January 23, 2020

2019 Ends with Positive Billings

The Architecture Billings Index score for December was 52.5, up slightly from the November score of 51.9. Any score above 50 indicates an increase in billings.

Regionally, billings were in positive territory everywhere but the Northeast which contracted from 47.5 to 44.0.

“Despite the ongoing slowdown in billings in the Northeast, balanced growth across sectors and regions looks more positive for the coming year,” said AIA Chief Economist Kermit Baker, PhD, Hon. AIA.

The project inquiries index score was 58.7, losing 2.2 points. The design contracts index lost half a point at 52.9.

Baker added, “Factors outside of the construction sector, such as trade policy and international events, could still impact demand for design services, however recent fears about a downturn in construction activity have largely subsided.”