PKF O'Connor Davies Unveils Insights on Architectural and Engineering Sector

PKF O'Connor Davies Presents 22nd Annual Architectural and Engineering Studies

On September 28, 2026, PKF O'Connor Davies, a leading accounting and advisory firm, released its 22nd annual Architectural and Engineering Studies at the first-ever Mid-Atlantic A&E Summit. The event took place at the Pyramid Club in Philadelphia and showcased the latest trends and insights from the industry.

The annual studies offer crucial benchmarking data for architecture and engineering (AE) firms, highlighting performance indicators like utilization rates, billing multiples, overhead costs, and balance sheet metrics. The data was compiled from a survey of industry professionals, providing AE firms with multiyear trend analysis and strategic guidance to make informed business decisions in a fast-changing marketplace.

One significant finding from this year’s studies is the divergence in profitability trends between architectural and engineering firms. Architectural firms experienced a boost in profitability in 2025, whereas engineering firms reported stable profitability levels, comparable to previous years. Interestingly, the studies also explored the increasing adoption of Artificial Intelligence (AI) within these firms. Notably, 100% of architectural firms and 82% of engineering firms utilize AI tools internally, although these tools are primarily applied in operations and marketing, rather than in core design and engineering tasks.

David M. Sullivan, Jr., who leads the Professional Services Practice at PKF O'Connor Davies, expressed gratitude to the firms participating in the survey for sharing their valuable insights. He stated, "The 22nd annual studies reflect both the resilience and evolving complexity of the AE industry. We look forward to continuing to support our clients as they benchmark their performance and plan for long-term growth."

PKF O'Connor Davies has decades of experience dedicated to the architectural and engineering sector, providing tailored advisory, tax, and assurance services to address the unique challenges faced by AE firms. Their expertise helps clients manage growth, optimize performance, and confidently navigate the shifting business landscape.

For those interested in diving deeper into the findings of the studies, the 22nd Annual Architectural and Engineering Studies is available for access. Additionally, industry professionals can subscribe to the firm’s Architectural Engineering e-newsletter via their website, pkfod.com, to receive the latest insights, events, and resources tailored for AE firms.

About PKF O'Connor Davies

PKF O'Connor Davies stands out as a respected accounting, tax, and advisory practice and is part of PKF Global, a worldwide network of accountancy firms. The company boasts a long history of serving both domestic and international clients, echoing their commitment to delivering exceptional value, expertise, and service. Their motto, “Know Greater Value,” reflects the confidence clients gain from collaborating with them.

As one of the largest providers in their field, PKF O'Connor Davies operates as independently owned entities under the PKF brand name, facilitating a unique practice structure compliant with relevant professional standards. PKF O'Connor Davies LLP acts as a licensed CPA firm, providing attest services, while PKF O'Connor Davies Advisory LLC extends tax and advisory services.

For additional information, check out pkfod.com and engage with them on LinkedIn and X (formerly Twitter).