Work-on-the-Boards: Business Conditions at Architecture Firms Largely Unchanged in May

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Work-on-the-Boards: Business Conditions at Architecture Firms Largely Unchanged in May

David McFadden | aia, recession, unemployed architects | June 26, 2009

Architects see stimulus program projects generally promoting emerging design trends

by Kermit Baker, PhD, Hon. AIA
AIA Chief Economist

Summary: The path toward recovery in design activity has stalled recently. After a significant moderation in the downturn in design billings in March, the AIA’s Architecture Billings Index (ABI) has failed to show any further hopeful signs in April or May. The ABI score from May was 42.9, barely moving the needle from the 42.8 score in April. Since any score below 50 reflects an overall decline in billings, the May reading indicates that business conditions at architecture firms are still deteriorating, and that there was no significant movement toward recovery during the month.

Full article via AIAarchitect Blog

About the author

Drawing upon original ideas and extensive personal and professional experience in the field, David McFadden crafted this article to explore the latest trends in the fields of architecture and building design. After working at various design practices—both full-time and freelance—and launching his design firm, David identified a significant gap in the industry. In 1984, he founded Consulting For Architects Inc. Careers, an expansive hub designed to align architects with hiring firms for mutual benefit. This platform enables architects to find impactful design work and frees hiring firms from the time-consuming cycles of recruitment and layoffs. David’s innovative approach to employer-employee relations has brought much-needed flexibility and adaptation to the industry. As the Founder and CEO, David has successfully guided his clients and staff through the challenges of four recessions—the early ’80s, early ’90s, early 2000s, the Great Recession, the pandemic, and the current slowdown due to inflation and high-interest rates.