According to the Kermit Baker, the chief economist for the American Institute of Architects, non-residential construction projects will probably not pick up for the next year or so.

No surprise to me, with all the empty “For Lease” signs I see around my office.

But Baker attributed the slow coming year to the drop in architecture billings he’s seen.

However, he claims that some folks are still getting work. The firms getting jobs, according to Baker, are focusing on energy management and retrofits, and those who are credentialed to receive government projects with stimulus money.

Baker claims there’s not a lot of difference in different regions. What are you seeing? is there any commercial construction happening around you, or just empty buildings, like what I see?