The utilization of BIM software has been growing in U.S. architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) firms for many years. Today, the use of BIM software is close to being the norm. According to a 2020 survey by the American Institute of Architects, 100% of large architecture firms are using Building Information Modeling for billable work (and over a third of small firms use it too). 2023 survey data shows, that 74% of contractors, 67% of engineers, and 70% of architects in the USA use BIM.
However, despite the popularity of this software in the industry, obstacles to its adoption remain. To gain an understanding of the current state of technology in the United States, we have compiled the most important data and information from various studies and analyses below.
History of BIM in the U.S.
Building Information Modelling technology arguably began in the U.S. The underlying principles of modern BIM software can be based on a description of a 1975 working prototype by Carnegie-Mellon professor Charles Eastman. Over the following decades, a variety of software companies began developing software in the US and abroad.
As early as 2003, the General Services Administration (responsible for the federal government’s procurement) established its National 3D-4D-BIM Program, which mandated that BIM be used on many kinds of public buildings.
Since then, several states, federal departments, cities, and organizations have mandated or encouraged BIM adoption in the US:
- 2006: U.S. Army Corps of Engineers mandates the use of BIM with contractors.
- 2007: National BIM Standard-United States is first released, setting standards for the use of BIM in public and private sector projects.
- 2009: Wisconsin requires all public works projects worth over $5 million to use Building Information Modeling.
- 2009: Texas Facilities Commission requires the software on public projects.
- 2018: Los Angeles Community College Districts (LACCD) requires the software to be used on major projects.
- 2021: According to the National Institute of Building Sciences (NIBS), approximately 74% of architecture firms in the country use BIM.
- 2022: National Institute of Building Sciences (NIBS) launches US national BIM program to achieve a new level of industrial efficiency through digital transformation.
How U.S. AEC Companies Benefit From BIM
BIM offers several advantages to U.S. AEC firms.
A comparative analysis of BIM adoption shows
- 25% reduction in the need of labor
- 25% increase in productivity
- 5% decrease in overall project costs
- 5% increase in construction speed
Research on project efficiency and collaboration through BIM shows
- Up to 20% reduction of project planning time by up to 20%, and
- 15% reduction of material costs
- Up to 30% reduction likelihood of project delays
- Up to 25% reduction of risk-related costs
Another study measuring the impact of BIM on labor productivity shows
- 75-240% increase in labor productivity in modeled and prefabricated areas
There are also other, non-quantifiable benefits such as
- Less rework
- Changes can be more easily integrated into the design
- More efficient exchange of information between those involved
- More efficient scheduling and coordination
Building Information Modeling Market: Global and in the U.S.
Let’s now look at the most important data on the BIM market in the USA. Key companies in the BIM markt include: Autodesk, Bentley Systems, Trimble Navigation, Robert Mcneel & Associates, Cadsoft Corporation, Beck Technology, and Inovaya.
According to a research report published by Market Research Future (MRFR), the global market size for Building Information Modelling (BIM) was valued at USD 10.1 billion in 2024. It is projected to grow to USD 29.6 billion by 2032, exhibiting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 14.3%.
According to Predence Research, the U.S. building information modeling market size was exhibited at USD 2.33 billion in 2023 and is projected to be worth around USD 7.69 billion by 2034, poised to grow at an annual CAGR of 11.46%. Global share of the U.S. BIM market is about 30%.
Key Drivers and Challenges
The following factors will have a major impact on the adoption of BIM in the United States in the coming years.
Drivers
Rising Demand for Residential Real Estate
The growing need for residential housing, driven by population growth and urbanization, is pushing the adoption of BIM. Its ability to streamline design processes, visualize projects in 3D, and customize designs to meet client preferences makes it an essential tool for residential developers aiming to reduce costs and improve project timelines.
Expanded use of BIM Beyond Construction
BIM is now being used for facilities management, operations, and maintenance, not just during the construction phase. This extended use allows building owners and operators to manage assets more efficiently, track maintenance needs, and optimize building performance throughout its lifecycle, further driving the demand for BIM solutions.
