The American Institute of Architects recently published the (ABI) “The Architectural Billings Index” which indicates that there is national growth showing an uptick in design work which will translate into increased building projects in 2011. The AIA Index is one of the leading indicators of the construction industry. The Ives Architecture Studio has experienced the same trend. On a local basis our firm has experienced a significant increase in new project inquiries. Nationally, inquiries on new projects hasn’t been this high since July 2007. We hear from our clients that there are still economic obstacles in preventing an accelerated recovery but, we are optimistic since we believe that this upturn is the start of good things to come.