January 11, 2008
  AIA CONSENSUS CONSTRUCTION FORECAST
After Strong Growth in 2007, Nonresidential Construction Activity is Projected to Flatten Out
AIA Chief Economist Kermit Baker, PhD, Hon. AIA, reports that emerging weakness in the broader national economy has dampened the mood of the leading nonresidential construction forecasters who take part in the AIA Consensus Construction Forecast Panel. They now are projecting a modest 0.7 percent inflation-adjusted increase in nonresidential construction activity this coming year, with a modest 1.3 percent decline in the commercial categories, but a reasonably healthy 4.2 percent gain in institutional facilities. Our forecast panel does not expect improvement as we move into 2009; the consensus is for a small decline of 0.9 percent in nonresidential activity for next year, Baker says. Again, the commercial sectors are expected to fare worse than the institutional categories.

kiplinger connection
The Economy • Going Mobile • Energy
The Economy: A soggy economy may inspire a quarter-point rate cut January 30.
Going Mobile: Web-enabled cell phones are the latest target of virus attacks.
Energy: LED, compact fluorescent, and pinpoint halogen spell end to incandescent.

Nine Architects Declare Candidacy for Three Offices
Elections for the Institute’s next first vice president/president-elect, vice presidents, and secretary will be held in May at the AIA 2008 National Convention and Expo in Boston.

Pay Your Dues the Easy Way: Online
Just a friendly reminder that AIA membership renewals are due January 15. Members can renew their memberships online: Go to www.aia.org and click “Renew Your Membership” in the upper left corner. The log-in to access your renewal invoice is your e-mail address. Passwords are generally your last name (capitalized appropriately). Please contact Information Central, 800-242-3837, if you experience any difficulty accessing your 2008 renewal notice.

 

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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.