The AEC software landscape shifts faster than most firms can track. Between AI announcements, major acquisitions, and new collaboration tools hitting the market, staying current feels like a full-time job on top of your actual full-time job.
This roundup covers the most significant developments from major vendors like Trimble, Bentley, and Autodesk, along with emerging trends in digital twins and data management, recent M&A activity signaling where the industry is heading, and what all of it means for proposal and bid teams trying to win more work.
What is AEC software
AEC software refers to digital tools built for the architecture, engineering, and construction industries. If you're new to the term, think of it as the technology backbone that helps professionals design buildings, manage projects, collaborate across teams, and win new work through competitive bids.
The category has grown significantly over the past decade. What started as basic drafting programs now includes everything from intelligent 3D modeling to AI-powered proposal automation. Here's how the main categories break down:
- Design and CAD: Tools for creating 2D drawings and 3D models, forming the foundation of most project workflows
- BIM (Building Information Modeling): Intelligent model-based processes Intelligent model-based processes used by 74% of contractors that connect design data to construction and operations throughout a project's lifecycle
- Project management: Platforms for scheduling, resource allocation, and tracking progress from groundbreaking to handover
- Collaboration: Systems that enable real-time communication and file sharing among distributed project teams
- Proposal tools: Specialized software that streamlines bid creation, resume management, and experience documentation
Knowing where each category fits helps you evaluate which developments actually matter for your firm's day-to-day work.
AEC software news today from major vendors
The biggest names in AEC software have been busy lately. Let's look at what the industry leaders have announced recently.
Trimble SketchUp AI and agentic AI platform
Trimble recently unveiled significant AI-powered updates for SketchUp users, including what the company calls an "agentic AI" platform. If that term sounds unfamiliar, agentic AI refers to systems that can take proactive action toward goals rather than simply responding to direct commands. In other words, the software can anticipate what you're trying to do and help you get there faster.
For architects and designers, Trimble's updates mean tools that automate repetitive modeling tasks, generate design alternatives, and offer intelligent suggestions during the creative process. The practical impact is less time on tedious work and more time on design decisions that actually require human judgment.
Bentley Systems AI strategy
Bentley Systems has outlined a comprehensive AI strategy focused on its infrastructure software portfolio. The company is embedding AI capabilities across its product lines to enhance digital twin technology, improve project delivery timelines, and optimize asset performance over time.
For engineering and construction teams, Bentley's approach translates to more predictive analytics for maintenance planning, smarter design automation, and more efficient management of complex infrastructure projects. Rather than replacing existing workflows, Bentley positions AI as an enhancement layer that works alongside your current processes.
Autodesk AEC and BIM updates
Autodesk continues to push updates across its AEC product ecosystem, with particular emphasis on BIM tools and cloud-based collaboration. Recent announcements focus on improving data interoperability, which is the ability for different software systems to share information seamlessly without manual conversion.
The company is also embedding AI to streamline complex modeling tasks and connecting design teams with construction teams more effectively through its cloud platforms. If your firm uses Revit, AutoCAD, or Construction Cloud, Autodesk's updates directly affect your daily workflows.
Graphisoft Ignite announcements
The recent Graphisoft Ignite event delivered several notable updates for the architecture community. Announcements centered on major ArchiCAD enhancements, with a strong focus on AI-powered design assistance and improved cloud-based collaboration.
For architectural teams, the key takeaway is that Graphisoft is investing heavily in making complex design workflows more intuitive. The new features aim to reduce friction when multiple team members work on the same project simultaneously, which is a common pain point for firms managing large or distributed teams.
AEC technology news on emerging trends
Beyond specific vendor announcements, several broader technology trends are reshaping how AEC firms operate. Staying informed about emerging tech helps you anticipate changes before they become industry standards.
Digital twins and reality capture advances
A digital twin is a virtual replica of a physical asset, whether that's a building, bridge, or piece of infrastructure. The digital twin updates in real time based on sensor data and other inputs, giving you a living model of your asset. Reality capture refers to technologies like laser scanning and photogrammetry that document existing conditions with high accuracy.
