Several transformative trends are shaping the future of metal architecture, with sustainability taking center stage as a key influence. The industry is responding to environmental concerns by rethinking material choices, adopting greener production methods, and considering the long-term environmental impacts of metal. Digital tools are revolutionizing design, fabrication, and workflows. At the same time, workforce challenges, such as talent shortages and evolving skill requirements, are prompting innovative training programs and recruitment strategies. Regulatory and policy changes are reshaping industry practices. Learn how these factors propel metal architecture into an exciting and rapidly evolving future.
Meet the experts:
Renee Ramey: Renee Ramey is the Executive Director of the Metal Roofing Alliance (MRA), a non-profit focused on educating homeowners and driving consumer awareness about the benefits of quality metal roofing. Renee has more than twenty-five years of experience in the metals industry.
Alan Scott: FAIA, LEED Fellow, LEED AP BD+C, O+M, WELL AP, CEM, Alan Scott is an architect and consultant with more than 35 years of experience in sustainable building design. He is director of sustainability with Intertek Building Science Solutions.
Robert Tiffin: President of the Metal Building Contractors and Erectors Association (MBCEA), and the Chair of the Metal Building Manufacturers Association (MBMA) – Architects Committee. Robert is also the National Accounts Manager of Silvercote, leading foundation customer relationships in the USA and Canada.
Alexander Zilberman: Alexander Zilberman, AIA, is founder and principal architect of Alexander Zilberman Architecture, P.C., also known as AZA. His New York-based practice leads projects globally, including flagships and rollouts for luxury brands such as Jimmy Choo, Victoria’s Secret, and the new Aston Martin Q New York showroom.
Erla Dögg Ingjaldsdóttir and Tryggvi Thorsteinsson: Husband and wife duo Erla Dögg Ingjaldsdóttir, Assoc. AIA, IIDA, and Tryggvi Thorsteinsson, Assoc. AIA, founded Minarc, an award-winning architectural practice based in Santa Monica, CA, in 1999. Throughout Erla’s career, she has shown a continuous dedication to improving the environment and her community, and Tryggvi derives inspiration from his native Iceland.
What major trends are influencing the future of metal architecture?
Renee Ramey: Sustainability, durability, longevity, ease of maintenance…both homeowners and industry alike are focused on the impacts of building materials on the environment. This trend marries perfectly with quality metal roofing, which is not only sustainable but provides superior performance in extreme weather events, lasts longer than asphalt roofing, and requires very little maintenance by homeowners. From an aesthetic perspective, the ability for metal roofing to mimic any other roofing material available means that designers and architects have the ability to be creative without compromising on performance.
Alan Scott: The two biggest trends influencing metal architecture, in my opinion, are the growing priorities for carbon emissions reduction and natural hazard resilience. The expanding regulatory landscape, new expectations from lenders, investors, and insurers, and simple economic and risk reduction imperatives will make high-performance, resilient buildings more desirable, and the companies that help create and sustain them more competitive.
Alexander Zilberman: Cost is the driving force behind most recent developments. The most significant of these is the rise of significant technological advances in the production and application of aluminum building products. Utilizing aluminum for finished surfaces is on the rise, because it’s an abundant material and readily available, more cost-effective than bronze, copper, brass or steel. This trend has accelerated as manufacturers have figured out techniques for stiffening aluminum, making it more durable and therefore more appropriate for exterior cladding applications like roof and wall surfaces.
At the same time, there are processes for new treatments to create high-end custom looks. Anodization, coatings, and paint are all popular choices, as are the range of beautiful finishes and textures like satin, brushed or mirror-polished, offering the potential for unique appearances that look and feel natural, and opportunities to replace brass, nickel, and zinc with an alternative option in palettes that call for either warm or cool metal. These producers can also now apply custom prints on aluminum such as logos and brand-inspired graphic patterns, and can layer the prints with translucence to create a variety of effects.
Robert Tiffin: The metal building system industry is experiencing significant growth and transformation in 2025 navigating through some key trends in developments.
The US, Mexico and Canada are currently navigating a complex landscape shaped by evolving political dynamics and regulatory changes. In the US, the potential reintroduction of tariffs on steel and aluminum imports under the Trump administration could significantly impact material costs and supply chains.
