While architecture firms reported an increase in billings for the tenth consecutive month in November, the pace of growth continued to moderate from its peak in the summer. An Architectural Billings Index score of 51.0 for the month still means that the majority of architecture firms saw billings growth at their firms this month, but that fewer are seeing growth now than earlier this year.
However, a growth rate like what was experienced this past spring and summer is difficult to maintain for long, and firm billings have now shifted closer to the pace of growth seen in previous recovery periods. In addition, firms continue to report a very strong amount of work in the pipeline, with inquiries and the value of new design contracts remaining near all-time high levels.
Northeast Business Conditions Slide
However, business conditions did slide further in November at firms located in the Northeast, marking the third month in a row of declining billings. Conditions in the Northeast have been up and down over the last several years, even prior to the pandemic, and it appears that trend is continuing now.
On the other hand, billings in other regions of the country remain fairly strong, particularly at firms located in the Midwest, where the highest scores have generally been reported during this most recent recovery period. Firms of all specializations also reported improving business conditions in November, although the pace of growth did slip for all. Business conditions remain strongest at firms with a multifamily residential specialization, although it seems like that market may be slowing somewhat now too.
Supply chain disruptions, labor shortages continue to cause constraints
The latest issue of the Federal Reserve’s Beige Book report, released on Dec. 1, indicates that the broader U.S. economy grew at a modest to moderate pace in the October-November period. Despite relatively strong growth in the economy overall, supply chain disruptions and labor shortages have continued to cause major constraints, with construction activity being one of the most-affected sectors. Hiring issues are widespread as well, with companies offering higher wages and increasing other incentives to entice potential employees. Manufacturing growth was also solid during this time period, and nonresidential real estate activity increased, but residential real estate activity was more mixed. For example, while sales of single-family residential homes softened in the Boston district, residential real estate was strong in the Atlanta district, and residential construction growth continued in the San Francisco district. Commercial real estate was also reported to have improved in the Atlanta district during this period.
Nonfarm payroll employment grew by 210,000 positions in November, significantly below the average monthly gains of 555,000 for the year so far, as overall national employment remains 2.6 percent below its pre-pandemic peak. Construction employment continued to rise, adding another 31,000 jobs in November, with 10,000 of those from the construction of buildings. And the architectural services sector continues to surpass its pre-pandemic peak, adding another 1,600 new jobs in October (the most recent data available), rising to a total of 200,900 employees in the industry. A total of 17,700 new jobs have been added since the low point in July 2020 during the COVID-induced recession.
