We look at Architect Billings as a sign of where the economy is going; a true leading economic indicator.  Here is a potential green-shoot to take note of. Frankly, given the weakness of the economy, any positive news is worth reporting.

The News: The regions architecture community is busier than it was at this time last year but still faces an uncertain future, according to the American Institute of Architects.

Reading The Tea Leaves: The index reflects a lag time of between nine and 12 months from when construction will start on the projects being designed by architects, meaning the regions construction industry could also be in for a slow year. So this is quick way to look ahead to see what the future holds for the rest of us.

The Numbers: The index for billings for architects in the institutes South region, which includes Maryland:

• AIA billings increased in MD. from 45.9 in May 2010 to 46.7 in June 2010.
• Both figures are up from June 2009, when billings stood at a lowly 40.5.

The national billings index for June 2010 was:

• 46, up from 45.8 last month and from 37.7 in June 2009.
• The AIAs project inquiries index increased to 57.7 in June 2010, from 55.5 in May 2010 and from 53.8 in June 2009.

Tags: Architecture Billing Index, Greenshoots, Leading Economic Indicator

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