2026 Present and Future of Work in Engineering and Architecture Report

Description

Critical Insights and Ideas Leaders Need to Know: A Comprehensive Breakdown of the 2026 Present and Future of Work in Engineering and Architecture Research Report
 
Just 21% of engineers and architects use AI daily — yet among those who do, more than half report high or transformational productivity gains. For those who use AI less often, not a single respondent describes its impact as transformational.
 
The gap between those who have experienced what AI can do and those who haven’t may be the most consequential divide in the profession right now, but it’s just one of several fault lines running through architecture and engineering firms in 2026.
 
For our 6th annual report, we surveyed over 400 architects and engineers in North America to understand how AI is reshaping work, what professionals need to thrive, and what distinguishes firms where talent stays and engagement runs high.
 
Join Peter C. Atherton, PE, as he breaks down this year’s report and shares specific insights related to:

• What AI adoption actually looks like on the ground: who’s using it, who isn’t, and why the gap between daily users and occasional users matters more than overall adoption rates.
• The state of the AEC profession in 2026, including where talent is thriving and what drives professionals to stay or go.
• How ownership structure shapes engagement, retention, and the employee experience.
• The three characteristics — clarity, confidence, and connection — that top-performing firms share.

Get the Report today (Scroll to bottom of home page)
 
 

About/Brief Biography: Peter C. Atherton, PE, President, ActionsProve, LLC
 
Peter C. Atherton, P.E. is a two-time author, speaker, independent researcher, podcast host, and President and Founder of ActionsProve, LLC with over 30 years of AEC experience.

ActionsProve works with AEC leaders and organizations nationwide to grow and advance their success through new-era-focused strategic firm design and planning, next-level leadership development, and outside board advisory. Prior to founding ActionsProve and for more than two decades, Pete was a very successful and accomplished professional civil engineer and major firm owner. Pete now focuses on helping high achieving leaders and organizations win intentionally and by design.

You can learn more and access his latest book, Next-Level Leadership, at www.ActionsProve.com. You can also connect and follow him on LinkedIn.