Artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming the digital space, and the AEC industry is following this trend. From streamlining reporting with ChatGPT to advanced BIM/VDC workflows powered by AI tools, every aspect of the industry is being influenced.
The effectiveness of these AI-based solutions can be seen in the adoption rates throughout the construction industry itself. Research by Fortune Business Insights shows that in 2024, the AI market in the construction industry was worth $3.93 billion, and is predicted to grow to $4.86 billion in 2025 (Figure 1). Projections show that year-on-year, compound annual growth will be 24.6%, and in 2032, AI value in construction will reach $22.68 billion.
Also, predicted widespread growth in AI will highly impact workers, especially in the BIM and VDC sectors. As AI is further deeply integrated into the project delivery, the skills required from BIM and VDC professionals to get the most out of it are changing too. Instead, being able to operate the AI tools effectively, critically evaluating AI outputs, and making decisions through data insight are taking priority.
Expanding beyond traditional technical expertise, soft skills such as critical thinking and the ability to create effective prompts for AI are increasingly the most important.
BIM and VDC roles have been focused on the key skills needed to create clash-free digital models and produce detailed construction drawings. This has traditionally meant that technical modeling skills and drafting experience have been the most sought-after for BIM professionals.
BIM training and recruitment have been focused on employees with proficiency in 3D modeling, clash detection, delivering detailed drawings, and other practical tasks.
But with AI taking an increasing role in BIM workflows, routine modeling tasks are increasingly automated, freeing specialists to interpret AI-generated data, conduct more thorough design reviews, select optimal solutions, optimize workflows, and make strategic, data-informed decisions.
That change in focus, with AI handling the technical challenges and BIM professionals shifting to analysis and oversight, means that soft skills are becoming more important. These include:
While AI tools offer an exceptional degree of automation, they are not simple solutions that do everything at the press of a button. Getting the best out of AI tools requires a good understanding of it. This means being able to create prompts that deliver quality results.
Taking data from AI-based systems and integrating it into actionable design and construction plans is a critical skill that is at the core of the functionality of these new tools within BIM development.
It requires proficiency with both traditional BIM/VDC platforms and emerging AI extensions. For example, professionals must review AI-generated layout options in Autodesk Revit, verifying parameters through Dynamo scripts, and then run clash detection and 4D simulations in Navisworks or Solibri to confirm constructability. They might export quantification data into Power BI or BIM 360 Analytics to spot cost or scheduling anomalies, adjust mechanical or structural systems accordingly, and ensure compliance with project specifications and local codes. While AI can propose optimized layouts or material selections (e.g., via Spacemaker AI or Autodesk Forma), it’s the BIM/VDC specialist’s responsibility to interpret those results, validate them against Solibri’s rule sets or Navisworks’ clash reports, and translate them into coordinated, build-ready models and coordinated schedules.
While AI is excellent at generating designs and data, to ensure that all aspects meet regulatory needs, project specifications, and practical limitations, it is the BIM professional who is key to turning output into something actionable for the project.
AI is one of the fastest-moving technologies in the world, in a constant state of evolution, rapidly developing new capabilities and features. BIM and VDC professionals need to be adaptable to keep up, whether it is new solutions from existing tools or entirely new platforms and methodologies.
Because AI tools can take care of the technical BIM/VDC tasks, specialists can concentrate on other aspects of the process. To understand how, we can look closer at what functions the most common tools cover.
AI algorithms can rapidly explore dozens or hundreds of design alternatives based on specified goals. Rather than manually creating variations of layouts, BIM professionals review AI-generated designs and pick the better ones, adjust to meet code requirements, and buildability constraints.
Instead of running manual clash checks, AI-augmented systems continuously analyze clashing elements (structural, MEP, architectural) and prioritize conflicts by severity. This frees engineers to evaluate only critical clashes and determine optimal resolutions, accelerating coordination meetings and reducing on-site rework.
AI extracts precise material quantities directly from the model or drawings – walls, ductwork, piping, conduits – and maps them to cost databases. By flagging anomalies (e.g., unexpected material volumes or rate fluctuations), BIM/VDC specialists can validate budgets early and adjust design elements to stay within financial targets.
As you can see, AI tools can provide a level of support for technical tasks that can enhance or even replace the engineering knowledge of a trained BIM professional.
With advanced ability to provide automated designs, clash detection, and cost estimation, BIM engineers can assess AI results options faster, leveraging their engineering analysis and decision-making skills for maximum impact on project progress.
However, AI can also replace the need for engineering knowledge completely in some cases. While there are situations where engineering judgment would be essential for some decision-making processes, such as resource optimization, AI solutions can now fully automate the process, such as clash detection, removing the need for human input completely.
While there is no doubt that AI has the potential for a significant impact on the AEC industry as a whole, and the BIM/VDC development process in particular, this only matters if it is being adopted within the industry.
As mentioned in the introduction, the use of AI in the construction market is projected to grow from $3.93 billion in 2024 to $22.68 billion by 2032, reflecting a CAGR of 24.6%. AI is here, and it is only going to increase in popularity, so it is something every organization must accept and deal with. As an industry, and for those training in BIM or VCD, for instance, the effect of AI must be understood, so that new BIM engineers have the skills they need in this AI-supported system.
Research has shown that among architects, engineers, and city planners in the US, 42% use AI tools daily. This is a surprisingly high number for many people, but it does indicate the growing reliance on AI in BIM and VDC workflows. Whether that is using ChatGPT for research or reporting, or more dedicated AI-based tools for the design process itself, there is no question that AI is becoming an essential tool for much of the industry.
McKinsey and Company recently released the results of a survey they conducted within the industry and noted that the demand for AI and data analysis skills is growing, with projected demand in 2028 rising by 60%.
With all these changes in mind, there are some things that anyone involved in BIM/VDC today, whether current professionals, organizations that use the concept, or anyone involved with training BIM and VDC specialists, must consider.
Perhaps the most important thing that both individuals and organizations must think about is acquiring the AI skills the industry is projected to need.
AI tools should be integrated into your existing workflow in a way that minimizes disruption and allows the technology to enhance your team’s skills, rather than disrupt.
While your VDC and BIM specialists should still possess the technical skills you have always required, it should be a priority to hire individuals who blend that expertise with AI proficiency and excellent soft skills, most notably critical thinking capabilities.
AI is transforming many industries, and construction is no different. Where technical skills were crucial, now they need to be complemented by several soft skills, including AI proficiency and critical thinking, to enable effective, data-driven decision-making.
With the influence of AI projected to grow significantly, companies involved with BIM and VDC must adapt quickly. The most immediate concern is the acquisition of relevant skills, which can be accomplished through the adoption of a culture of continuous learning and providing appropriate training as AI tools are integrated into the human processes already in use.
Careful planning for adoption, ensuring AI tools enhance the skills and knowledge of your team, ongoing training in AI use, and targeted recruitment to bring in missing skills are all essential for maximizing efficiency while also allowing room for innovation and creativity.
Kostiantyn Solomka is the Founder and CEO of Diasphere, a U.S.-based BIM/VDC company specializing in mechanical and plumbing trades. He implements advanced BIM technologies and VDC workflows across all stages of construction, focusing on bridging the gap between design and construction to improve efficiency, transparency, and outcomes on large-scale residential and commercial projects.
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