Bret Tushaus, VP Product at Deltek, explores the growing role of artificial intelligence the built environment and how to bring these technologies to your construction project
Sometimes, the most profound transformations in any industry can be detected in the smallest changes in everyday dialogue. “Let me see if AI could help with this” has become as common a phrase in construction project management as “let me check the schedule.” It’s a subtle but significant shift, underscoring the evolution as 2025 gathers pace.
With just one quarter of firms currently at an ‘advanced’ or ‘mature’ stage of digital maturity, the opportunity for transformation is significant.
The growing role of AI
Over recent years, the gradual integration of AI into routine project management tasks has marked a significant evolution in how architecture, engineering and construction (AEC) firms operate. This transformation has gained momentum, spurred on by the increasing complexity of projects and the need for greater efficiency. By automating scheduling, time-tracking and compliance processes, organisations are streamlining operations and redirecting valuable human resources toward more strategic activities.
AI technologies like these have proved particularly powerful in the realm of predictive analytics. These systems are now capable of forecasting potential delays and budget overruns with impressive accuracy, enabling proactive rather than reactive project management. Early adopters have already reaped substantial benefits, reporting marked improvements in both project delivery timelines and budget precision. The next evolution will be advanced systems that can not only predict issues, but automatically suggest and implement solutions within pre-approved parameters.
Balancing AI capabilities with human expertise
To fulfil this potential, AI implementation hinges on firm-wide AI literacy. Teams must understand both AI’s capabilities and limitations to effectively leverage it. As such, project managers are increasingly becoming technology strategists, required to understand both traditional management principles and the capabilities of AI systems. This hybrid expertise is essential for making informed decisions about when to rely on automation and when human judgment is paramount. Consequently, ongoing training and development programmes are evolving accordingly, focusing on building teams that can work effectively alongside AI tools while maintaining their critical thinking and decision-making capabilities.
Tools like Deltek’s Dela demonstrate how AI can enhance rather than replace human capabilities in project management. Moving forward, the focus should be resolute on creating systems that support effective human-AI collaboration. This means developing interfaces that make AI tools accessible to non-technical users, as well as establishing clear processes for escalating decisions from automated systems to human experts when necessary.
Any transformation in how AI is harnessed must extend beyond individual tasks to encompass entire project lifecycles. Modern AI-driven systems are now capable of managing complex compliance requirements, monitoring safety protocols, and optimising resource allocation, all in real-time. These capabilities are particularly valuable in an industry where regulatory requirements are becoming increasingly elaborate, and the margin for error is shrinking.
Managing risks and innovation
Organisations that establish clear protocols for AI deployment will be better positioned to succeed. Data privacy and security considerations will also become increasingly paramount in this AI-driven landscape. As firms integrate more sophisticated technological tools into their operations, understanding the minutiae of the terms and conditions of these systems becomes crucial. Project data security is elevated from IT consideration to business imperative that demands attention at every level of the organisation.
Any technological advancement necessitates a careful and measured approach to implementation. As the industry progresses with AI adoption, organisations establishing clear protocols for AI deployment, usage monitoring, and regular system audits will ensure responsible use and maintain alignment with organisational values and industry standards.
Ultimately, success will favour those organisations that view AI as a complement to human expertise, rather than a replacement.
A future defined by collaboration
Our research indicates that 67% of firms expect to lose market share within two years if they fail to make significant progress in digital transformation. This means creating frameworks that support technological integration while preserving the human judgment that has always been at the heart of successful project delivery.
The challenge –and the opportunity– lies in harnessing these technologies while carefully maintaining the human expertise that has always been essential to project success. Through striking a collaborative balance, organisations can create more efficient, secure and effective project management systems that drive better outcomes for all stakeholders.
As we continue through 2025, the emphasis should remain on creating value through careful integration rather than hastily adopting every emerging innovation. Using AI and automation tools alone isn’t enough; it’s about building organisational capabilities to use them effectively and responsibly. Success will depend on building strong foundations of AI literacy across organisation. In turn, the sector will be shaped by the organisations which harnessed the power of artificial intelligence while understanding that only human insight can turn technological capability into project success.
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