7 lessons the AEC Industry of 2024 teaches us for 2025
The demand for specialized software in the construction industry, from BIM tools to fancy AI applications, is on the rise. But when should you implement a new solution? Should you buy off the shelf or hire an external construction software consultant?
It may appear difficult, but there’s no need to worry. Here’s a concise, eight-step guide to streamline your decision-making process. Let’s get started!
1. AI in AEC is Here to Stay (and It’s Just Getting Started)
AI is no longer a novelty or a gimmick in AEC; it’s becoming foundational. From automating repetitive design tasks to optimizing material usage and reducing embodied carbon, AI is enhancing productivity and sustainability across the board.
But this is just the beginning. Generative design, AI-assisted code compliance, and real-time environmental simulations are growing rapidly.
The potential is enormous, yet it’s clear that human expertise remains irreplaceable. Architects and engineers who embrace AI as a partner rather than a competitor are finding themselves ahead of the curve.
Fun Fact: In a recent hackathon, a team developed an AI tool that reimagines structural layouts based on historical earthquake data—within seconds. Science fiction? Not anymore.
2. Desktop Tools Are Becoming Relics of the Past
The cloud is no longer the future—it’s the present. Many AEC firms are abandoning bulky desktop software like Revit for lightweight, collaborative, cloud-based platforms like Snaptrude.
Whether it’s Autodesk Forma for generative design or Procore for project management, cloud tools are enabling real-time collaboration across continents.
Forget emailing 500 MB Revit files—teams are co-editing designs from their browsers, with automatic versioning and unlimited storage.
Pro Tip: If your tech stack still involves “saving locally,” it might be time to reconsider your strategy.
3. The “Replace Professionals” Trend: A Double-Edged Sword
Some tech companies are swinging for the fences—trying to replace architects, engineers, and contractors altogether.
AI-driven platforms now propose entire building designs, complete with cost estimates, schedules, and structural calculations. While this automation can streamline smaller projects, it raises questions about creativity, safety, and accountability.
Lesson learned? Tools should empower, not overshadow. The most successful tech solutions enhance professional expertise rather than attempt to replace it. After all, no algorithm can fully replicate human intuition or the artistry of great design.
4. Sustainability in AEC Is a Non-Negotiable
2024 has underscored that sustainability is no longer a “value add”—it’s a necessity. Clients demand green certifications, governments tighten energy codes, and end-users expect resilient, eco-friendly buildings.
The industry is responding with innovative solutions like carbon-sequestering concrete, AI-driven lifecycle analyses, and adaptive facade systems. If you’re not prioritizing sustainability, you’re already behind.
5. The Talent Shortage Is Driving Automation (But Also Creativity)
With a shrinking talent pool, firms are turning to automation to bridge the gap. Drones for site inspections, robots for bricklaying, and parametric design tools for rapid prototyping are becoming staples.
Yet, the shortage is also fostering creativity. Firms are experimenting with cross-disciplinary teams and upskilling their workforce to thrive in tech-driven workflows.
The takeaway? The human element still matters—perhaps now more than ever.
6. AEC Data Is the New Gold (But It Needs a Map)
There is no AI without Data, plus Data is everywhere in AEC: from IoT sensors in smart buildings to construction timelines and material sourcing.
However, many firms are still grappling with how to make sense of it all.
Enter data warehousing and advanced analytics. Platforms like Google BigQuery and Power BI are helping firms centralize and analyze vast datasets. The ability to predict project delays, optimize supply chains, and uncover cost-saving opportunities is becoming a competitive edge.
Hot Tip: Don’t just collect data—invest in making it actionable, we even have a post on how to start Here
7. Clients Are Driving Innovation
Surprisingly, some of the biggest drivers of change aren’t tech providers—they’re clients.
Owners and developers are demanding integrated platforms, better project transparency, and real-time updates. These demands are forcing firms to adopt new technologies and streamline their workflows.
Case in point: A real estate developer in the US recently mandated digital twins for all their projects, not just as a design tool but as a long-term operations platform. This ripple effect is reshaping the entire value chain.
2025: The Next Chapter in AEC
The AEC industry in 2024 is a whirlwind of innovation, adaptation, and challenges. The lessons learned this year highlight a clear trend: technology is a tool, not a replacement, and the firms that thrive are those that balance cutting-edge advancements with human expertise.
What’s next for 2025? Perhaps AI-generated skyscrapers or fully autonomous job sites. Whatever comes, one thing is certain: the future of AEC is exciting, and it’s being written today.
Valentin Noves
I'm a versatile leader with broad exposure to projects and procedures and an in-depth understanding of technology services/product development. I have a tremendous passion for working in teams driven to provide remarkable software development services that disrupt the status quo. I am a creative problem solver who is equally comfortable rolling up my sleeves or leading teams with a make-it-happen attitude.
