Image: aia.org
The American Institute of Architects in Washington, D.C., reports that the Architecture Billings Index (ABI) score for September 2020 was 47.0 compared to 40.0 in August (any score below 50 indicates a decline in firm billings). Last month’s score indicates overall revenue at U.S architecture firms continued to decline from August to September, however, the pace of decline slowed significantly.
Inquiries into new projects during September grew for the second time since February, with a score of 57.2 compared to 51.6 in August. The value of new design contracts moderated to a score of 48.9 in September from 46.0 the previous month.
Key ABI figures for September 2020 include:
- Regional averages: Midwest (45.6); West (45.6); South (43.7); Northeast (41.5)
- Sector index breakdown: multi-family residential (54.0); mixed practice (47.3); commercial/industrial (43.3); institutional - includes sacred space design (40.5)
- Project inquiries index: 57.2
- Design contracts index: 48.9
The regional and sector categories are calculated as a three-month moving average, whereas the national index, design contracts, and inquiries are monthly numbers.
Visit AIA.org for more ABI information.
