Architecture firm billings showed signs of stabilization in February, according to the AIA/Deltek Architecture Billings Index, which rose nearly six points to 49.4.

The index was up from 43.8 in January as inquiries rebounded after a dip in January. Despite the February bump, newly signed contracts continued to decline, although declining at a slower rate, a news release stated.

The increase in architectural inquiries and slower rate of declines in signed contracts indicates potential stabilization, the release stated.

According to the release, continued economic uncertainty could threaten the progress seen in February.

“Despite the positive trend in billings in February, we are still below the 50.0 mark of positive growth,” AIA Iowa Executive Director, Jessica Reinert said in the release. “However, architectural services employment remained steady and project inquiries are up above the 50.0 mark. This may indicate a stabilization in the market.”

Highlights from the February report include:

• Regional index averages: South (50.0); West (47.2); Midwest (46.3); Northeast (41.9)
• Sector index breakdown: multifamily residential (48.2); institutional (49.2); commercial/industrial (45.7); mixed practice (firms that do not have at least half of their billings in any one other category) (41.8)
• Project inquiries index: 52.3
• Design contracts index: 48.0