Architecture "Billings Remain Soft to Start 2026"

Summary

The January 2026 Architecture Billings Index (ABI) fell to 43.8, marking a contraction for the 37th month out of the last 40 and signaling reduced demand for architects across most regions and sectors, except a flat reading in the South. Multifamily residential billings remain especially weak, staying below the 50 threshold for 42 consecutive months, indicating continued softness in that market. Concurrently, pending home sales slipped 0.8% month‑over‑month and 0.4% year‑over‑year, underscoring lingering affordability challenges despite modest regional gains. Together, these metrics suggest a broader slowdown in commercial real‑estate investment and residential activity that will likely extend throughout 2026.