5 stats revealing how AEC professionals make product decisions

Who are you marketing to in the AEC industry in 2026?

We gathered insights from professionals across disciplines:

• Architects: 60%
• Engineers: 17%
• BIM Managers: 6%
• Contractors: 1%
• Other roles: 15%

Nearly half of your audience (48%) works in smaller, faster-moving firms (1-15 employees). In other words, your future buyers seek speed, clarity, and self-service access to your products in the form of BIM objects. Today, AEC professionals expect to find reliable, manufacturer-specific BIM content without needing additional steps that slow them down.

Why does BIM content matter in AEC product decisions?

BIM objects are the digital versions of your products that architects and engineers can place inside their project models. This makes BIM content one of the most critical touchpoints for influencing early decisions.

Now that we understand their workflow, here’s what the data reveals next... 

5 non-negotiable insights for your digital marketing strategy

To effectively influence AEC professionals, your marketing efforts need to align with how professionals actually work and make decisions. Here are five insights you cannot miss:

Insight #1: 74% of professionals demand downloadable BIM objects

BIM objects are now a make-or-break factor. Three out of every four designers require your products in the form of BIM objects to move forward with their projects. When your product is available as a downloadable BIM object, it's one click away from being placed directly into a live project model. That's not only a marketing lead, but a design decision made in real-time during a critical decision phase.

Learn more: Why BIM objects drive marketing visibility

Insight #2: 30% of professionals start their search on BIMobject

Almost a third of professionals (30%) start their product search on BIMobject before even visiting manufacturer websites or trade shows. A significant portion of specifiers use a dedicated BIM library like ours.

This trend positions BIMobject as a high-intent discovery channel. When an AEC professional searches for a product category on our platform, they are actively seeking a solution to a specific project need. Prioritize visibility and optimization on major libraries to capture demand as it emerges.

A detail worth noting: BIMobject isn’t only where professionals search for products, it’s also where manufacturers can stay connected with them. Through targeted email outreach, promoted placements, and built-in analytics, manufacturers can understand who is engaging with their products and reach the right audiences at the right moment. It’s a straightforward way to keep your brand present in the same space where AEC professionals make decisions.

See how to maximize your reach: connect with millions of users, publish your products with us today!

Insight #3: 66% of downloads go directly into project models

This statistic confirms that the majority of downloads are not casual browsing. They indicate genuine high-level interest. Most downloads result in actual use: two-thirds of professionals place downloaded BIM objects directly into project models.

Every download is a possibility of getting specified. High-quality, verified BIM objects transform visibility into actionable intent. Want to know more? Peek inside an architect's workflow and discover how a product gets considered in a project. 

Insight #4: 73% of professionals are influenced by sustainability when choosing products

Sustainability has become a core selection factor for AEC professionals. Nearly three in four respondents (73%) say environmental data plays a role in their product decisions.

Product transparency, achieved through Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs), certifications, and performance data, is now an integral part of the decision-making process. When professionals can easily access sustainability data, they’re more likely to shortlist your brand.

Insight #5: 72% of professionals check that installed products match what was prescribed

Even though substitutions still happen, most professionals double-check what is installed. That means decisions made early in the design phase often hold if the product information is reliable. Providing BIM objects helps your product stay part of the project from start to finish.

What our 2025 survey tells us about buyer behavior

The takeaway is simple: the closer your products are to the architect's workflow, the higher your chances of being selected. Architects, Designers, and Engineers are making product decisions digitally.

Success now depends on being part of digital spaces where professionals decide. The closer you are to their workflow, the stronger the influence on final decisions.

Get the full AEC buyer behavior report.

Download it to explore the data in more detail. Ready to turn these insights into action? Discover how to leverage these insights to enhance your product visibility. Book a demo with our team today!

FAQ

Q: How does BIM content help marketing teams?

A: BIM content helps marketing teams by putting your products directly inside the tools where architects and engineers work. Instead of waiting for someone to visit your website, you appear at the exact moment they are designing and comparing options.

• It removes friction from the buying process. Professionals can quickly find and utilize your BIM objects in their models.
• It shows reliability. When your product information and BIM files are complete and up to date, you build trust with AEC professionals.
• It generates more qualified leads. People who download BIM content usually have a real project and a live need, which makes them highly valuable for B2B marketing.

Q: Where do architects and engineers search for products?

A: Today, most architects and engineers search for products on digital platforms rather than starting on manufacturer websites.Typical starting points include:

• Online BIM libraries such as BIMobject, where professionals search for BIM objects and product data.
• Plugins and design tool integrations that connect directly to their CAD/BIM software.
• Search engines and online product catalogs, used to compare brands and technical data.

Q: How can manufacturers improve visibility with AEC professionals?

A: Manufacturers improve visibility with AEC professionals by placing accurate, high-quality information in the channels where decisions are made.Key steps:

• Publish BIM content in online libraries like BIMobject so your products appear in AEC product searches.
• Include verified technical and sustainability data (like EPDs and certifications) to support architects and engineers who must make informed choices.
• Use digital campaigns, promoted placements, and analytics to understand which specifiers are engaging with your products and how often.