Report from the ABI: Billings in Architectural Work Up in August

The ABI (Architecture Billings Index) has long been an indicator of future growth in the economy.  If a someone has hired an architect for a feasibility study or the initial planning for a new building project, chances are it will happen.

The latest ABI report indicates a modest uptick in billings by architectural firms nationwide.  While some sectors of industry and regions of the country are down, overall, billings are on the way up.

"Work done in advance of a building project has long been an indicator of future work designing and erecting that building," Kevin Wallace said.  Kevin is COO and chief architect for DSKW & Associates, a full-service design/build firm based in North Texas.

"The slowness of the economy has actually had a good impact on our industry," Kevin continued. "Usually by the time a client calls for an architect, it is too late for us to help. But with longer-term plans and tight money, clients are taking their time and doing more feasibility studies," he said.

"That means, while they want it now, they want it done right."

The report featured these highlights:

• Modest growth in billings overall, but this is after 4 straight months of no growth or declining growth.
• Multi-family projects are on the increase.
• Projects under contract remain stalled.
• More refurbishment of existing buildings is happening rather than complete, from-the-ground-up new build.

For more information about this ABI report see their website.  Or contact Kevin Wallace or Dave Sykes at 214-710-1298 or visit the DSKW & Associates website.


DDBL

The New Name for Design/Build: DSKW & Associates

General contractors are concerned with construction, permits and schedules. Architects are focused on having the right design fit the environment and be a livable and workable space.

But what if you could have both?

Design/build is a concept in the commercial and residential marketplaces that few companies practice but many clients wish they could have. Now, in North Texas, that concept has a name: DSKW & Associates.

“We decided to put DSKW & Associates together to meet the needs of our clients,” Kevin Wallace, Chief Operating Officer of the company, said. “Dave and I have long been believers in the other’s craft and have always shared a vision for what usable and workable spaces should be,” Kevin said.

Dave is Dave Sykes, CEO of DSKW.

“Kevin and I have worked together for a number of years,” Dave told us. “He is one of those rare architects who understands what it is to get things done while doing it with style in his design,” Dave continued.

DSKW & Associates is a full-service design and construction company. From concept through design to site selection and build out, DSKW is a solutions provider to tenants in the retail, commercial and residential marketplaces.

“We really feel that if you call us after you’ve chosen a space, you’ve really called us too late,” Kevin said. “We really understand space and how to plan it, design for it and build it out, whether that space is a dental office or offices connected to a warehouse,” he said.

Dave Sykes has over 30 years’ experience in business and the contracting marketplace. Hailing from Louisiana, Dave earned his marketing degree from San Diego State University, but has been in Texas for over 20 years.

Kevin Wallace earned his BS in Architecture from Virginia Tech University and has been designing environments for most of the last 25 years. He has lived and worked in North Texas for over 15 years.

For more information about DSKW & Associates, you can follow them on Facebook, Twitter or visit their website. Or you can call them at 214-710-1298.