The American Institute of Architects released its latest economic report this morning, signaling a continued trend of increasing demand for design services. The Architecture Billings Index (ABI) for June remained at an elevated level with a score of 57.1, dipping only mildly compared to 58.5 in May.

The new design contracts score also remained positive but shed a few points in June, clocking in at 58.9 (compared to May's record score of 63.2). New project inquiries further expanded in June to a near-record high score of 71.8 (69.2 in May).

June ABI Highlights

• Regional averages: Midwest (62.0); West (59.7); South (57.3); Northeast (53.2)
• Sector index breakdown: commercial/industrial (61.0); multi-family residential (57.9); institutional (57.3); mixed practice (56.4)
• Project inquiries index: 71.8
• Design contracts index: 58.9

"With the current pace of billings growth near the highest levels ever seen in the history of the index, we’re expecting a sharp upturn in nonresidential building activity later this year and into 2022," said AIA Chief Economist Kermit Baker, Hon. AIA, PhD. "However, as is often the case when market conditions make a sudden reversal, concerns are growing about architecture firms not being able to find enough workers to meet the higher workloads. Nearly six in 10 firms report that they are having problems filling open architectural staff positions."

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