Is that a glimmer on the housing horizon? Last week the AIA Architecture Billings Index (ABI) registered a score of 50.4 for September. A score above 50 signifies growth at architectural firm billings and the September score is the first time it has been above 50 since January 2008. Firms with a specialization in commercial and industrial design posted their highest readings since the summer of 2007 and September is fifth month in a row where those firms have reported increases. While this reading does not mark certain growth in future months, it is an encouraging sign that firms are starting to consider new projects involving both residential and commercial design for the Spring of 2011. If the trend continues, look for construction activity to gain strength through the Spring and into the Summer next year.
