Architectural Billings Index: May 2021’s national Architectural Billings Index of 58.5 was up 0.6 points from April’s 57.9, which is within the expansionary zone, (>50). U.S. architecture firms specializing in multifamily residential, commercial / industrial, and institutional facilities all reported an increase in design activity in May.

The design contracts sub-index increased by 1.5 points to 63.2. Regional monthly scores were – South: 59.0, West: 57.4, Midwest: 63.4, and Northeast 54.2.

The Architectural Billings Index (ABI) is a leading economic indicator that provides an approximately nine to 12-month glimpse into the future of nonresidential construction spending activity. The results are seasonally adjusted to allow for comparison to prior months. Scores above 50 indicate an aggregate increase in billings, and scores below 50 indicate a decline.

Figure 1 lists the overall ABI and its sub-indexes. It presents and compares monthly and 3MMA data, showing percentage point change on both a three and 12-month basis, as well as momentum. Green denotes positive change, while red indicates negative. National momentum, (3-month y/y minus 12-month y/y) was up 77.7% while design contract momentum increased 96.6%. Regionally, all zones posted a positive momentum, ranging from 39.5% in the West to 83.4% in the Northeast. Multifamily residential, commercial / industrial, and institutional facilities also posted positive momentum.

At Gerdau, we follow the ABI because it is a leading indicator of non-residential construction activity with an approximate nine to 12-month lead time to groundbreaking. The ABI has a proven track record and, as such, it is useful for business planning purposes.