3 web design trends AEC firms need to know

For many AEC firms, the website is often the first impression a customer gets of your brand. The combination of design, content, and user experience influences this impression. Companies that stay current with web trends not only appear modern but also facilitate smoother and more intelligent interactions that convert visitors into customers.

In 2025, new trends are emerging that leading firms are adopting to stand out in a crowded marketplace. Here are three web design trends every company should pay attention to right now.

Utilize motion and micro-interactions to convey your brand’s story.

Animation and motion graphics are no longer merely for display. Today’s leading AEC websites utilize motion to convey their brand story in an immersive and engaging manner.

Scroll-triggered animations are a popular motion technique that effectively guides visitors through your page while conveying key messages. As users scroll, elements transform, colors shift, and typography engages.

Hover states and button animations provide instant feedback that builds trust. Micro-interactions, such as icons that animate when clicked, highlight essential details without cluttering the interface.

When done right, motion helps users navigate your site naturally, guiding them through the story of your brand.

Embrace clean, open design with white space to guide the user.

If websites of the past were busy and crowded, the modern web has shifted toward simplicity. Clean layouts with generous white space put the focus exactly where it belongs: on your content and your story.  

White space is an essential element of open design, but new trends in color application are also contributing to a more open feel on websites. The days of alternating dark and light striped sections are behind us. Leading sites are now using softer, continuous, or lighter colors to create a more cohesive user experience.

In a noisy digital world, simplicity is more than just a design choice. It’s a strategic decision that gives you a competitive advantage.

Craft content that is clear and easily scannable.

Even the best webpage won’t hold attention if the content is overwhelming. As AEC marketers, we understand there’s the temptation to share all the details about your firm, your culture or your projects. You want to tell your firm’s unique story. However, people skim before they read, which means your content needs to be written for skimming.

To make your content skimmable, use short paragraphs, strong call-outs and clear calls to action. Additionally, writing clear headings and subheadings enables readers to quickly scan and locate the information that matters most. Lastly, benefit-focused copy that explains why something matters to the user ensures your message lands quickly.

When content is scannable, visitors stay longer, engage deeper, and are more likely to take action.

Final Takeaway

The best websites aren’t built just to be pretty. They are built to engage, communicate, and perform. Incorporate these trends, and your site will be elevated above your competitors, delivering a user experience that earns immediate credibility, communicates powerfully, and encourages engagement.

Need some help planning your new website. Please get in touch with our team. We’re all ears.