Architects billed for more design work in August, with an index entering positive territory for the first time in five months, the American Institute of Architects (AIA) said in a release. The billings are considered an indicator of construction activity nine to 12 months down the road. Billings in the Midwest region declined slightly last month. “Overall, billings nationally are moving in the right direction with the Midwest region remaining fairly consistent over the last several months,” said Jessica Reinert, director of AIA Iowa chapter. “Although the Midwest region index slightly declined, the positive trends from the rest of the United States will likely reach the Midwest region. Similar to other trends, sometimes the Midwest is the last to see it.”