The results of the fourth quarter CIRT Sentiment Index point to a stable near-term outlook for the design industry, with designers anticipating improving conditions into 2026.
While the overall Sentiment Index remains stable at 64.6, the Design Index saw a significant improvement, rising to 68.4 from 58.5 last quarter, signaling healthy pipelines of new work. Firms continue to report robust backlogs and easing cost pressures, supporting a strategy of ongoing disciplined growth and project selectivity.
Key Strategic and Technology Insights:
AI/ML Adoption Doubles: The share of firms using artificial intelligence and/or machine learning in their operations has nearly doubled since 2023, now reaching an impressive 83% of respondents.
2026 Growth Focus: Planned 2026 growth strategies will be driven largely by organic expansion and internal restructuring initiatives.
The outlook for the broader economy receded slightly, with the index for the overall U.S. economy falling to 47.0, a slight decline from the previous quarter’s 49.0.
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