Architecture Billings Index Continues to Improve

The Architecture Billings Index is a leading indicator of the U.S. construction activity nine to 12 months into the future.  In the month of November, the American Institute of Architects (AIA) reported a 0.4 increase in the ABI from 52.8 in October to 53.2.  Any reading above 50 is said to indicate expansion, while any reading below 50 is said to indicate a decline in the demand for design services.   This score reflects an increased demand for design services. “These are the strongest business conditions we have seen since the end of 2007 before the construction market collapse,” said AIA Chief Economist, Kermit Baker, PhD, Hon. AIA. Read more here.