Dive Brief:

• The Architectural Billings Index grew to 51.9 in March, up from February's score of 50.3, the American Institute of Architects reported Wednesday. 
• Within segments of the index, multifamily residential once again scored the highest at 55.7, followed by commercial/industrial at 51.8, mixed-practice at 50.0, and institutional at 48.0.
• The March score represents an increase in design services, as any mark above 50 indicates a rise in billings. However, the new projects inquiry index slipped to 58.1, down from 59.5 in February.

Dive Insight:

March's rise in the index represented the second-straight month of increases. However, the first quarter overall "was somewhat disappointing in terms of the growth of design activity," AIA Chief Economist Kermit Baker said in a release. He added that design services "fortunately expanded a bit entering the traditionally busy spring season."

The ABI is an indicator of future construction spending — with a lead time of about nine to 12 months — as design services lead to new commercial projects.

This month has brought somewhat disappointing report results for the construction industry, as builder confidence remained unchanged at 58, housing starts dropped 8.8% in March to a 1.09 million annualized rate, and the Dodge Momentum Index fell 7.7%, led by a 15% plunge in the institutional sector.