Posts by Nancy Balois

How AI can organize the evidence while the architect keeps the decision Submittal review is not difficult because of one isolated comparison. The burden comes from repeatedly moving between specifications, drawings, schedules, product data, review templates, prior decisions, and correspondence – often under tight deadlines and within a fee-compressed phase of the project. In Part…

A single submittal is usually manageable. It arrives, someone checks it, logs it, routes it to the appropriate reviewer and returns the response to the contractor.  The challenge appears when that process is multiplied across dozens, or potentially hundreds of submittals and resubmittals on multiple active projects.  What looks like a straightforward workflow quickly becomes a significant administrative…

“A workflow that costs $10 but saves a principal two hours may produce an excellent return. A recurring agent that costs hundreds of dollars but creates little measurable value should be redesigned or discontinued.” AI adoption in architecture firms usually begins quietly. A few employees open personal ChatGPT accounts. Someone uses Copilot to summarize meeting…

Data organization. In this episode of Design Under Influence, Alex sits down with Liz, Megan, and special guest Basil to talk about the foundation work that must happen before AI can deliver real value. From folder structures to workflow discipline, the conversation makes one thing clear: AI is only as powerful as the data you…

Artificial intelligence is no longer a future concept for architecture, engineering, and design firms – it is already reshaping how teams work every day. From proposal writing and operational workflows to BIM coordination and internal automation, AI tools are becoming deeply embedded in the AEC industry. The real challenge is no longer whether firms should…

Artificial intelligence is rapidly becoming part of daily operations in architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC). New tools appear constantly, promising to automate BIM workflows, improve project coordination, or generate proposals faster. For many small and mid-sized firms, this creates pressure to adopt everything quickly in order to avoid falling behind.  But focusing only on tools often leads…

How AEC Firms Can Build More Valuable, Outcome-Driven Relationships with Their IT and BIM Partners In architecture and engineering, partnerships with technology and BIM consultants are essential—but they are also frequently questioned. Budgets are reviewed, invoices are scrutinized, and a familiar executive question surfaces: “What have you done for me lately?” The answer cannot rely…

AI Is Already in Your Firm—Whether You Planned for It or Not  Artificial intelligence is no longer a future consideration for architecture, engineering, and construction firms. It is already embedded in daily workflows, quietly shaping how proposals are written, meetings are documented, designs are reviewed, and decisions are made. The real challenge for AEC leaders is no…

As artificial intelligence continues to evolve at a rapid pace, its influence is being felt across nearly every industry. For architecture, engineering, design, and IT service organizations, AI has become more than a trend—it’s becoming a foundational part of how teams communicate, manage projects, streamline operations, and scale their businesses. What began as curiosity has…

Why Disaster Recovery Planning Matters for Architecture, Engineering, and Construction Firms Data has become the core operational asset for modern businesses—particularly for architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) firms whose work depends on continuous access to large, complex project files. When systems fail, the consequences can cascade into costly delays, missed deadlines, and potential loss of…