The Architecture Billings Index Was Strong on the Eve of the Pandemic

The Architecture Billings Index in February 2020 could lend hope in the current economic climate, or it could set a benchmark for a future recovery.

1 minute read

March 20, 2020, 5:00 AM PDT

By James Brasuell @CasualBrasuell


Construction Site

Chaiyaporn Baokaew / Shutterstock

Antonio Pacheco reports on the February 2020 Architecture Billings Index (ABI), with the awareness that this key economic indicator is now obsolete. Still, "these strong numbers could lend a bit of hope to architecture firms struggling to make it through the economic recession that has manifested in recent weeks, though that is far from guaranteed."

"Generally speaking, February's ABI numbers paint a rosy picture for the industry," according to Pacheco. "This, of course, is likely to change as the impacts of the pandemic are felt more broadly across the American economy."

Demand for design services grew for the sixth consecutive month in February, according to the ABI. Pacheco also breaks down the ABI by region (design activity in the Northeast was anemic, for instance) and by construction sectors (all sectors showed growth in February).

Wednesday, March 18, 2020 in Archinect

Black and white Rideshare Pick-Up Zone sign

The Slow Death of Ride Sharing

From the beginning, TNCs like Lyft and Uber touted shared rides as their key product. Now, Lyft is ending the practice.

June 1, 2023 - Human Transit

Urban sidewalk shaded by large mature trees

Cool Walkability Planning

Shadeways (covered sidewalks) and pedways (enclosed, climate controlled walkways) can provide comfortable walkability in hot climates. The Cool Walkshed Index can help plan these facilities.

June 1, 2023 - Todd Litman

Traffic on the 405 interstate freeway through the Sepulveda Pass at Getty Center Drive in Los Angeles, California

Congestion Pricing Could Be Coming to L.A.

The infamously car-centric city is weighing a proposed congestion pricing pilot program to reduce traffic and encourage public transit use.

May 30, 2023 - Los Angeles Times

View of New York City alleyway with outdoor restaurant seating and people walking between brick apartment buildings with fire escapes

As Business Districts Continue to Falter, Mixed-Use Neighborhoods Flourish

While office vacancies remain high and foot traffic sparse in many U.S. downtowns, areas with housing and businesses are more vibrant and desirable than ever.

3 hours ago - The Wall Street Journal

Beachside basketball couty with ocean view and blue painted court at Angel Gate Park in Los Angeles, California on a sunny day

Los Angeles County's 30x30 Strategy Earns National Recognition

L.A. County's Parks Needs Assessment Plus (PNA+) received a 2023 achievement award from the National Association of Counties (NACo).

4 hours ago - National Association of Counties

A spraling subdivision of single-family detached housing in a desert setting.

Albuquerque Poised to Legalize Accessory Dwelling Units

Allowing ADU construction on parcels previously zoned exclusively for single-family detached housing is one component of the Housing Forward ABQ initiative, a larger effort to reform zoning practices in Albuquerque.

5 hours ago - Albuquerque Journal

Project Manager III

San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency

UDO Transportation Planner

City of Charlotte - Charlotte Area Transit

Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools

This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.

Planning for Universal Design

Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.