After its first negative score in 10 months, the American Institute of Architects’ Architecture Billings Index showed a nominal increase in design activity in February, and has been positive 10 out of the past 12 months, according to a release. The index reflects the nine- to 12-month lead time between architecture billings and construction spending. The February score was 50.4, up slightly from 49.9 in January. Any score above 50 indicates an increase in billings. The new projects inquiry index was 56.6, down from a reading of 58.7 the previous month. “The positive trend of the ABI over the past year has kept business conditions for the design and construction industry in good health. The Midwest regional average remains strong, and new development and adaptive reuse is being seen across the state of Iowa,” Jessica Reinert, executive director of AIA Iowa, said in the release. “Our members are busy, which is leading to new hires and small business growth.”