AIA/Deltek ABI signals market stabilization
Architecture firm billings held steady in March 2026, indicating market stability. The AIA/Deltek Architecture Billings Index (ABI) scored 49.8, reflecting near-equal shares of firms reporting increases and decreases. This marks the closest the index has come to the 50-point growth threshold since early 2023, offering cautious optimism.
New project inquiries rose steadily and firm backlogs averaged 6.6 months, the highest since December 2023.
“While billings could soon see positive growth for the first time in three years, ongoing economic and geopolitical challenges, such as the Iran conflict and labor shortages, pose significant risks to recovery,” said AIA Chief Economist, Richard Branch. “These external issues will have a significant impact on the health of construction activity in both the near and long term.”
