From interoperability and sustainability to digital twins and AI, Nemetschek Group looks at the key trends set to shape the digital transformation of the AEC/O industry in 2025
In 2024, the AEC/O industry witnessed the next chapter of how it integrates advanced technologies and innovative practices. This set a new direction of travel with respect to how we design, build and operate within the built environment.
In 2025, the pace at which we travel in this new direction will accelerate, thanks to the rapid evolution of AI, digital twins and BIM.
We’ll see profound and beneficial changes in workflow processes and how we prioritise sustainability, as well as more effective and efficient ways of collaborating.
To succeed, this will take a change of not only the tools we use each day but also a willingness to embrace the trends that we believe are set to define the AEC/O sector in 2025. Here, we look more closely at what those trends could mean for you:
Interoperability drives deeper collaboration
Yves Padrines, CEO, Nemetschek Group:
Interoperability has played a central role in the AEC/O industry for many years – and this role will even increase to drive efficiency, collaboration and innovation in an industry that is lagging behind on digitalisation.
I envision a software landscape where, thanks to openBIM, a seamless data exchange allows architects, engineers and construction professionals to work together without limitations – regardless of the tools or solutions they use.
Our commitment at the Nemetschek Group to open standards and workflow transparency enables users to focus on being creative and delivering high-quality projects.
Overall, we believe that interoperability must not be a ground for competition: only if everyone in the construction industry speaks the same language can innovative solutions for the construction of the future emerge from this dialogue.
Technical complexity must not compromise the user experience
Usman Shuja, chief division officer Build & Construct & CEO Bluebeam, member of the executive board, Nemetschek Group
To address the sector’s challenges and opportunities, technology will inevitably grow more complex. However, this complexity must remain invisible to users to ensure they can fully leverage a solution’s capabilities.
By prioritising intuitive, user-friendly design, we empower users to focus on what they do best, free from the burden of navigating complicated tools.
I strongly believe in simplicity as the key to driving technology adoption across all professions in the building lifecycle. Striking this balance will shape a better-built world, delight customers and deliver better outcomes for all stakeholders.
Digital twins – unlocking the insights
César Flores Rodríguez, chief division officer Planning & Design and digital twin, Nemetschek Group:
Simplifying and accelerating the digitisation of new and existing buildings remains a core focus for the Nemetschek Group in 2025.
The solution is the creation of a digital twin that unlocks the full potential of the already existing data within the building asset.
A digital twin not only seamlessly connects relevant information from all phases of the building lifecycle but moreover, delivers data-driven insights and recommendations for building projects and operations.
The concept of digital twin further amplifies by leveraging the latest AI-enhanced analytical capabilities to enable next generation visual analytics and connected intelligence for all stakeholders of a built asset.
Data-driven digital twins moreover enable predictive insights and advanced simulations of building performance and lifecycle management, thus leading to significant improvements in sustainability and efficiency.
This significantly accelerates the industry’s transformation from often still semi-analogue processes into the future of fully autonomous building twins.
Embracing innovation and technology with an open mind
Marc Nezet, chief division officer Operate & Manage & chief strategy officer, Nemetschek Group:
Industry consolidation could play a pivotal role in 2025, as organisations seek greater efficiencies and adopt best practices through collaboration with industry peers. By working together, we can uncover innovative solutions to the complex challenges facing the AEC/O sector.
To truly progress, all stakeholders must embrace innovation with an open mind, stepping away from outdated approaches that have not delivered the results the industry requires.
With a forward-looking mindset and a shared appetite for transformation, we can fuel the technology revolution that the industry so urgently needs. Optimism, paired with a readiness to explore new solutions, will be key to unlocking a brighter, more sustainable future for the AEC/O sector.
Artificial intelligence will power ahead in 2025
Charlie Sheridan, chief AI and data officer, Nemetschek Group:
I believe that the coming year will mark a significant step forward in the evolution of AI, with its applications maturing and being deployed more broadly across the industry.
At Nemetschek Group, we support the responsible and widespread adoption of AI because of its transformative potential to address the many challenges facing the AEC/O sector. By integrating AI into solutions tailored for the AEC/O industry, we not only anticipate advancements in efficiency and innovation but also expect to attract a new generation of tech-savvy talent.
This influx of professionals, comfortable with technology-driven workflows, could be instrumental in alleviating the industry’s persistent skills shortage.
Looking ahead to 2025, we are thrilled by the opportunities for Nemetschek Group’s AI Innovation Hub. These initiatives will reinforce our position as a leader in AI-driven, yet human-centric software, serving both the AEC/O and media & entertainment industries.
Sustainability is the norm
Manish Sharma, SVP – M&A Product & Technology, Nemetschek Group:
In 2025, we’ll see a holistic vision for sustainability realised. It must be integrated seamlessly across every phase of AECO project’s lifecycle, from concept to demolition. Only an integrated approach can ensure that every phase contributes to reducing environmental impact while meeting functional, aesthetic, and economic goals.
Governments worldwide are enforcing stricter environmental regulations, ranging from energy efficiency standards to carbon emission caps and waste management requirements.
Those are steps in the right direction, supported by designing for deconstruction and adopting modular construction methods to extend lifecycle value.
Technology like Building Information Modelling, AI and digital twins will play an essential role in helping make it easier to achieve sustainability goals enabling precise energy modelling, carbon footprint analysis, material optimisation or monitoring and enhancing building sustainability performance post-construction.
AEC/O industry in 2025: A year to remember
Across the AEC/O industry, we all aspire to achieve great things for the customers and communities that we serve. But we can do even more, if we proactively engage with technology like AI, digital twins and BIM to empower ourselves to be even more efficient, collaborative and innovative.
By doing so, we can cut waste, meet our deadlines, improve our sustainability credentials and finally address the skills shortage.
Indeed, we can become an industry that sets an example for others to follow by embracing change. It’s time that we bid farewell to yesterday’s challenges, and 2025 will be the year to do just that.
