ABI slips back into negative territory

After five months of positive readings, the Architecture Billings Index has fallen into negative terrain. The American Institute of Architects reported the April ABI score was 48.4, following a mark of 50.4 in March. The new projects inquiry index was 54.4, down from mark of 56.6 the previous month, according to a May 16 AIA release.

"Considering the continued volatility in the overall economy, this decline in demand for design services isn't terribly surprising," said AIA Chief Economist Kermit Baker, in the release. "Also, favorable conditions during the winter months may have accelerated design billings, producing a pause in projects that have moved ahead faster than expected."

Geographically, billings were above 50 in the Northeast (51.0) and the Midwest (50.1), and below 50 in the South (49.0) and the West (48.0). Two project segments reported growth in billings: commercial and industrial (53.8) and multifamily residential (50.5); two reported slowdowns in billings: institutional (46.6) and mixed practice (45.0).