September 21, 2007
  National Credit Market Problems Spill over into Nonresidential Sector
While business conditions at firms remain healthy, over one in five report that recent credit situation has affected current projects
Chief Economist Kermit Baker, PhD, Hon. AIA, reports that growth in billings at architecture firms dipped in August, but remained at healthy levels despite growing concerns over credit tightening throughout the economy. Given the broader slowdown in the economy, this credit tightening could signal a longer trend of slower billings growth at architecture firms over the next several quarters. However, barring a more serious collapse of credit markets or a recession in the broader economy, design and construction activity in the pipeline should keep nonresidential construction strong at least through the first half of 2008, according to Baker.

Take Your Firm to the Next Level
Leaders must reinvent themselves along with their firms
RM Klein Consulting Principal Rena M. Klein, FAIA, tells us that before you tackle the how question of taking your firm to the next level, you must pose the what question. What does the next level mean? To increase in value, firms must continue to grow, but growth could come through expanded services, increased productivity, or cultivating expertise—not only through increase in firm size.

kiplinger connection
Energy • Financial Services • World Business
Energy: The oil-price spike will settle well before year end.
Financial Services: Congress to fix broken ARMs, renew terrorism insurance backstop.
World Business: Developing nations looking to invest in the U.S.

 

Copyright 2007 The American Institute of Architects. All rights reserved. Home Page
home
news headlines
practice
business
design
Welcome to the Business Zone
This is the place for our monthly Work-on-the-Boards survey report, quarterly Housing Trends survey report, and biannual Consensus Forecast, all by AIA Chief Economist Kermit Baker, PhD, Hon. AIA. You’ll also find tips for managing the business side of your practice, as well as the weekly Kiplinger Connection.