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Leasing & Financing

Whether you are a business executive looking to invest in new equipment or a vendor seeking financing options for your clients, you can leverage flexible financing through First American.

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See firsthand how organizations have achieved their goals with customized financing from First American.

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2025 Financing Trends for AEC Firms

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Welcome to our digital resource hub!

To succeed in a shifting economic landscape, AEC firm leaders must make strategic capital investments. Discover how First American’s custom financing solutions can help streamline operations, deliver tax advantages, and fuel sustainable growth.

Industry Insights

Featured Industry Insights

2025 Financing Trends for AEC Firms

According to the Equipment Leasing & Finance Foundation's 2025 Economic Outlook, real equipment and software investment in the United States is projected to grow by 4.7% in 2025.

Financing continues to empower firms to invest in transformative technologies and resources while optimizing cash flow and conserving capital.

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Projects AEC Firms are Financing

AEC firms continue to embrace technology that supports a hybrid work model. Leasing IT assets allows firms to stay up to date with the latest advancements and maintain a competitive edge—without incurring the upfront and ongoing costs with purchasing.

Examples: Laptops, networking infrastructure, secure servers, virtual collaboration tools

The AEC industry continues to experience a significant surge in software spending and these projects are often substantial financial commitments. Financing software and annual subscriptions helps firms spread out these costs over the term of the software agreement and align expenses with use.

Examples: Autodesk, Microsoft licensing, project & accounting systems, 3D BIM, Workday

In order for AEC firms to remain competitive in a technology-driven industry, investment in high-tech field equipment is critical and comes at a high cost. Choosing to finance field equipment can provide AEC firms with lower upfront costs and better budget management overall.

Examples: Surveying equipment, LiDAR, drones, trucks

Significant shifts in workplace design are driving AEC firms to reconfigure their spaces. When undergoing an office renovation, leasing can be used to cover up to 100% of the costs, and structured to achieve unique tax and accounting benefits for the firm.

Examples: Modern furniture, high-tech A/V systems, sustainable lighting, advanced security systems, construction services

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Projects Law Firms are Financing

AEC firms continue to embrace technology that supports a hybrid work model. Leasing IT assets allows firms to stay up to date with the latest advancements and maintain a competitive edge—without incurring the upfront and ongoing costs with purchasing.

Examples: Laptops, networking infrastructure, secure servers, virtual collaboration tools

The AEC industry continues to experience a significant surge in software spending and these projects are often substantial financial commitments. Financing software and annual subscriptions helps firms spread out these costs over the term of the software agreement and align expenses with use.

Examples: Autodesk, Microsoft licensing, project & accounting systems, 3D BIM, Workday

In order for AEC firms to remain competitive in a technology-driven industry, investment in high-tech field equipment is critical and comes at a high cost. Choosing to finance field equipment can provide AEC firms with lower upfront costs and better budget management overall.

Examples: Surveying equipment, LiDAR, drones, trucks

Significant shifts in workplace design are driving AEC firms to reconfigure their spaces. When undergoing an office renovation, leasing can be used to cover up to 100% of the costs, and structured to achieve unique tax and accounting benefits for the firm.

Examples: Modern furniture, high-tech A/V systems, sustainable lighting, advanced security systems, construction services

The First American Difference

Leading the Way in Leasing

Capitalize on Industry Specialization

Making a Meaningful Impact

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Leading the Way in Leasing

By the Numbers

$4.4B

Finance Portfolio

Our disciplined lending approach, steady growth, and diverse portfolio translates into strength and stability for our clients.

157

CLFPs (the most in the world)1

First American employs more Certified Lease & Finance Professionals than any company in the world. Work with the best and the brightest in the industry.

14th Largest

Bank-Owned Equipment Finance Lessor in the U.S.2

With this nationwide reputation and an AEC-exclusive team, we are uniquely positioned to support your business in the new year and beyond.

U.S. Lease Portfolio

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Capitalize on Industry Specialization

Your firm and its unique financial objectives are our focus. We’ve worked alongside AEC firms for over three decades, meaning you can feel confident in a team who truly understands your journey toward growth.

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Making a Meaningful Impact

We are grateful for our success and eager to give back—using our resources to drive positive change in the communities where we live and work. Let’s build a better future and make a lasting impact, together.

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2024 Impact at a Glance

$90,000+

Total Donations

1,879+

Volunteer Hours

50+

Organizations Supported

Client Spotlight

Organization

1,000+ Employee Engineering Firm

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Location

Chicago, IL

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Project Scope

$3.1MM Software Renewal

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The Challenge

A leading engineering firm based in Chicago was approaching the renewal period for their Workday software and sought a strategic financing solution. Traditionally, the firm paid cash for significant expenses, but because of the need to preserve cash, they decided on an alternative financing source. 

The Solution

First American provided the firm with financing that spread the cost over three years, offering low monthly payments that aligned with the software usage. This approach not only facilitated smoother cash flow management for the firm, but also allowed them to leverage their capital more effectively in other areas of their business. 

Organization

1,000+ Employee Engineering Firm

Building icon

Location

Chicago, IL

Location Icon

Project Scope

$3.1MM Software Renewal

Financing scope icon

The Challenge

A leading engineering firm based in Chicago was approaching the renewal period for their Workday software and sought a strategic financing solution. Traditionally, the firm paid cash for significant expenses, but because of the need to preserve cash, they decided on an alternative financing source. 

The Solution

First American provided the firm with financing that spread the cost over three years, offering low monthly payments that aligned with the software usage. This approach not only facilitated smoother cash flow management for the firm, but also allowed them to leverage their capital more effectively in other areas of their business. 

Interested in Learning More?

Connect with Alison

Tap into the expertise of one of the country’s largest equipment finance companies.2 Tell me your business needs and we can start exploring funding options today.

1Source: CLFP Accomplishment Report 2024

2Source: 2024 Monitor 100