AI in construction is no longer a future concept—it’s already reshaping how we plan, design, and build. From design development to submittal reviews, artificial intelligence is helping teams save time, reduce risk, and improve project outcomes.

In this guide, we’ll show you how to use AI in construction—with 10 practical examples that span from site selection to inspections and submittals. Whether you're an architect, construction administrator, or project manager, these examples on how to use AI in construction will highlight some of the best, more practical ways to use artificial intelligence to deliver better projects and run a better business. 

What is AI in construction?

AI in construction refers to the use of artificial intelligence tools and technologies—like machine learning, computer vision, and natural language processing—to automate tasks, analyze data, and support better decision-making throughout a project’s lifecycle.

In practice, this can mean everything from using drones and AI to monitor site progress, to automating submittal reviews, to analyzing material options based on cost, availability, or carbon impact. The goal isn’t to replace people—it’s to free them up to focus on the work that requires their expertise.

Why AI in construction matters now

The construction industry is under pressure to do more—with less. Labour shortages, tighter budgets, higher client expectations, and increasing complexity across projects are all making traditional ways of working harder to sustain.

At the same time, firms are being asked to deliver faster timelines, greater accuracy, and more sustainable outcomes. That’s where AI comes in.

Rather than adding more tools or more people, AI can help teams make better decisions, reduce repetitive work, and streamline day-to-day operations. And for architects and construction administrators in particular, this means more time spent on design intent, coordination, and critical thinking—less time lost to admin.

10 ways to use AI in construction

When it comes to construction, AI is already having a major impact. It’s being used to design, plan, and monitor projects in order to save time and improve accuracy and efficiency. It’s also revolutionizing the way businesses are running and evolving, from the front office staff to the folks on the ground. 

Here’s how you can use AI in construction:

1. Use (and understand) location intelligence

Choosing the right building site is one of the first and most important steps in any project—and it’s often where AI in construction begins.

Today’s AI-powered location intelligence tools can analyze huge volumes of unstructured data—like traffic flow, walkability, environmental risk, zoning history, and even demographic trends—to help teams evaluate a site’s potential.

For architects and developers, this means smarter early-stage planning and more informed design decisions. Rather than relying on gut feel or siloed data sets, AI allows you to compare multiple sites, simulate outcomes, and reduce uncertainty before construction even begins.

2. Streamline pre-construction planning

Working with a client to land on the right design is an art—and one that takes time. But AI tools can help speed up the early-stage planning process without replacing the architect’s expertise.

For example, clients can use AI-powered design generators to create a rough layout based on project requirements. These early concepts serve as a starting point, helping architects zero in on a client’s vision faster. Instead of spending time iterating from scratch, architects can refine and elevate the AI’s suggestions—reducing the number of design cycles and saving valuable hours in pre-construction.

3. Perform AI-powered site inspections

Site inspections might be a nice break from day-to-day administrative duties, but there are better ways to get it done—thanks to AI.

Drones can quickly capture high-res images and videos across the site, reaching areas that are difficult or unsafe to access. From there, AI programs analyze the visuals to track project progress, identify safety hazards, and compare actual site conditions to the design plans.

This kind of automation doesn’t just save time—it gives architects and CA teams more accurate, up-to-date insights without relying on manual walkthroughs or fragmented notes.

4. Let AI automate simple (and time-consuming) tasks

AI is extremely good at identifying patterns and repeating them—making it ideal for handling repetitive, manual tasks that bog down your day.

Instead of reviewing every shop drawing by hand, AI can scan and compare them against project specs to flag discrepancies early. You can also use AI to generate submittal logs automatically—ensuring your team doesn’t miss a required submission without spending hours building spreadsheets.

These tools help CA teams and architects save time, reduce errors, and stay focused on the work that really matters. 

5. Accept and utilize AI robots

Robots aren’t replacing people anytime soon—but they are helping get repetitive, physical tasks done more safely and efficiently.

AI-powered machines on construction sites are already mapping floorplans, hanging drywall, and handling materials—all with impressive precision. Others, like AI-guided drones, can perform dangerous tasks like inspecting high or hazardous areas.

The benefit for architects and CA teams? These technologies allow site crews to work faster and safer, while freeing up teams to focus on the coordination, decisions, and reviews that still need human eyes. 

6. Let the data guide materials selection

Choosing the right materials isn't just about aesthetics—it’s about performance, cost, availability, and sustainability. AI can now analyze all those variables in real time to help architects and designers make better material decisions early in the process.

Whether it’s finishes, HVAC systems, or insulation choices, AI tools can simulate different outcomes based on selected products. Want to prioritize carbon impact? Minimize costs? Balance thermal performance with design intent? AI can crunch the data and surface smart options fast—before the design is locked in.

7. Make better decisions using data

AI thrives on data—and the construction industry generates a lot of it. The challenge is making sense of it all.

AI in construction can analyze massive volumes of unstructured data (like project logs, past performance, material costs, and timelines) to help you make smarter decisions. Whether you're evaluating risks, forecasting schedules, or deciding on staffing needs, AI helps you spot trends that aren’t always obvious.

It’s especially powerful for architects and admin teams making repeatable decisions across multiple projects—improving consistency and reducing surprises along the way.

8. Ease the labour shortage strain

Imagine a world where a small, lean company can operate efficiently despite a labour shortage. With AI in construction, that’s not far off. When companies use AI to automate time-consuming tasks and build more efficient workflows, smaller teams can stay productive without sacrificing quality.

By automating tedious tasks like submittal reviews, document organization, or field report formatting, AI helps lean teams move faster. For example, Part3’s AI-powered Submittal Assistant reviews documents and flags issues, saving hours of manual work.

Suddenly, a lean team is more efficient and can do more with less despite any labour shortage. That means fewer bottlenecks, quicker approvals, and more time to focus on actual project delivery—whether you’re in the office or on site.

Learn more about our AI-powered Submittal Assistant in this Part3 webinar:

9. Evolve your business

As AI adoption increases, client expectations will shift. Routine tasks like data entry or scheduling will be seen as automated services—not billable hours.

Firms that embrace AI in construction can reposition their services around value—not volume. Some architects may even offer AI-powered deliverables, like instant feasibility studies or energy models, to support clients in new ways.

Whether it’s launching a new service line or adjusting pricing strategies, AI offers an opportunity to rethink how your firm operates—and stays competitive.

10. Keep learning

AI is constantly evolving, and so must construction professionals. Architects and construction professionals should invest in ongoing training, experiment with new AI tools, and build internal knowledge around automation, risk, and ethical use. 

Teams that keep their fingers on the pulse of AI technology will become more valuable the larger and wider-spread AI gets. It will also help these companies mitigate risks associated with AI, as it’s far from perfect despite all its uses. 

Don’t fight AI. Adopt it.

Ultimately, fighting AI is a waste of time. It’s powerful, efficient, and if used correctly, nowhere near as risky as some folks think. If anything, you’re risking more by not using it…

To see how Part3 is applying AI in construction, book your demo with our product specialist team today! From submittal automation to smart field reports, our tools help architects and construction teams stay ahead.