New Research Reveals Continued Benefits to Hiring Architectural Services Based on Qualifications
Although many states are looking to change procurement practices to one based solely on fees, a new study shows benefits to government agencies when using qualifications-based selection (QBS) for design services. By using a qualifications-based selection process, government agencies can hire highly-qualified candidates who provide the best design solutions. Under the Brooks Act, all federal…
Architecture Billings Index Backslides in March
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 new report today from The American Institute of Architects (AIA). The ABI score for March was 47.8, down from 50.3 in February. Indicators of work in the pipeline, including inquiries…
AIA ASPIRE Conference to Feature Sarah Susanka
Acclaimed speaker and sought-after media resource Sarah Susanka will be the AIA Southeast Region ASPIRE Conference on Monday April, 15, evening keynote speaker. Susanka is known for her book and presentations about The Not So Big Life, where she uses the same set of ideas to demonstrate that we can feel “at home” in our…
Architecture Billings Moderate in February Following Robust New Year
Architecture firm billings growth softened in February but remained positive, according to a new report from The American Institute of Architects (AIA). AIA’s Architecture Billings Index (ABI) score for February was 50.3, down from 55.3 in January. Indicators of work in the pipeline, including inquiries into new projects and the value of new design contracts…
New Report Details AIA Learning by Design Programs in K-8 Classrooms
A new report from the American Institute of Architects (AIA) details how educational architecture programs are reaching underrepresented students in K-8 classrooms. AIA’s K-8 Learning by Design Chapter Grants—funded by Armstrong World Industries Foundation — seeks to introduce the architecture profession among underrepresented students in K-8 classrooms. From 2017-2018, the programs funded architectural educational programs in…
Nonresidential Building Spending to Grow Through 2019, but Cautious Outlook for 2020
Nonresidential construction spending on buildings is projected to grow by 4.4 percent through 2019, according to a new consensus forecast from The American Institute of Architects (AIA). Healthy gains in the industrial and institutional building sectors have bolstered growth projections for 2019; however, the AIA Consensus Construction Forecast Panel—consisting of leading economic forecasters—is suggesting that…
Landmark Study Provides Roadmap to Enhancing Architect-Manufacturer Relationship
Architects seek strategic partnerships with manufacturers to fully realize their designs and serve their clients’ needs. A new study published today by the American Institute of Architects (AIA) sheds new light on the critical relationships building product manufacturers and architects share in creating better outcomes for building owners and occupants. “The architect’s role in specifying…
School Safety Commission Report Supports AIA Member Design Recommendations
Report recommends establishing a federal clearinghouse for best practices to include school designs. The American Institute of Architects’ (AIA) 2019 President William Bates, FAIA, issued the following statement regarding findings from the Federal Commission on School Safety’s new report: “While the AIA can only evaluate design-related aspects of the commission’s report, the Institute believes its…
Run of Positive Billings Continues at Architecture Firms
November marked the fourteenth consecutive month of increasing demand for architectural firm services. Architecture firm billings growth expanded in November by a healthy margin, according to a new report today from The American Institute of Architects (AIA). AIA’s Architecture Billings Index (ABI) score for November was 54.7 compared to 50.4 in October. With the strongest…
New Toolkit Helps Architects Achieve High-performance Buildings
The American Institute of Architects (AIA) Committee on the Environment (COTE®) is releasing a new tool that can help architecture firms design high-performance building. The AIA COTE® Top Ten Toolkit presents curated, concise and effective strategies for achieving sustainable designs and provides criteria for evaluating a project after it is built. Applying the kit’s resources…
