GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — Peopledesign, the growth strategy firm for the built environment, today released the 2026 BE Growth Index, the only independent, annually published benchmark tracking built environment manufacturers. The second edition of the research introduces a Strategic Health Score, which reflects manufacturers’ outlook on their overall growth potential.

The Strategic Health Score is the average of responses from three categories: Differentiation, Market effectiveness, and Growth confidence. This year’s score registered at 55 out of 100. The number is the average of all participants’ Health Scores. The score is shaped by strong differentiation and comparatively weak marketing effectiveness, the two ends of the range, rather than an even performance across all three. Only one in eight manufacturers described themselves as strongly differentiated.

One interesting dichotomy that emerged from this year’s research pointed to a rise in marketing spending, up to 4.0% from 2.2% in 2025, yet a gap in customer understanding, with 85% of respondents relying on second-hand anecdotal research.

“The story in this year’s data is an industry that’s investing a little more without necessarily seeing its customers any more directly,” said Kevin Budelmann, President and Co-Founder of Peopledesign. “The companies bucking that pattern, the ones that are clearly differentiated, specified early, and investing above the industry average, are the ones worth watching.”

A second outcome of this year’s study is an Internal Alignment Report. When multiple individuals within an organization complete the survey, it provides insight into how similar or dissimilar teams see their organization’s growth potential.

“After almost 30 years of consulting built environment companies, we’ve found the greatest indicator of success is a shared internal vision and understanding,” said Budelmann. “When teams align, it supercharges their growth potential.”

The BE Growth Index is published annually; however, those interested are welcome to submit at any time to receive custom Company Benchmark or Internal Alignment reports. The full 2026 Findings Report and survey access are available at begrowthindex.com.