At the Construction Technology Confex UAE 2024, Andy Shaw, Managing Partner at AMA and Chair of the RIBA Gulf Chapter, delivered an insightful presentation titled “AI in Design Optimization & Bid Winning.” His session explored how AI is revolutionizing the architectural design process and optimizing workflows, especially for small and medium-sized enterprises.
Shaw shared practical examples from his own practice, highlighting how AI has enabled his team to streamline design iterations, speed up the feasibility phase, and enhance bid-winning strategies. By leveraging AI, his firm can quickly generate realistic visuals, allowing clients to engage emotionally with designs early in the process. This rapid ideation not only saves time but also increases efficiency, helping his team present multiple iterations of a project within hours instead of days.
One of the standout points from Shaw’s presentation was the way AI is democratizing creativity, enabling architects to explore new design possibilities and create visuals that blend different architectural influences. He emphasized how AI tools, affordable and accessible via cloud-based platforms, are becoming indispensable in day-to-day operations, from drafting initial concepts to producing high-quality renderings in a fraction of the time.
Beyond design, Shaw discussed how AI is also transforming the back-office functions of running a practice. Whether it’s generating meeting minutes, drafting proposals, or even analyzing contracts, AI tools are becoming essential for small firms seeking to remain agile and competitive. As a result, firms like AMA can deliver projects faster and with greater precision, even when resources are limited.
Shaw concluded with a forward-looking perspective on how AI will shape the future of cities and the construction process, predicting that robotic construction will soon become a reality, driven by AI’s ability to optimize not only designs but also the logistics and execution of large-scale projects.
Watch the full presentation for a closer look at how AI is transforming architecture and empowering firms to innovate faster and more efficiently!
Construction Technology ConFex 2025
Construction Technology ConFex brings together over 1,000 project owners, developers, contractors, consultants, and technology companies to share lessons learned from new approaches. Don’t miss it if you’re interested in all things digital and sustainable. Find out more here.
