ABI Dips Slightly in March

The Architecture Billings Index is reflecting a steady upturn in design activity, according to the American Institute of Architects, with a March ABI score of 51.9, down from a mark of 54.9 in February.

“Business conditions in the construction industry have generally been improving over the last several months,” said AIA Chief Economist, Kermit Baker, in a release. “But as we have continued to report, the recovery has been uneven across the major construction sectors, so it’s not a big surprise that there was some easing in the pace of growth in March compared to previous months.”

Regionally, the Northeast saw the most activity in March, with a score of 54.6; followed by the Midwest at 53.9; the South at 53.6; and the West at 51.9. The Multi-family residential sector continued to see the most gains, followed by commercial / industrial, mixed practice and institutional.