As AI becomes more structured and intuitive, most serious companies are embedding dedicated strategies and budgets to explore and make use of how AI can benefit their business. But what use-cases and values are really being seen at the corporate level and do the skills exist to do so? Many AI applications in the construction industry focus on the contractor, these sessions will focus on AI deployment through the project lifecycle addressing different types of services including design, project management consultancy and construction supervision.
In a rapidly evolving industry like construction, understanding the practical applications of AI is no longer a luxury—it’s a necessity. At the recent Construction Technology Confex, an insightful panel titled “What’s Real in AI” brought together some of the industry’s leading minds to dissect the tangible benefits and real-world use cases of AI throughout the construction project lifecycle. The session, moderated by Cristina Savian, Founder of Be-Wise, looked at how AI is being utilized not just in flashy, futuristic ways but in ways that deliver measurable value and efficiency right now.
The panel featured experts such as Dr. Anas Bataw, Technology Advisor at the UN; Anastasios Dimas, Regional Technology Director for the Middle East & Africa at AtkinsRealis; Andy Shaw, Managing Partner at AMA and Chair of the RIBA Gulf Chapter; Jason English, Chief Ecosystem Officer at GC Tech; and Roger Wahl, Chief Technology Officer at Innovo. These leaders shared their experiences and insights on how AI is transforming various aspects of construction—from early-stage design and visualization to project management and construction supervision.
As Cristina kicked off the discussion, she emphasized the need to “keep it real” in understanding AI’s role in the industry. AI, often shrouded in both hype and fear, has seen increasing interest as companies dedicate more resources to explore its potential. But what does that really look like on the ground? Andy Shaw provided concrete examples of how AI is speeding up the design process, enabling his team to generate high-quality visuals in a fraction of the time it used to take. What once required weeks of work can now be accomplished in days, thanks to generative AI tools that create professional-quality images and models.
Roger Wahl added to the discussion by highlighting the role of AI in cyber security and data management. In an era where companies face hundreds of thousands of cyber threats daily, AI has become an essential tool in the ongoing battle between attackers and defenders. But AI’s impact isn’t limited to security; it’s also reshaping how entire communities are planned and developed. From analyzing decades of weather data to optimizing urban layouts for sustainability, AI is helping planners and developers make smarter, more informed decisions.
The conversation also touched on the broader implications of AI in construction. As Jason English pointed out, the use of AI in stock management and data organization could significantly streamline operations, reducing waste and improving efficiency across the board. The panelists agreed that while AI is indeed transforming the industry, it requires a careful approach to ensure that the technology is used effectively and ethically.
This panel discussion at the Construction Technology Confex is a must-watch for anyone interested in the future of AI in construction. The insights shared by these industry leaders provide a clear-eyed view of what AI can—and can’t—do for your business today. Whether you’re already integrating AI into your processes or just beginning to explore its potential, this session offers valuable guidance on navigating the AI landscape in the construction industry.
Stay tuned to watch the full video and gain a deeper understanding of how AI is being practically applied to improve outcomes across the construction lifecycle.
