Market trends
Trending up
Better data leads to better decisions.
Construction firms are using more shared cost data. Data-driven cost estimating and modular construction are gaining traction across the industry. Shared cost data, repeatable designs, and prefabricated components can improve cost certainty, shorten schedules, and reduce delivery risk. Early collaboration can help maximize these benefits and improve project outcomes.
Read more about modularization in data center delivery here.
Pharmaceutical construction remains a growth sector.
Pharmaceutical construction in the US continues to grow, driven by supply chain reshoring, trade policies, and federal incentives, aimed at strengthening domestic drug manufacturing. These projects present unique challenges as many are located on active campuses or constrained sites where manufacturing ongoing operations is critical. These projects require close coordination to meet safety, quality, commissioning, and regulatory requirements.
Detailed site logistics planning and early coordination are becoming increasingly important on these projects. Material flow, labor access, equipment movement, and support services require close coordination. Effective planning can reduce disruption and improve productivity. It can also help maintain project schedules.
Data center investment continues to grow
AI and digital demand continue to drive investment in data centers. However, power limits, permits, and local pushbacks are slowing progress. As a result, activity is becoming more concentrated. Early engagement with utilities and local authorities, along with timely access to power capacity is becoming increasingly important. Longer approval times are also becoming more common.
Trending down
Outside of data centers, semiconductors, and pharmaceutical projects, most other construction work is losing pace. Commercial and institutional activity is weaker. Fewer projects are moving from planning into construction. Outside a small number of large projects, new starts remain limited. Early 2026 signals point to less activity than last year.