Architecture Billings Show Steady Increases

The Architecture Billings Index, a leading economic indicator of nonresidential construction activity, has shown growth for the 11th consecutive month,
according to the report from the American Institute of Architects.

The November ABI rating of 58.4 a score above 50 indicates an increase
represents slightly higher growth than the 57.5 score in October
(November 2004 ABI was 51.6, November 2003 ABI was 48.5).

"It is especially noteworthy that if architecture firms report even modest
billings gains, December 2005 will be the first year since 2000 that gains
were reported every month of the year," said AIA Chief Economist Kermit Baker.
"We are expecting improved business conditions for construction firms that
specialize in commercial/industrial, as well as institutional projects."

Due to the approximately six month lag time between billings for architectural
services and construction activity, nonresidential construction activity is expected
to be a strong economic sector in much of 2006.

In other news, the AIA has release five new contract documents and launched
AIA Contract Documents Version 2.0, the software for the design and
construction industry.

Wacker Tower Has Green First

Chicago's 111 S. Wacker Drive tower is reportedly the first high-rise in the world to earn a Gold designation from the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design certification program from the Washington, D.C.-based U.S. Green Building Council.

LEED provides a system for measuring or rating the environmental sustainability of buildings. It emphasizes the conservation of water, materials and other natural resources; recycling, urban re-development, reducing soil erosion, improving air quality, reducing light pollution and pollution in general.

The LEED consultant on the project was Drew George & Partners of San Diego.

The 111 S. Wacker tower was also recently named Midwest Construction's
high-rise commercial project of the year and the downtown office development
of the year by the Chicago Chapter of the National Association of Industrial
and Office Properties.

AIA: Cut Fossil Fuel Use In Building By 50 Percent

The Washington, D.C.-based American Institute of Architects has adopted a position to promote sustainable design and resource conservation to achieve a minimum reduction of 50 percent of the current consumption level of fossil fuels used to construct and operate buildings by the year 2010.

The AIA will collaborate with other national and international organizations,
scientists and public health officials to reach this goal.

As part of this initiative, the AIA will also develop and promote the integration of sustainability into the curriculum for the education of architects and architecture students so that the principle becomes a guiding mindset for current and future architects.

"Buildings account for 48 percent of U.S. energy consumption and generate
far more greenhouse gas emissions than any other sector," said R.K. Stewart, facilitator of the AIA Sustainability Summit Task Force. "As architects, we must
accept responsibility for our role in creating the built environment."

The AIA also supports the development and use of rating systems and
standards that promote the design and construction of communities
and buildings that contribute to a more sustainable and environmentally
conscious future.

Harley Ellis Merges With Fields Devereaux

Harley Ellis Devereaux has formed through the merger of Southfield, Mich.-based HarleyEllis Corp. and Los Angeles-based Fields Devereaux Architects & Engineers.

In the Midwest, the new firm will have Chicago and Cincinnati offices, in addition
to the one in the Detroit area. The firm will have four other offices in other parts
of the country and a staff of 500 employees.

Harley Ellis Devereaux will focus on markets that include health care, science
and research, life enhancement, higher education, civic and cultural, K-12 schools and industrial and automotive facilities. Projected revenue for 2006 is $70 million.

Dennis King was named chairman and chief executive officer and will head
the Detroit office.

Midwesterner to Lead National Design Group