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    Manufacturers/End Users

    October 22, 2026

    AIA: Architecture business conditions weaken further in September

    Written by Brett Linton

    Architecture firms reported weaker business conditions in September, according to the latest Architecture Billings Index (ABI) release from the American Institute of Architects (AIA) and Deltek. The share of firms reporting declining billings was the largest since May.

    “This is an increasingly difficult environment for architecture firms,” said AIA Chief Economist Richard Branch, citing a soft economy, financing challenges and cautious clients as factors weighing on billings. He said near-term improvement is unlikely as fewer projects move forward.

    Brett Linton

    Brett Linton is a digital operations analyst for Steel Market Update, where he began his career. Linton has been in the steel industry since 2010. He has held roles as a category manager and strategic insights director at Reibus before returning to SMU in 2024. He is a graduate of The University of North Georgia with a degree in Finance and Accounting. Brett can be reached at brett@steelmarketupdate.com or 724-314-0179.

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