May 22, 2009
  Business Conditions at Architecture Firms Remain Weak but Somewhat Encouraging in April
After steep declines during the fourth quarter of 2008 and the first quarter of this year, architecture firms are reporting that deteriorating business conditions are beginning to moderate. The AIA Architecture Billings Index (ABI) was 42.8 in April, just a tick below the March reading of 43.7. Although still pointing to falling business levels, the steepest part of the downturn appears already to have occurred. Inquiries for new projects remained very healthy, nudging up slightly to 56.8 nationally in April, just above the 56.6 reading in March. Federal stimulus program projects are one source of new project inquiries. Project activity in all major construction sectors is still slowing, but at a moderating pace, while firms in the Northeast and South appear to be closer to recovering than firms in other regions of the country.

kiplinger connection
Bank Business • The Economy • Trade
Bank Business: Availability of credit will soon outgrow demand for it.
The Economy: Is recovery coming? The new “mascara index” says yes.
Trade: Narrowing trade deficit now a bad sign as imports flag badly.

AIA Components Working with the Media
AIA components are continuing to implement local public relations programs to reach out to local media. Some components take advantage of the AIA Component Media Center on the AIA web site for methods on maintaining a local public relations program. Some components go beyond the conventional media approach. AIA Michigan, for example, plans to generate exposure by developing YouTube videos marketing a recent AIA Michigan roundtable discussion, while California’s annual wildfires have allowed AIA California Council to garner media attention about its disaster assistance program.

 

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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.