What Trends Are Shaping the Future of the Construction Industry?

September 1, 2025

A Draper DNA Perspective for Building Product Manufacturers

The construction industry is in the middle of one of the biggest transformations it has seen in decades. Sustainability, technology, automation, modularization, and workforce shifts are rewriting the playbook for how projects are designed, built, and delivered. For building product manufacturers, this isn’t just background noise—it’s a call to action.

At Draper DNA, we work alongside manufacturers who want to lead rather than react. Here’s a breakdown of the five trends reshaping construction—and how they open opportunities for you.

1. Sustainability Is Now the Baseline

Sustainable construction is no longer a “nice-to-have.” It’s the cost of entry. The global green building market is projected to hit $774 billion by 2030, and both regulators and consumers are demanding eco-friendly solutions.

Materials Innovation: Low-carbon concrete, cross-laminated timber, recycled steel, and cool roofing products are moving from experimental to mainstream.
Certification Pressure: LEED, WELL, and Energy Star certifications now drive decision-making. Products that help projects achieve these designations get specified more often.
Cost vs. Lifecycle Value: While sustainable materials may cost more upfront, they reduce total operating expenses by 20–30% over time.

👉 Draper DNA Insight: Manufacturers who put real sustainability stories into their branding and product marketing are the ones architects and builders will keep coming back to. It’s not just about having the product—it’s about showing the value in context.

2. Technology Is Reshaping the Jobsite

Construction is going digital, and product data is becoming as important as the product itself.

BIM Integration: BIM adoption is growing at a 14% CAGR through 2032, making it the industry standard. If your products aren’t in BIM libraries, you’re invisible.
Drone + Data: Drones cut surveying time by 60–70% while boosting accuracy, feeding into digital project management tools.
AR/VR Visualization: Clients increasingly expect immersive, digital walkthroughs that allow them to test layouts before building begins.

👉 Draper DNA Insight: We help manufacturers adapt by creating BIM-ready assets, AR-compatible product libraries, and marketing materials that align with the new digital-first design process. If you’re not digitally present, you’re out of the conversation.

3. Robotics and Automation Are Filling the Labor Gap

With labor shortages hitting historic highs, robotics is becoming less of an experiment and more of a necessity. The construction robotics market is expected to exceed $7.9 billion by 2025.

Automation in Action: Robotic bricklaying, 3D printing of homes, and autonomous haulers are moving from pilot projects to scaled use.
Safety and Productivity: Robots handle repetitive or dangerous tasks, while human workers focus on higher-value problem solving.

👉 Draper DNA Insight: For manufacturers, this means rethinking how products are packaged, shipped, and installed. Products that work with automation will gain traction faster than those that fight against it.

4. Modular and Prefabrication Are Going Mainstream

Speed is king, and modular construction delivers. This segment is projected to grow to $141 billion by 2030.

Faster Timelines: Prefab methods reduce project schedules by up to 50%.
Reduced Waste: Factory settings cut jobsite waste by up to 90%.
Higher Quality: Controlled environments deliver consistent, repeatable finishes.

👉 Draper DNA Insight: Manufacturers should design products and marketing campaigns with modular in mind. Think easy-to-ship, fast-to-install, precision-fit solutions. Draper DNA can help position your brand as modular-friendly, giving you an edge with developers racing against time.

5. The Workforce Is Changing—Fast

By 2031, 41% of today’s construction workforce will retire. At the same time, millennials and Gen Z workers are bringing new expectations.

Digital Skills Required: Workers are increasingly trained in BIM, AR/VR, and robotics rather than just traditional trades.
New Recruitment Lens: Younger workers want purpose, balance, and career growth—not just a paycheck.
Diversity Rising: Women and underrepresented groups are entering construction in greater numbers, offering untapped potential.

👉 Draper DNA Insight: Manufacturers who invest in installer certification programs, digital training modules, and career-development partnerships will stand out. We’ve built workforce engagement campaigns that not only train but also build loyalty to your brand.

Building Smarter, Greener, Faster—with Draper DNA

Here’s the thing: construction is no longer just about buildings—it’s about intelligence, sustainability, and adaptability. The manufacturers that thrive will be the ones who:

Lead with authentic sustainability stories.
Put their products into the digital design ecosystem.
Adapt offerings for automation and prefab.
Invest in training the next-generation workforce.

At Draper DNA, we specialize in helping building product manufacturers speak fluent construction. We bring decades of manufacturer-side and agency-side experience, combined with a deep understanding of audience, brand, and corporate DNA. Our role is simple: help you not just keep up with these industry shifts, but own the conversation around them.

The future of construction is already here. The only question is: will your brand be part of it—or get left behind?