Material Bank Streamlines Specification with New Digital Catalog Program

In the increasingly fast-paced world of architectural design, one persistent challenge continues to stand out: finding the right materials for project specifications. This issue lies at the intersection of architecture, design, and the broader construction industry, where architects play a fundamental role in specifying products and materials that are then used to build meaningful, functional, and beautiful spaces.

Despite the critical importance that architects place on accessible technical files—such as specifications and BIM files—these remain among the largest gaps between satisfaction and importance. For example, the American Institute of Architects’ (AIA) annual survey, The Architect’s Journey to Specification, reveals that over 8,000 licensed architects rank “websites that are easy to navigate” as one of the most important factors when searching for materials and products. Yet, it is also an area where satisfaction lags significantly.

ThinkLab’s 2025 U.S. Design Industry Benchmark Report further emphasizes the urgency of addressing these inefficiencies, which cost the A&D industry valuable time and resources. The report identifies “finding appropriate data, imagery, and BIM files to communicate material selections” as the top challenge for commercial design professionals. Similarly, the 44th Annual Deltek Clarity Architecture and Engineering (A&E) Industry Study reports that 52% of firms identify the time required to produce a complete product specification package as a significant obstacle.

The Key Challenges in Architectural Specification

01. Inaccessible Visual and Technical Assets: Architects struggle to find high-quality imagery and BIM files to effectively convey material choices to clients and collaborators.

02. Time-Intensive Research: The lack of a centralized database forces professionals to sift through disparate sources, delaying critical design and procurement decisions.

03. Sustainability Gaps: Locating accurate documentation for testing and sustainability compliance remains a significant hurdle for A&D professionals.

Material Bank’s Digital Catalog Program

The friction between ever-tightening construction timelines and a still-onerous specification process has motivated Material Bank, the world’s largest marketplace for those specifying or intending to purchase architectural, design, and construction materials, to launch a Digital Catalog Program—a solution that empowers architects and designers by consolidating essential resources into a single, user-friendly platform.

With this program, architects can search and discover materials instantly, gaining access to thousands of materials featuring high-quality images, BIM files, and sustainability documentation in one place. The program also promises to save time and streamline workflows by eliminate the inefficiencies of navigating multiple tools, allowing architects to focus more on creativity and innovation.

The Digital Catalog program leverages BIM and virtual materials files to help architects visualize design concepts early in the process, building clients’ and contractors’ confidence in product selections. This ultimately reduces waste and improves the accuracy of the construction projects by ensuring that product selections align with project needs.