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
K-12 Schools | Jun 20, 2021
Los Angeles County issues design guidelines for extending PreK-12 learning to the outdoors
The report covers everything from funding and site prep recommendations to whether large rocks can be used as seating.
Coronavirus | May 17, 2021
Future pandemic preparedness at the medical district scale
The current COVID-19 pandemic highlights the concern that we will see more emergency events in the coming years.
University Buildings | Apr 29, 2021
The Weekly Show, April 29, 2021: COVID-19's impact on campus planning, and bird management strategies
This week on The Weekly show, BD+C Senior Editor John Caulfield interviews a duo of industry experts on 1) how campus planning has changed during the pandemic and 2) managing bird infestations on construction sites and completed buildings.
Multifamily Housing | Apr 22, 2021
The Weekly Show, Apr 22, 2021: COVID-19's impact on multifamily amenities
This week on The Weekly show, BD+C's Robert Cassidy speaks with three multifamily design experts about the impact of COVID-19 on apartment and condo amenities, based on the 2021 Multifamily Amenities Survey.
Industry Research | Apr 9, 2021
BD+C exclusive research: What building owners want from AEC firms
BD+C’s first-ever owners’ survey finds them focused on improving buildings’ performance for higher investment returns.
Coronavirus | Mar 31, 2021
Theatrical fog formula approved as antimicrobial air treatment
At least two solutions are being used to make ventilation systems safer.
Office Buildings | Mar 30, 2021
WELL Institute certifies a gigantic office complex with its highest health and safety rating
Poland’s Olivia Business Center one of the first to install ion air purification devices.
Multifamily Housing | Mar 27, 2021
Designing multifamily housing today for the post-Covid world of tomorrow
The multifamily market has changed dramatically due to the Covid pandemic. Here's how one architecture firm has accommodate their designs to what tenants are now demanding.
Office Buildings | Mar 26, 2021
Finding success for downtown office space after COVID-19
Using the right planning tools can spur new uses for Class B and C commercial real estate.
Coronavirus | Mar 11, 2021
The Weekly show, March 11, 2021: 5 building products for COVID-related conditions, and AI for MEP design
This week on The Weekly show, BD+C editors speak with AEC industry leaders about building products and systems that support COVID-related conditions, and an AI tool that automates the design of MEP systems.
