WASHINGTON, D.C.—As the first glimmers of a recovery appear across the economy, the architecture profession seems to be sharing its own hint of good news. A new report from the American Institute of Architects (AIA) reveals that new contracts for architects soared in October to their highest level since August 2008, when signs of the coming financial calamity began to appear.

The AIA states that much of the new business appears to be coming from government, educational, and health-care institutions, which have benefited from federal stimulus funds authorized by Congress earlier this year. Designs for multifamily residential properties were the next largest area of business for the month.

Reports of new business in the architecture profession could have positive crossover potential into other areas, the AIA notes. Since designs are usually commissioned roughly nine to 12 months before actual ground is broken on a new project, the construction industry could enjoy a healthy bump in business later in 2010.

Read more at the Los Angeles Times.