Architecture Firm Billings Dip in U.S.

According to a new report from the American Institute of Architects, U.S. Architecture firm billings slowed in June 2018, but remained positive for the ninth consecutive month.

AIA's Architecture Billings Index (ABI) score for June was 51.3 compared to 52.8 in May; it remains positive since any score over 50 represents billings growth. As a result, June's ABI shows that demand for architecture firm services continues to improve across all sectors. 

"Architects continue to see increases in demand for their services this summer, with new project work coming in at a healthy pace," said AIA Chief Economist Kermit Baker, Hon. AIA, PhD. "However, business conditions are beginning to vary across the country. While essentially remaining flat in the Northeast and Midwest, billings jumped in the South while dropping in the West."

Key ABI highlights for June include:

• Regional averages: West (46.9), Midwest (49.8), South (57.4), Northeast (50.2)
• Sector index breakdown: multi-family residential (54.6), institutional (51.6), commercial/industrial (53.4), mixed practice (49.3)
• Project inquiries index: 56.0
• Design contracts index: 54.1