Curious how other firms are keeping projects on track and clients coming back? The 2025 A&E Industry Benchmark Report reveals what’s working, what’s not, and where the industry’s heading.
100% of firms using project management software report a noticeable boost in efficiency.
Projects are getting more complex. Clients are expecting more. And firms are feeling the pressure to deliver with less time, tighter budgets, and leaner teams.
In our 2025 Architecture & Engineering Industry Benchmark Report, we break down what’s really happening inside A&E firms today, from how they manage resources and profitability to how they attract talent, measure client satisfaction, and plan for the future.
We surveyed architecture and engineering professionals around the world. Here’s a quick look at what they had to say.
The firms we heard from may differ in structure and location but the challenges are shared.
Whether juggling backlogs, managing multiple collaborators, or trying to protect time for design, teams are under pressure to deliver more with less.
As workloads grow, visibility and control are key to delivering consistently without sacrificing quality or creativity.Â
Even firms focused on design are struggling to hold onto the time they need to do it well.
Admin tasks like chasing approvals, handling invoices, and managing internal communication continue to steal hours. While many firms have adopted software to help, disconnected tools still create friction.
Firms that protect their design time with the right tools and smarter workflows are freeing up their teams to do their best work.
Staying on time and on budget is a constant balancing act.
While real-time tracking has become more common, many firms still rely on instinct, manual coordination, or post-project reviews to understand performance. The result? Overruns, overbooking, and missed opportunities to adjust early.
Firms that invest in connected project tracking and proactive resource planning are better equipped to protect margins and their people.
Profitability is high for some, but many firms lack a clear view of how their time translates into revenue.
Tracking gaps in areas like realization, overhead, and payment cycles mean even high-performing teams might not know what’s driving their bottom line or how to improve it.
To stay financially healthy, firms need more than strong fees, they need a full picture of where time is spent, money is made, and revenue is lost.
Behind every successful firm is a team trying to balance demand, career growth, and job satisfaction.
But with limited structure and resources, many firms are relying on culture and goodwill to retain staff, without formal paths for development or leadership succession.
Firms that invest in training, development, and future leaders are building more than talent, they’re building longevity.
Strong client relationships are a major source of growth but few firms are managing them with structure.
Word of mouth remains the top lead source, yet formal systems for tracking satisfaction or nurturing leads are often missing. This puts firms at risk of missing repeat work or losing touch with what clients really value.
Even simple processes like consistent follow-up or regular feedback collection can help turn strong relationships into steady revenue.
Technology adoption is high across architecture and engineering firms, and the next step is making those tools work smarter together.
From project management and invoicing to BIM and time tracking, most teams are already using a range of platforms to support their workflow. But with many tools still operating separately, the opportunity lies in bringing everything into one connected system.
Firms that integrate their software are unlocking clearer insights, smoother collaboration, and more informed decision-making across every project.
A&E firms are navigating uncertainty and spotting new opportunities on the horizon.
Many expect automation, AI, and evolving client expectations to reshape how they deliver work, build teams, and stay competitive. Some are focused on growth, while others are prioritizing stability and refinement.
Those who plan ahead, rather than react, will be in the best position to adapt and thrive.
You’ve seen what’s holding firms back. Now learn how the right tools can move yours forward.
Simplify Product Delivery
Reduce Project Risk
Win the Right Projects
Receive 24/7 Support
Produce Budgets & Quotes
Make budgeting and quoting easier, more accurate, and less stressful.
Manage Projects
Track Time
Track time effortlessly, stay on budget, and improve billing accuracy at every project phase.
Allocate Resources
Easily see who’s working on what, their availability, and how to best balance workloads.
Process Invoices
Get invoices out faster, reduce delays, and keep cash flowing with clear project finances.
Track Finances
Make budgeting and quoting easier, more accurate, and less stressful.
Decide with Data
Make smarter decisions with real-time dashboards and reports.
Forecast Revenue
Gain crystal-clear visibility into your future revenue, project profitability, and resource needs.
Apply Document Control
Centralize your project information for seamless collaboration, better control, and fewer headaches.