In this episode, I talk with David Harwood, P.E., P.Eng., Senior Vice President of Business Transformation at Terracon, about how to lead with confidence through scalable AI adoption in AEC. We dive into the strategic alignment of data, organizational processes, and governance to equip AEC firms for digital transformation with scalable AI. If your team is navigating AI strategy in AEC, this conversation reveals how to balance innovation with structure, build data-driven workflows, and cultivate a workplace culture that supports AI-ready initiatives across architecture, engineering, and construction.
Here Are Some of the Questions I Ask David Harwood, PE, P.Eng.:
- What steps can AEC firms take to align internal process and data strategy to support scalable AI adoption in AEC?
- What are some examples of important process changes AEC companies should consider during digital transformation with scalable AI?
- What role does data governance in AEC play in building an AI-ready organization within the industry?
- How can AEC leaders balance AI experimentation with the need for structure, effective governance, and scalable AI adoption?
- How does employee readiness and organizational culture factor into successful scalable AI adoption in AEC firms?
- What advice would benefit AEC leaders preparing their companies for a scalable AI integrated future in construction and engineering?
Here Are Some Key Points Discussed in This Episode About Strategies for Scalable AI Adoption in AEC Firms
- Begin by understanding which foundational business systems and internal processes impact scale, especially across enterprise data. Focus on consolidating and governing your data structures so your teams can adopt scalable AI in AEC tools with clarity and confidence.
- Shift from paper-based and siloed workflows to integrated, digital-first processes that eliminate rework and enable real-time feedback. Collaborate across service lines to create standardized systems that align with AI-driven workflows in AEC and eliminate friction during project delivery.
- Data governance in AEC firms ensures reliable, consistent information powers every scalable AI adoption interaction and decision. Without clean, structured, and validated data, firms won’t be able to unlock the full potential of scalable AI transformation in AEC.
- Identify business processes before chasing new tools or agents, and measure each initiative by ROI, disruption level, and organizational readiness. Ensure experimentation has a structured feedback loop and serves longer-term AI strategy in AEC without overwhelming daily operations.
- Curiosity across the organization is crucial for scalable AI adoption in construction and engineering, especially among frontline employees. Equip your people with foundational digital skills and let them explore how scalable AI in AEC tools can support both their career growth and business outcomes.
- You are not as far behind as you might think—starting with AI for personal productivity in AEC firms creates quick wins, even as larger governance structures evolve. Focus early efforts on using everyday tools smarter so your firm builds momentum and scales AI adoption in AEC the right way.
More Details in This Episode…
About the Guest: David Harwood, PE, P.Eng.
As Senior Vice President for Business Transformation at Terracon Consultants, Inc., David Harwood is a professional engineer who works at the intersection of advanced technology, data, and market opportunity to lead strategy, core service growth, and operational excellence. Mr. Harwood earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering from California State University, Long Beach and a Master of Business Administration from the University of Colorado, Colorado Springs. He was appointed to the KansasWorks State Board in 2015 and has served as Chair since 2019 where he has focused on at-risk populations including justice involved persons, single parents, and foster youth. In 2024 he was appointed to serve on the Biden administration’s National Infrastructure Council Subcommittee on advancing workforce. Mr. Harwood is the central region vice chair and an executive committee member of the American Road and Transportation Builders Association and a member of the Civil Exam Development Committee for the National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying.
About the Host: Nick Heim, P.E.
Nick Heim, P.E., is a civil engineer with nearly a decade of experience in the repair and restoration of existing structures. Nick is the host of the AEC AI & Tech Strategy Podcast, and co-founder of Trinovate Advisors – an advisory firm focused on human-centered innovation in AEC. In all of his endeavors, Nick brings practical insights and expertise to listeners and clients worldwide. Nick’s interests lie at the intersection between the built world and technology, and he can be found looking for the ever-changing answer to the question, “How can we do this better?
Sources/References:
Terracon
Microsoft Copilot
University of Colorado Colorado Springs
SharePoint
National Governors Association
OpenAI / ChatGPT
Connect with David Harwood, PE, P.Eng., on LinkedIn
AEC PM Certification
AEC PM Connect
Project Management Accelerator™
Engineering Leadership Accelerator™
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