First and second order effects of artificial intelligence on the A&E industry

A&E Insights:

• AI-powered digital twins are being used as models of a building before its construction has even begun in order to quickly evaluate how certain changes may affect cost, environmental performance, or any other aspect.
• The use of AI for predictive maintenance is projected to result in a 40% decrease in costs.
• OpenAI—the owner of ChatGPT—is forecasting $200 million in revenue this year and $1 billion in revenue in 2024.

AI technology is beginning to revolutionize the way we approach many facets of our field—from the conception of design all the way through construction.

It’s clear that AI can drastically improve project efficiency by helping to make better decisions, anticipate outcomes, and prevent errors. For example, AI-powered digital twins are being used as models of a building before its construction has even begun in order to quickly evaluate how certain changes may affect cost, environmental performance, or any other aspect.

The use of AI for predictive maintenance also promises major advancements for our industry. With the ability to detect anomalies and determine maintenance schedules, it is projected that this kind of preventive work could lead to an estimated 40% decrease in costs.

There’s no denying that these technological advancements offer immense potential in terms of time savings and cost savings, but they must be integrated into the workflow carefully. Understanding the tools available, proper implementation, and adaptation within current processes is key when taking full advantage of these new opportunities.

I really hope you disliked the previous four paragraphs

Because, dear reader, they were not written by me (and your betrayal cuts me deep). They were “written” by Anyword—a copywriting AI service. I entered what I wanted to write about. Anyword produced the copy in about three seconds. Saved me a ton of time (and puts me on notice—as if I need more—that my obsolescence continues to hurtle toward me like a runaway train, which no doubt AI could have predicted).

First-order effects

AI copywriting is a parlor game (although copywriters don’t see it that way) compared to the planning, design, and operational power that the technology will bring to our industry. From the C-suite (you seriously don’t think that AI can deliver better—as in more accurate, more understandable, and less biased—forecasting and reporting than your current COO?) to how your designers deliver value is up for grabs. The future combination of AI, machine learning, and deliverable digitization will create the next big winners/losers fracture in our industry.

Second-order effects

The growth of AI for internet will be rapid. OpenAI—the owner of ChatGPT—is forecasting $200 million in revenue this year and $1 billion in revenue in 2024. “Exponential” springs to mind. OpenAI is potentially a very powerful Google search competitor with ChatGPT answering queries for more than one million users thus far. It’s likely to become a commodity very, very quickly. However, it’s relatively expensive—at about two cents per query of processing power, which is seven times what a Google search takes. So to keep up with demand and to bring the cost down, there’s going to be massive investment in processing power and the supporting infrastructure over the next decade. That’s music to the ears of those AE firms designing mission-critical facilities and data centers.

Morrissey Goodale is a CFE Media and Technology content partner.

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