How AI can empower construction professionals, not replace them

This article strikes an important chord. From both a researcher’s and practitioner’s perspective, I see two clear dimensions worth unpacking: 1. The Researcher’s Lens Academically, optimism around AI in construction echoes what we saw with BIM a decade ago: early narratives framed it as a game-changer, but adoption lagged due to integration challenges. The research challenge lies in distinguishing hype from grounded impact. Questions to pursue include: • Where does AI create measurable value (e.g. predictive safety, cost estimation, defect detection)? • How do organisations navigate issues of trust, data governance, and ethical use? • Are integration challenges primarily technical, cultural, or contractual? This is where comparisons with BIM literature are instructive. BIM was less about technology and more about trust, collaboration, and transparency . AI may follow the same trajectory: benefits are real, but only if embedded within organisational culture and industry ecosystems. 2. The Practitioner’s Lens On the ground, contractors and consultants remain torn between enthusiasm and risk. AI pilots in safety monitoring, generative design, and predictive maintenance show promise. Yet, integration hurdles persist: legacy systems, fragmented data, uneven digital maturity, and a workforce that is often undertrained in digital tools. The critical takeaway for practitioners is that AI adoption cannot be a bolt-on. Just as BIM required rethinking workflows, AI demands rethinking processes, skills, and procurement models. Firms that treat AI as a compliance checkbox will struggle; those that weave it into strategy, culture, and client engagement will gain real advantage. In short, the optimism is justified—but realism demands we see AI as part of a broader cultural and systemic shift, not just another software layer. For me, the central insight is this: AI will succeed in construction not because it predicts risks, but because it reshapes relationships, between data, people, and trust. Do you see AI in your own context as primarily a technical tool, or as a cultural disruptor? #AIinConstruction #DigitalTransformation #ConstructionTechnology #BIM #TrustBuilding #ReputationManagement #ConstructionInnovation Written from my academic and professional perspective. AI tools were only used for clarity or structure. All analysis, tone, and conclusions remain my own. (Declaration aligns with authorship principles from the Committee on Public Ethics (COPE) and leading academic publishers.) https://lnkd.in/eF6J-jzH

Proud to share the newly published RICS Artificial Intelligence in Construction Report which provides a global snapshot of how over 2,200 professionals are thinking about AI’s role in reshaping the built environment. Key insights: 45% of firms report no AI use yet — but 56% plan to invest more in AI this year. Top opportunities: project scheduling, risk management, and resource optimisation. Biggest barriers: skills shortages, poor data quality, and integration challenges. Environmental impact: AI is already helping reduce carbon emissions and improve circular economy practices. Great job Anil Sawhney & Katherine Pitman for this timely and thought-provoking piece. https://lnkd.in/eGMA2uif

𝗔𝗜 𝗶𝗻 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝘀𝘁𝗿𝘂𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻: 𝗔 𝗙𝗶𝘅𝗲𝗿—𝗯𝘂𝘁 𝗔𝗹𝘀𝗼 𝗮 𝗥𝗶𝘀𝗸 𝗙𝗮𝗰𝘁𝗼𝗿 The Get It Right Initiative (GIRI) reveals a startling truth: avoidable errors cost the construction industry £𝟭𝟬–𝟮𝟱 𝗯𝗻 𝗮𝗻𝗻𝘂𝗮𝗹𝗹𝘆, and AI could be a powerful remedy. Yet, if rolled out without caution, it may introduce new pitfalls alongside its promise. Strike the balance, and AI can transform quality, safety, and productivity. 𝗙𝗼𝗿 𝗺𝗼𝗿𝗲 𝗶𝗻𝗳𝗼 :- https://lnkd.in/dQ4hEkjU #AIinConstruction #ErrorReduction #DigitalConstruction #ResponsibleInnovation #ConstructionTech

Anil Sawhney, Head of Sustainability at RICS, added: “RICS' AI in Construction 2025 report reveals that the construction sector is at a tipping point. Despite the hype in the media, over 2,200 global responses to our Global Construction Monitor survey reveal low adoption with a growing confidence in AI's potential..." https://lnkd.in/eViR5fcQ

𝗔𝗜 𝗶𝗻 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝘀𝘁𝗿𝘂𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻: 𝗔 𝗙𝗶𝘅𝗲𝗿—𝗯𝘂𝘁 𝗔𝗹𝘀𝗼 𝗮 𝗥𝗶𝘀𝗸 𝗙𝗮𝗰𝘁𝗼𝗿 The Get It Right Initiative (GIRI) reveals a startling truth: avoidable errors cost the construction industry £𝟭𝟬–𝟮𝟱 𝗯𝗻 𝗮𝗻𝗻𝘂𝗮𝗹𝗹𝘆, and AI could be a powerful remedy. Yet, if rolled out without caution, it may introduce new pitfalls alongside its promise. Strike the balance, and AI can transform quality, safety, and productivity. 𝗙𝗼𝗿 𝗺𝗼𝗿𝗲 𝗶𝗻𝗳𝗼 :- https://lnkd.in/euavV2ns #AIinConstruction #ErrorReduction #DigitalConstruction #ResponsibleInnovation #ConstructionTech

