Billings Continued to Increase in September

October 21, 2021

Billings Continued to Increase in September

The Architecture Billings Index score for September was 56.6, up one point from the August reading of 55.6.

“The ABI scores over the last eight months continue to be among the highest ever seen in the immediate post-recession periods that have been captured throughout the index’s history,” said AIA Chief Economist Kermit Baker, PhD, Hon. AIA.

In September the Project Inquiries index was 61.8. The Design Contracts index was 54.7. Both moderated from the previous month though were still in positive territory.

Regional averages for September were as follows:

August Sept
West 57.2 56.0
South 52.5 57.0
Midwest 55.2 57.7
Northeast 51.7 51.5

Despite the recent gains Baker also cautioned, “However, it’s unlikely that revenue increases at architecture firms can sustain this pace. Given that growth in both new design contracts and project inquiries have moderated in recent months, we expect to see a similar path for the ABI.”


For more information about the Architectural Billings Index, visit the AIA website.