As digital maturity accelerates, AI in construction is becoming a key driver of precision, efficiency and profitability across firms, new research from Deltek discovered
Organisations are going beyond experimenting with AI in construction to embedding it throughout the project lifecycle, leading to measurable, real-world business impacts.
The research, conducted across UK-based architecture, engineering and consultancy firms as part of Deltek’s 7th Annual Clarity Trends and Insights for Architecture, Engineering and Consulting Firms report, finds that 55% of UK organisations describe themselves as either ‘advanced’ or ‘mature’ in their digital transformation journeys.
Digital transformation is embedded in construction operations
The proportion identifying as ‘advanced’ has fallen from 20% in 2025 to 15% in 2026, highlighting a shift in how organisations approach digital transformation rather than a halt in progress.
Instead, digital transformation is increasingly embedded in day-to-day operations through closer integration of business and IT systems.
As the UK market matures, expectations around integration are rising, prompting some organisations to reassess their level of digital maturity.
AI in construction is becoming a central focus
As organisations build on these digital foundations, AI in construction is becoming a central strategic focus.
The research shows that 29% of UK organisations identify operationalising and optimising AI as a strategic priority, as firms move beyond experimentation and begin embedding AI in areas such as project forecasting, planning, reporting, and resource management.
Early results are already emerging. Nearly half of UK organisations report moderate productivity or cost improvements from AI, with a growing group (12%) already seeing significant measurable return on investment as adoption scales across the business.
Financial discipline crucial as projects grow more complex
Alongside the growth of AI in construction, firms are strengthening operational and financial management as projects grow more complex.
Deltek’s research shows that the implementation of AI in construction is expected to be one of the biggest profitability drivers in 2026, whilst better cost control is also seen as a key factor in improving financial performance as organisations manage increasingly complex project portfolios.
Confidence in project tracking is also high, with 85% of UK firms reporting high confidence in tracking project profitability, while around three-quarters say they successfully track key indicators such as utilisation and overhead rates.
This reflects the growing role of digital systems in supporting project visibility and performance management.
Building resilience for the next phase of digital maturity
As AI use in construction projects increases, workforce capabilities are also evolving.
Deltek identified AI literacy as the most important skill organisations say will be needed over the next three years, while AI adoption is identified as the number one project management challenge for firms.
Neil Davidson, group vice president, professional services sector at Deltek, commented: “After years of steady growth and significant investment in digital foundations, the industry is now asking a harder question: how do we convert that investment into measurable productivity gains?
“The firms that answer it decisively, embedding the right technology into the heart of how they run projects and serve clients, will set the benchmark for the next decade.”
He concluded: “What we’re seeing now is a shift from experimentation to real results as AI becomes embedded into core business workflows. Many organisations are already seeing measurable ROI from AI investments, driving clear improvements in efficiency, insight, and overall business performance.
“As adoption becomes more consistent across organisations, that value is set to scale even further.”
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