Uncategorized

The AI-Enabled Submittal Process for Architects, Part 1: Intake 

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…

Read More

Before Your Architecture Firm Deploys AI Agents, Understand the Cost

“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…

Read More

Why Organized Data Is the Foundation for AI Success

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…

Read More

AI in AEC: Stop Chasing Tools. Start Fixing the Business.

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…

Read More

What Have You Done for Me Lately?

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…

Read More

Securing AI Adoption in AEC Firms

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…

Read More

How AI Is Reshaping Operations at Small and Mid-Sized AEC Firms

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…

Read More

What Really Happens When a Server Fails at Your Architecture Firm.

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…

Read More

Holiday Cybersecurity Awareness  

The holiday season brings a sense of joy, celebration, and—unfortunately—increased cyber threats. As people become busier with festivities, shopping, and wrapping up work projects, cybercriminals take advantage of lowered vigilance and high activity to launch sophisticated scams.  Why the Holidays Are Prime Time for Cybercrime  Hackers know this time of year means overloaded inboxes and…

Read More