The American Institute of
Architects (AIA) said today that its monthly billings index for January was
54.2, suggesting strong demand for design services. Any score above 50
indicates an increase in billings. An index measuring inquiries about new
project jumped to 63.2 from 57.9 in December. "This is a compelling
sign that there will be an increase in construction activity in 2014," AIA
Iowa Executive Director Jessica Reinert said in a news release. "However,
widespread recovery in the industry is hindered by lending institutions
reluctant to finance construction projects." The Midwest region reported
the most billing activity. The indexes are considered a measure of construction
activity in the following six months to a year.