Demand for design services in February increased at a solid pace for the sixth month in a row, according to a new report today from The American Institute of Architects (AIA).
AIA’s Architecture Billings Index (ABI) score of 53.4 for February reflects an increase in design services provided by U.S. architecture firms (any score above 50 indicates an increase in billings).
During February, both the new project inquiries and design contracts scores moderated slightly but remained in positive territory, posting scores of 56.5 and 52.0 respectively.
“Business conditions at architecture firms have been surprisingly positive so far this year. However, firms were just beginning to feel the impact of the dramatic slowdown caused by COVID-19 as this survey was being conducted in early March.” said AIA Chief Economist, Kermit Baker, Hon. AIA, PhD. “The rapid pull-back in activity throughout the economy will obviously be felt in the design and construction sector, and architecture firms will be one of the first to see how these events play out.”
Key ABI highlights for February include:
• Regional averages: South (58.0); Midwest (53.6); West (49.8); Northeast (49.4)
• Sector index breakdown: multi-family residential (53.5); institutional (52.8); mixed practice (52.7); commercial/industrial (52.4)
• Project inquiries index: 56.6
• Design contracts index: 52.0
Related Stories
Coronavirus | Mar 26, 2020
AIA praises Congress for advancing desperately needed COVID-19 relief
Approval for the latest relief legislation advances a number of AIA-supported measures to help meet the needs of firms and members.
Coronavirus | Mar 25, 2020
Coronavirus pandemic's impact on U.S. construction, notably the multifamily sector - 04-30-20 update
Coronavirus pandemic's impact on U.S. construction, notably the multifamily sector - 04-30-20 update
Coronavirus | Mar 25, 2020
Plaza Construction and Central Consulting & Contracting strategic alliance expands to Florida in response to coronavirus pandemic
New York City-based partnership to aid Florida healthcare systems amid COVID-19 outbreak and will continue medical construction in the region following resolution.
| Mar 25, 2020
Designing public health laboratories to safeguard researchers during pandemics
As laboratory designers, we want to shed light on a subset of our population critical to protecting us from, and preventing the spread of, severe outbreaks: public health researchers.
Market Data | Mar 23, 2020
Coronavirus will reshape UAE construction
The impact of the virus has been felt in the UAE, where precautionary measures have been implemented to combat the spread of the virus through social distancing.
Coronavirus | Mar 21, 2020
Perkins and Will’s CEO sees a light at the end of COVID-19 tunnel
Phil Harrison says the virus outbreak could make more clients see the connection between design and wellbeing.
Coronavirus | Mar 21, 2020
Construction business and union leaders call on government officials to include construction as an 'essential service' during shutdowns
The chief executive officer of the Associated General Contractors of America, Stephen E. Sandherr, and the President of North America’s Building Trades Unions, Sean McGarvey, issued the following joint statement urging Government Officials to Exempt Construction Work from Regional, State and Local Work Shutdowns.
Coronavirus | Mar 21, 2020
Associated General Contractors launches eight-part webinar series around COVID-19
The programming, which begins Monday, will offer advice on how businesses might need to adjust during the virus.
Coronavirus | Mar 20, 2020
BD+C research: The AEC industry braces for tough sledding in the coming months amid COVID-19 outbreak
A new BD+C poll of U.S. architecture, engineering, and construction firms finds that companies are anticipating project postponements and delays.
Coronavirus | Mar 20, 2020
Pandemic has halted or delayed projects for 28% of contractors
Coronavirus-caused slowdown contrasts with January figures showing a majority of metro areas added construction jobs; Officials note New infrastructure funding and paid family leave fixes are needed.
