Architecture and Design Trends 2026: Innovation, Sustainability, and Talent

The U.S architecture and design industry is in a period of exciting transformation driven by sustainability targets, urban expansion, and a new wave of digital innovation. Valued at approximately $79.06 billion in 2025, the U.S. architectural services market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 4.2% through to 2030. As cities evolve and client expectations rise, firms are forced to reconsider how they attract top talent to stay competitive.

In this article, we explore the key trends shaping architecture and design in 2025, including circular construction, smart building technologies, and the firms leading the way.

Contact CSG Talent to find the senior-level talent who can drive your firm’s future success.

Key Architecture and Design Trends Shaping 2025

Sustainable Architecture and the Push Toward Net-Zero Design

Sustainability has become a fundamental design philosophy, with the industry placing a growing emphasis on sustainable materials, energy efficiency, and net-zero building projects. As well as meeting regulations, sustainability allows businesses to demonstrate innovation and social responsibility.

This growing commitment to green architecture is being led by firms like Gensler, Perkins & Will, and HOK, who are embedding circular economy principles into every stage of design, from the sourcing of materials to the long-term lifecycle of buildings.

Sustainability is also reshaping hiring needs for firms as the demand for sustainability consultants, environmental designers, and LEED-accredited professionals grows rapidly. Firms are increasingly seeking individuals who can balance aesthetic design with a positive environmental impact.

Smart Building Design and Digital Innovation in Architecture

The use of digital tools, artificial intelligence (AI), and the Internet of Things (IoT) is enabling smarter and more connected building design. Building Information Modelling (BIM) has also become a crucial technology in modern architecture, as it improves collaboration and precision across complex projects.

Around 70% of U.S. architecture projects use BIM, with firms such as HDR and AECOM leading the way. These firms are also leveraging AI design tools and digital twins to improve accuracy and reduce material waste. With the help of these new technologies, architecture is shifting towards a more data-driven approach.

Balancing Aesthetics with Functionality

Although innovation and sustainability dominate industry headlines, design functionality remains a core priority. Modern architecture continues to blend form and purpose to create spaces that are not only visually appealing but also inclusive and flexible to how people live and work.

By focusing on adaptability and usability, designers ensure their creations not only stand out visually but also deliver a better quality of life for their occupants. As design leader Frank Chimero puts it, "People ignore design that ignores people.”

Top U.S. Architecture Firms Leading the Industry

Gensler

Gensler continues to dominate both the U.S and global markets, maintaining its reputation as the world’s largest architecture and design firm. Whether transforming the workplaces of major tech companies or designing carbon-neutral urban developments, Gensler’s commitment to net-zero design and the circular economy positions it as a driver of sustainability innovation. The firm’s extensive R&D efforts through its Design Forecast and Climate Action & Sustainability initiatives show how data and design can align to address global challenges.

Perkins & Will

Perkins & Will is another industry leader known for its role in sustainable and inclusive design. The firm won the award of Architizer Best Sustainable Firm 2023 and ranked No.2 on Interior Design magazine's list of Sustainability Giants in 2024.

Their extensive work on education and healthcare facilities demonstrates a deep understanding of how design impacts wellbeing and accessibility. Perkins & Will’s Living Design Framework reinforces their ethos as an architecture firm that supports people, communities, and the planet. This approach has attracted talent who share these core values and clients seeking measurable ESG outcomes.

HOK

HOK excels through its research-driven approach across various disciplines, with teams specialising in aviation, sports, healthcare, and urban design. The firm’s investment in digital design technologies and sustainability research enables it to deliver projects that exceed both aesthetic and environmental standards.

HOK’s leadership in energy modelling and building performance analytics continues to influence the wider market’s approach to sustainable development. This dedication was recently recognised with two significant wins at the Metropolis Magazine Planet Positive Awards, where HOK was named Firm of the Year and received the Research & Development award.

ZGF

ZGF has established itself as one of the most progressive and sustainability-focused architecture firms in the U.S. With a portfolio that spans healthcare, higher education, and civic projects, ZGF integrates biophilic design principles, net-zero targets, and low-carbon materials across its work.

The firm’s focus on human-centred and regenerative design has earned it multiple AIA COTE Top Ten Awards and strengthened its reputation as a leader in environmentally responsible architecture. ZGF’s collaborative culture and strong sustainability ethos also make it a top destination for talent passionate about impact-driven design.

DLR Group

DLR Group is redefining architectural excellence through its integrated approach to design and sustainability while maintaining a clear focus on the human experience. Known for its leadership in education, hospitality, and workplace design, DLR Group embeds data analytics and sustainable performance metrics throughout the design process to create buildings that are both efficient and inspiring.

The firm’s 2030 Challenge commitment reflects its proactive role in shaping a carbon-neutral future, positioning it as a trusted partner for clients seeking measurable sustainability outcomes.

Major Challenges Facing the U.S. Architecture Industry

Economic and Financial Pressures Impacting Architecture Projects

The architecture sector is navigating an uncertain financial landscape, with rising construction costs intensified by tariffs imposed on key materials such as steel, aluminium, and lumber. On top of this, ongoing supply chain disruptions continue to impact project timelines and budgets. As a result, firms need to maintain design creativity and quality while finding innovative ways to manage costs, source sustainable materials, and adapt to shifting client expectations in an increasingly competitive market.

Balancing Innovative Design with Sustainability Goals

Although sustainability is central to modern architecture, balancing it with innovative design remains a constant challenge. The transition to circular design, low-carbon materials, and net-zero operations requires new processes and technologies across the entire supply chain. The most forward-thinking firms are finding creative ways to make sustainability a source of innovation, rather than a limitation.

Strengthening Collaboration in Architectural Design

Teamwork is crucial in architecture, but as projects become more complex, effective collaboration has become harder to achieve. A lack of alignment between architects, engineers, and contractors can lead to delays and negatively impact efficiency. To overcome this, firms are investing in digital collaboration tools and creating cultures built on strong communication.

Addressing the Architecture Talent Shortage

As the architecture industry continues to transform, a large proportion of its experienced professionals are approaching retirement age, while younger talent pipelines struggle to keep up with evolving technical and sustainability demands.

Design firms are experiencing significant skills shortages, with the most critical gaps appearing in sustainable design, BIM expertise, and leadership. Firms face major challenges recruiting and retaining specialists who can effectively combine creative and technical skills, especially those with expertise in design principles and modern digital workflows.

The ageing demographic also highlights a need for effective succession planning and knowledge transfer. Firms that invest in mentoring and career progression are more likely to retain the next generation of leaders who will drive innovation and creativity.

CSG Talent: A Leading Architecture Recruitment Agency

Partnering with an executive search specialist who not only has extensive recruitment expertise but also understands the architecture and design landscape can significantly improve your firm’s performance.

At CSG Talent, our architecture recruitment experts possess in-depth industry knowledge that enables them to connect you with professionals who combine creativity, technical skill, and leadership. Whether you’re seeking to strengthen your design team or hire experienced project leaders, CSG Talent offers a consultative approach that delivers strong results.

Contact our architecture recruitment experts today to secure the creative and technical talent shaping the future of design and the built environment.