AI, automation, and cloud tools are undeniably reshaping the way we build. But how exactly are these transformative tools and trends being used by leaders today, and how are they impacting critical project outcomes like sustainability, efficiency, and financial performance? In Autodesk's 2025 State of Design & Make: Spotlight on Construction report, we examine how digital transformation—coupled with shifting industry challenges—is affecting every phase of the construction lifecycle, from design to build.
With over 3,500 industry leaders and experts from 28 countries surveyed, the report provides a pulse on how industry pros are navigating today's construction landscape and the role of technology in their strategies. The respondents—which include GCs, subcontractors, owners, and professionals in design, engineering, and architecture—represent a broad cross-section of the construction world.
From insightful perspectives on economic uncertainty, today's labor market, sustainability, and the impact of tech like AI, let's dive into the report's key takeaways.
Construction's digital leaders, companies that have fully automated their workflows and are actively integrating AI, aren't just more optimistic about the future; they also tend to perform better.
Autodesk's research found that 82% of digital leader organizations feel positive about their financial performance, compared to 63% of emerging and 52% of beginner organizations.
Additionally, digital leaders have a higher bid win rate and are less concerned about investing in technology that quickly becomes obsolete.
These findings tell us that digital maturity isn't just a tech upgrade—it's a business advantage. Looking ahead, it's clear that investing in technology and digital transformation can improve resilience and outcomes in construction projects.
Discover how digital leaders are outperforming their counterparts, why they're feeling optimistic, and what you can do to start closing the digital maturity gap. Download the report to learn more.
When generative AI hit mainstream status a few years ago, it sparked bold predictions and trend outlooks about how the technology would completely revolutionize nearly everything.
And while AI has definitely made inroads in construction, many leaders are tempering their expectations.
Last year, 80% believed that AI would enhance the construction industry. In 2025, that figure dropped 14 points to 68%, indicating that trust in AI has softened as organizations face real-world implementation challenges.
This is quite telling: AI is no longer riding a wave of hype—it's entering a phase where value must be proven through practical, measurable outcomes.
Still, the long-term outlook remains promising, especially for companies that can strategically align AI with high-impact use cases.
The key is to effectively determine where it will have the most impact and which workflows will benefit most from AI.
According to Autodesk's survey, one area that is benefiting from AI-integrated workflows is project billing, with some respondents noting that AI can streamline routine tasks such as invoice generation and service notifications.
Explore the mixed sentiments towards AI and how early adopters are reaping its benefits. Check out Autodesk's 2025 Design & Make: Spotlight on Construction report.
Is AI really taking jobs away from humans? The reality is quite the opposite, at least in the construction industry, where there aren't enough skilled workers to go around.
Over half (55%) of construction leaders cite the lack of skilled talent as a barrier to growth, up from 43% in 2024. These concerns are amplified by an aging workforce, with 63% of leaders citing this as a major issue.
As such, the majority of organizations—65%—are focusing on attracting younger talent and diversifying their labor pool.
Once again, we see tech-savvy firms leading the charge. Eighty-two percent of digital leaders are taking steps to bring in fresh talent, compared to 62% of emerging users and 55% of beginners.
Learn how leading construction firms are closing the talent gap and what they're doing to attract and retain a diverse workforce in Autodesk's 2025 Design & Make: Spotlight on Construction report.
For construction pros, sustainability isn't an afterthought but a priority. So much so that it's becoming a key area where two of the industry's biggest focus areas—technology and talent recruitment—naturally converge.
According to Autodesk's survey, 94% of construction organizations are taking steps to be more sustainable—and most firms (63%) are leveraging AI to do it. Artificial intelligence powers sustainability efforts like monitoring carbon emissions and optimizing energy consumption.
On the talent front, it's becoming increasingly clear that sustainability initiatives help attract and retain workers. In fact, 66% of leaders report that being more sustainable has positive effects on recruitment and employee engagement.
See how sustainability initiatives are doing double duty: driving environmental wins while strengthening your workforce. Read more in the full report.
From AI adoption to sustainability and workforce development, Autodesk’s 2025 Design & Make: Spotlight on Construction report gives you the most current and relevant insights into where the industry is headed and how to stay ahead.
Whether you're a contractor, designer, or owner, this report is your playbook for building smarter. Download the report to explore all the findings and future-proof your construction business.
