AIA Chief Economist, Kermit Baker, said that architecture firms are in a place when demand isn't falling back into negative territory but also not seeing the same growth that was seen in late 2010. "The catalyst for a more robust recovery is likely financing, with stronger growth occurring only when lending institutions begin approving credit for construction projects with much greater regularity," said Baker.

Nick Zieminski, of Reuters, went on to further add, "most diversified industrial companies get revenue from nonresidential construction, selling machinery used for erecting buildings or components such as elevators or electrical and cooling systems." National companies that benefit from increased architecture billings include  Honeywell International, Tyco International, Johnson Controls, Eaton , Caterpillar Inc, Deere & Co and Terex Corp while European companies include Philips, Seimens, Schneider Electric and Assa Abloy.

March ABI Figures
Project inquiries index: 58.7

Regional averages:

• Midwest– 53.5, Northeast– 51.4, West– 50.6, South– 49.7

Sector index breakdown:

• commercial / industrial– 54.7, multi-family residential– 50.8, mixed practice– 49.8, institutional– 48.0