New AIA Firm Survey Report reveals trends shaping the business of architecture
Based on data from nearly 900 architecture firms, the report found that U.S. architecture firms generated $121.7 billion in gross billings in 2025, with 54% of revenue tied to new construction projects, reflecting the profession’s continued growth and evolving market mix.
WASHINGTON – November 9, 2026 – The American Institute of Architects (AIA) has released The Business of Architecture 2026, the profession’s most comprehensive report on firm performance, workforce trends, technology adoption, and emerging business opportunities.
Based on data from nearly 900 architecture firms, the report found that U.S. architecture firms generated $121.7 billion in gross billings in 2025, with 54% of revenue tied to new construction projects, reflecting the profession’s continued growth and evolving market mix.
As a key benchmarking resource for firm leaders, the report highlights how practices are responding to changing client demands, economic conditions, and technological disruption. Firms generated an average of $152,000 in net billings per employee in 2025, while 74% reported using artificial intelligence in day-to-day operations, underscoring AI’s growing role across design, project delivery, and business management.
The report also documents continued gains in workforce diversity, broader adoption of resilience and climate adaptation strategies, and increased focus on succession planning and business continuity, illustrating how firms are positioning themselves for long-term success in a rapidly changing marketplace.
Additional key findings from the report include:
- Growth in firm billings and profitability, with financial performance varying significantly by firm size.
- Changes in the mix of project types contributing to firm revenue, including shifts in institutional, commercial, residential, and data center work.
- Continued progress in diversifying the profession, with increases in both architecture staff and firm leaders who are women or identify as members of racially and ethnically diverse groups.
- Stronger integration of resilience, climate adaptation, and sustainability measures into project delivery.
- Rapid adoption of artificial intelligence across firms of all sizes, alongside growing efforts to develop formal AI strategies and workflows.
- Increased focus on business continuity and succession planning, including the use of ownership transition plans, written business plans, and business continuity strategies.
Learn more and access The Business of Architecture 2026.
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The white paper examines how architecture firms and the broader AEC industry use the ABI and related indicators to assess current market conditions and forecast future building activity.
