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After improvements through late 2010 and into early 2011, the Architecture Billings Index had its second consecutive monthly decrease in May.

The American Institute of Architects’ ABI, a measurement of architecture firm billings for work completed, landed at 47.2 in May, according to data released today by the organization. Any score below a 50 represents a decrease from the month previous, while a measurement above 50 represents an increase.

The ABI had been going through a period of steady monthly gains since the fourth quarter of 2010. That positive trend ended in April with an ABI of 47.6.

鈥淲hatever positive momentum that there had been seen in late 2010 and earlier this year has disappeared,鈥� said AIA Chief Economist Kermit Baker in a statement accompanying the release of the data.

Baker pointed towards state budget constraints and a prolonged credit freeze from lenders for financing commercial projects as the two main culprits for the low monthly ABI score.

Regionally, the western portion of the United States reported an ABI of 49.3, which is relatively positive for the region considering previous monthly data. The Northeast reported a 47.6, the South a 47.5 and the Midwest a 45.9.

By industry sector, multifamily residential (53.6) was the only sector to record above a 50. Mixed practice recorded a 49.1, commercial/industrial a 46.5 and institutional a 44.9.