The US architecture billings index has held steady for the third month in a row.

January’s figure was 50.9, down slightly from a revised 51.0 in December, but still in positive territory, said the American Institute of Architects (AIA).Any number

above 50 indicates growth.

At the same time the project inquiries index dipped 0.3 points to 61.2 last month. That measure is typically higher than the billings index as clients approach multiple

architects for their projects.

AIA chief economist Kermit Baker said: “Even though we had a similar upturn in design billings in late 2010 and early 2011, this recent showing is encouraging

because it is being reflected across most regions of the country and across the major construction sectors.”