Architecture firms reported increasing demand for design services in July, marking the eighteenth consecutive month of higher demand, according to the Architecture Billings Index report issued Aug. 24 by the American Institute of Architects (AIA).
The Architecture Billings Index report showed a July score of 51.0. While the score is down from June’s score of 53.2, it still indicates stable business conditions for architecture firms (any score above 50 indicates an increase in billings from the prior month).
Also in July, both the new project inquiries and design contracts indexes moderated from June but remained strong, with scores of 56.1 and 52.9 respectively.
“The billings for July are seeing the slowest growth since January, although it is still important to note that billings remain high in Iowa and across the Midwest,” said AIA Iowa Executive Director Jessica Reinert. “The demand for services from Iowa architects is surpassing pre-pandemic levels which means contractors and subs will continue to remain busy through mid-2023. Compared to earlier this year, we are seeing growth slow due to the forecasting being made about a slowing economy in 2023.”
The Architecture Billings Index report showed a regional average for the Midwest of 52.2, above the national average. Sector averages included multi-family residential (52.8); commercial/industrial (52.2); mixed practice (52.1); and institutional (49.6).
The regional and sector categories are calculated as a three-month moving average, whereas the national index, design contracts and inquiries are monthly numbers.
Since 1857, the American Institute of Architects has represented the professional interests of America’s architects. AIA Iowa, headquartered in Des Moines, is a statewide affiliate of national AIA with nearly 1,000 members. AIA Iowa members adhere to a code of ethics and professional conduct that assures the client, the public and colleagues of an AIA member architect’s dedication to the highest standards of professional practice.
In April 2021, Linn County’s Dr. Percy and Lileah Harris Public Health Building was recognized with an Impact Award of Merit by AIA Iowa.
