Many architecture firms are still struggling, but the industry, a bellwether for planning and the larger economy, has recovered a little from the lows of the spring and summer months.

"Last month fewer architecture firms reported a decline in billings, up slightly from previous months, but still lagging behind pre-pandemic numbers," reports Paul Petrunia of the latest figures from Architecture Billings Index released by the American Institute of Architects (AIA).
"The AIA's Architecture Billings Index (ABI) report for the month of September shows a score of 47.0, indicating that a little over half of firms are continuing to see a decline in revenue, up from 40.0 in August," adds Petrunia. "The reported number of inquiries, however, are promising, up to 57.2 compared to 51.6 in August."
The article includes regional and sector breakdowns, and projections for how the dust will settled when the year finally ends. Information about the office status (i.e., work from home or not) is also included.
For more on the recent trends in the ABI, see previous coverage from Planetizen:
- Bottom Falls Out on Architecture Billings Index (April 24, 2020)
- The Architecture Billings Index Was Strong on the Eve of the Pandemic (March 20, 2020)
- Bad News From the Architectural Billings Index (September 24, 2019)
FULL STORY: September sees modest improvement in Architecture Billings Index relative to recent months

Americans May Be Stuck — But Why?
Americans are moving a lot less than they once did, and that is a problem. While Yoni Applebaum, in his highly-publicized article Stuck, gets the reasons badly wrong, it's still important to ask: why are we moving so much less than before?

Using Old Oil and Gas Wells for Green Energy Storage
Penn State researchers have found that repurposing abandoned oil and gas wells for geothermal-assisted compressed-air energy storage can boost efficiency, reduce environmental risks, and support clean energy and job transitions.

Placekeeping: Setting a New Precedent for City Planners
How a preservation-based approach to redevelopment and urban design can prevent displacement and honor legacy communities.

San Diego Swaps Parking Lane for Kid-Friendly Mini Park
The block-long greenway will feature interactive play equipment and landscaping.

Tracking the Invisible: Methane Leaks From LA’s Neighborhood Oil Sites
Environmental advocates are using infrared technology to monitor and document methane leaks from neighborhood oil sites, filling regulatory gaps and pushing for stronger protections to safeguard community health and the climate.

Montana Bill Promotes Parking Reform
A bill before the Montana state senate would bar cities from requiring more than one parking spot per new housing unit.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
Heyer Gruel & Associates PA
City of Moreno Valley
Institute for Housing and Urban Development Studies (IHS)
City of Grandview
Harvard GSD Executive Education
Salt Lake City
NYU Wagner Graduate School of Public Service
City of Cambridge, Maryland