The global software developer Autodesk has released 2023 State of Design & Make, a report that offers a glimpse into sustainability and workforce resilience in the architecture, engineering, and construction industry. The inaugural study—which Autodesk plans to continue annually—was completed in partnership with Ipsos, a global market researcher that helped Autodesk conduct interviews with 2,565 leaders in AEC professions. With its data collected between October and December 2022, the report homes in on three main obstacles facing today’s firms: “attracting and retaining talent, managing costs, and responding to the volatile global economy and global events,” according to an Autodesk press release.
The study also found that 54% of AEC companies plan to increase investments in green building practices and that 82% of AEC companies are feeling customer-driven pressure to strengthen sustainable practices. “We’re starting to measure sustainability in terms of equity,” stated ARCHITECT editor-in-chief Paul Makovsky during an interview included in 2023 State of Design & Make. “Whatever you’re going to build, you need to be thinking about how it impacts your community. Are the things that you are doing good for your company, good for your community, and ultimately good for the world?”
Other key findings emphasized struggles with attracting and retaining AEC talent and the value of digital tools in the years to come.
You can find the full 2023 State of Design & Make study from Autodesk here.