Architecture Billings Index rose in February. That was then

The American Institute of Architects (AIA) has published its latest Architecture Billings Index (ABI) report, highlighting the healthy demand for design services on the eve of the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Generally speaking, February's ABI numbers paint a rosy picture for the industry. This, of course, is likely to change as the impacts of the pandemic are felt more broadly across the American economy.  

February ABI highlights

• Architecture Billings Index Score for February: 53.4
• Project inquiries index: 56.5
• Design contracts index: 52.0

"Demand for design services in February increased at a solid pace for the sixth month in a row," an announcement highlighting the figures states, adding that February's ABI score of 53.4 "reflects an increase in design services provided by U.S. architecture firms" over the figures presented in January of 2020.

The memo adds, "During February, both the new project inquiries and design contracts scores moderated slightly but remained in positive territory, po...