Architectural Billings Index – A Midwestern Perspective

The latest Architecture Billings Index (ABI) from the American Institute of Architects / Deltek came out, and for those of us in the Midwest, here’s what stands out:

Midwest ABI: 46.3

– Project inquiries dipped to 49.3
– New design contracts declined to 42.7
– Projects moving forward tend to be smaller in scale
– Uncertainty continues to slow decision-making

Individual Sectors:

– Multifamily Residential: 48.4
– Institutional: 46.8
– Commercial/Industrial: 43.9
– Mixed Practice: 43.4

In the Midwest, including Minnesota, firms may see longer sales cycles, increased fee sensitivity, and more competitive project pursuit. Owners may phase projects, downsize scope, or take additional time before committing.

There are reasons for optimism including construction employment added 33,000 jobs nationally in January, signaling that projects are still moving into execution. Architectural services also posted a net gain in jobs in 2025, showing resilience even amid uneven demand.

 

For architecture firms looking to strengthen their team with top-tier talent, partnering with a specialized recruiter like AEC Resources can make all the difference. We specialize in architecture recruiting and staffing in Minneapolis, Minnesota and St. Paul, Minnesota, offering a deep network of professionals. If you’re seeking a trusted AEC recruiting agency to help grow your architecture team, partnering with recruiters who understand the unique demands of the the Minneapolis architecture market can accelerate your success.