WASHINGTON, DC-After several months in which the Architecture Billings Index posted downward movement, the indicator made a U-turn in August, the American Institute of Architects reports. The score for August was a 51.4, following a weak 45.1 in July.

"Based on the poor economic conditions over the last several months, this turnaround in demand for design services is a surprise," said AIA chief economist Kermit Baker in a prepared statement. "Many firms are still struggling, and continue to report that clients are having difficulty getting financing for viable projects, but it’s possible we’ve reached the bottom of the down cycle." Baker was unable to return a call from GlobeSt.com in time for publication.

Not that the ABI hasn’t faked out the industry before. In December it jumped three points, after a disappointing few months of stagnation. At the time Baker predicted an up-and-down period of movement, which could well be the case still.

All that said, the ABI reflects an increase in demand for design services, with any score above 50 indicating an increase in billings. It is, in other words, an important leading indicator for the industry.

Also in August, the new projects inquiry index was 56.9, up from of 53.7 the previous month. Regional averages included a 49 reading for the Midwest, 47.4 for the South, the West clocked in at 47.4 and the Northeast at 46.5.