Challenges
High Costs
BIM software licenses, such as those for Bentley Systems, Autodesk Revit, and ArchiCAD, come with high upfront costs, which can be prohibitive for small and medium-sized businesses. Additionally, BIM requires robust hardware, often necessitating upgrades to servers, computers, and IT infrastructure to handle large data volumes, further increasing initial expenses. This financial burden limits the adoption of BIM technology.
Shortage of Skilled Professionals
As BIM tools become more sophisticated, there is a growing demand for workers proficient in managing 3D modeling, data integration, and project coordination. However, the current workforce often lacks the necessary training and experience to fully utilize these advanced systems, creating a skills gap. This limits the efficiency and effectiveness of BIM implementation, particularly for smaller firms that may struggle to invest in comprehensive training programs.
Most Important U.S. Trends for BIM
Cloud BIM
The shift of BIM technology to the cloud enables construction teams to collaborate in real-time, access data from anywhere, and streamline project management. By eliminating the need for local servers and providing instant access to the latest project data, cloud BIM improves flexibility, reduces errors, and accelerates design and construction processes.
BIM and Artificial Intelligence (AI)
AI enhances BIM by quickly analyzing large datasets, identifying potential issues, and optimizing designs. It helps project teams predict costs, manage schedules, and resolve design conflicts early, leading to faster, more accurate decision-making and improved project outcomes.
BIM and Sustainable Construction
BIM supports sustainable construction by helping designers analyze environmental impacts, integrate energy-efficient designs, and use sustainable materials. This leads to greener buildings that are cheaper to operate, aligning with both ecological goals and investor interest in sustainable projects.
Software Adoption in the U.S. – No Mandate, No Problem?
Unlike other countries with widespread BIM adoption, the U.S. does not have a federal mandate requiring public sector projects to use the technology. This is one potential reason for the relatively slow take-up of BIM technology.
In the UK, for instance, which is seen as a global leader in BIM adoption, the government required all construction companies bidding for government work to use the software. Since 2012, this requirement has led to a big rise in the use of this technology in the country.
While some have argued that the US should follow this path, others argue that it might not be necessary:
- The U.S., unlike the UK, doesn’t have a central government department responsible for procuring all civil engineering and infrastructure projects. Instead, states and a wide variety of independent departments – so a federal mandate might not work as effectively.
- The U.S. is a large, complex country, so it is difficult to apply a centrally mandated set of standards nationwide.
- Despite the lack of a federal mandate, BIM use has grown organically. Countless AEC businesses have chosen to use the technology of their own volition, which means a centrally mandated adoption drive might not now be necessary.
Examples: 3 Unique BIM Projects in the U.S.
Because BIM adoption in the U.S. is so widespread, there are countless projects out there that demonstrate the power of the technology. Here we have chosen three major projects that are particularly striking:
St Louis Aquarium, St Louis, MO
This impressive project used BIM to design an aquarium inside the iconic St Louis Union Station without disturbing the building’s historical structure. The software modeled how visitors would view fish tanks, as well as the layout of complex piping and life support systems throughout the building.
Good Samaritan Hospital, Puyallup, WA
This inpatient hospital facility received LEED Gold Certification for its green credentials. The nine-story hospital tower used 3D modeling software to reduce the design-to-construction transition period while cutting errors associated with this kind of project.
One World Trade Center, New York City
The Freedom Tower in New York City, standing at 1,776 feet, was primarily designed using 3D modeling. Its immense height and intricate operational demands make it one of the most complex building projects ever undertaken in the U.S.
Making BIM Software the Norm in AEC
With BIM adoption already high in the U.S., the technology is expected to continue growing in popularity. PlanRadar aims to make mobile BIM usage in construction and real estate projects as seamless as possible. Its practical BIM viewer allows professionals to interact with 3D models directly on-site via mobile devices. Using PlanRadar, important details such as design updates, identified construction defects, and more can be easily recorded and mapped within the 3D model through text, images, videos, or audio recordings. This ensures all information is captured and localized with maximum precision.
