The Architecture Billings Index (ABI) was at 52.0 in April, one point higher than the 51.0 recorded in March. This marks the seventh consecutive month of growth for design activity according to the latest report from the American Institute of Architects (AIA). Growth for demand for design activity had been slowing over the past couple of months prior to April’s uptick.
For the ABI, any score over 50 indicates an increase in billings, while scores below 50 indicate a decrease. The ABI is a leading indicator of future construction activity with construction spending following architectural billings by approximately nine months to a year.
The new project inquiry index and the new design contracts index both reflected growth in April, but growth has been slowing for both these indices recently.
