Four years after the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, its effects are still felt in the construction and real estate sectors in the United States. Accelerated remote work and hybrid schedules are leading to a sharp decline in demand for traditional office space in cities across America. In major metros like New York and San Francisco, occupancy rates have dropped, property values have diminished and rents have fallen significantly. As architects design for the future of work, the real estate market faces divided perspectives on whether to invest in the country's growing inventory of vacant office buildings.
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Architecture Billings Index Remains on Solid Footing
The American Institute of Architects (AIA) has reported that the Architecture Billings Index (ABI) was positive in June for the fifth consecutive month. The June ABI score was 52.6, down from 53.1 the previous month, but still reflects an increase in design services, as any score above 50 indicates an increase in billings. The new projects inquiry index was 58.6, down from 60.1 the previous month.
“Demand for residential projects has surged this year, greatly exceeding the pace set in 2015. This suggests strong future growth for housing in the coming year,” said AIA Chief Economist, Kermit Baker, Hon. AIA, PhD. “While we expect to see a momentum continue for the overall design and construction industry in the months ahead, the fact that the value of design contracts dipped into negative territory in June for the first time in more than two years is something of a concern.”