𝗔𝗜 𝗶𝗻 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝘀𝘁𝗿𝘂𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻: 𝗔 𝗙𝗶𝘅𝗲𝗿—𝗯𝘂𝘁 𝗔𝗹𝘀𝗼 𝗮 𝗥𝗶𝘀𝗸 𝗙𝗮𝗰𝘁𝗼𝗿 The Get It Right Initiative (GIRI) reveals a startling truth: avoidable errors cost the construction industry £𝟭𝟬–𝟮𝟱 𝗯𝗻 𝗮𝗻𝗻𝘂𝗮𝗹𝗹𝘆, and AI could be a powerful remedy. Yet, if rolled out without caution, it may introduce new pitfalls alongside its promise. Strike the balance, and AI can transform quality, safety, and productivity. 𝗙𝗼𝗿 𝗺𝗼𝗿𝗲 𝗶𝗻𝗳𝗼 :- https://lnkd.in/euavV2ns #AIinConstruction #ErrorReduction #DigitalConstruction #ResponsibleInnovation #ConstructionTech

AI is at an inflection point in the construction industry - and the numbers prove it. While other sectors rushed into AI, construction has been methodical. But 2025 is different. We're seeing construction firms twice as likely as architecture and engineering companies to view AI as a tool for improving operational efficiency and accelerating project delivery. The most productive applications aren't the flashy ones you see in headlines. They're happening in: ✅ Document organization and project data indexation ✅ Predictive maintenance for construction equipment ✅ Computer vision for safety and quality control But here's the real insight: The firms succeeding with AI aren't replacing humans - they're amplifying human expertise. They're using AI to handle the repetitive, time-consuming tasks so their best people can focus on design, problem-solving, and client relationships. The question isn't whether AI will transform AEC - it's how quickly can firms adapt their workflows to take advantage of these productivity gains? Have you seen AI making a real impact in your projects yet? #AEC #ArtificialIntelligence #ConstructionTechnology #Productivity #Innovation  

The increase in the use of AI in construction projects. Not a surprise, and its use will continue to increase. More important than ever to ensure teams have a consistent understanding of AI and how it can be adopted effectively for construction projects.

AI use in construction has surged from 15% to 75% in just two years. That’s not a trend, it’s a transformation. But here’s the real point: adoption alone doesn’t build trust. Just as with BIM, the value of AI isn’t in the algorithms, it’s in how openly data is shared, how responsibly it’s applied, and whether it strengthens collaboration rather than deepens silos. Firms that treat AI as more than compliance or efficiency gain a reputational edge. They signal transparency, foresight, and a commitment to delivering smarter outcomes. The question now isn’t if AI will reshape construction, but whether it will do so in a way that earns trust across the supply chain. What safeguards should we be building into this AI shift to ensure it creates credibility, not just capability? #AI #ConstructionInnovation #DigitalConstruction #TrustBuilding #ReputationManagement #AEC #FutureOfWork Written from my academic and professional perspective. AI tools were only used for clarity or structure. All analysis, tone, and conclusions remain my own. (Declaration aligns with authorship principles from the Committee on Public Ethics (COPE) and leading academic publishers.)

🚧 Exciting start to our new course: AI in Construction 🚧 Yesterday we kicked off with this important question: Why AI in Construction? Instead of jumping into “what AI is,” we explored why it matters for our industry and how to make sure we’re not wasting money chasing trends, but actually getting real ROI from AI. Here are some key takeaways for construction leaders, managers, and contractors: 💰 $15.7 trillion – That’s AI’s projected contribution to the global economy. But in construction, adoption is still slow. ⚠️ 70% of companies using AI fail to see ROI—because they start with “AI for AI’s sake.” We want to be in the 30% who gain value. 📈 20% productivity increase is possible in construction through AI-enabled solutions. 💵 15% cost reduction, which can triple to 5X profit margins. ⏱️ 30% shorter project timelines → faster delivery, fewer delays. 🦺 25–35% fewer accidents—a massive safety impact in one of the most dangerous industries. Instead of asking “How do we use AI?” the better question is: “What problems in construction can AI solve?” That’s the focus of this course: helping students and industry professionals identify real problems, apply AI where it fits, and gain measurable returns rather than just following the hype. 👉 Excited to see where our students and industry partners take this journey.