2026: What Comes Next for Construction

As we move into 2026, it’s worth reflecting on how predictions about the future of construction continue to evolve—and how key trends are shaping what comes next.

A few years ago, analysts speculated about a “new normal” driven by technology, workforce change, and broader social shifts. Some forecasts anticipated increased tech integration, rising influence of large digital platforms, and shifts in how work gets done. While not all predictions unfolded exactly as imagined, many trends—especially around digital capabilities—have become undeniably relevant.

The Rise of AI

One of the most transformative shifts identified for 2025 was the rapid rise of generative AI (artificial intelligence) across industries—and that trajectory is continuing into 2026, with a new player on the block: agentic AI. The construction sector specifically saw forecasts projecting strong growth for generative AI applications, with market expansion expected in the coming decade.

In practice, this means ...