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| Architecture Billings Index rose  The Architecture Billings Index (ABI) jumped in August to its highest mark since July 2005 after hovering around the no growth mark for the past three months. Demand for commercial / industrial projects continues to lead the way for increased billings, along with architecture firms on the East and West coast reporting a significant upturn in business. The American Institute of Architects (AIA) reported the August ABI rating was 59.5 (any score above 50 indicates an increase in billings), a substantial rise from the 51.8 mark in July.Based on the approximate six to nine month lag time between architecture billings and construction spending, the latest figures are very encouraging for the overall economy because they suggest a strong outlook in the commercial construction market well into 2007. write your comments about the article :: © 2006 Construction News :: home page |