AIA Report Reveals Trends in Architecture Specifications

Introduction

Architects play a crucial role in shaping the built environment, with their material and product specifications influencing the functionality and aesthetics of spaces. The Architect’s Journey to Specification, a comprehensive study published by The American Institute of Architects (AIA), delves into the evolving landscape of architectural specifications, exploring how architects learn about materials, collaborate with manufacturers, and make informed product selections.

Key findings

The key findings uncover insights into the influence of architects in discovering new building products, the role of manufacturers serving as influencers in the product learning process, the noteworthy adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) for advanced product research and specification development and much more.

Here are highlights from the report: 

Influence and education

Architects remain the most influential in discovering new products and materials, with 83% of respondents considering them a significant player. Continuing education, mainly through in-person lunch & learns and webinars, remains architects' preferred method for staying abreast of product and material trends.

External influencers

Manufacturers continue to be the primary external influencers, cited by 72% of respondents. Notably, small firms are increasingly turning to contractors as a source of information on new products, possibly influenced by the pandemic, supply chain challenges, and the rise of remote work.

Shift in firm culture

The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic likely contributed to a significant shift in firm culture since 2019, marked by decreased risk-taking, early product adoption, and collaboration. 

The study highlights that architects, manufacturers, and consultants maintain their pivotal roles as the primary influencers in the learning process, underscoring the industry’s emphasis on collaboration and shared expertise.

Events and conferences

Architects attending in-person events prioritize engaging with exhibitors and asking questions, emphasizing the importance of hands-on experiences. Younger architects display a shift in information sources, relying more on lunch & learns, colleague projects, product libraries, and industry associations to monitor trends.

AI adoption

The report indicates a noteworthy shift toward adopting AI for product research and specification development. Approximately a fifth of respondents are integrating AI into their processes, showcasing a growing reliance on innovative technologies to enhance efficiency and decision-making in architectural practices.

In conclusion

While the architectural landscape undergoes transformations influenced by global events, one constant remains—the pivotal role of architects in creating meaningful, functional, and aesthetically pleasing spaces. The insights derived from this report highlight ongoing shifts and guide the industry toward fostering stronger partnerships for designing the built environment of tomorrow.

Explore the possibilities

The A&E industry is reshaping how it builds and manages projects, which means implementing modern technology. Deltek and AIA have teamed up to deliver Deltek Specpoint, home of AIA MasterSpec®, which consists of comprehensive online building product research and selection content combined with a streamlined specification design and publishing tool that pulls from decades of experience serving the industry’s specialized needs. See the Software in Action.

About Deltek

Better software means better projects. Deltek is the leading global enterprise software and information solutions provider for project-based businesses. More than 30,000 organizations and millions of users in over eighty countries worldwide rely on Deltek for superior project intelligence, management, and collaboration. This includes over 11,000 architecture and engineering firms, representing 80% of the Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500.