Demand for design services from architecture firms, particularly those in the Midwest, continues to grow at a fast pace, according to a report from the American Institute of Architects. The group’s Architecture Billings Index score rose to 58.5 in May, up from April’s score of 57.9. Scores above 50 indicate an increase in billings. May’s score was among the highest in the index’s 25-year history. In May, the score for new design contracts reached a record high with of 63.2; the score for new project inquiries was 69.2. “The Midwest and Iowa are seeing the strongest growth in billings as compared to the other the regions across the U.S.,” Jessica Reinert, AIA Iowa’s executive director, said in a prepared release. “This growth started in November of 2020 and it has kept climbing upwards since.” Reinert said costs for materials and products and delivery delays may slow the growth in billings. However, “as more places re-open we are seeing design activity soar,” she said. Regional average scores include 63.4 in the Midwest, 59 in the South, 57.4 in the West and 54.2 in the Northeast. Commercial/industrial had the highest sector score at 60.6.