Current developments are making both technologies more accessible and affordable. Here's where they fit in practice:
- Site documentation: Creating precise as-built models before design work begins
- Progress tracking: Comparing site scans against BIM models to identify deviations early
- Facility management: Using digital twins for ongoing operations, maintenance, and future renovation planning
For many project types, digital twins and reality capture are moving from "nice to have" to "expected."," with the market forecast to reach $155.01 billion by 2030.
Gaussian splats for AEC visualization
Gaussian splatting is an emerging visualization technique gaining traction in AEC circles. In simple terms, it's a method for creating photorealistic 3D scenes from photographs with remarkable speed and detail. Unlike traditional 3D models that rely on heavy geometry files, Gaussian splats use a different mathematical approach that produces stunning visuals without the file size overhead.
For architects and designers, Gaussian splatting opens new possibilities for client presentations and marketing materials. You can create immersive, high-fidelity visualizations much faster than before, which is particularly valuable when deadlines are tight and clients expect polished deliverables.
AEC data lakes and centralized data management
In the AEC context, a data lake is a centralized repository where you can store all your structured and unstructured data at scale. The concept matters because information in most firms is scattered across dozens of disconnected systems: CRMs, ERPs, file servers, email archives, and individual hard drives.
Centralized data is especially critical for proposal teams. When project descriptions, employee resumes, and performance metrics live in one accessible location, you can assemble bids dramatically faster. Platforms like Flowcase address this challenge by creating a single source of truth for firm experience, making it easier to find the right people and projects for each opportunity.
AEC tech news on acquisitions and investments
Mergers, acquisitions, and funding rounds reveal where the industry is heading. Tracking this activity signals which capabilities large firms are prioritizing and where investors see future growth.
Aecom acquires AI startup Consigli
AECOM's acquisition of Consigli, an AI startup specializing in project risk analysis, highlights a significant trend. Consigli's platform uses AI to identify and mitigate design and construction risks early in the project lifecycle, before they become expensive problems.
The acquisition suggests that large AEC firms are increasingly looking to internalize advanced AI capabilities rather than relying solely on third-party tools. The competitive advantage of better risk prediction is substantial enough to justify bringing these capabilities in-house.
Howie secures strategic AI investment
The proposal automation platform Howie recently secured strategic AI investment, signaling strong investor confidence in specialized AEC-focused tools. Howie uses AI to help firms find relevant project experience and employee qualifications for proposals.
The investment underscores market demand for solutions that make the bidding process more data-driven and efficient. It's a clear indicator that proposal automation is becoming a priority investment area for the AEC sector.
Partnerships reshaping the AEC software market
Strategic partnerships are increasingly shaping the software landscape, with direct implications for users seeking more integrated workflows.
PartnershipFocus AreaUser BenefitEagle Point / BentleyIntegrated learning contentUnified training for infrastructure professionalsAutodesk / AnsysDesign and simulationImproved building performance analysisTrimble / MicrosoftMixed reality constructionHoloLens integration for on-site workflows
These alliances aim to break down data silos and improve interoperability, which remains a persistent challenge in the AEC technology ecosystem.
New AEC collaboration and project management tools
What new tools can help your team collaborate more effectively? This section covers platforms designed to connect teams across all project phases.
Revizto for infrastructure
Revizto has expanded its integrated collaboration platform to address infrastructure project needs specifically. The platform offers a unified environment for 2D and 3D coordination, allowing teams to identify clashes, track issues, and communicate in a single interface.
Where it fits in your workflow: Revizto is particularly valuable during design coordination and construction phases when multiple disciplines need to resolve conflicts quickly.
Autodesk Construction Cloud updates
Recent enhancements to Autodesk Construction Cloud (ACC) strengthen its role as a central hub connecting field and office teams. Updates focus on improving data flow between modules, enhancing mobile capabilities, and providing more powerful analytics for project leaders.
