{"id":16314,"date":"2016-04-22T16:02:19","date_gmt":"2016-04-22T20:02:19","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.constructionspecifier.com\/?p=16314"},"modified":"2016-04-22T16:02:19","modified_gmt":"2016-04-22T20:02:19","slug":"so-far-architecture-billings-experiencing-upswing","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.constructionspecifier.com\/so-far-architecture-billings-experiencing-upswing\/","title":{"rendered":"So far, architecture billings experiencing upswing"},"content":{"rendered":"
\"Architecture
Architecture billings in March rose from the previous month, according to the American Institute of Architecture\u2019s (AIA\u2019s) Architecture Billings Index (ABI).<\/span>
Photo \u00a9 Bigstock.com\/Vladmir<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The American Institute of Architects (AIA) reported the Architectural Billings Index (ABI) for March was 51.9, which is up from 50.3 in February.<\/p>\n

ABI reflects consecutive months of increasing demand for design activity at architecture firms; the approximate nine-to 12-month lead time between architecture billings and construction spending. March\u2019s score of 51.9 shows an increase in design services because any score over 50 indicates a rise in billings.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe first quarter was somewhat disappointing in terms of the growth of design activity, but fortunately expanded a bit entering the traditionally busy spring season,\u201d said AIA\u2019s chief economist, Kermit Baker. \u201cThe Midwest is lagging behind the other regions, but otherwise business conditions are generally healthy across the country. As the institutional market has cooled somewhat after a surge in design activity a year ago, the multi-family sector is reaccelerating at a healthy pace.\u201d<\/p>\n

The South had the highest regional average of 52.4, while the Midwest had the lowest with 49.8. The sector breakdown is as follows:<\/p>\n