Ingjaldsdóttir and Thorsteinsson: One current trend shaping the future of metal architecture is the push for increased resilience in building materials and construction methods—especially in response to climate change and natural disasters. In California, wildfires have devastated communities making the shift away from Type V wood-frame construction incredibly crucial. Our firm has been advocating for a shift to Type II non-combustible construction for over two decades, as we believe the future is in prefabricated metal and foam panel systems. This sustainable building strategy not only increases fire resistance but also improves structural durability, energy efficiency, and speed of construction. As cities and building codes begin to catch up with these urgent needs, we anticipate and hope for a wider adoption of metal-based, prefabricated construction as the new industry standard.
How is our industry responding to environmental concerns regarding material choices, production methods, and long-term effects?
Ramey: The metal construction industry is taking our environmental impacts very seriously. From EPDs and ongoing research, to metals’ recyclability and recycle rates, our industry keeps a constant focus on where and how we can improve our processes, our products, and our impacts. In fact, several MRA members are extremely active in researching sustainability options and efforts to help make metal the sustainable business option.
Scott: On the manufacturing side, the movement to reduce carbon emissions from raw steel production with mill efficiency and the increased use of renewable energy is gaining ground, as well as product manufacturers embracing material transparency, increasing the use of recycled feedstocks, and transitioning toward a circular economy. Design professionals are leveraging the attributes to metal building products to reduce energy use and operational carbon emissions while creating durable and resilient buildings to resist increasingly prevalent natural hazards.
Zilberman: Moving from more expensive metals and alloys to aluminum is one response. It’s one of the most abundant metals on earth, and might be the most economical to extract. Many new skyscrapers are being built with extruded aluminum systems.
Tiffin: Additionally, the push for stricter building performance standards and energy efficiency regulations at both federal and state levels is driving the industry towards more sustainable practices. This includes the continuing adoption of advanced technologies such as solar panels, advanced insulation, Building Information Modeling (BIM) and the consideration/integration of AI.
Some are calling our industry lean as an “Amazon-like” strategy. Referencing the Amazon “about us” Amazon, describes their four guiding principles:
- customer obsession rather than competitor focus
- passion for invention
- commitment to operational excellence, and long-term thinking.
- a strive to be Earth’s most customer-centric company, Earth’s best employer, and Earth’s safest place to work.1
These influences will continue, particularly in the mining sector, which is showing growth.
Overall, the metal building industry in both countries is adapting to these changes by embracing innovation and sustainability to meet new regulatory requirements, stronger market demands, and responding to political climates.
Erla and Tryggvi: Sustainability is an absolute necessity moving forward. Our industry is shifting toward materials with lower embodied carbon, increased recyclability, and improved energy efficiency. Metal, in particular, is at the forefront of this shift because of its longevity, recyclability, and structural efficiency. We prioritize the use of prefabrication to reduce construction waste, optimize material efficiency, and minimize transportation-related emissions. In our view, the best approach integrates recyclable and non-toxic materials that contribute to healthier indoor environments, while also drastically reducing a building’s lifetime carbon footprint. Additionally, innovations in metal coatings and insulation systems are allowing us to design structures that require less energy for heating and cooling, further enhancing sustainability efforts.
How are digital tools positively impacting design, fabrication, and construction workflows? Are there any negative impacts?
Ramey: Within the roofing industry, there are tools to help streamline every aspect of your business…from estimating that eliminates waste, to production planning and workflow, to design tools. I believe our industry has some of the best, most accurate digital tools available. And the acceptance rate continues to grow and more and more companies see the benefits these tools can provide. I personally am not aware of any negatives in this department…only success stories for those companies willing to adapt and invest the time/effort to bring on such tools.
Scott: While still nascent, I believe that we are rapidly moving toward a world where robust and integrated digital twins will evolve along with projects, from design through fabrication and construction, and into operations, creating material and process efficiencies, and resulting in highly efficient, occupant responsive, and resilient buildings. Architects, engineers, fabricators, contractors, and facility managers will all need to become familiar with the applications of digital twins.
Zilberman: Digital modeling tools are an incredible asset for practice leaders and professionals at every level. For example, they offer the ability to simply input parameters for a design that produces an output for a panelized system that the architect can then simply order from the manufacturer. These tools and many kind of precision-engineered building systems go hand in hand, producing high-quality, reliable results and bespoke aesthetics for projects of all kinds, including luxury residential and hospitality.
If there’s a downside, it’s that many professionals have less direct experience with translating design into execution in the field, because the tools do the work. Spending one’s time in school or in professional settings learning these digital tools means less time learning building techniques and architectural details as hands-on exercises. This can lead to a different set of execution and delivery problems down the line. Remember: you’re an architect, not a software engineer.
