AIA/Deltek ABI Reports Moderation in the Slowdown in Business Conditions at Architecture Firms in February

WASHINGTON – March 18, 2026 – Architecture firm billings showed signs of stabilization in February after months of decline, with an AIA/Deltek Architecture Billings Index® (ABI) score of 49.4—up from 43.8 in January, indicating a slight majority of firms reported declining billings.

Inquiries rebounded after a January dip, and while newly signed design contracts continued to decline, the rate of decline slowed significantly. These trends suggest potential stabilization, though global economic uncertainty could disrupt progress. Regionally, billings remained flat in the South for the second month but declined elsewhere, with the Northeast particularly affected by winter storms. Across specializations, billings continued to decline, although institutional firms' billings remained nearly flat.

AIA introduced a new quarterly ABI question asking firm leaders to predict how their firm's gross billings/billable work will compare between the current and next quarter. Nearly half (48 percent) of firm leaders expect billings to remain steady in Q2 2026 compared to Q1. About 31 percent anticipate a 5 percent or greater increase, while 21 percent foresee a 5 percent or greater decrease.

“While the ABI data shows some positive trends, the broader economy continues to struggle, with unemployment increasing in February,” said AIA Chief Economist, Richard Branch. “However, architectural services employment remained steady in January at 204,600, up nearly 2,000 positions from a year ago.”

Key ABI highlights for February include:
•    Regional 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

The regional and sector categories are calculated as three-month moving averages and may not always average out to the national score.

Access resources to help architects successfully navigate an uncertain economy.

About AIA
Founded in 1857, AIA consistently works to create more valuable, healthy, secure, and sustainable buildings, neighborhoods, and communities. Through more than 200 international, state, and local chapters, AIA advocates for public policies that promote economic vitality and public well-being.

AIA provides members with tools and resources to assist them in their careers and business as well as engaging civic and government leaders and the public to find solutions to pressing issues facing our communities, institutions, nation, and world. Members adhere to a code of ethics and conduct to ensure the highest professional standards.

About Deltek
Better software means better projects. Deltek is the leading global provider of enterprise software and information solutions for project-based businesses and the home of AIA MasterSpec®. More than 30,000 organizations, including 12,000 Architecture & Engineering firms, rely on Deltek for superior levels of project intelligence, management, and collaboration. Our industry-focused expertise powers project success for A&E firms of all sizes by helping them achieve performance that maximizes productivity and revenue. Learn more at Deltek.