The American Society of Interior Designers recently released the 2017 ASID Interior Design Billings Index 1st Quarter Report. The survey results show positive momentum and the overall trend remains positive.
The March ASID IDBI score is 62.8, a clear advantage over December's value of 52.9. The March index is stronger than its three-month moving average of 59, indicating strong momentum and signaling sturdy revenue gains (score of 50 or above). The new project inquiry rate rose to 58, up from a December score of 53.3.
Design firms of all sizes enjoyed positive billings in March and had scores above their three-month moving average reflecting ongoing business strength. Sole practitioner design firms reported a strong March IDBI score of 60.9, higher than any scores from the previous 12 months. Firms with two to nine employees reported an even stronger score of 63.8.
download: ASID IDBI 1st Quarter Report.pdf (505k)
"Recent data indicate the economy cooled a bit more than expected in the first quarter," commented Jack Kleinhenz, ASID economist. "No single factor dominated this year's slower start. While recent consumer and business spending are at odds with elevated confidence measures, we expect a pick-up in spending in the coming months and ASID indicators point in this direction."