September Soft For Architectural Billings Index

October 20, 2017

The Architecture Billings Index (ABI) fell in September, ending a streak of seven consecutive months in which the Index indicated increased demand for design services.

The ABI is a leading economic indicator of construction activity in the U.S., and reflects a nine- to 12-month lead time between architecture billings and construction spending nationally, regionally, and by project type. A score above 50 means more than half the firms reported an increase in billings from the previous month. A score below 50 means more than half reported a decrease.

It is compiled monthly by the American Institute of Architects.

September’s score of 49.1, marked a national 4.6-point drop from August. But the news wasn’t all bad: The new project inquiries index remained strong at 59.0 and the new design contracts index registered a 52.9. Meanwhile, the West was the only region with a score below 50.

By sector, commercial/industrial and mixed billings remained in growth mode, despite showing modest declines. Institutional billings enjoyed a small advance.

DMI Registers September Decline

October 9, 2017

The Dodge Momentum Index dropped in September, falling 8.4 percent. The institutional component led the way with a monthly decline of 11.5 percent.
The Momentum Index is “a monthly measure of the first (or initial) report of nonresidential building projects …

ABI Climbs for Seventh Consecutive Month

September 21, 2017

With another strong showing in August, the Architectural Billings Index (ABI) has now climbed for seven consecutive months, reflecting continued growth in demand for design services.
The ABI, released each month by the American Institute of Architects, is a leading …

Despite August Dip, DMI Up Year-Over-Year

September 11, 2017

The Dodge Momentum Index (DMI) dropped for a second consecutive month in August, falling 2.4 percent.
The Index is a monthly measure of the first (or initial) report for nonresidential building projects in planning. These have been shown to lead …

Architecture Billing Index Continues Steady Ascent

August 28, 2017

The Architecture Billing Index (ABI) increased for the sixth consecutive month in July as growth in demand for design services continued.
The ABI is seen as an indicator of future construction spending over the next 9 to 12 months. Any …

Hurricane Season May Be Extremely Active

August 14, 2017

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) this week updated its forecast for the 2017 hurricane season. The outlook is not particularly sunny.
NOAA is now saying the season “has the potential to be extremely active and could be the …

Volatility Continues With Dodge Momentum Index

August 8, 2017

The Dodge Momentum Index (DMI) dipped in July, just another hiccup after a series of advances.
Despite falling 3.3 percent in the month, the Index is 6.9 percent higher than it was a year ago.
The Dodge Momentum Index is …

Good Times Continue for U.S. Architecture Firms

July 20, 2017

In news that bodes well for the construction industry, U.S. architecture firms enjoyed a fifth consecutive month of increased demand for design services in June.
June’s reading of the Architecture Billings Index (ABI), a leading economic indicator of construction activity, …

Dodge Momentum Index Continues Its Advance

July 11, 2017

The Dodge Momentum Index advanced again in June, led by a 4.8 percent increase in the institutional component.
Overall, the Momentum Index crept up 1.1 percent to 141.1, from its revised May reading of 139.6. The Index is a monthly …

Architecture Billings Index Continues Upward March

June 22, 2017

The Architecture Billings Index showed an increase in billings for the fourth consecutive month, bringing another boost in optimism to the architecture and construction industries.
The Index, reported by the American Institute of Architects, came in at 53 for May, …