ABI Sees Strong Rebound

Following the first reversal into negative territory in ten months in April, the Architecture Billings Index has bounced back in May, according to the latest report from the American Institute of Architects (AIA). The ABI reflects the approximate nine- to twelve-month lag time between architecture billings and construction spending.

The AIA reported that the May ABI score was 52.9, up dramatically from a mark of 48.6 in April. This score reflects an increase in demand for design services (any score above 50 indicates an increase in billings). The new projects inquiry index was 59.1, up slightly from the reading of 58.5 the previous month.

“This rebound is a good sign for the design and construction industry and hopefully means that April’s negative dip was a blip rather than a sign of challenging times to come,” says AIA chief economist Kermit Baker. “But there is a resounding sense of uncertainty in the marketplace – from clients to investors and an overall lack of confidence in the general economy – that is continuing to act as a governor on the business development engine for architecture firms.”