AIA May ABI: Architecture Billings Index slows but remains strong


WASHINGTON – June 22, 2022 – Architecture firms reported increasing demand for design services in May, according to a new report today from The American Institute of Architects (AIA).
The ABI score for May was 53.5. While this score is down from April’s score of 56.5, it still indicates very strong business conditions overall (any score above 50 indicates an increase in billings from the prior month). Also in May, both the new project inquiries and design contracts indexes expanded, posting scores of 63.9 and 56.9 respectively.
“The strength in design activity over the past three months has produced a broader base of gains. The Northeast region and Institutional sector have struggled with slow billings activity, but now have posted consecutive months of positive scores.”said AIA Chief Economist, Kermit Baker, Hon. AIA, PhD. “With the improvement in inquiries and new design projects, demand for design services will likely remain high for the next several months, despite strong economic headwinds.”
The regional and sector categories are calculated as a three-month moving average, whereas the national index, design contracts and inquiries are monthly numbers.
To learn more about recent economic developments impacting design and construction, visit AIA’s website.
Matt Tinder
(202) 626-7462
mtinder@aia.org
After a long deliberation, our panel of judges and our Design Awards Committee are proud to present to you the following projects selected as nominees…
However, firms remain modestly optimistic about 2021 Architecture firm billings declined for the ninth consecutive month in November. The ABI score of 46.3 for the…
60% of firms have seen higher prices/more limited availability of construction materials in the last six to 12 months Business conditions at architecture firms moved…
However, many firms project continued revenue losses into 2021 The third quarter of 2020 ended on a more promising note for architecture firms, as fewer…
Firms report just a modest decline in overall head count due to the pandemic Business conditions at architecture firms continued their turnaround in March, with…