We are currently in the middle of a “hot” technology series, looking at one of the hottest, most talked about technologies of 2025: AI (artificial intelligence). To start the series, we are looking at AI in the lifecycle of a building or infrastructure asset. Last week, we kicked it off looking at lifecycle opportunities in design. Today, let’s expand on this a bit by looking at how AI could extend even further, into construction.
Deltek recently published its 46th annual Deltek Clarity Architecture & Engineering Industry Study, surveying nearly 700 firms across the United States and Canada. Here is what it found, as it relates to artificial intelligence.
AI adoption surged across the industry, with 53% of firms leveraging AI tools—up from 38% last year. While use cases vary, a few examples include proposal development, project planning, business development, and data analytics.
While opportunities are vast, challenges still exist. Namely, there is a gap between intent and full integration. And therein lies the rub. Many construction companies still rely on manual processes for functions like accounting and resource management.
To be candid, these are the conversations we have been having with BIM (building information modeling) for more than two decades, and while progress has been made, there is still much work to be done.
Many recognize the need for interoperability in all parts of a construction project—from design, to construction, to operations. Data that is easily shared is also easily accessed, creating greater efficiency for all. This is becoming even more critical as projects are becoming more complex, and we are facing a labor shortage.
Of course, in the past two decades, technology has evolved. We have seen the rise of digital twins, which is technology that enables virtual interaction with an asset. With BIM and digital twins, AEC (architecture, engineering, and construction) teams are able to enable collaborative design.
Now, with AI, we have a new tool at our disposal. Well, kind of new, if you consider AI for computer-aided design was pitched back in the 1970s. What has changed is we have seen new technological advances such as machine learning and gen AI, which are helping make BIM work smarter.
While the technology is evolving rapidly, what is really needed now in the construction industry is greater digital maturity—and, in fact, that is one of the top priorities among firms in the Deltek survey. Of those A&E firms surveyed, 38% rate themselves as digitally mature or advanced, and 74% expect to reach that stage within three years.
Things are certainly changing rapidly in the construction industry. Will AI be the tool that spurs on a new way of building? Will it urge construction and engineering firms to rethink the way they leverage and integrate data? Will a new way of work emerge? These are the questions we should be asking.
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