Midwest and South Going Strong

Architecture Billings Index (ABI), produced by the AIA Economics & Market Research Group, is a leading economic indicator that provides an approximately nine to 12 month glimpse into the future of nonresidential construction spending activity.

Firms in three of the four major U.S. Census regions reported gains in January (firms in the West continued to report declines), according to Kermit Baker, AIA Chief Economist. Firms with major facility type specialties all reported at least modest revenue gains for the month.

This optimism is supported by the breadth of the upturn in design activity. Firms in three of the four major Census regions reported growth in revenue. Firms in the Northeast have seen improved conditions every month since last August, those in the Midwest every month since September, and those in the South since November.

- Courtesy of AIA