Reflecting the deteriorating conditions in the overall economy, demand for design services from architecture firms recorded a record fall, according to a new report today from The American Institute of Architects (AIA).
AIA’s Architecture Billings Index (ABI) score of 33.3 for March reflects a decrease in design services provided by U.S. architecture firms (any score below 50 indicates a decrease in billings). During March, both the new project inquiries and design contracts scores dropped dramatically, posting scores of 23.8 and 27.1 respectively.
“Though most architecture firms have made quick transitions to remote operations, the complete shutdown of business activity is severely impacting architects,” said AIA Chief Economist Kermit Baker, Hon. AIA, PhD. “The dramatic pullback in new and ongoing design projects reflects just how quickly and fundamentally business conditions have changed across the country and around the world in the last month as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.”
Key ABI figures for March include:
- Regional averages: West (45.3); South (44.2); Midwest (44.2); Northeast (38.4)
- Sector index breakdown: institutional (46.9); multi-family residential (43.3); commercial/industrial (41.9); mixed practice (40.6)
- Project inquiries index: 23.8
- Design contracts index: 27.1
The regional and sector categories are calculated as a three-month moving average, whereas the national index, design contracts and inquiries are monthly numbers.
Related Stories
Coronavirus | Apr 9, 2020
COVID-19 alert: Robins & Morton to convert Miami Beach Convention Center into a 450-bed field hospital
COVID-19 alert: Robins & Morton to convert Miami Beach Convention Center into a 450-bed field hospital
Coronavirus | Apr 8, 2020
AIA task force launches tool for assessing COVID-19 alternative care sites
The tool is intended to assist non-healthcare design professionals with identifying alternative sites suitable for patient care.
Coronavirus | Apr 8, 2020
COVID-19 alert: Most U.S. roofing contractors hit by coronavirus, says NRCA
NRCA survey shows 52% of roofing contractor said COVID-19 pandemic was having a significant or very significant impact on their businesses.
Coronavirus | Apr 8, 2020
Navigate supply chain and manufacturing challenges during disruption
First, most important and most complex: Create an extensive safety plan for your facilities and job sites that protects both the personnel onsite and the end users of your product.
Coronavirus | Apr 7, 2020
How to turn a high school into a patient care center in 15 days
HKS’s concept paper presents three scenarios.
Coronavirus | Apr 7, 2020
New Trump administration guidance now allows firms with 500 of fewer employees to qualify for paycheck protection program loans
Associated General Contractors of America secures fix to loan qualifications after alerting administration officials to small business administration language that excluded many firms.
Coronavirus | Apr 6, 2020
New small business administration loan guidance appears to exclude many construction firms that employ fewer than 500 people
Construction officials urge agency to make clear that firms that employ 500 or fewer people to qualify for paycheck protection program loans, regardless of revenue.
Coronavirus | Apr 6, 2020
Pandemic preparedness: How hospitals can adapt buildings to address worst-case scenarios
A Canadian healthcare architect looks at how hospital staff can act now to modify facilities and contain a pandemic.
Coronavirus | Apr 5, 2020
COVID-19: Most multifamily contractors experiencing delays in projects due to coronavirus pandemic
The NMHC Construction Survey is intended to gauge the magnitude of the disruption caused by the COVID-19 outbreak on multifamily construction.
