Welcome to the2025 AECInspireReport

Unanet_inspire25_tablet_mock

MEET THE AUTHORS

 

Navigating the future of work in the AEC industry

The architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) industry is at a crossroads. As firms struggle with talent shortages, shifting workforce demographics, and increasing competition, the need for strategic workforce planning has never been greater.

 

How are AEC leaders tackling these challenges?

This edition of Unanet’s annual AEC Inspire Report reveals key insights from over 300 industry professionals on the state of talent, resourcing, and business growth in 2025.

WHAT'S INSIDE?

  • The #1 business concern for AEC firms today – and how to solve it
  • Why 67% of firms struggle with hiring and retention – and the strategies successful firms are using 
  • The real impact of technology adoption – and how firms are leveraging AI, CRM, and resource management tools to gain a competitive edge
  • Forecasting and financial insights – How firms are planning for future growth and improving project performance 

WHO’S IN THE REPORT

By business size

Respondents represent an even spread across small and midsize businesses (SMBs) and large enterprises.

By industry

Almost 80% of respondents indicated their primary industry was either construction or engineering. Some multidisciplinary respondents indicated that their organization derived revenue from more than one industry (e.g., multidisciplinary).

40%
Construction
38%
Engineering
22%
Architecture

AEC Inspire by the Numbers

YES

88%
of firms are somewhat or very data-driven.
84%
are somewhat or very confident in their data quality and accuracy.
61%
say forecasting capability is a critical feature of a resource management tool.

BUT

46%
have inadequate tools to access, integrate, and analyze data.
39%
struggle with lack of adoption of resource management tools.

Maturity scale for resource management in architecture and engineering

The AEC Inspire Report also covers resource management and how top firms are approaching it. Check out the scale below to get a better understanding of how mature your firm’s resource management is. Click each card to see possible improvements.

1

Ad Hoc

Resource planning is unstructured and reactive, with no formal processes or tools in place.

Possible Improvements

Introduce basic project management tools and define standardized processes for resource allocation.

2

Basic

Basic resource planning is conducted but is mostly manual, relying on spreadsheets or informal methods.

Possible Improvements

Implement centralized resource planning software to improve visibility and reduce manual effort.

3

Defined

Formal processes exist, and tools are used to manage resource allocation and scheduling.

Possible Improvements

Enhance forecasting accuracy by integrating historical data and project management systems.

4

Data-driven

Resource planning is proactive, leveraging data for scheduling and tracking utilization rates.

Possible Improvements

Use advanced analytics and reporting to optimize resource allocation and align with strategic goals.

5

Continuous Improvement

Resource planning is fully integrated with business operations, supported by predictive analytics...

Possible Improvements

Focus on continuous improvement through machine learning and AI-driven insights for maximum efficiency.

If you’re having trouble determining where your firm fits on the scale, reading the AEC Inspire Report can help.

Compare Findings to Past Reports

2024

2023

Pre-2022

Get the data. Gain the insights. Take action. 

Download the 2025 AEC Inspire Report to see how leading firms are solving today’s workforce challenges – and preparing for tomorrow. 
Blog_PR_Inspire2025_thumb_1000x477