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The AIA reports that the Architectural Billings Index rose 50.2 in August, the first time it has landed in positive territory since March (a number below 50 denotes a decrease in billings). The inquiries index continues to rise, up nearly a point in August (57.2). Sector indices were: residential, 53; commercial/industrial, 47.9; institutional, 50.2; mixed, 46.8. “Until the economy is on firmer ground, there aren’t likely to be strong increases in demand for design services,” said AIA Chief Economist Kermit Baker in a press release. “In the meantime, we can expect to see design activity alternate between modest growth and modest decline.”