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WGI’s 2025 Predictions for the Infrastructure Industry

WGI’s experts from multiple divisions share their thoughts and predictions in terms of what we can expect to see in our industry in 2025 and beyond.

The infrastructure industry stands at a transformative crossroads. With rapid advancements in technology and an increasing focus on sustainability, 2025 is shaping up to be a pivotal year for reshaping how we build, maintain, and envision the future of our physical and digital environments.

At the heart of this transformation lies the seamless integration of groundbreaking technologies. The rise of AI-powered tools, combined with Internet of Things (IoT) connectivity, has created unparalleled opportunities to optimize infrastructure operations. These advancements, when paired with immersive tools such as augmented and virtual reality, are not only enhancing predictive analytics but also redefining stakeholder engagement. From virtual walkthroughs to real-time data simulations, the digital and physical worlds are merging to create smarter, more efficient solutions.

Equally crucial is the industry’s response to pressing global challenges. Shifting climate patterns and natural disasters are driving the demand for resilient and sustainable infrastructure. Governments and private entities alike are prioritizing projects designed to withstand extreme weather events, while also integrating renewable energy and sustainable materials. Communities are increasingly turning to technical assessments and disaster planning to safeguard their futures, pushing the boundaries of traditional infrastructure design toward comprehensive, adaptable solutions.

“In 2025, resilient and sustainable infrastructure will be a priority due to climate change. Governments and private stakeholders will fund more projects that are designed and retrofitted to handle extreme weather, using renewable energy, and sustainable materials. Also, with ongoing federal funding from infrastructure bills, smart technologies like IoT sensors and AI-driven analytics will be more readily deployed to optimize performance, improve maintenance, and extend the lifespan of critical infrastructure systems.”
David Wantman, PE
CEO

Data has emerged as both a challenge and a resource. As digital transformation accelerates, the demand for data storage is reshaping land use and energy infrastructure. This rapid growth brings into focus critical questions about how we plan for and manage data-driven systems, emphasizing the need for long-term strategies that align with urban and environmental planning.

Additionally, innovations in 3D modeling and digital twins are enabling precise, real-time mapping of the built environment, enhancing coordination from project inception to completion. By digitizing every phase of development, these tools not only streamline construction processes but also provide municipalities with invaluable resources for long-term planning and lifecycle management.

The convergence of these trends signals a future where technology, sustainability, and human-centric design take precedence. At WGI, we’re embracing this future by leveraging our multidisciplinary expertise to pioneer solutions that address the unique challenges of tomorrow. By pushing the boundaries of what’s possible, we’re ensuring that innovation remains at the core of everything we do, fostering a built environment that is smarter, more sustainable, and ready for what’s next.

Leveraging AI and BIM for Enhanced Stakeholder Impact

"In 2025, project developers in the AEC industry will increasingly turn to their partners and consultants to leverage visualization and AI technologies. These advancements will enable them to create new value for stakeholders by offering immersive and interactive project experiences and enhancing stakeholder engagement. The intersection of AI, BIM, and visualization will open up new opportunities for value creation through digital asset management tools, predictive analysis, and innovative solutions that address unique project challenges. This convergence will lead to more impactful and value-driven outcomes."
Marc Remmert, PE
Director, MEP Engineering

How AI and Automation Are Driving the Shift to 3D Models

"As the AI and automation revolution reshapes our industry, adapting to stay ahead is crucial. A key shift I foresee is moving away from 2D printed drawings toward directly submitting intelligent 3D models. These models, enriched with IoT data, eliminate inefficiencies in translating 3D designs into 2D formats when the final product itself is 3D. With advancements in secure document tracking, signing and sealing digital models is now feasible. The infrastructure industry is ready for this evolution—when will our standards for “submitting drawings” catch up to the capabilities of today’s technology?"
Ayse Heckel, PE
Innovation Engineer

Real-Time Digital Mapping for Seamless Project Delivery

"The ability for software to accurately map the physical world within a digital space is gaining momentum and will increase coordination of project development in a digital space prior to the start of construction. Continuation of this technology into the construction phase of projects will allow for more rapid comparison of built conditions to confirm alignment with design expectations and also the rapid updating of digital modeling of the built environment for integration into municipal planning and operations and life cycle management."
Russel Yeager, PE
VP, Civil Engineering

