Q2 Housing Pros See Spring Hope

After softer Q1 activity, construction and design professionals entered Q2 2026 cautiously optimistic, with construction showing earlier rebound signs tied to new committed projects.
Construction expectations improved in Q2 2026, with the activity indicator ↑3 points to 58. New committed projects jumped, while project inquiries stayed steady.
Design-sector expectations slipped slightly to 60 in Q2 2026. Interior designers grew more upbeat, while architects' outlook cooled compared with the prior quarter.
Recent activity weakened across both sectors in Q1 2026. Construction fell to 48 from 51, and design dropped to 48 from 54.
Backlogs shortened yearly in both sectors entering Q2 2026: construction reached 5.6 weeks, while design fell to 4.0 weeks, with architects driving much.