2025 : A Year of Opportunities for Architects with OOTI in Quebec

For many architects, each new year brings its own set of challenges and opportunities. As 2025 kicks off strong for many firms, Giacomo, Development Manager for Canada, takes us through how OOTI can transform architects' approach to project and agency management this year.  

2025 is expected to be a pivotal year for many sectors. What are, in your opinion, the main challenges that architects in Quebec will face this year ?

2025 will be an amazing year! With new projects and exciting challenges on the horizon. Managing costs amid inflation remains a major issue: the construction sector has seen a cost increase of 8.3% on average over the past two years. This is pushing stakeholders to rethink their strategies to keep their projects profitable while maintaining exceptional quality.  
On the human resources side, talent will be more valuable than ever! A study by AAPQ shows that 62% of architectural firms in Quebec face difficulties in recruiting and retaining their teams (source : AAPQ, Annual Report 2024). The shortage of skilled labor is pushing firms to innovate in talent management and internal collaboration.  
Lastly, in terms of sustainability and transparency, client expectations are evolving rapidly. A 2024 survey by the Régie du bâtiment du Québec (RBQ) reveals that more than 70% of real estate clients are now seeking certified sustainable projects, such as those conforming to LEED or Well Building Standard (source: RBQ, 2024). This presents an exceptional opportunity for architects to innovate by offering sustainable and profitable solutions.

What role can OOTI play in this pursuit of creativity and innovation ?

OOTI is much more than just a project management software; it’s a true platform for fostering creativity and driving innovation. By centralizing all your data, OOTI frees up the administrative burden so firms can devote more time to what really matters: designing unique and bold projects.  
Our analytics tools allow you to spot opportunities that you might have missed, while our reliable budget forecasting gives you the confidence to explore new ideas. A 2023 study by McKinsey & Company on the impact of digitalization in architecture and engineering found that firms using integrated project management platforms saw a 15-20% increase in productivity on average (source: McKinsey, "Digital Transformation in Architecture", 2023).  
OOTI doesn’t just follow you; it pushes you to reinvent the way you work, turning every project into a true work of art !

How does OOTI help tackle the specific financial challenges faced by architecture firms ?

Financial management is often one of the biggest challenges for architecture firms. Gaining a complete and detailed view of your finances has never been easier. A Deloitte study found that 45% of architectural firms fail to properly anticipate their cash flow, leading to liquidity issues (source: Deloitte, "Architectural Firms Financial Insights", 2024).  
But that’s not all: our budget forecasts, based on reliable historical data, allow you to anticipate expenses and optimize your margins. And with intuitive dashboards, you can monitor your financial performance at a glance. Our goal is simple : to help you remain profitable while continuing to deliver exceptional projects.

What advice would you give to architects to maximize the impact of software in their daily work ?

My first piece of advice: dive into all the features that the software offers, and don’t be afraid to experiment ! Our software is designed to be both intuitive and powerful.  
Secondly, involve your entire team as early as possible: when everyone understands how OOTI can simplify their work, the overall efficiency of the firm improves.
Finally, take advantage of our training sessions and personalized support to go even further. With OOTI, every day is an opportunity to manage more effectively and create with greater peace of mind.

What will be OOTI’s biggest challenge in Canada in 2025 ?

OOTI's biggest challenge will definitely be showing that another solution exists. Firms are working with separate tools, accumulating manual tasks, and wasting time on everyday project management.  
For some agencies, this is normal. I understand that. But what about the competition ? What about agencies of the same size who are opting for process simplification, tools that allow them to visualize long-term profitability, and the new generation of architects who are embracing technology ?

According to a study by the Canada BIM Council, 68% of architectural firms are still using standalone solutions, leading to manual tasks that slow down their productivity (source: Canada BIM Council, 2024).  
OOTI will definitely be present at major events in 2025 to discuss these topics. Every day, I meet firms with different needs, and every day OOTI has the solution. It’s becoming clear—it's just a matter of the market realizing it.

A final word to inspire architects following you on LinkedIn ?

2025 is the year to reinvent the way you work. See each challenge as an opportunity, and let OOTI help turn your ambitions into reality.  We are here to simplify your daily operations, boost your projects, and guide you toward success. So, what are you waiting for ? Let’s make 2025 an extraordinary year together !