What mature project management really looks like in 2025

Project management maturity is a true differentiator in the architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) industry – one that shapes a firm’s ability to deliver successful work, manage risk, and grow with confidence. But what does mature project management really look like in 2025? And how does your firm compare to industry benchmarks? 

The 2025 AEC Inspire Report, which surveyed over 300 leaders across the industry, paints a clear picture: most firms believe they are on the right track, yet persistent challenges point to the gaps that still need closing. 

The state of project management maturity 

According to the Inspire Report, over 85% of respondents consider their project management practices to be “very” or “somewhat” mature. This signals a high level of confidence in core processes like scheduling, cost tracking, and resource allocation. Beneath this confidence though, familiar pain points remain.  

More than half of respondents continue to struggle with forecasting project costs, schedules, and resources. The shortage of experienced project managers, lack of past performance metrics, and resource management challenges were also highlighted as ongoing obstacles. 

These findings suggest that, while the industry has come a long way, maturity is an ongoing journey rather than a destination. 

It pays to be data-driven  

One of the defining features of mature project management in 2025 is the shift from intuition-driven to data-driven decision-making. Firms are increasingly recognizing the importance of using reliable data to inform forecasting, guide resource allocation, and measure performance. Eighty-five percent describe themselves as somewhat or very data-driven. But only a quarter believe their project planning and resource management are “very” connected. 

This disconnect has real-world consequences. Without real-time data on resource availability, project managers can’t make fully informed decisions or anticipate risks that could derail timelines and budgets. As a result, the struggle to deliver projects both on time and on budget remains widespread. 

Benchmarks: on-time, on-budget delivery, and profitability 

The numbers speak for themselves. Industry averages from the report show: 

• 67% of projects are delivered on or ahead of time. 

• 64% are delivered on or under budget. 

• 63% of firms report net profit rates over 10%. 

These figures highlight the opportunity for improvement. The firms that consistently deliver above these benchmarks are typically those with the most integrated, data-enabled processes and a clear focus on aligning people, projects, and planning. 

Bridging the gap: What mature project management really requires 

Mature project management is about more than having the right tools or checking boxes on a process chart. It means connecting business development, project delivery, and resource planning in a way that is proactive rather than reactive. 

Forecasting is a core capability. In fact, it is the most critical feature cited for resource management tools, as accurate forecasting underpins everything from hiring to risk management. Yet half of all firms say lack of adoption is holding back their resource management tools. About 40% point to lack of training, and a third cite communication gaps as ongoing issues. 

To move forward, firms need to focus on several fundamentals: 

• Adopt and integrate technology. Only one in four firms say their tools are truly integrated across functions. Integrated systems give project managers the real-time insights they need to plan, allocate, and adapt. 

• Invest in data quality and training. Confidence in data is strong, but barriers like incomplete information or limited accessibility persist. Closing these gaps empowers project managers to act decisively. 

• Focus on people. The shortage of experienced project managers remains a top concern. Firms that invest in professional development, clear career paths, and internal promotion are better positioned to build and sustain maturity. 

• Promote a culture of proactive planning. Mature project management requires looking ahead – not just at the project in front of you, but at the pipeline, the backlog, and your team’s capacity to deliver. 

How does your firm stack up? 

If you’re wondering where your organization stands, ask yourself: 

• Can you consistently forecast project outcomes using real-time, trustworthy data? 

• Do your project planning and resource management functions work in sync, or are they siloed? 

• Are you investing in tools, training, and processes that empower project managers at every level? 

Benchmarking against industry data is a powerful step toward maturity. The most successful AEC firms in 2025 are those who have moved beyond process compliance and are committed to building truly connected, data-driven, and people-focused project management practices. 
 
Want to learn more? Explore the full AEC Inspire Report or connect with a Unanet expert to see how you can accelerate your journey toward project management maturity.