Nonresidential construction planning started 2025 with a slower stride than expected. According to Dodge Construction Network, February saw just a 0.7% increase in the Dodge Momentum Index (DMI)—a noticeable deceleration compared to the stronger growth observed in prior months.
The nuance, however, lies in the split: institutional planning (schools, hospitals, public infrastructure) fell by 4.6%, while commercial planning rose 3.3%, largely driven by the continued expansion of data centers.
As sectors diverge and economic pressures tighten, construction teams are being forced to make one thing their priority: efficiency. And not just in timelines or budgets—but in how planning is approached from the start.
A Sector on Two Speeds
This industry has always followed cycles, but the current environment feels particularly split. On one hand, data centers are booming—large-scale projects like the $500M Tract development in Virginia and Microsoft's new builds in Texas reflect serious investment in digital infrastructure. On the other, institutional work is facing hesitation, due in part to shifting fiscal policies and uncertain material costs.
This imbalance puts even more weight on the planning process. Teams are tasked with advancing projects quickly, avoiding costly missteps, and making smarter decisions with fewer resources. That means the way plans are created, reviewed, and modified must evolve accordingly.
When Growth Slows, Efficiency Matters More
In periods of uncertainty or slowed momentum, the ability to make confident, informed decisions becomes a competitive advantage. Every delay, miscommunication, or overlooked detail costs more when project pipelines tighten or funding pauses.
Rather than simply adopting more tech for tech’s sake, firms are reassessing what actually moves the needle—tools that remove barriers to collaboration, that bring clarity to complex plan sets, and that create shared understanding across teams, both in the office and on the jobsite.
This is where larger digital workspaces—like Volanti Displays—prove valuable, not as flashy upgrades but as functional assets. These displays aren't replacing traditional workflows; they’re improving them. When a superintendent and project manager can stand side-by-side, view architectural drawings at scale, and troubleshoot issues in real-time, you're not just saving time—you're preventing rework, RFIs, and costly communication gaps.
Planning Tools That Match Project Complexity
The complexity of modern builds—particularly in high-tech facilities like data centers—requires planning tools that can keep pace. Paper plans and single-screen desktops aren't designed for fast markups, layered plan sets, or real-time collaboration across disciplines.
What we’re seeing across the industry is a shift toward purpose-built planning environments. Tools that allow for:
- Better visibility of full-scale plans without panning or zooming
- Seamless collaboration with BIM and project management software
- Ergonomic review processes that reduce fatigue and improve accuracy
These aren’t just tech upgrades—they're practical shifts toward working smarter, not harder.
Looking Ahead
The Dodge report confirms what many industry professionals already feel: the pace is shifting, and the need for precision is rising. While total planning activity remains higher than last year, much of that growth is concentrated in specific sectors. Others are moving with more caution.
For construction professionals—especially those involved in preconstruction, design coordination, and project management—the takeaway is clear: don’t wait for the market to pick back up to improve your process. The right tools now can mean fewer bottlenecks later.
If you’re focused on getting projects off the ground faster, with fewer delays and better communication, rethinking your planning environment may be one of the most valuable steps you take this year.