The newest AIA/Deltek Architecture Billings Index reporting has shown a continued stasis of weak conditions for firms nationally. The August ABI is now 45.7, down from the 48.2 figure that was recorded for July (any score below 50.0 indicates a decline). This is now the nineteenth consecutive month of declines in the ABI index. 

"Unfortunately, even the impending interest rate cuts didn’t move the needle on project inquiries or new design contracts at architecture firms. Hopefully, once the trajectory of further cuts gets clarified, delayed projects will restart, and new projects will gather momentum," the AIA’s Chief Economist Kermit Baker says of the findings: 

August ABI Highlights

• Regional averages: Northeast (48.2); South (46.8); Midwest (46.6); West (45.7)
• Sector index breakdown: mixed practice (firms that do not have at least half of their billings in any one other category) (48.6); institutional (47.4); commercial/industrial (46.6); multifamily residential (44.0)
• Project inquiries index: 52.4
• Design contracts index: 47.3

You can read our new guide to understanding business conditions via the AIA's Architecture Billings Index here.

Archinect Jobs, the industry-leading architecture job board, continues to be a strong metric for the health of the industry. Take a look at the current list of opportunities, or post your firm's openings now. To browse thousands of job seeker profiles and find the right candidates quickly, try Archinect's Talent Finder service.