by Calculated Risk on 7/22/2009 01:44:00 AM

From Reuters: U.S. architecture billings index down in June - AIA

... The Architecture Billings Index fell more than 5 points last month to a reading of 37.7, after a slight increase in the prior month, according to the American Institute of Architects.

The index has remained below 50, indicating contraction in demand for design services, since January 2008. ...

"It appears as though we may have not yet reached the bottom of this construction downturn," AIA Chief Economist Kermit Baker said. "Architecture firms are struggling and concerned that construction market conditions will not even improve ... next year."
...
Nonresidential construction includes commercial and industrial facilities like hotels and office buildings, as well as schools, hospitals and other institutions. The AIA's Billings Index, which began in 1995, is considered a measure of construction spending nine to 12 months in the future.
emphasis added

Click on graph for larger image in new window.

This graph shows the Architecture Billings Index since 1996. The index is still below 50 indicating falling demand.

Historically there is an "approximate nine to twelve month lag time between architecture billings and construction spending" on commercial real estate (CRE). This suggests further dramatic declines in CRE investment later this year and next.

Earlier this month, the AIA lowered their forecast for commercial construction, from Bloomberg: U.S. Commercial Construction to Drop 16% This Year, Report Says

Construction spending on offices, retail centers and hotels is likely to fall 16 percent this year and 12 percent in 2010, more than previously forecast, the American Institute of Architects said.
...
Hotel construction is likely to decline 26 percent this year and 17 percent in 2010, the institute said. Industrial spending is forecast to dip 0.8 percent this year and 28 percent in 2010, according to the report.