Architects across the country experienced an uptick in billings last month, signalling an increase in construction spending in nine months to a year, the American Institute of Architects said. Architects in the Midwest reported an increase in billings, but less so than designers in other regions. The overall score was 50.6 in April, the third consecutive month of increased demand for design services. Inquiries for new projects also reflected increased demand. “We are seeing strong growth in design contracts that suggest firms will continue reporting growth in billings over the next several months,” Jessica Reinert, executive director of the Iowa chapter of AIA, said in a release.