What better way to start discussing how AI powered project management) will change the consulting engineering profession than to ask ChatGPT the question? The following is a synopsis of my conversation with the chatbot:
Chat: “AI powered project management is already starting to reshape consulting engineering, and over the next few years, it will likely transform how projects are delivered. Here’s a breakdown of the key ways AI will impact the consulting field:”
Chat: 1. Proposal and Feasibility Phase
- Automated Proposal Generation: AI can pull from historical data to auto-draft proposals, estimates, and schedules.
- Site & Risk Analysis: Computer vision + AI on satellite imagery, GIS, and drone data can identify site constraints, environmental risks, or potential regulatory issues faster than traditional means.
My Thoughts: It’s possible to upload proposals written by your firm into AI, which will create a much better starting point for proposal writing. In a world where engineering talent is hard to find, and at a premium, time cut from the proposal process that can be devoted to projects is invaluable. Proposals are still unique to each project and should be written as such, but having a better starting point in less time is a great way to increase efficiency.
The combination of AI and satellite imagery, GIS, and the identification of site constraints is a better way to deliver projects to our clients more efficiently and sometimes even more accurately. For example, combining satellite imagery and AI can detect water leaks in public systems. Public water contains chemicals that “stain” the soil. AI has been taught to find those stains without intrusive excavation, which can be both costly and disruptive to our street systems. Once identified, excavation is required to fix the leak, but the time spent tracing a leak using AI that traditional methods can’t pinpoint is much more cost-effective.
Chat: 2. Design & Planning
- Generative Design: AI powered project management tools can propose multiple design options based on constraints like cost, materials, or energy efficiency (e.g., Autodesk Generative Design, Spacemaker).
- BIM Optimization: AI can detect clashes, optimize layouts, and recommend materials or systems based on performance and cost history.
- Regulatory Compliance: AI can auto-check designs against codes and standards in real-time.
My Thoughts: Before the introduction of generative AI and machine learning, the idea of investigating multiple project alternatives were constrained by time and money. We could look at the primary alternative and possibly one or two others to give the client a look into our selection process. In site design today, with the proper AI software, we can look at many alternatives in a relatively short amount of time and collaborate with the client and other team members to find the most cost-effective solution that best satisfies the project goals.
BIM optimization gets better all the time. All team members share the same drawings to avoid construction clash issues that used to occur regularly. Additionally, visuals can be created for both the project team and client so that you can place yourself in the virtual space to understand the project context better.
Regarding regulatory compliance, I find the ability to upload codes and pinpoint my areas for a project to be a bona fide time saver. I can continue to query Chat to make comparisons to similar regulations. This supports my argument for relief from the regulation based on real data.
Chat: 3. Construction and Execution
- AI-Powered Scheduling: AI powered project management tools like ALICE Technologies use AI to find optimal construction sequences and identify risks to schedule early.
- Progress Tracking: Drones + AI can compare site reality vs. plan (via photogrammetry/BIM overlay) to flag delays or errors automatically.
- Predictive Analytics: Machine learning models can flag likely cost overruns, quality issues, or safety incidents before they happen.
My Thoughts: All of these are used today, and should be taken advantage of by engineers, contractors, developers, and clients. Predictive analytics will be the new frontier for engineering firms and will be expected by their clients. The ability to process data and use AI to determine predictive outcomes will dramatically change budgets and asset management.
Chat: 4. Operations & Maintenance
- Digital Twins + AI: Real-time system monitoring with predictive maintenance via sensor data and AI models.
- Lifecycle Optimization: AI can suggest retrofits or changes based on usage patterns, environmental shifts, and cost modeling over time.
My Thoughts: With AI powered project management, the ability to create a digital model at conception, revise the model during design, revise as the project is constructed, and then use it to maintain the asset’s life cycle will be the new norm. This adds time as the fourth dimension to project management.
Chat: 5. Project Management & Documentation
- Document Automation: AI can generate meeting minutes, transcribe site visits, summarize technical documents, and track compliance logs.
- Decision Support: AI assistants can surface relevant past projects, lessons learned, or benchmarking data when engineers make tradeoffs.
My Thoughts: Most of us today are probably using some form of AI note-taking to make sure we capture the essentials from the meetings we attend. AI powered project management tools will continue to evolve. I have used AI to assist with my initial research, prepare outlines, and create PowerPoint presentations, notes, and tables, which I edit and mark up to my liking, creating the originality and graphics that best fit my audience.
Chat: Bottom Line:
AI will shift engineering consulting from reactive to proactive—less time fighting fires, more time optimizing outcomes. Firms that embrace AI will likely:
- Deliver faster with fewer errors
- Offer higher-value, insights-driven advice
- Create more agile and scalable delivery models
My Thoughts: This is a great analysis from chat, and I am glad we collaborated. Like other uses, it got me to a great beginning point for this article. Time is an asset that we all seem to need more of. If I can spend less time fighting the fire, that’s a win. Calculators saved me time and got better results than my slide rule (dating myself). Computers made the calculated results more accurate. Microwaves save time making dinner. To those who pass off AI, I say you are missing a big opportunity.
As I like to say, “AI takes the subjective and makes it objective.” Implementing AI to assist me in getting better results for my projects and clients becomes mutually beneficial.
About the Author
Joseph Viscuso, P.E., PLS, ENV SP, serves as Director of Strategic Growth at Pennoni, which includes involvement in all new initiatives and technologies. Joe is active in the Smart City Council and is a member of the Urban Mobility Task Force. He has spoken at various industry events on the use of innovative smart solutions. He has more than 40 years of experience in a wide range of projects involving urban land engineering, roadway and highway design, utility and drainage design, environmental infrastructure, energy and sustainability, survey and mapping, traffic signalization, planning and environmental studies, municipal engineering, project specifications, cost estimating, and contract and construction administration.
We would love to hear any questions you might have or stories you might share on how you are using thought leadership as a tool for delivering stellar service.
Please leave your comments, feedback or questions in the section below.