Ingjaldsdóttir and Thorsteinsson: Advancements in digital tools—including BIM (Building Information Modeling), parametric design software, and automated fabrication processes—are revolutionizing architectural workflows. These technologies allow for increased precision, reduced material waste, and faster project execution.
For Minarc, digital fabrication plays a critical role in ensuring that our prefabricated components are produced with the highest level of accuracy. It allows for seamless integration between design and manufacturing, allowing us to create detailed shop drawings, automate cutting processes, and streamline assembly. This not only results in a more efficient construction timeline but also reduces costly errors and material waste.
How is the industry addressing workforce challenges, such as talent shortages or skill requirements?
Ramey: There are many efforts underway with the metal construction industry. For MRA, we are hosting our 1st annual contractor training event in 2025 (business sales & marketing training). We are also working in partnership with installation training efforts being developed by MCA and NRCA. In addition, MRA is championing an effort within our membership base to collect and highlight our manufacturer members training programs. As a resource for contractors, MRA understand the importance of training and is committed to connecting our members with the training resources they need.
Scott: Off-site construction, from prefabricated panels to volumetric modulars, will be a key strategy to address workforce limitations while maintaining quality and performance. Assembling building components in a factory setting has been shown to be less labor-intensive and more resource-efficient. However, this construction innovation does not yet lend itself ideally to all building types and locations. Vocational and trade education, in high schools, community colleges, and other adult learning institutions is an important means to launch attractive and rewarding career paths for young people who are looking for alternatives to traditional four-year college to post-college career tracks.
Zilberman: Digital design-to-documentation processes combined with prefabricated systems are helping to reduce demand for highly skilled construction labor. When an aluminum framing or panel product arrives on site as a kit, it requires little if any in the way of specialized teams to assemble and install.
Ingjaldsdóttir and Thorsteinsson: As digital tools become more prevalent, the demand for workers with expertise in prefabrication, automation, and metal fabrication is growing. We recognize that the future of construction depends on bridging the skill gap. That’s why we emphasize modular construction methods that reduce on-site labor needs while still requiring expertise in digital fabrication. We also advocate for workforce development programs that train individuals in emerging construction technologies, aimed at ensuring that the industry can meet the demands of modern building practices.
What regulatory or policy changes are affecting the industry?
Ramey: With all the extreme weather events taking place these days, the industry is seeing several policy or regulatory efforts underway. From Florida where the latest hurricanes have launced efforts to update building codes and regulations toward making buildings hardier, to Montana, where severe hail storms have groups implementing new requirements for hail-resistant products…we are seeing efforts throughout the U.S. and Canada. For quality metal roofing, these changes appear to be beneficial as metal roofing offers superior performance, durability, longevity, and so much more.
Scott: While the U.S. Federal government is stepping back from its regulatory role and the short-term picture will be chaotic and unpredictable, trends with state and local government regulations and policies will continue to shape the industry. Likewise, regulations from other countries that apply to domestic companies doing business internationally will also have an influence. Increasingly stringent energy codes, building performance standards, carbon emissions and climate-related financial risk disclosures, and material transparency and embodied carbon reduction requirements are some of the regulations and policies that metal building materials manufacturers, as well as the professionals who design, build, and operate buildings, will have to incorporate into their work, now and into the future.
Tiffin: In Canada, the government’s commitment to reducing greenhouse gas emissions is reflected in policies that promote the use of eco-friendly construction materials and practices. This has led to a growing demand for metal buildings that are not only durable and cost-effective but also environmentally sustainable. Furthermore, the alignment of Canadian regulations with international standards, such as those set by the European Union, is pushing the industry towards greater transparency and accountability in terms of carbon footprint and energy consumption.
Ingjaldsdóttir and Thorsteinsson: In California and beyond, evolving building codes are increasingly emphasizing fire resistance, energy efficiency, and carbon reduction. We are seeing a shift toward stricter regulations on embodied carbon, mandating the use of sustainable materials and improved insulation standards. One of the most significant policy shifts we hope to see is the widespread adoption of Type II non-combustible construction in fire-prone regions. For too long, traditional wood-frame construction has put communities at unnecessary risk. Through our work in prefabricated metal and foam panel systems, we are actively demonstrating to policymakers and city officials that safer, more sustainable alternatives exist and should be prioritized in future code revisions. As energy codes become more stringent, the use of metal in construction will continue to play a crucial role in designing highly efficient buildings that meet new performance standards.
