In recent months, increases in the US Architecture Billings Index (ABI) has prompted plenty of industry optimism.
After taking a massive hit from 2009, the entire sector – given the symbiotic nature of the various sector facets – may slowly be beginning to turn.
With the ABI at its highest level in the past five months – coming in at 50.2 – many have suggested that the industry is now in a state of recovery. The Construction indicator has risen by 1.5 points, offering hope for positive effects in the architecture, manufacturing and materials sectors which could drive even further economic stimulus in the sector.
While the AIA is positive that these statistics demonstrate that the industry is in a slow and low level of recovery, significant concerns have risen with regard to the coping abilities of the architecture sector in regard to increased opportunities and workloads.
At present, the outlook for employment in the sector is drastically reduced to the point were even newly-qualified professionals have a very low chance of employment once completing their training.
However, while this outlook does indicate possible challenges, recent research into the sector has confirmed that current demands are being readily met, with the outlook positive over the next 12 months.
As mentioned, the symbiosis between the various industry sectors means that both architecture and construction are now in a slow state of recovery. While economic gain in one sector will complement the other, analysts have admitted the construction sector will more readily be able to maximise its potential, particularly in encouraging lead-on economic stimulus in various material, manufacturing and other such sectors.
At long last, the prognosis for the US industry is positive. It will now be up to the weakened design and construction sectors to keep up with the demands and new opportunities that unfold in the coming 12 months.
