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AI in constuction: 


   Dr Stephen Hamil 


The human-plus-machine advantage Our recent research for the 2025 Digital Construction Report reveals that 42.5% of construction professionals are already using AI tools, with 85% believing the technology will positively transform the sector. But here’s the crucial point: AI isn’t replacing human expertise – it’s amplifying it. Think of AI as your most diligent assistant. It excels at the tasks that consume valuable time but don’t require creative thinking: performing an initial filtered search through vast databases of technical information, checking compliance requirements against building regulations, or identifying inconsistencies in specifications, and submitting this work for expert review. To a degree, this then frees professionals to focus on what they do best; creative problem-solving,


strategic thinking, and delivering exceptional client outcomes. Where AI adds real value Consider specification writing; traditionally a time-consuming, error-prone process. AI can support with the initial round of research when developing the specification. It can also assist with checking editorial style and cross referencing. For example, at NBS we have begun utilising AI to help rapidly process data, that is then curated by a human expert to improve the value for our specifiers; giving them the best possible, trusted data, at their fingertips when they make specification decisions. Consider sustainability analysis, where AI can assist by rapidly analysing product data, checking for compliance with environmental standards, and even modelling the lifecycle impacts of different


design choices. Yet, it’s always the human professional who sets the vision for net- zero targets, weighs trade-offs between different environmental strategies, verifies the validity of the research, and who then communicates these complex decisions to clients and stakeholders. The importance of quality foundations Here’s where the balance becomes critical. AI tools are only as good as the data they’re trained on and the guidance they reference. A specification assistant that draws from incomplete, outdated or poorly curated information is bound to produce unreliable results, regardless of how sophisticated its algorithms (or their diplomas) might be. This is why professionally researched, curated guidance remains invaluable. When AI tools reference comprehensive, up-to-date technical libraries and


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