Architecture Billings Index (ABI)

December 2021
The Architecture Billings Index (ABI) is a diffusion index derived from the monthly Work-on-the-Boards survey,
conducted by the AIA Economics & Market Research Group. The ABI serves as a leading economic indicator
that leads nonresidential construction activity by approximately 9-12 months. The survey panel asks participants
whether their billings increased, decreased, or stayed the same in the month that just ended. According to the
proportion of respondents choosing each option, a score is generated, which represents an index value for each
month. An index score of 50 represents no change in firm billings from the previous month, a score above 50
indicates an increase in firm billings from the previous month, and a score below 50 indicates a decline in firm
billings from the previous month.

*All graphs represent data from December 2020–December 2021.

ABI
National Regional Sector Practice

National No change
from
previous
Architecture firm billings increase for eleventh period

consecutive month in December Above 50 Below 50

Graphs represent data from December 2020–December 2021.

Design Contracts Inquiries Billings

75

70

65

60

55

50
42.3 55.6 57.1 56.6 52.0

45

40
Dec-20 Jan-21 Feb-21 Mar-21 Apr-21 May-21 Jun-21 Jul-21 Aug-21 Sep-21 Oct-21 Nov-21 Dec-21

Regional
Business conditions strengthen at firms
located in the South, but remain soft at
firms in the Northeast and West
Graphs represent data from December 2020–December 2021
across the four regions. 50 represents the diffusion center.
A score of 50 equals no change from the previous month.
Above 50 shows increase; Below 50 shows decrease.
3-month moving average.

70

60
West: Midwest:

50 47.5 51.0
40

South: Northeast:
30
Dec-20 Apr-21 Aug-21 Dec-21 56.4 45.3

Sector 70
Billings soften at all firm specializations
60
Graphs represent data from December 2020–December 2021
across the three sectors. 50 represents the diffusion center.
A score of 50 equals no change from the previous month. 50
Above 50 shows increase; Below 50 shows decrease.
3-month moving average.
40

30
Dec-20 Apr-21 Aug-21 Dec-21

Commercial/Industrial: 49.2 Institutional: 47.6 Residential: 49.2

Practice
Increased salaries, employee benefits thought to be most effective
strategy to deal with firm staffing issues
units: % of firms selecting action as one of the top three that they feel have been/will be most
effective at addressing staffing issues at their firm, of actions firm has taken or is considering

Increasing salaries above

typical levels to retain current staff

Offering additional employee perks (e.g.,

4-day work week; ability to work remotely)

Increasing salary offerings above typical

levels to attract qualified candidates

Offering additional
employee benefits

Extending/delaying project
schedules on existing projects

Not bidding on projects that

firm is otherwise qualified to handle

Hiring contract workers

Increasing firm revenue to help cover

additional staff compensation costs

Hiring or training paraprofessional

architectural staff (without
professional architectural degrees)

Outsourcing work to
other domestic firms

Offering additional paid

overtime to current staff

Outsourcing work to
offshore service providers

Offering sign-on bonuses

Reducing scope of design

services offered by firm

None of these

0% 5% 10% 15% 20% 25% 30% 35% 40%