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 | Jun 26, 2020
Infection control in buildings in the age of the coronavirus
Controlling future infection spreads could become job one for most buildings and spaces.
Coronavirus | Jun 26, 2020
ICYMI The Weekly show: The hotel sector's 'competition for cleanliness' and workplace design amid COVID-19
This week on The Weekly (June 25 episode), BD+C editors spoke with leaders from Skidmore, Owings & Merrill, Henderson Engineers, and Shawmut Design & Construction on three timely topics.
Coronavirus | Jun 23, 2020
A look back at design standard shifts: ADA vs. COVID-19
The short story is official design guidelines are slow to be developed and made into law.
Coronavirus | Jun 23, 2020
WATG designs solution for isolating without sacrificing social connectivity
The design was inspired by oriel bay windows.
Coronavirus | Jun 22, 2020
Boldt creates an innovation task force to speed up safe opening of jobsites, 14 offices
Boldt creates an innovation task force to speed up safe opening of jobsites, 14 offices
Coronavirus | Jun 19, 2020
Experts address COVID-19's impact on nursing homes and schools on The Weekly
The June 18 episode of BD+C's "The Weekly" is available for viewing on demand.
Coronavirus | Jun 18, 2020
Brown University tops off first housing building in three decades
The facility, scheduled for completion next April, will combine a residence hall with student health services.
Coronavirus | Jun 17, 2020
HOK and Germfree partner to design mobile COVID-19 testing lab
Access to quick, reliable, and repeated testing has been one of the greatest challenges for businesses, institutions and individuals during the COVID-19 crisis.
Coronavirus | Jun 17, 2020
Guiding changes in the workplace: Past, present, and future
Since the COVID-19 pandemic, many companies are managing sudden change as they assess the impact on workplace design and how people use spaces.
Coronavirus | Jun 14, 2020
A new report on how campus buildings can reopen safely
Leo A Daly white paper suggests dividing students into smaller “cohorts,” and assigning bathroom spaces.
