Maisberger and Nemetschek market Europe-wide study: "New business potentials for architects and engineers"
18. July 2005 - Facing much tougher competition, more demanding customers, and new legal requirements, UK architects and engineers are actively seeking to strike new paths in meeting upcoming challenges. This is one of the results of a major European industry study just completed by Maisberger on behalf of the Nemetschek Corporation, a leading software supplier for design, build and management of buildings and real estate.
The independent study identified that although the challenges mentioned above appear to be key factors for all countries polled, the frequent citation of the legal aspect throughout the UK is striking. Particularly, the Asbestos Directive and the EU Energy Certificate can be regarded as looming issues. “A comparison between the European results shows that architects and engineers are largely confronted with similar issues throughout the different countries. Today, software vendors must offer tools for change and cost management, design management, and collaboration in order to actively support their customers in meeting market expectations,” states Harald Krohmer, Managing Director Nemetschek UK Ltd.
Asking for measures to meet the challenges stated, British respondents identified investment in human resources (38 percent) as the most important aspect, while on average only 20 percent of the European practices regarded this measure as crucial. The acquisition of new customer groups, mentioned by 30 percent, and investment in software with 25 percent follow, along with the expansion of the business area (24 percent).
Impacts on the AEC software market
Focussing more detailed on software investments, the study shows that almost one third of the architects and engineers feel it is critical to upgrade CAD systems to solutions that enable an integrated end-to-end workflow. 21 percent are eager to invest in other software and education, whereas new CAD acquisition and the complete replacement of the existing system play a minor role (12 percent and three percent respectively). The respondents identified three key features of a successful AEC Software: First and foremost easy handling and a balanced price / performance ratio contribute significantly to the buying decision. Low training costs and the manufacturers’ reputation follow with some distance.
What software providers have to live up to
While architects and engineers generally seek a good price / performance ratio and extensive functions from their software, the study found that the priority for British respondents has clearly shifted toward better service (as 27 percent cited). For software vendors, it is therefore particularly relevant to offer an extensive service portfolio, including online help, industry knowledge and user support as well as tools for change management and collaboration.
Generally, the results of the study confirm positive signals for the industry. British architects and engineers give an optimistic assessment of their current and future economic situation. However, this encouraging environment for software manufacturers, architects and engineers does not prevail across Europe.
Notably, conversion of existing buildings might drive future uptake in the UK, as 50 percent of the respondents view this segment to contain market potential. A further issue is the increasing orientation towards services. Almost one quarter of the surveyed offices believe that consulting services harbour opportunities which again emphasises the fact that architects and engineers are reorienting towards offering an integrated service portfolio.
Viewing themselves no longer as pure designers, AEC software users are demanding solutions able to support an end-to-end workflow covering design, cost estimation, tendering and laser measurement import. “A cutting-edge IT solution needs to support architects and engineers in networking relevant processes throughout the construction, planning and utilisation workflow without any media gaps, and additionally must be able to support business partners in the fragmentary construction process,” explains Krohmer.
About the study
The European-wide study “New Business Potentials for Architects and Engineers” polled 767 architectural practices and engineering companies in eight European countries (Austria, the Czech Republic, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Switzerland, the UK), thereof 100 based in the UK. The survey was conducted by Maisberger on behalf of the Nemetschek Corporation to obtain key intelligence on the European market for architects and engineers. Focus was laid on the economic situation of the architectural and engineers’ sector, market outlooks as well as challenges, solutions and market potentials for the branch. Another area surveyed was the role of software for the respondents, including questions regarding expected service qualities, software features and the evaluation of software providers. The latest campaign launched by Nemetschek, www.go-evolution.com, takes this topic on, emphasizing the necessity to become aware of the changing environment in respect to market conditions, CAD, legal aspects and the profession of architect and engineer. Nemetschek Evolution Software provides an effective tool to support architects and engineers throughout the evolution-process.