Architecture Firms Report Billings Growth

Courtesy of American Institute of Architects

Firms with a commercial/industrial specialization reported billings growth for the fourth consecutive month in August, although these gains remain extremely modest. Business conditions at firms with a residential specialization have continued to decline after reporting minimal growth at the beginning of the year, and declines are ongoing for firms with an institutional specialization as well.

This month, Work-on-the-Boards participants said:

• Business is slowing once again after a pickup in the spring. Public spending has slowed the most, with some increased activity in the private sector, although mostly for modest scale projects, according to a 17-person firm in the Midwest, institutional specialization.
• A few developers have come forth to develop new projects in hopes that in 12 to 16 months they will be ahead of the industry when the economy improves, according to a 4-person firm in the South, commercial/industrial specialization.
• Conditions continue to be very slow. We have seen an increase in inquiries, and we have secured some work abroad. The sectors that show signs of life are government [at] all levels, medical, and senior living, according to a 8-person firm in the West, mixed specialization.