ATLANTA--(FAST COMPANY) – By 2030, the building industry market size is forecasted to surpass $210 billion. However, this exponential growth comes as the sector faces ongoing struggles with delays, inefficiencies, and stretched budgets.

Nearly half of global building projects fall behind schedule, and a McKinsey study estimates that 98% of megaprojects exceed their budgets by more than 30%. Add increased regulatory pressure and it’s no surprise that 71% of architects report feeling burned out. The gap between industry expectations and practical execution is widening.

But what is the root cause, and how can we fix it?

TOO MUCH COMPLEXITY AND NOT ENOUGH TIME

The real challenge in the industry isn’t a shortage of labor, talent, or innovation—it’s complexity. With so many moving parts and dependencies, keeping projects on track is a challenge. Everything is tied together: electrical work stalls because the framing isn’t finished, the framing is delayed because materials arrive late, and so on. One small setback can throw everything off schedule.

This is where AI can be a game-changer for the industry. Instead of reacting to problems as they arise, AI allows teams to anticipate and mitigate project issues. By analyzing complex project data in real time, AI can flag risks early, streamline workflows, and help keep budgets in check. This allows architects and design teams to stay focused on the creative and technical work that drives great projects.