Digital transformation is boosting industry optimism and improving outcomes in construction as AI moves “beyond the hype” to prove its value in real-world settings, according to a new survey
Autodesk’s 2025 State of Design & Make: Spotlight on Construction found that companies that have fully automated their workflows and are actively integrating AI are both more optimistic about the future and performing better.
The report found that 82% of these “digital leader” organizations feel positive about their financial performance, compared with 63% of emerging and 52% of beginner organizations.
Digital leaders also have a higher bid win rate and are less concerned about investing in technology that quickly becomes obsolete.
Autodesk said the findings show that digital maturity is not only a tech upgrade but also a business advantage.
Looking ahead, investing in technology and digital transformation can improve resilience and outcomes in construction projects.
AI moves beyond “hype cycle”
When generative AI hit the mainstream a few years ago, there were bold predictions about how the technology would revolutionize nearly everything.
Autodesk said AI has made inroads in construction, but many leaders are tempering their expectations.
Last year, 80% believed that AI would enhance the construction industry. In 2025, that figure dropped to 68%, indicating that trust in AI has softened as organizations face real-world implementation challenges.
Autodesk said this indicates 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.
AI accelerates sustainability efforts in construction
Sustainability is becoming a priority where two of construction’s biggest focus areas – technology and recruitment – naturally converge.
Autodesk’s survey shows 94% of construction organizations are taking steps to be more sustainable – and most (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.
Skills gap sees firms broaden approach to hiring and training
The report shows that while many fear AI will take jobs away from humans, the reality in construction, where there are too few skilled workers to go around, is quite the opposite.
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, almost two-thirds of organizations (65%) are focusing on attracting younger talent and diversifying their labor pool.
Once again, tech-savvy firms leading the charge, with 82% of digital leaders are taking steps to bring in fresh talent, compared with 62% of emerging users and 55% of beginners.
