PALO ALTO, CA — Nearly all businesses across the nation’s residential construction and design industry are now leveraging software to manage operations, engage clients, automate workflows, facilitate payments and enhance brand visibility, according to a nationwide survey across key industry sectors.
Businesses are also increasingly depending upon software for billing and invoicing, marketing, CRM, employee time tracking, and website building, according to the survey, conducted by Houzz Inc., the Palo Alto, CA-based online platform for home remodeling and design.
“Industry pros report that they’ve implemented new processes for operational efficiency and client communication, and made strategic investments in technology to address the challenges they faced in 2024,” said Marine Sargsyan, staff economist for Houzz. “This will better position them for an anticipated increase in demand, enhance their resilience amidst potential tariffs, and leverage expected improvements in both local and national economic conditions.”
According to Houzz, drafting and rendering software is currently being used by 84% of surveyed architects, 57% of design-build firms, and 54% of interior designers. Within the construction sector, software for cost and bid estimation is routinely used by nearly 2 in 5 design-build firms (38%), specialty contractors (37%) and a third of general contractors (33%), added Houzz, whose findings were based on data reported by more than 1,500 professionals in the Houzz community.
In 2024, firms across the nation’s design and construction industry prioritized investments in several key areas to address ongoing challenges and enhance operational performance. Increasing efficiency was a top focus, with 40% of architects, 42% of specialty contractors and 40% of design-build firms dedicating resources to streamline processes and improve productivity.
Similarly, improving communication with clients and teams was a significant priority, particularly among design-build firms, general contractors, and interior designers, Houzz said. 20% of surveyed architects, 16% of interior designers and 16% of design-build firms focused on maximizing returns on existing technology investments, Houzz added.