The Impact of On-Site Technology and Digital Scanning

"The construction process and documentation are advancing before our eyes. On site cameras and equipment are making it easier to see and visualize construction conditions without having to go to the site. Technology will never replace a true construction and site visit, but it will begin to make construction coordination with a contractor that much easier for an architect because it clearly shows the entire condition. Scanning equipment is also being used to document the construction status of a project and begin the as-built condition. This digital scan can then be uploaded into a digital twin for true representation of an as-built conditions."
Sierra Eades, AIA
Architect

The Convergence of AIoT, XR, and 3D Printing in Infrastructure

“In 2025, the infrastructure industry is set to be transformed by the integration of Artificial Intelligence of Things (AIoT) with digital twins, alongside advancements in Extended Reality (XR), Virtual Reality (VR), Augmented Reality (AR), and 3D printing. AIoT combines the power of AI with the connectivity of IoT, enabling real-time data collection, analysis, and decision-making. This synergy enhances the capabilities of digital twins, which are virtual replicas of physical assets, by providing more accurate simulations and predictive insights. The integration of XR/VR/AR technologies further amplifies these benefits by offering immersive and interactive experiences for monitoring, simulation, and optimization."
“These advancements are particularly impactful in the realm of maintenance and predictive analytics. By leveraging AIoT and digital twins, infrastructure operators can gain real-time insights into asset performance, predict maintenance needs, and optimize resource allocation. XR/VR/AR technologies enable more effective training, remote inspections, and troubleshooting, reducing downtime and enhancing asset reliability. Additionally, 3D printing is revolutionizing the way infrastructure components are designed and manufactured, allowing for rapid prototyping, customization, and on-site production of parts. This convergence of technologies is driving the industry towards more efficient, sustainable, and resilient operations, positioning it for a future where innovation and technology are at the forefront.”
Nicola Ianeselli
Innovation and Virtual Design & Construction Leader

Preparing Communities for the Realities of Digital Transformation

"Data, data, data. Digital transformation continues to transform our industry, becoming more widespread than in 2024. But where is the data stored? What is used to store this data? Is data a type of infrastructure? Communities are beginning to feel the real implications of these questions. Although “data” is intangible in nature, communities are experiencing the tangible realities of it. Data centers and energy use are a couple of those tangible realities that impact land use and policy decisions. With the rise in data and cloud storage, our built environment is seeing an increased demand for land to build these storage centers as well as a strain on available energy infrastructure resources. As a planner, I see 2025 to be a year where communities, practitioners, and policy makers really grapple with how to address this fast-moving digital transformation by finding solutions to capacity constraints, integration of land uses, and future planning."
Courtney Powell, AICP
Urban and Community Planning Manager

Addressing Disaster Vulnerabilities with Integrated Planning

"I predict we will witness both an industry- and community-led shift toward more comprehensive disaster mitigation planning. Natural disasters are increasing in frequency, and the costs associated with preparing for and responding to them are higher than ever. At all levels of government, there is a growing demand for technical studies related to climate change, vulnerability assessments, and overall natural disaster preparedness. Massive, large-scale events, such as Hurricanes Helene and Milton, have exposed vulnerabilities within communities across the Southeast. Looking ahead, I believe there will be a stronger push from both communities and the governing bodies responsible for them to enhance preparedness for natural disasters. WGI has the opportunity to integrate multiple divisions to offer comprehensive disaster planning in-house, ultimately improving safety and fostering long-term resilience for communities throughout the Southeast."
Tyler Tornese, AICP
Senior Planner

Building Not Just for Today, But for Generations to Come

As 2025 gets underway, the infrastructure industry is poised for unprecedented growth and innovation – And at WGI, we’re dedicated to embracing innovation, technology, and empowering our associates to transform how our world is envisioned, designed, and experienced.

If you would like to have a conversation with one of WGI’s thought leaders to discuss any of the topics covered in this article, feel free to Contact Our Team.

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