AI IN THE AEC INDUSTRY
Getting Started with AI—A Guide for Structural Engineers and AEC Leaders
Do you feel like you’re behind in AI adoption?
Well, relax. You are right where you’re supposed to be!
At least, according to STRUCTURE magazine, which says most AEC firms are appropriately still in phase one of their AI journey.
They’re learning what AI technology is out there, determining how it may impact their business models and strategizing how to best leverage AI to drive value for clients.
In the spirit of exploration, we’re sharing initial insights from our journey to unearth the opportunities of AI in structural engineering.
AI’s potential for transforming the AEC industry
A recent Goldman Sachs report predicts that AI could automate one-fourth of current work tasks in the US and Europe, and architecture / engineering is in the top three industries with the greatest potential for transformation.
This means firms like ours need to figure out how AI will impact project delivery and how to leverage its power to our advantage. What opportunities does AI offer to expand our services? How can we use it to better our client relationships? How can we use it to grow our careers?
The National Council of Structural Engineers Associations (NCSEA) Foundation is one organization helping our profession to embrace AI and lead the way in shaping the future of the built environment.
Will small- to mid-sized AEC firms be the disrupters?
Agility, flexibility, lower overhead costs and ability to specialize are a few reasons NCSEA Foundation leaders say smaller firms may be better positioned than larger firms to deploy AI technology.
Per these structural engineering experts, firms should think about opportunities with AI in two categories:
1. AI tool development: the creation of new AI technologies and applications, such as machine learning algorithms to better solve structural engineering problems. Usually requires extensive resources.
2. AI tool consumption: integration of existing AI technologies and applications into an organization’s workflows or processes. Doesn’t require extensive resources.
While larger firms have historically been on the cutting edge of developing AI tools, firms operating at a smaller scale are better positioned to implement changes to processes and workflows. Benefits of AI tool consumption may include increased efficiency, improved accuracy and enhanced productivity.
Learning and Strategy
With the massive number of AI-powered tools out there, where do you start?
The NCSEA Foundation has developed an AI Roadmap for structural engineering firms, which many in the AEC industry will find valuable. The first step in this AI implementation plan is Learning and Strategy.
Let’s break it down.
Look inward first
As with any business or marketing plan, you should begin with strategy before tactics. STRUCTURE magazine calls it an inside-out AI strategy and suggests the following to achieve scalability and sustainability:
• Adopt the mindset that AI tools should align with your business strategy and integrate with your day-to-day workflows.
• Identify “operational bottlenecks or opportunities, workflow inefficiencies and unmet client needs.”
• Explore AI tools that align with these opportunities and goals.
Reap the benefits of strategy first
• Clarity and scalability.
• Organic adoption: your team will see the benefits firsthand.
• Decision-making is based on long-term value: “the need to deliver more reliable, smarter structures, faster project timelines, lower capital and operational costs for clients.”
Balance strategy with governance
• Ensure safety and compliance without killing innovation.
• Set a goal of “structured flexibility: clear policies that support experimentation, paired with education, transparency and guidance.”
• Create two parallel task forces that work together: AI Innovation and AI Governance.
• Establish an AI policy.
Learn basic AI
Your AI policy can help you create a structured, risk-reduced AI learning approach for your firm. Allowing your team to learn and test AI tools can help guide your AI strategy and determine whether you’re a consumer, a developer or both.
• Give your team encouragement and access to be curious and learn what AI tools can and can’t do.
• They can start by exploring large language models (LLM) such as ChatGPT, Copilot, etc. or experiment with AI-assisted coding.
Where can AEC firms get AI training?
NCSEA recommended AI/ML training resources include: Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs) such as Coursera, DeepLearning.AI, MIT OpenCourseWare and LinkedIn Learning and platforms like Kaggle.
If you’re looking for more information, check out the NCSEA’s complete AI Roadmap and its Artificial Intelligence in Structural Engineering resources.
What are your thoughts on AI?
Where are you on your AI journey? Do you have any insight or resources to share? Please leave a comment below.