Nonresidential building spending to grow through 2019, but cautious outlook for 2020
- February 16, 2021
- Posted by: Alan Hageman
- Category: News

Nonresidential construction spending on buildings is projected to grow by 4.4 percent through 2019, according to a new consensus forecast from The American Institute of Architects (AIA).
Healthy gains in the industrial and institutional building sectors have bolstered growth projections for 2019; however, the AIA Consensus Construction Forecast Panel—consisting of leading economic forecasters—is suggesting that a broader economic downturn may be materializing over the next 12-24 months. Learn more about this Consensus Construction Forecast online.
“Though the economy has been performing very well recently, trends in business confidence scores are red flags that suggest a slowdown is likely for 2020,” said AIA Chief Economist Kermit Baker, Hon. AIA, PhD. “These signals may be temporary responses to negative short-term conditions, but historically they have preceded a more widespread downturn.”
Market Segment Consensus Growth Forecasts |
2019 |
2020 |
Overall nonresidential building |
4.4% |
2.4% |
Commercial/industrial total |
3.5% |
0.6% |
Hotels |
3.9% |
-0.7% |
Office space |
5.1% |
1.2% |
Retail |
1.9% |
0.4% |
Industrial total |
4.8% |
2.7% |
Institutional total |
4.8% |
2.9% |
Public safety |
6.8% |
4.9% |
Healthcare facilities |
4.0% |
3.6% |
Education |
5.5% |
4.1% |
Amusement / recreation |
4.4% |
0.6% |
Religious |
-2.6% |
-1.2% |