The American Institute of Architects (AIA) reported the November ABI score was 53.2, up from the mark of 52.8 in October. The new projects inquiry index was 59.6, up slightly from the 59.4 mark of the previous month.
"These are the strongest business conditions we have seen since the end of 2007 before the construction market collapse," commented AIA Chief Economist, Kermit Baker, PhD, Hon. AIA.
"The real question now is if the federal budget situation gets cleared up which will likely lead to the green lighting of numerous projects currently on hold. If we do end up going off the 'fiscal cliff' then we can expect a significant setback for the entire design and construction industry."
Key November 2012 ABI Highlights
Regional averages: Northeast (56.3), Midwest (54.4), South (51.1), West (49.6)
Sector index breakdown: multi-family residential (55.9), mixed practice (53.9), commercial / industrial (52.0), institutional (50.5)
Project inquiries index: 59.6