Billings Moderate in October, Still Strong

November 17, 2021

Billings Moderate in October, Still Strong

The Architecture Billings Index score for October was 54.3, down 2.3 points from the September reading of 56.6. However, since any score above 50 indicates growth, demand for architectural services was considered strong.

“Unlike the economy-wide payroll figures, architecture services employment has surpassed its pre-pandemic high,” said AIA Chief Economist Kermit Baker, PhD, Hon. AIA.

In October the Project Inquiries index was 62.9. The Design Contracts index was 58.0. Both made gains from the previous month.

Regional averages for September were as follows:

Sept Oct
West 56.0 53.4
South 57.0 58.2
Midwest 57.7 61.9
Northeast 51.5 48.6

Describing the labor issues the industry is facing, Baker said, “Staffing continues to be a growing concern at architecture firms and may serve to limit their ability to take on new projects.”


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