ABI Softens in March as Tariff Worries Escalate

Billings at architecture firms slowed in March but remained in expansion territory at an Architecture Billings Index score of 51.0, down one point from February. Inquiries and value of new design contracts remained generally strong overall, reported the American Institute of Architects, although firms reported concern about planned U.S. tariffs on steel and aluminum. The project inquires index was 58.1 for March and the design contracts index 51.5.

“New project activity coming into architecture firms continues to grow at a solid pace. As a result, project backlogs—in excess of six months at present—are at their highest post-recession level,” said AIA Chief Economist Kermit Baker. “Business remains strong in the South and West, and firms with a residential specialization continue to set the pace.”