25 Months of Growth for Architecture Firms Ended in March

A key signal of economic strength for the planning and development industries delivered bad news for the first time in a long time.

1 minute read

May 15, 2019, 9:00 AM PDT

By James Brasuell @CasualBrasuell


Building Reflection

Ms. Phoenix / Flickr

The March Architecture Billings Index (ABI) dipped into negative territory for the first time in more than two years.

"Following consistently increasing demand for design services for over two years, the Architecture Billings Index (ABI) dipped into negative territory in March," according to a press release from the American Institute of Architects, which also produces the ABI.

"The ABI score for March was 47.8, down from 50.3 in February. Indicators of work in the pipeline, including inquiries into new projects and the value of new design contracts remained positive," according to the press release.

Wednesday, April 17, 2019 in American Institute of Architects

"Planetizen federal action tracker" logo superimposed over black and white image of US Capitol dome.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker

A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

October 28, 2026 - Zachary Whalen

A car drives through a puddle, making a large splash. Rain pours down.

California plans to bury El Niño’s downpour

If the state plays its cards right, it may be able to store a billion acre-feet of El Niño’s water in aquifers.

October 28, 2026 - Grist

Lake Powell with much of the water evaporated.

Desperate measures: Advocates weigh draining Lake Powell to fill Colorado River

Draining the reservoir could reduce evaporation losses by a couple hundred thousand acre-feet.

October 30, 2026 - Yale Environment 360

: Construction of massive Samsung semiconductor fabrication plant

In Texas, data centers are swallowing promised parkland

Residents who moved to Taylor, Texas for a rural community now have to contend with three data centers in their backyard.

7 hours ago - Inside Climate News

A construction crew working on SunZia.

How a Chicago-sized wind farm beat the odds and powered on

The project spanned five presidential administrations and a standoff with a U.S. military base.

November 3 - Grist

A rendering of the basketball court, a green court under a blue sky.

MTA gives itself 30 days to transform pit into basketball court

The site has been under construction since 2022; the city originally estimated it would finish the court in 2024.

November 3 - Gothamist