Where it fits in your workflow: ACC serves as a coordination layer throughout project delivery, from design through construction and handover.
Twinmotion visualization updates
Now under the Epic Games umbrella, Twinmotion continues to evolve as a go-to tool for real-time visualization. The platform transforms BIM or CAD models into high-quality, dynamic presentations with minimal technical expertise required.
Where it fits in your workflow: Twinmotion excels during client presentations, design reviews, and marketing material creation when photorealistic output matters.
AEC industry events and conferences to watch
Industry events are where major AEC software news often breaks first. Attending or following key conferences helps you stay ahead of developments and see new tools in action.
NXT BLD 2026
NXT BLD 2026 marks a milestone anniversary for this innovation-focused conference. Attendees can expect presentations on next-generation design tools, advanced fabrication, AI applications, and virtual/augmented reality from both startups and established vendors.
Graphisoft Ignite 2025
Key themes from Graphisoft Ignite 2025 revolved around empowering architects with smarter tools and more connected workflows. The event is highly relevant for architecture-focused firms seeking deep dives into ArchiCAD features and BIMcloud enhancements.
Autodesk University and Bentley Year in Infrastructure
Autodesk University and Bentley's Year in Infrastructure are two major vendor conferences essential for users within their respective ecosystems. Autodesk University offers thousands of sessions on everything from Revit to Construction Cloud, while Bentley's event focuses on digital advancements in infrastructure design and operations. Both events offer extensive virtual access for those who cannot attend in person.
How AEC software news affects proposal and bid teams
Tracking software developments isn't just for technical teams. New technologies change how projects are delivered, and proposal teams that understand these shifts can create more compelling, competitive bids.
Centralized data for faster bid assembly
The industry trend toward centralized data management applies directly to proposal workflows. When project descriptions, employee resumes, and performance metrics live in one accessible location, proposal managers can assemble bids dramatically faster.
Instead of hunting for information across spreadsheets and old documents, you can quickly find the best-fit projects and personnel. Platforms like Flowcase address this exact challenge by creating a single source of truth for your firm's experience.
AI-assisted content creation for proposals
The broader AI trends seen in design and project management are now being applied to proposal creation. AI-powered tools can assist with specific tasks:
- Translation: Converting content for international bids
- Proofreading: Checking grammar and style consistency
- Shortening: Condensing project descriptions to meet character limits
Flowcase's built-in AI tools, for example, help proposal teams draft, refine, and tailor content more efficiently, reducing the time spent on repetitive editing tasks.
Automation of bid templates and regulatory forms
Automation is transforming how proposal teams work, especially for complex government forms like the SF 330. Automation technology reduces the tedious, error-prone work of copying and reformatting project data and personnel information for every new bid.
This is precisely where a tool like Flowcase fits into your proposal workflow, automating template population so your team can focus on strategy and customization rather than formatting.
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Keep your firm ahead of AEC software developments
To stay competitive, firms benefit from regularly tracking news sources, setting aside time to evaluate new tools, and ensuring business development processes keep pace with technological changes. By embracing new software and workflows, your firm can improve both project delivery and its ability to win the next job.
FAQs about AEC software news
What does AEC stand for in software?
AEC stands for architecture, engineering, and construction. AEC software serves professionals in all three industries with tools for design, project management, collaboration, and documentation.
What is the future of AEC technology?
The future of AEC technology centers on AI-powered design assistance, digital twins for asset lifecycle management, and increased automation of repetitive tasks across project delivery and business development workflows.
What are the biggest challenges facing AEC firms today?
AEC firms face challenges including fragmented data across multiple systems, pressure to adopt new technologies while maintaining productivity, and the need to differentiate in competitive bid environments. (45% report no AI implementation), and the need to differentiate in competitive bid environments.
How often should AEC firms evaluate new software tools?
AEC firms typically benefit from evaluating new software tools at least annually or whenever major workflow pain points emerge, ensuring their technology stack supports both project delivery and business development needs.
