WORK ON THE BOARDS SURVEY
Billings Remain Strong in January
BIM use still scattered; large firms most likely users
Billings at architecture firms remained strong in January with an ABI score of 57.9, reports AIA Research Specialist Jennifer Riskus. This marks the third straight month of increasing strength after a brief period of weakening in the fall of 2006. Inquiries were even stronger this month. In fact, they reversed a three-month decline, indicating that billings should continue to rise in early 2007. And our Work-on-the-Boards panel survey this month finds that BIM use varies widely.

AIA HOME DESIGN TRENDS SURVEY
Homeowner Focus on Kitchens and Baths Not Deterred by Housing Slowdown
Upscale features, tempered by growing emphasis on accessibility and sustainability, define emerging trends
AIA Chief Economist Kermit Baker, PhD, Hon. AIA, tells us that households continue to emphasize size, features, and high-end products used in their kitchens and baths, even as the overall housing slowdown has encouraged many to scale back on their overall housing investment, according to his analysis of the AIA Home Design Trends Survey for the fourth quarter of 2006. Baker reports that although homeowners continue to look for upper-end features in their kitchens and baths, there is an emerging interest in making these areas of the home more accessible and adaptable for an aging population, and in using more “green” features in these rooms.

kiplinger connection
Help Wanted • Housing Finance • Changing Time
Help Wanted: Some insight on finding qualified applicants.
Housing Finance: Class actions against ARM lenders may slow housing recovery.
Changing Times: Daylight savings starting March 11 will affect automated clocks.