The American Institute of Architects (AIA), in collaboration with Deltek, has announced a significant shift in the architecture sector after twenty months of declining billings. The Architecture Billings Index (ABI) for October scored 50.3, signaling a balance between the number of firms reporting increased billings and those experiencing declines.Despite this stabilization, challenges persist. While inquiries for new projects rose, many clients are still cautious about moving forward, contributing to a seventh consecutive month of decline in new design contract values.
“Billings finally stabilized this month, and firms are feeling more optimistic about revenue projections for 2025,” said AIA Chief Economist, Kermit Baker, Hon. AIA. “Overall, 41 percent of responding firm leaders expect to see net revenue growth from 2024 to 2025, with 32 percent projecting growth in the 5 percent to 9 percent range.”
Key ABI highlights for October include:
• Regional averages: South (52.1); West (47.6); Midwest (46.9); Northeast (45.6)
• Sector index breakdown: institutional (50.5); mixed practice (firms that do not have at least half of their billings in any one other category) (48.0); commercial/industrial (47.0); multifamily residential (45.6)
• Project inquiries index: 54.1
• Design contracts index: 45.3
The regional and sector categories are calculated as three-month moving averages and may not always average out to the national score.
The October ABI marks a turning point, sparking cautious optimism among architects and design firms. Leaders are beginning to anticipate revenue growth in the coming year, signaling potential recovery in a historically volatile sector.
For detailed insights into the October ABI and historical data, visit the AIA’s website.
