The Architecture Billings Index rose 0.8 to 47.6 in August, according to the American Institute of Architects, Washington, D.C. A reading below 50 indicates a decline in billings, a leading indicator of construction activity about nine to 12 months in the future. The inquiries for new projects score was 52.4. There is, however, continued demand for projects such as schools, hospitals and government buildings; the institutional category of the ABI has been positive since 2004. The strongest billings were recorded in the Midwest with a reading of 49.4, and the South was the weakest region at 45.
ABI for August
This Month’s Features

Bringing Design Synergy Home
with Vertically Stacking Doors
with Vertically Stacking Doors
Offering striking aesthetics and practical considerations for space, these aluminum and glass artworks are anything but standard garage doors.

Top 5 Factors when Considering Insulated Metal Panels vs. Metal Building Insulation
As insulated metal panels are widely available, is it still a best practice to rely on a “legacy” insulating material like fiberglass-based metal building...

Transformative Metal Roofing Design:
A Catalyst for Architectural Innovation
A Catalyst for Architectural Innovation
For architects, designers, and building owners, metal roofing no longer represents a tradeoff between performance and aesthetics; it has become a catalyst for design...

Thinking Beyond “Bigger is Better”:
Snow Retention in Alpine Design
Snow Retention in Alpine Design
Snow retention systems are among the most visible functional components of a metal roof, making aesthetic integration an important consideration in resort architecture.


