Bridging the Gap -

High Hopes for AI in AEC

Contact Us

The Architecture, Engineering, and Construction (AE, AEC) industry is at a critical inflection point: despite technological advances and an influx of digital tools, the sector remains heavily fragmented and, as a result, is falling behind. Design teams operate in silos, owners pursue competing agendas, and contractors are burdened by ever-present risk and reward. Emerging technologies are widely available and, while many hold promises in the world of artificial intelligence, their implementation is often isolated and inconsistent. These disjointed experiments, while well-intentioned, obstruct meaningful innovation.

As studied and highlighted by McKinsey & Company’s research paper issued in 2024 which explored the growth in construction technology, the shift in AEC tech and AI is imminent. AEC is one of the largest industries in the world, valued at over $12 Trillion, however its innovation and digitalization is behind most comparable major industries. In 2023 alone, over $50 Billion was invested in AEC Technology development at least 85% higher than all investments in the previous three years combined.

Tech companies and firms are investing both time and money into a new age of AI. Companies like Balfour Beatty, an ENR Top 25 general contractor in the US, are investing in personalized AI applications that scrape existing documents for lessons learned and best practices. In partnership with Microsoft, Balfour Beatty is developing mining tools that can mine billions of health and safety data points from past incidents to predict, prevent and mitigate risks. Skanska has developed a proprietary AI chatbot called “Sidekick” that since 2024, helps over 27,000 employees search for a huge repository of internal data. Gensler is harnessing the power of AI to create environmentally sustainable spaces, reducing carbon footprint and emissions. They envision workspaces that foster AI for more than streamlining tasks, instead they anticipate using AI for constant building surveillance, utilizing desktop AI assistants that monitor well-being, productivity, and task completion.

Construction Dive finds that over 50% of AIA firms have tried using AI, only 6% implement them into current workflows. While large companies have the capital to invest, the average size of an architecture firm in the US is 12 employees (1). Firms of this size rarely have the time or profit to invest on proprietary developments. As such, their priorities for spending limited resources should focus on workforce development and increasing data literacy. The uncertainty around inaccuracies, security, and authenticity are constant factors. Unfortunately, if firms do find technology to pilot, it will likely further fragment the design process; the learning curve coupled with the immediate goal of making a profit is often enough to discourage a small firm from such a venture.

The question remains: how do 12 person AE firms mimic the vast resources of companies such as Skanska or Gensler? Simply put, they can’t but should try, nonetheless. Larger firms have pioneered a transition in design and production processes that smaller firms can learn from. Autodesk estimates AEC professionals can spend over 11.5 hours researching and analyzing data. “Up Codes Copilot” can create diagrams, find exact answers with proven references, and increase productivity while still utilizing valuable and current code documents. Low-Risk adoptions like using AI to increase the speed of which firms respond to RFP’s, writing technical specifications, and project take-offs are also feasible by smaller firms.

Investing human and monetary capital in construction technology needs to happen now, and AI is at its forefront. While AI is a disruptive force reshaping how we design, build, and operate within the built environment, it has its place in our future much like the computer did or the world wide web years ago. By shifting focus to what we can execute and scale, and by holding on to the human nature of design, change for good, is on the horizon.

Contact Us

Resources:

  • https://openasset.com/resources/architecture-statistics/

  • https://www.gensler.com/blog/ai-is-transforming-future-workplace-experience

  • https://www.autodesk.com/blogs/construction/state-of-data-capabilities-in-construction/

  • https://www.aia.org/aia-architect/article/architects-are-excited-about-potential-ai-concerns-abound

  • https://www.mckinsey.com/industries/private-capital/our-insights/from-start-up-to-scale-up-accelerating-growth-in-construction-technology

brandon

Meet the Author

Brandon Ramon - Client Operations Director - BIM

Brandon Ramon is a licensed architect in Texas (License No. 31524) and a member of the AIA. With over 8 years of experience, he leads Virtual Design and Construction (VDC) projects across multiple sectors, including education, retail, and healthcare. His expertise in coordinating with owners, architects, and contractors ensures seamless project execution. Brandon’s leadership in VDC brings innovative solutions and efficiency to Vee Technologies' clients, helping them push the boundaries of modern construction practices.

Copyright © Vee Technologies All Rights Reserved. | Image Copyright