Architecture billings remain below growth threshold in April 2026

by anthony_capkun_2 | 24 May 2026 4:04 pm

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The AIA/Deltek Architecture Billings Index[2] (ABI) score declined from 49.8 in March to 48.3 in April 2026, indicating that the share of architecture firms reporting a decline in billings was greater than the share reporting an increase.

The ABI is a leading monthly economic indicator based on billings at U.S. architecture firms that uses proprietary AIA data to predict nonresidential construction activity 9 to 12 months in advance.

ABI scores greater than 50 indicate growth, while scores below 50 indicate contraction.

The ABI April report notes that national architecture firm billings have not crossed the 50-point threshold since January 2023.

However, inquiries into new projects increased for the third consecutive month in April, and the value of new design contracts remained close to returning to growth.

Business conditions stayed soft at firms in all regions of the country in April, with none reporting growth, the ABI finds. For the third consecutive month, firms located in the West were the least likely to report a decline in billings, while firms in the South reported that billings softened further after showing encouraging signs of growth at the beginning of the year.

Firms that specialize in the commercial and industrial sectors saw their billings continue to decline. These sectors have been among the weakest for the last six months. However, firms with institutional and multifamily residential specializations reported modest growth in April, according to the ABI, suggesting this is “a promising sign that new projects are on the horizon.”

Finally, employment in architectural services declined for the first time this year in March, decreasing by 600 jobs. (March’s data was the most recent available.)

Source URL: https://www.metalconstructionnews.com/news/architecture-billings-remain-below-growth-threshold-in-april-2026/

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