Articles by Jenna M. McKnight

F&S Partners, a Dallas-based firm that specializes in the design of educational, recreational, and religious projects, announced today that it is merging with SmithGroup, one of the nation’s top architecture and engineering firms. Founded in 1962 as Fisher and Spillman Architects, the F&S Partners office will now carry the name “SmithGroup/F&S.” It will provide architecture, interior design, MEP, and planning services to clients throughout the Southwest. No jobs will be eliminated at the 40-person F&S Partners. According to a prepared statement, all of its employees will remain on staff, and its five principals will continue to hold their management positions.

Graph © Architectural Record While it’s no longer sinking, the Architectural Billings Index, a leading economic indicator, barely moved between April (42.8) and May (42.9). However, the May inquiries score was 55.2, the third consecutive month it has landed in the mid-50s. (A score above 50 indicates an increase, and below 50, a decrease). The current numbers were released today by the American Institute of Architects, which produces the ABI based on surveys sent to firms. The index reflects a nine- to 12-month lag time between architectural billings and construction spending. “The design and construction marketplace is extremely competitive right

Graphs courtesy AIA The Architectural Billings Index dipped to 42.8 in April, down slightly from the month prior but considerably higher than January’s 33.3, an all-time low in the ABI’s 13-year history.    While many architects are still reporting “difficult conditions,” the recent figures could suggest an upswing in the coming months, says Kermit Baker, chief economist for the American Institute of Architects, which produces the index based on surveys sent to architecture firms. “The most encouraging part of this news is that this is the second month with very strong inquiries for new projects,” Baker says. In April, the inquiries

The Architectural Billings Index (ABI) rose to 43.7 in March, up from 35.3 in February. It’s the first time the score has landed above 40 since last September. The inquiries score, which in February was 49.5, climbed to 56.6. Graph courtesy AIA The index, one of the profession’s leading economic indicators, reflects a nine- to 12-month lag time between architectural billings and construction spending. The American Institute of Architects produces the index based on surveys sent to architecture firms. A score above 50 indicates an increase in billings, and below 50, a decrease. In January, the billings score dipped to

If you aren’t one of the 200 million Facebook users, now might be a good time to set up an account.  Starting next Monday, the American Institute of Architects is using the popular social networking site to host a series of “virtual” conversations about issues related to architecture. The forums are being held in conjunction with the third annual National Architecture Week, scheduled for April 13 to 19. Each day on the AIA’s “Virtual National Architecture Week” page (pictured at left) on Facebook, the association will present a different discussion topic. The lineup is as follows: Monday, community revitalization; Tuesday,

Entries are now being accepted for the 12th annual BusinessWeek/Architectural Record “Good Design Is Good Business” Awards. The program honors projects that exemplify innovative design while helping clients achieve strategic business goals. The original deadline was April 15, 2009; however, due to a high volume of queries, the application deadline has been extended to May 15. Photo ' Benny Chan The headquarters for Edmunds.com, designed by STUDIOS architecture, was among the 2008 winners. The winners will be considered for publication in Architectural Record and BusinessWeek, along with McGraw-Hill’s new magazine, HQ: Good Design is Good Business. These titles are read