Architects: Want to have your project featured? Showcase your work by uploading projects to Architizer and sign up for our inspirational newsletters.
Architecture is often framed as a balance between creative inspiration and technical execution — sketching ideas, refining concepts and ultimately turning vision into built reality. The persistent presence of the quote famously attributed to Mies van der Rohe, “Architecture starts when you put two bricks together. There it begins,” encapsulates this conception. Meanwhile, though architects are unlikely to dabble in actual construction (few architects can claim expertise in bricklaying), the design process stretches far beyond the drafting table, shaped not just by musings on form and function but by material choices, construction methods and budgetary realities.
Indeed, while clients and the general public often admire the final product, the behind-the-scenes process of material specification remains largely invisible. It’s an essential, yet understated, part of architectural practice. And as the profession embraces 21st-century advancements — digital platforms replacing print journals, parametric modeling refining design and globalized workflows transforming collaboration — one quiet revolution has been reshaping how architects specify materials and products. It’s a shift that doesn’t just influence design decisions but fundamentally changes how projects come to life.
From Showroom to Screen: How Material Specification Is Changing
Visualization of an Office Building | Courtesy of Material Bank
Traditionally, material selection has been rooted in tactile experience. Architects would visit showrooms, touch samples and scrutinize finishes under natural light. After all, photographs can be misleading — what appears as a warm oak veneer on screen might read cold and flat in person. Many architects still insist that physical samples are indispensable for final decisions, with case studies and site visits providing critical context for how materials perform in the real world. Relationships with product representatives further streamline the process, offering tailored recommendations, project-specific customization and quick access to samples.
Even still, digital platforms have profoundly reshaped the early stages of discovery. Architects now turn first to online resources to explore products, compare options and gather documentation. This shift is particularly pronounced among younger professionals, for whom digital search is second nature. Manufacturers that fail to embrace this evolution risk fading into the background, while those who invest in digital visibility — paired with responsive, real-world engagement — are emerging as leaders. In particular, Material Bank has revolutionized sampling by centralizing this process so that architects no longer need to bounce from site to site. On top of this, they offer overnight delivery of curated swatches from a range of manufacturers, reducing the need for showroom visits.
Introducing Digital Catalog: A Central Hub for Material Data Beyond Samples
Mock-up of Material Bank’s Digital Catalog
The latest leap in this ongoing transformation comes from Material Bank’s Digital Catalog, an offer designed to expand product categories and address inefficiencies in material search and specification. Built with the goal of eventually housing data from over 50,000 building product brands in the industry, Digital Catalog aspires to be the most comprehensive resource for material information, technical documentation and product availability — all within a single, user-friendly interface.
This industry-first solution offers a suite of powerful features tailored to the needs of AEC professionals:
- Centralized Data Repository: Access spec sheets, BIM files, visual assets, sustainability certifications, and more without juggling multiple platforms.
- Effortless Navigation: An intuitive search interface simplifies browsing, filtering, and data management.
- Project Central Integration:Provides workflow tools for organizing inspiration, enabling design collaboration, facilitating material research, sampling, and selection.
- Side-by-Side Comparisons: Easily compare product attributes and generate custom reports.
- Easy Quoting: One-click quote requests streamline cost estimation.
- Direct Communication: A dedicated inbox fosters real-time collaboration between architects and manufacturers.
The need for such a platform is clear. According to the AIA’s annual Journey to Specification report, more than half of architects seek technical descriptions, product specs, CAD/BIM files and pricing as the most important information when evaluating materials. Yet many report dissatisfaction with manufacturers’ websites, citing poor information availability and difficult navigation. Recent research conducted through Qualtrics underscores this frustration: 9 out of 10 licensed architects expressed a desire for a centralized product data hub.
Empowering Architects with Real-Time Insights
Mock-up of Material Bank’s Digital Catalog
For thousands of architects and designers, Digital Catalog is already integrating into their workflows and enhancing project outcomes. “We established the vision to help AEC professionals by enhancing information efficiency and transparency,” explains Manwen Li, Senior Director of Product at Material Bank. “Our mission is to provide an effective platform that seamlessly connects them with building product brands. Every hour spent searching for product documents is an hour lost in transforming space for humanity.”
By leveraging real-time access to reliable, standardized data, Digital Catalog not only accelerates decision-making but also supports sustainable design practices. From material selection to final specification, the platform fosters collaboration across project teams, ensuring that architects, designers, and contractors operate from the same playbook.
“In the era of AI, our goal is to lead and define expertise in the development of product data,” Li states. “By harnessing this data, we empower the AEC industry to transform spaces with greater intelligence and efficiency, from concept to completion.” Since the launch, Digital Catalog is already partnering with leading brands like CertainTeed, Cemex, Trex, and 3M to move the program forward.
Redefining the Future of Material Specification
Modern School Building | Courtesy of Material Bank
Material Bank’s Digital Catalog represents more than just a searchable database — it’s aiming to become a transformative tool that bridges the gap between inspiration and execution. By consolidating product data, facilitating direct communication and enabling smarter decision-making, it redefines how architects engage with the materials that shape their designs.
As architecture increasingly embraces digital workflows, platforms like Material Bank are setting new standards for efficiency, collaboration and innovation. For architects navigating the complexities of modern practice, the future of material specification is here — streamlined, connected and more intuitive than ever.
Architects: Want to have your project featured? Showcase your work by uploading projects to Architizer and sign up for our inspirational newsletters.
Featured image: Visualization of a Museum | Featured courtesy of Material Bank
