Architects may be getting a little busier. Here’s a leading economic indicator at work ….

The Architecture Billings Index — a leading economic indicator of construction activity — inched up in November 2011 to 52. That’s only a bit higher than the 49.4 October index score, but it’s also the first positive uptick since August.

The American Institute of Architects Economics & Market Research Group, which tracks the index, notes that any score above 50 means an increase in billings. Anything below that shows a decline.

“Hopefully, this uptick in billings is a sign that a recovery phase is in the works,” said AIA Chief Economist Kermit Baker. But he added that AIA will have to see a few more months of positive readings before it’s ready to declare a turnaround.

But locally, some architects said they’re definitely starting to see more activity.

“It seems people are making decisions about doing work in 2012.”

Tags: Architecture Index

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