Billings Down, Remain Strong

June 22, 2022

Billings Down, Remain Strong

The Architecture Billings Index score for May was 53.5, dropping 3 points from the April register of 56.5. The Project Inquiries index was 63.9, up from 62.3. The Design Contracts index scored 56.9, up from 55.4. Scores above 50 indicate increased demand for design services.

“The strength in design activity over the past three months has produced a broader base of gains. The Northeast region and Institutional sector have struggled with slow billings activity, but now have posted consecutive months of positive scores.” said AIA Chief Economist Kermit Baker, PhD, Hon. AIA.

Regional averages for May, 2022:

Apr May
West 58.2 59.3
South 57.3 52.3
Midwest 57.6 56.8
Northeast 53.1 51.4

Sector index breakdown for May, 2022:

Apr May
Commercial/industrial 60.7 57.7
Mixed practice 61.2 56.2
Multi-family residential 57.2 54.5
Institutional 51.8 51.7

Baker continued, “With the improvement in inquiries and new design projects, demand for design services will likely remain high for the next several months, despite strong economic headwinds.”


For more information about the Architectural Billings Index, visit the AIA website.