By Lilian HoLilian Ho, Senior BIM Manager & Digital Lead with AECOM and Program Director at the ZIGURAT Institute of Technology, discusses the significant impact of AI on various industries, particularly the AEC sector. She covers recent advancements and highlights AI’s role in driving efficiency, safety and innovation in construction.
Lilian is Digital and BIM Lead with over 20 years of experience in both the public and private sectors, specializing in Digital Construction and BIM Management. As a recognized industry expert, her diverse portfolio includes projects in aviation, education, shopping centers, defense facilities and spaceports etc.
An industry leader in data-driven design, BIM/AI workflows and digital transformation in construction, Lilian excels in developing digital strategies and innovative solutions for complex projects. She leverages advanced technology, automation and artificial intelligence to drive efficiency and innovation.
In addition to her professional achievements, Lilian also a regular guest lecturer, master course program director and mentor, dedicated to promoting digitalization within the AEC industry. Her commitment to education and mentorship helps shape the future of digital construction.
Examples of AI developments and initiatives.
DeepSeek R1
A Game Changer in AI last month, the AI community witnessed the release of the ‘DeepSeek-R1’ model, which is 50 times cheaper than others. This breakthrough is expected to democratize access to advanced AI technologies.
AI Playbook for the UK Government
The Government Digital Service (GDS) has published over 100 pages of the ‘AI Playbook for the UK Government’ last week. This comprehensive guide includes:
- AI technologies
- Sample use cases
- Corporate guidance for policy professionals and decision-makers
- Technical advice on purchasing, implementing, and using AI solutions for digital and data professionals
The playbook is structured into five parts:
- 10 principles
- Introducing AI
- Building AI
- Using AI safely and responsibly
- Appendix with AI use cases in the public sector
This initiative underscores the public sector’s commitment to leveraging AI responsibly and effectively.
AI Action Summit in Paris
Last week, France hosted the ‘Artificial Intelligence (AI) Action Summit’ in Paris. Leaders from various countries, including presidents, energy leaders and AI experts, gathered to discuss the future of AI and collaborative efforts. President Macron announced a €109 billion investment in French AI over the coming years, emphasizing the need for global cooperation in AI development.
Robotics and AI Integration
Robotics AI, particularly in the form of embodied AI, has seen significant advancements in robotic learning with large language models (LLMs) and vision models over the past year. These developments highlight the accelerating pace of AI integration into various sectors.
The AI race between countries is intensifying and the future holds both exciting possibilities and significant challenges. The commitment to collaboration and responsible AI development will be crucial as we navigate this transformative era.
The role and impact of AI in the AEC industry
The rapid advancements in AI have stirred various industries, presenting both daunting challenges and exciting opportunities. At the beginning of last year, I delivered two presentations at DCW:
- The power of BIM data and AI
- Does AI speed up the BIM process?
While some feedback suggested that AI might be a passing hype, the pace of development suggests otherwise. Within a year, three new generations of increasingly powerful AI models have been released, flooding the market with AI products, projects, and initiatives. This rapid progress has sparked both hope and fear in society.
Despite the slow adoption by some industries, AI is revolutionizing various industries and the Architecture, Engineering, and Construction (AEC) industry is no exception. The integration of AI into AEC processes is transforming how projects are designed, managed, and executed, leading to increased efficiency, reduced costs and improved outcomes. Key areas where AI is making an impact include:
- Optimizing design and planning processes
- Improving project management
- Enhancing safety and risk management
- Efficient resource management
- Boosting collaboration and communication
- Streamlining maintenance
- Increasing productivity
- Optimizing sustainability
These advancements make AI a valuable tool for improving efficiency, safety, and overall performance. As AI technologies continue to evolve, their adoption and impact on the AEC industry will only grow, leading to more innovative, efficient and sustainable construction practices. Embracing AI is not just an option but a necessity for AEC firms looking to stay competitive in an increasingly digital world.
Challenges and Opportunities
Despite the ongoing challenges, the AI revolution presents significant opportunities. AI is already making faster progress in industries such as the creative sector, healthcare, science and climate solutions. It’s important to remember that AI can assist with current work but not replace human beings. However, it is certainly reshaping the labour market.
The bottom line is that AI can see what we have done but not how or why we have done it. Understanding the gap between data interpretation and human intention is critical. With our vision set over the past few years, now is the time to refine and act on it.
Key questions for the future
To move forward, the AEC industry must address several critical questions:
- How can siloed work turn into interdisciplinary collaboration?
- How can skill development be promoted across the industry?
- How can the gap between practical implementation and legislation be bridged?
- How can AI strategies be effectively delivered?
- How can data sharing be managed without compromising privacy?
- What are the collaboration protocols?
- Is the organization ready for AI?
- Are change management strategies in place?
- How will AI bias impact the future of work?
- Are data governance and standards ready?
- Are human-centered AI policies in place?
I believe AI can transform our world and humanity, leading to a better-built environment in the future. Our journey has just begun and the potential for AI to create a positive impact is immense. Let’s embrace this transformative technology and work together to shape a brighter future.