The indexes contained in the full report are derived from a monthly “Work-on-the-Boards” survey that is sent to a panel of AIA member-owned firms. Participants are asked whether their billings increased, decreased, or stayed the same in the month that just ended as compared to the prior month, and the results are then compiled into the ABI.
http://www.aia.org/press/releases/AIAB106918
Frank, Scott. “Institutional Project Demand Drives Architecture Billings Index to Highest Mark Since 2007.” AIA RSS. American Institute of Architects, 22 June 2015. Web. 22 July 2015.
