The recent slowing of the U.S. economy has not impaired the design sector according to the May edition of ASID’s Interior Design Billings Index (IDBI), which came in at the highest it's been since late 2010.
“This is exciting news for designers across the country, as well as their clients,” said Randy Fiser, CEO of the ASID. “I believe this strong showing reflects a rise in the public’s awareness that professionally sourced, research-based interior design can improve our everyday lives. Changes in the design of hospitals, schools, homes, workplaces and other spaces in which we spend extended time can make us healthier, safer and happier. Research from several institutions, including ASID, has proven this to be true.”
The May ASID IDBI of 65.9* is up sharply from 56 in April reflecting growing revenues. The uptick is evident in residential and public construction spending and paralleled April’s Census release on construction spending.
All regions of the country showed growth and the near-term outlook is for steady gains.
Launched in November 2010, ASID IDBI tracks performance data for billings, inquiries and product sales specific to the interior design industry. The index is based on a monthly survey of 300 firms and provides a tailored perspective on billings, business conditions and economic outlook.
*The results are compiled into diffusion indexes centered on 50, with scores above 50 indicating an increase in billings, and scores below 50 indicating a decline.
