1 - Artificial‑intelligence (AI) companies are transforming commercial real estate. In Manhattan alone, AI firms leased 486 k sq ft of office space in the first nine months of 2025, eclipsing the 414 k sq ft leased in all of 2024.
2 - Prologis plans to spend $8bn on data‑centre projects to meet AI’s computing needs, and investors are pouring capital into proptech solutions that automate everything from energy design to rent collection.
3 - Real estate teams who embrace digital test‑fit tools with sustainability credentials can meet AI clients’ demands and win in a rapidly shifting market.
The acceleration of AI development is not only remaking the technology sector, it is reshaping the footprint of commercial real estate. Manhattan’s leasing data underscores the scale of the shift: AI firms have already leased more space in 2025 than they did in the whole of 2024. West‑Coast giants and high‑growth startups are increasingly seeking Class A and B offices and often opt for shorter two‑ to three‑year leases with expansion clauses. This behaviour reflects both the fast‑evolving headcount projections of AI companies and their desire for flexibility.
Behind the office demand lies a parallel build‑out of digital infrastructure. Prologis, the world’s largest industrial landlord, announced an $8bn plan to develop 20 data‑centre projects by 2029 and envisions up to 100 new facilities. Chief executive Hamid Moghadam has warned that powering these facilities will require nuclear, natural‑gas, solar and other renewable sources; he notes the United States already counts over 5,400 data‑centres and that global spending could reach $4 trillion by 2030. This means new tenants will soon weigh power availability, latency and sustainability alongside rent and amenities.
Leasing teams are under pressure to translate these shifts into suitable product for clients. AI occupiers expect quick solutions, backed by solid data and flexibility, to match their growth. laiout helps to meet these expectations by providing:
Instant test fits. laiout generates floorplans to meet AI tenant requirements in seconds. This allows for flexibility, including alternative layouts or expansion plans, compressing the time from enquiry to term sheet.
Live collaboration. Leasing teams can invite clients, landlords and designers into a live workshop to co‑create test fits in real time. This reduces friction and demonstrates a collaborative approach valued by tech firms.
Embedded sustainability and CO2 metrics. Each option displays key data such as estimated costs and carbon impact. Teams can show AI tenants how a sustainability focused configuration compares to a conventional option, aligning with corporate ESG goals.
Q1: What types of space are AI firms seeking?
Besides traditional offices, AI companies require proximity to high‑capacity data‑centres. Prologis’ push to build up to 100 data-centres highlights the importance of power availability and low‑latency connectivity. Leasing teams should therefore assess both the building’s physical attributes and the regional energy grid.
Q2: How does sustainability influence AI tenants?
High‑growth tech firms often have ambitious ESG targets. Mass‑timber buildings lower embodied carbon compared with steel and concrete and offer biophilic benefits: 82% of people working around wood report higher wellbeing. Such features help companies attract talent and satisfy investors. laiout’s instant test fits allow comparison of low‑carbon options side by side.
Q3: How can leasing teams future‑proof deals?
By leveraging digital platforms like laiout, you can produce adaptable floorplans and evaluate multiple scenarios. This provides clients with confidence that their space can evolve alongside their business.
The AI boom is reshaping commercial real estate, faster than most expected. Leasing teams who proactively engage with new occupier behaviours, sustainability standards and proptech innovations will stand apart. laiout helps you compress the path for tomorrow’s AI‑driven tenants. Book a demo here with one of our team and see laiout in action.
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