Chief Economist | The American Institute of Architects
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.
Courses
AIA Entrepreneur Summit 2015: New Models
Within the context of business models, what are the characteristics that would make someone a successful entrepreneur? What are the obstacles for architects to break out of our traditional model? Economics plays a central role in our ability to expand services or take our practice in new directions. Our expert panel, moderated by AIA Chief Economist Kermit Baker, considers ways in which architects can create new sources of revenue by expanding their practices in different ways and embracing new models for doing business. Questions explored include how architects are uniquely suited to development, key measures for exploring development opportunities, and factors influencing the decision process around undertaking a new business venture. This cutting-edge discussion will inspire and enlighten you.
This course expires on 4/20/2026.
Emerge by AIAU: Economics in Architecture
The Economics in Architecture series introduces real-world economics that pertain to the architecture and construction industries. The videos explore business cycles and trends, the Architecture Billings Index, and the architectural workforce. Follow along as the American Institute of Architects’ chief economist, Kermit Baker, illustrates how economic concepts relate to firm practice in the architecture industry.
Course expires: 11/01/2024
Economic Update: Q3 2024 ABI Insights
Join AIA Chief Economist Kermit Baker, Hon. AIA, and AIA President Kimberly Dowdell, AIA, NOMAC, 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.
This free live course is brought to you through a partnership with Oldcastle BuildingEnvelope. By registering for this course, you grant AIA permission to share your name and email address with Oldcastle BuildingEnvelope.
Course expires: 10/25/2024
Economic Update: Q1 2024 ABI Insights
Join AIA Chief Economist Kermit Baker, Hon. AIA, and AIA President Kimberly Dowdell, AIA, NOMAC, 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: 2023 (Q4)
Join AIA Chief Economist Kermit Baker, Hon. AIA, and AIA President Emily Grandstaff-Rice, FAIA, for the quarterly discussion of the industry's latest economic data and what firms are reporting. The discussion will focus on recent developments in AIA’s Architecture Billings Index (ABI), key trends in our economy, and strategic issues that architecture firms are dealing with, such as developing and maintaining a workforce.
Course expires 11/30/2024
Economic Update: Q4 2024 ABI Insights
Thursday, November 7, 2024 | 2pm ET
Join AIA Chief Economist Kermit Baker, Hon. AIA, and AIA President Kimberly Dowdell, AIA, NOMAC, 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.
This free live course is brought to you through a partnership with Oldcastle BuildingEnvelope. By registering for this course, you grant AIA permission to share your name and email address with Oldcastle BuildingEnvelope.