Drafting Services Global Market Report 2024

The drafting services market size has grown strongly in recent years. It will grow from $5.65 billion in 2023 to $5.95 billion in 2024 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.3%. The growth observed during the historical period can be attributed to various factors, including architectural and engineering projects, manufacturing and product design, compliance with construction and building codes, the demand for technical documentation, and the widespread use of CAD (Computer-Aided Design) technology. These factors have played a significant role in driving growth within the drafting services industry.

The drafting services market size is expected to see strong growth in the next few years. It will grow to $7.26 billion in 2028 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.1%. The anticipated growth in the forecast period can be attributed to several factors, including increased infrastructure development, a focus on green building and sustainability, the integration of Revit and BIM (Building Information Modeling), the adoption of digital twin technology, and the influence of Industry 4.0 principles. Prominent trends in the forecast period encompass digital transformation, the continued use of BIM for construction and design, the implementation of automation and AI (Artificial Intelligence), a growing emphasis on sustainability and green design practices, and the increasing application of 3D printing and prototyping in the industry.

The growth in demand for computer-aided design (CAD) services is poised to be a driving force behind the expansion of the drafting services market. CAD involves using computer technology to design and draft objects, products, or structures. CAD outsourcing has become highly relevant, particularly in the field of architecture and building design, due to the substantial benefits it offers to real estate developers, architects, interior designers, and consumers. For example, in 2021, Autodesk, a US-based software company, reported a 16% revenue growth for its AutoCAD and AutoCAD LT products compared to 2020. Thus, the increasing demand for CAD services is fueling the growth of the drafting services market.

The primary categories of drafting services include mechanical drafting services, site drafting services for civil engineering projects, drafting services for structural components of buildings, architectural drafting services, as-built drawing drafting, drafting consulting services, and other specialized services. Mechanical drafting services involve the creation of technical machine drawings and mechanical assemblies for mechanical engineers using CAD software and blueprints. These services find application in a wide range of industries, including education, healthcare, hospitality, industrial, residential, and more. Providers of these services can vary in size, including both large enterprises and small to medium-sized businesses.

The drafting services market research report is one of a series of new reports that provides drafting services market statistics, including drafting services industry global market size, regional shares, competitors with a drafting services market share, detailed drafting services market segments, market trends and opportunities, and any further data you may need to thrive in the drafting services industry. This drafting services market research report delivers a complete perspective of everything you need, with an in-depth analysis of the current and future state of the industry.

The burgeoning construction industry is expected to be a driving factor in the growth of the drafting services market in the foreseeable future. The construction industry encompasses the creation, assembly, or building of physical structures such as buildings, infrastructure, and facilities, involving various stages from planning and design to the actual construction. Drafting services play a critical role in the construction sector by producing detailed architectural and engineering drawings that serve as the blueprint for construction projects, ensuring precision and adherence to design plans. For instance, as of September 2023, data from the US Census Bureau and the US Department of Housing and Urban Development revealed that privately owned housing units authorized by building permits were increasing at a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 1,543,000 in August 2023, reflecting a 6.9% increase over the revised July rate of 1,443,000. Moreover, the number of privately owned home completions in August 2023 reached 1,406,000 on a seasonally adjusted annual basis, marking a 5.3% increase over the July estimate of 1,335,000 and a 3.8% rise compared to the August 2022 rate of 1,355,000. Consequently, the growth of the construction industry is propelling the expansion of the drafting services market.

The high cost associated with computer-aided design (CAD) drafting services is anticipated to impede the growth of the drafting services market in the forecast period. CAD, or computer-aided design and drafting (CADD), represents a process of automating design and technical documentation, replacing manual design methods. The cost of CAD design varies depending on the type and size of the project. Most drafting firms typically charge an average hourly rate ranging from $100 to $120, while architects may charge more, typically in the range of $130 to $150 per hour. Therefore, the elevated cost of CAD drafting services presents a hindrance to the growth of the drafting services market.

A significant trend gaining traction in the drafting services market is the use of 3D-printed buildings. 3D printing technology can be employed for the design and construction of entire buildings, offering advantages in terms of environmental friendliness, cost-effectiveness, and time efficiency compared to traditional construction methods. The process involves creating a digital 3D design of an object using computer-aided design (CAD) or a 3D scanner. For example, in August 2023, Anker Innovations Co., Ltd., a US-based electronics company, introduced the AnkerMake M5C, a 3D printer that allows users to customize functions with a single click, delivering a more personalized printing experience. The AnkerMake M5C can be controlled via a mobile app or computer, as it lacks a screen or control panel, instead featuring a programmable button that can activate three user-defined functions.

Major companies operating in the drafting services market are increasingly focusing on the introduction of cloud-based Building Information Modeling (BIM) platforms like QeBIM to gain a competitive edge in the market. Cloud-based BIM platforms are software tools that enable architects and engineers to collaborate on building design and construction projects in real-time. For instance, in September 2022, QeCAD, a US-based architecture and planning company, launched QeBIM, a cloud-based BIM platform that offers a comprehensive set of tools for creating, managing, and collaborating on BIM projects. QeBIM is a versatile platform that supports all phases of BIM projects, from planning and design to construction and operation.

In February 2022, HDR Inc., a US-based engineering company, completed the acquisition of SPF Water Engineering and MDS Drafting for an undisclosed sum. This acquisition is expected to bolster HDR's workforce by 30 employees and enhance its presence in the Northwest's drinking water and wastewater sector. SPF Water Engineering is a US-based consulting firm specializing in water, wastewater, and hydrogeology, while MDS Drafting LLC offers drafting and design services, including architectural casework, cabinet shop drawings, and millwork drafting services.

Major companies operating in the drafting services market include Vegacadd LLC, Creative Drafting Inc., Tier 1 Utility Design Inc., VIATechnik LLC, Curtainwall Design Consulting Inc., CFI Engineering Inc., Aedas Limited, MatkinHoover Engineering & Surveying LLC, Duenas Camacho & Associates Inc., Gray Design Group Inc., DP Architects Pte Ltd, Jacobs Engineering Group Inc., CallisonRTKL Inc., Coates Design Architects PS, SGDI - Sarah Gallop Design Inc., Crosby Creations Drafting & Design Services LLC, Jeannette Architects Inc., uFathom Inc., Astcad Design & Drafting Services, Alpha CAD Service Inc., CAD International Ltd., Australian Drafting & Design Pty Ltd., iCadTec.com, Yurich Design Services Inc., Gensler Architecture Engineering Construction Operations and Management Inc., Stantec Inc., Arup Associates Ltd., HOK Group Inc.

North America was the largest region in the drafting services market in 2023. Western Europe was the second largest region in the drafting services market. The regions covered in the drafting services market report are Asia-Pacific, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, North America, South America, Middle East, Africa

The countries covered in the drafting services market report are Australia, Brazil, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Japan, Russia, South Korea, UK, USA, Italy, Spain, Canada

The drafting services market consists of revenue earned by entities that draw detailed layouts, plans, and illustrations of buildings, structures, systems, or components from engineering and architectural specifications. The market value includes the value of related goods sold by the service provider or included within the service offering. Only goods and services traded between entities or sold to end consumers are included.

The market value is defined as the revenues that enterprises gain from the sale of goods and/or services within the specified market and geography through sales, grants, or donations in terms of the currency (in USD, unless otherwise specified).

The revenues for a specified geography are consumption values that are revenues generated by organizations in the specified geography within the market, irrespective of where they are produced. It does not include revenues from resales along the supply chain, either further along the supply chain or as part of other products.


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