2026 Economic Update Bundle
AIAU26-ECON-B
4 Courses
Course expires on: 01/16/2027
Description
Join AIA's Chief Economist for a quarterly conversation about the AIA/Deltek Architecture Billings Index (ABI). The ABI is a leading monthly economic indicator that uses proprietary AIA data to predict nonresidential construction activity 9–12 months ahead. Get ahead of emerging challenges and opportunities and inform your strategic planning with key insights into the industry’s latest economic data and trends.
Tune in each quarter to stay up-to-date with the latest economic conditions and what they mean for architectural practice. All sessions are held from 2-3pm ET and will be recorded.
Live Session Schedule
Thursday, February 19, 2026
Friday, May 22, 2026
Friday, July 24, 2026
Wednesday, October 21, 2026
Learning Objectives
Develop a better understanding of forces shaping our economy.
Describe the latest economic conditions and what they mean for architectural practice.
Discuss what the ABI can tell architecture firms about business conditions over the coming year and make decisions.
Examine strategic issues impacting the architectural and construction industry.
This free series is brought to you through a partnership with Oldcastle BuildingEnvelope. By registering for this series, you grant AIA permission to share your name and email address with Oldcastle BuildingEnvelope.

Kermit Baker, PhD, Hon. AIA is a Senior Research Fellow at Harvard University's Joint Center for Housing Studies, and is the Project Director of the Remodeling Futures Program. This research effort, which began in 1995, is the first comprehensive analysis of U.S. remodeling activity ever undertaken by the Joint Center. Its goal is to develop an improved understanding of the dynamics of the U.S. repair and renovation industry so that businesses can better take advantage of the opportunities that this market offers. Baker is also the Chief Economist for the American Institute of Architects in Washington, D.C. In this capacity he analyzes business and construction trends for the U.S. economy, and examines their impact on AIA members and the architectural profession.
Prior to joining the Joint Center, Baker was vice-president and director of the economics department at Reed Business Information where he was responsible for industry forecasting. During his ten years at Reed he developed the Top U.S. Construction Market Report, and served as editor of the Reed Business Information's Construction Market Forecast newsletter.
Baker received his master's degree in urban planning from Harvard University, and holds a Ph.D. from Massachusetts Institute of Technology in the same field.
Wedge served 17 years as CEO of Shepley Bulfinch, one of the nation’s largest architecture and interior design firms. Driving the firm’s national expansion, she fostered an open culture and collaborative work environment while spearheading a rebrand that revitalized the firm’s institutional identity. Wedge boasts a dynamic leadership record within the architectural community, serving on numerous Boards and Executive Committees, including AIA’s Board of Directors, Architects Foundation, the Large Firm Roundtable, the Boston Society of Architects, Boston Architectural College, and Wentworth Institute of Technology. Her work bridges architectural practice with innovation, education, mentorship, and public impact. Wedge earned a Bachelor of Environmental Design from the University of Colorado and a Bachelor of Architecture from the Boston Architectural College.
Courses
Economic Update Q1 2026 ABI Insights
Thursday, February 19, 2026 | 2-3pm ET
Join AIA Chief Economist Kermit Baker, Hon. AIA, and AIA Executive Vice President and Chief Executive Officer, Carole Wedge, FAIA, for our quarterly conversation about the AIA/Deltek Architecture Billings Index (ABI). The ABI is a leading monthly economic indicator that uses proprietary AIA data to predict nonresidential construction activity 9–12 months ahead. Get ahead of emerging challenges and opportunities and inform your strategic planning with key insights into the industry’s latest economic data and trends.
Economic Update Q2 2026 ABI Insights
Friday, May 22, 2026 | 2-3pm ET
Join AIA's Chief Economist for a quarterly conversation about the AIA/Deltek Architecture Billings Index (ABI). The ABI is a leading monthly economic indicator that uses proprietary AIA data to predict nonresidential construction activity 9–12 months ahead. Get ahead of emerging challenges and opportunities and inform your strategic planning with key insights into the industry’s latest economic data and trends.
Economic Update Q3 2026 ABI Insights
Friday, July 24, 2026 | 2-3pm ET
Join AIA's Chief Economist for a quarterly conversation about the AIA/Deltek Architecture Billings Index (ABI). The ABI is a leading monthly economic indicator that uses proprietary AIA data to predict nonresidential construction activity 9–12 months ahead. Get ahead of emerging challenges and opportunities and inform your strategic planning with key insights into the industry’s latest economic data and trends.
Economic Update Q4 2026 ABI Insights
Wednesday, October 21, 2026 | 2-3pm ET
Join AIA's Chief Economist for a quarterly conversation about the AIA/Deltek Architecture Billings Index (ABI). The ABI is a leading monthly economic indicator that uses proprietary AIA data to predict nonresidential construction activity 9–12 months ahead. Get ahead of emerging challenges and opportunities and inform your strategic planning with key insights into the industry’s latest economic data and trends.