Global architectural services market set to nearly double as digital tools and sustainability drive demand

Global architectural services market set to nearly double by 2033; local events and projects signal wider shifts

The global market for architectural services is projected to climb from $184.1 billion in 2025 to $330.1 billion by 2033, implying a 7.57% compound annual growth rate through the period. This forecast points to rising demand for design, construction management and specialist services driven by growing cities, renewed infrastructure programmes and stronger emphasis on low-carbon buildings and efficient use of space.

What the number means now

The forecast signals expanding work for architects and related firms across many building types. Demand is expected to come from urban infill and large public projects as well as residential and commercial retrofits aimed at meeting tighter carbon rules. Firms increasingly rely on digital tools such as Building Information Modeling (BIM), AI and 3D visualization to plan, coordinate and run projects more efficiently. Technologies that were growing in 2024 — including virtual and augmented reality, digital twins and AI-driven generative design — are expected to play a larger role in the years ahead.

Technology and sustainability as market engines

Analysts expect a mix of innovation and regulation to shape the market. Key drivers listed include increased urban density, modular construction and smart city planning. Architects are turning to net-zero building designs, renewable energy systems and low-impact materials to comply with new rules on emissions and environmental assessments. Greater uptake of 3D printing for models and construction parts, plus trial use of blockchain for clearer contracting, are also expected to reduce waste and speed delivery.

Regional event on health data and AI set for late June

A full-day event on health data and artificial intelligence in healthcare will take place in Dublin on June 24, 2025. The programme is split into two tracks: an Executive stream aimed at leaders and planners, and a Technical stream for IT professionals and developers. Sessions cover strategies for a European health data framework, real-world AI adoption in clinical settings, interoperability and responsible governance of AI in health systems. Practical workshops will cover secure generative AI deployments and a cloud-based health data service. Attendance is free but places are limited; the technical track expects attendees to bring a laptop and have an active cloud account.

Major museum refurbishment improves light and access

A recent six-year refurbishment of parts of a national gallery in Dublin focused on fixing awkward circulation between four wings built over 150 years. Designers transformed a previously narrow, dark slot into a new light-filled courtyard that serves as the main visitor entry and orientation space. Long-blocked windows were reopened to return daylight to lower galleries, and elevators were fitted to improve universal access. Below-ground mechanical space was added beneath the front lawn to free up gallery floors, and careful conservation work restored historic woodwork while introducing discreet modern systems such as LED lighting and advanced skylight glazing to protect paintings from damaging light.

Design approach and next steps

The intervention used a restrained strategy that respects Victorian and Edwardian interiors while adding contemporary elements like poured-in-place concrete elevator shafts and a sculptural wooden work that occupies the courtyard. A future phase will link the front entrance through to a rear street with a full-height indoor passage, continuing a larger masterplan aimed at unifying the museum complex.

Local small-house designs gain national attention

A compact two-bedroom infill home in South Dublin reached the final stages of a national home design competition after scoring highly with judges for its efficient layout and energy performance ambitions. The house uses an upside-down plan with living spaces on the first floor to make the most of a tight, mostly north-facing site. Rooflights, a tight bathroom-stair arrangement and a focus on light and material choices were highlighted as effective solutions for constrained urban plots. Also progressing to the final were a restored coastal cottage that blended old fabric with industrial finishes, and a Scandi-inspired family house built in 2023 that emphasizes views and natural materials.

Why these stories matter

Together, the market forecast, the health-data event, the museum upgrade and the small-house designs illustrate two broad trends: a push toward tech-enabled, data-driven design and a parallel focus on sustainability, access and creative use of tight urban sites. Architects, planners and public clients are showing growing appetite for digital tools and for retrofit and conservation work that improves performance without erasing historic character.

Key features at a glance