The Architecture Billings Index fell for the second time this year, but so far it seems the rough winter is more responsible for the downturn that a potential double dip of the Great Recession.
"Riding a stretch of increasing levels of demand for thirteen out of the last fifteen months, the Architecture Billings Index (ABI) dropped in April for the second month this year," according to a press release from the American Institute of Architects, which releases the index every month.
"The American Institute of Architects (AIA) reported the April ABI score was 48.8, down sharply from a mark of 51.7 in March. This score reflects a decrease in design services (any score above 50 indicates an increase in billings)," adds the press release.
The press release quotes AIA Chief Economist Kermit Baker, Hon. AIA, PhD, who claims that the fundamentals of the design and construction industry remain healthy, though "severe winter in many parts of the Northeast and Midwest has apparently delayed progress on projects.”
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