AIA Architecture Billing Index Turns Negative in April

The Architecture Billings Index (ABI) by the American Institute of Architects (AIA) has turned negative for the first time in 5 months this past April as reported by the AIA.  The April score reported was 48.4.  Scores below 50.0 indicate a decline in architecture firm billings.  The AIA chief economist, Kermit Baker, said that this decline is not surprising given the remaining volatility in the overall economy, as well as an unusually warm winter which may have accelerated billings in earlier months.

A one month decline should not cause anyone to panic, however a continued negative trend would be concerning.  Read the AIA press release for full detail of the April ABI scores.