On the heels of a period of weakness in design activity, the Architecture Billings Index (ABI) took a sudden upturn in August. As a leading economic indicator of construction activity, the ABI reflects the approximate nine to twelve month lag time between architecture billings and construction spending. The American Institute of Architects (AIA) reported the August ABI score was 51.4, following a very weak score of 45.1 in July. This score reflects an increase in demand for design services (any score above 50 indicates an increase in billings). The new projects inquiry index was 56.9, up sharply from a reading of 53.7 the previous month.
Architectural Billings Index turns positive
This Month’s Features
The window to healthcare architecture
Access to natural light can reduce electricity demand, promote natural circadian rhythms, support biophilic design, and enhance occupant well-being. However, especially in highly nuanced...
Optimizing openings in overhead door retrofits
Driven by the need to update aging buildings to meet evolving building codes, improve energy performance, and streamline daily operations, retrofit and renovation projects...
Maximizing metal performance in mixed-use residential design
As mixed-use residential buildings continue to grow in scale, density, and program complexity, the exterior envelope must serve multiple programs.
Aviation and automotive architecture with EMPAD Architecture + Design
EMPAD Architecture + Design is a 23-year-old full-service firm based in Florida that has worked across a wide array of sectors, from commercial to...
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September 2026