Architecture Billings on Rise

The American Institute of Architects reports the Architecture Billings Index (ABI), a key economic indicator for the architecture and construction industries, rose more than two points to 54.2 in Dec. 2010. The ABI also went up in November (to 52), giving the index two consecutive months of positive movement.

A score above 50 indicates an increase in demand for design services and an increase in billings.

The new projects inquiry index also rose to 62.6 in December, compared to 61.4 in the previous month.

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Three of the four regions of the country saw index scores above 50: the Northeast at 55.3; the South at 54.8; the Midwest at 52.9; and the West at 48.4.