Architecture Billings Index
AIA’s monthly Architecture Billings Index (ABI) is a leading economic indicator for nonresidential construction activity, with a lead time of approximately 9–12 months. The index is derived from AIA’s Work-on-the-Boards survey, which has gathered data on shifts in billings from architectural firm leaders for over 20 years.
The resulting data provides a trusted tool for the design and construction industry and other firms to predict and track movements in the market.
Market intelligence and analysis
International investment groups, major media, small firms and business leaders alike rely on the ABI and other indicators drawn from AIA’s work-on-the-boards survey to assess business conditions.
Examples of the ABI in use
- Firm strategic planning: ADD Inc., a multidisciplinary design firm with 200 employees, finds ABI a good indicator to help prepare for market fluctuations and ramp-up hiring.
- Determining business cycle shifts: Johnson Controls, which provides buildings services, looks to ABI for an early picture of construction trends to use in resource planning and stockholder guidance—and for insight for its expansion into the equipment market.
- Timing in a changing economy: One of the largest privately held family-owned real estate development and construction firms, Gilbane Inc., finds the ABI vital to help manage budgets, prepare for market movements, manage RFPs and seek leads.
ABI March 2018: Firm billings increase at more sluggish rate
Architecture firm billings increased for the sixth consecutive month in March, although the pace of growth slowed modestly from February.
ABI February 2018: Billings growth at firms slows modestly
Although billings grew at a slower pace than in January, business conditions remained strong in February and firm billings have now increased for five consecutive months.
ABI January 2018: Firms start the year with strong billings
Architecture firms began 2018 on a positive note as AIA’s Architecture Billings Index rose to its highest January score since 2007.
ABI December 2017: Firm billings end the year on a strong note
A positive ABI score for December means that, for 10 of 2017's 12 months, architecture firms saw increases in billings.
ABI November 2017: Firm billings see fastest growth pace of the year
The highest ABI score of the year indicates very solid business conditions at architecture firms as 2017 winds down.
ABI October 2017: Growth returning to firm billings
Following a brief dip in revenue in September, billings at US architecture firms advanced in October. Both project inquiries and new design contracts were also positive.
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