Newforma Unveils Key Insights from the Latest AECO Industry Survey on Challenges and Opportunities
In a rapidly evolving sector, Newforma, a recognized leader in project and information management software for the architecture, engineering, construction, and operations (AECO) field, has unveiled notable findings from its recently conducted survey, titled "The 2025 AECO Project Information Management Survey." This vital research encompasses perspectives from over 600 design and construction professionals across notable countries including the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, and France.
The results from the survey highlight a variety of pressing issues currently impacting the AECO industry. Among these challenges, two major points stand out: labor shortages and increasing data complexity. According to Carl Veillette, chief product officer at Newforma, “The survey indicates that the AECO sector is at a critical juncture. Many professionals recognize the growing threats posed by an aging workforce and the economic and regulatory instabilities that come into play.” He continues by elaborating that the rising complexity of projects poses a risk to crucial elements such as timelines, quality, and overall profitability.
A striking 41% of all reported project delays are attributed to existing labor shortages. A further 40% of the professionals surveyed expressed concerns that a limited number of available workers adds additional pressure, ultimately affecting their existing employees.
The investigation also highlighted a significant gap in the technological tools and resources available to professionals in the sector. A staggering 70% of respondents reported that they rely on email and messaging apps, which do not contribute effectively to the comprehensive data management needed for successful project execution. Only about 30% are utilizing specialized industry software to gather and manage project information efficiently.
Despite the outlined challenges, the survey has revealed a hopeful outlook. A considerable segment of those surveyed demonstrated confidence in the ability of technological advancements to address the existing volatility in the industry. Notably, 26% indicated that they are actively investing in technology to combat the increasing complexities that arise from data management, while 40% acknowledged the necessity of incorporating stronger technological tools.
Furthermore, an impressive 96% of survey participants articulated their plans to leverage artificial intelligence tools to elevate productivity levels, if they aren't already utilizing them. This is indicative of a growing trend within the industry—embracing technology as a means to navigate obstacles and streamline operations.
“At the end of the day, while our industry faces numerous hurdles, effective information management platforms have the potential to address these challenges, even alleviating the impact of labor shortages and promoting a more efficient workflow,” stated Veillette. This sentiment resonates strongly as firms actively seek solutions designed to bolster efficiency and minimize costs within their operations.
Newforma's "The 2025 AECO Project Information Management Survey" was conducted over a two-month period in early 2025. Participants ranged from small firms with 50 employees or fewer to large enterprises exceeding 500 employees, featuring a balanced representation of architectural firms, general contractors, and engineering organizations. All responses were recorded via an online format.
For industry professionals and media, the full results of the survey can be accessed and downloaded from Newforma's official website. These findings offer comprehensive analysis and actionable insights that can aid in navigating the current landscape of the AECO industry.
Additionally, Newforma is hosting an exclusive virtual roundtable featuring experts discussing the critical insights derived from the survey and their implications for the industry. To register for this event, interested parties should visit Newforma’s website.
As a pioneer in managing project information for the architecture, engineering, construction, and operations sector, Newforma has been empowering professionals to enhance productivity and efficiency for over 20 years. With over 16.3 million projects managed globally, their innovative solutions, available in both on-premises and cloud-hosted formats, facilitate effective collaboration and quality assurance, ultimately leading to improved productivity and profitability. With a trusted user base of over 4 million across 1,500 firms, Newforma continues to be a driving force within the AECO landscape.
Current Challenges in the AECO Sector
The results from the survey highlight a variety of pressing issues currently impacting the AECO industry. Among these challenges, two major points stand out: labor shortages and increasing data complexity. According to Carl Veillette, chief product officer at Newforma, “The survey indicates that the AECO sector is at a critical juncture. Many professionals recognize the growing threats posed by an aging workforce and the economic and regulatory instabilities that come into play.” He continues by elaborating that the rising complexity of projects poses a risk to crucial elements such as timelines, quality, and overall profitability.
A striking 41% of all reported project delays are attributed to existing labor shortages. A further 40% of the professionals surveyed expressed concerns that a limited number of available workers adds additional pressure, ultimately affecting their existing employees.
Insufficient Tools and Resources
The investigation also highlighted a significant gap in the technological tools and resources available to professionals in the sector. A staggering 70% of respondents reported that they rely on email and messaging apps, which do not contribute effectively to the comprehensive data management needed for successful project execution. Only about 30% are utilizing specialized industry software to gather and manage project information efficiently.
The Path Forward
Despite the outlined challenges, the survey has revealed a hopeful outlook. A considerable segment of those surveyed demonstrated confidence in the ability of technological advancements to address the existing volatility in the industry. Notably, 26% indicated that they are actively investing in technology to combat the increasing complexities that arise from data management, while 40% acknowledged the necessity of incorporating stronger technological tools.
Furthermore, an impressive 96% of survey participants articulated their plans to leverage artificial intelligence tools to elevate productivity levels, if they aren't already utilizing them. This is indicative of a growing trend within the industry—embracing technology as a means to navigate obstacles and streamline operations.
Call to Action
“At the end of the day, while our industry faces numerous hurdles, effective information management platforms have the potential to address these challenges, even alleviating the impact of labor shortages and promoting a more efficient workflow,” stated Veillette. This sentiment resonates strongly as firms actively seek solutions designed to bolster efficiency and minimize costs within their operations.
Newforma's "The 2025 AECO Project Information Management Survey" was conducted over a two-month period in early 2025. Participants ranged from small firms with 50 employees or fewer to large enterprises exceeding 500 employees, featuring a balanced representation of architectural firms, general contractors, and engineering organizations. All responses were recorded via an online format.
For industry professionals and media, the full results of the survey can be accessed and downloaded from Newforma's official website. These findings offer comprehensive analysis and actionable insights that can aid in navigating the current landscape of the AECO industry.
Additionally, Newforma is hosting an exclusive virtual roundtable featuring experts discussing the critical insights derived from the survey and their implications for the industry. To register for this event, interested parties should visit Newforma’s website.
About Newforma
As a pioneer in managing project information for the architecture, engineering, construction, and operations sector, Newforma has been empowering professionals to enhance productivity and efficiency for over 20 years. With over 16.3 million projects managed globally, their innovative solutions, available in both on-premises and cloud-hosted formats, facilitate effective collaboration and quality assurance, ultimately leading to improved productivity and profitability. With a trusted user base of over 4 million across 1,500 firms, Newforma continues to be a driving force within the AECO landscape.
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