The AEC industry is one of the oldest and most stable sectors in the world. However, it is not immune to the changes and challenges brought by technology. In fact, technology is transforming and disrupting every aspect of the architecture, engineering, and construction industry, from how properties are designed and built, to how they are marketed and sold, and to how they are operated and maintained.
Technology is not only changing the way AEC professionals and consumers interact with properties, but also creating new opportunities and demands for new skills and roles in the industry. Technology is creating new jobs for people who can leverage these technologies to provide better services and solutions for their clients and stakeholders. In this blog, we will explore some of the emerging technology trends that are impacting the AEC industry jobs and the future of the job trends.
Virtual Reality and Augmented Reality
Virtual reality (VR) and Augmented reality (AR) are technologies that create immersive and interactive experiences that simulate or enhance reality. VR uses headsets or goggles to transport users to a virtual environment, while AR uses devices such as smartphones or glasses to overlay digital information onto the real world.
VR and AR have many applications in the AEC industry, such as:
- Providing virtual tours of properties that are not physically accessible or available
- Enhancing the visualization and customization of properties for buyers and sellers
- Creating engaging and realistic marketing and branding campaigns for properties and developers
- Providing training and education for professionals and consumers
VR and AR are creating new AEC industry jobs for professionals who can leverage these technologies to provide better services and experiences for their clients. Some of these jobs include:
- VR/AR developer: A VR/AR developer is someone who creates VR/AR applications and content for the AEC industry. They need to have skills in programming, design, animation, 3D modeling, and user interface.
- VR/AR consultant: A VR/AR consultant is someone who advises AEC professionals and consumers on how to use VR/AR technologies effectively. They need to have skills in communication, marketing, project management, and customer service.
- VR/AR specialist: A VR/AR specialist is someone who operates and maintains VR/AR equipment and software for the real estate industry. They need to have skills in troubleshooting, technical support, installation, and maintenance.
Blockchain and Smart Contracts
Blockchain is a technology that enables secure and transparent transactions without intermediaries. It is a distributed ledger that records transactions in blocks that are linked together by cryptography. Smart contracts are self-executing agreements that are encoded on the blockchain. They can automate transactions based on predefined rules and conditions.
Blockchain and smart contracts have many applications in the AEC industry, such as:
- Reducing transaction costs and risks by eliminating middlemen such as escrow agents, title companies, lawyers, etc.
- Improving transaction speed and efficiency by streamlining processes such as verification, validation, recording, etc.
- Enhancing transaction security and trust by providing immutable and verifiable records of ownership, identity, history, etc.
- Enabling new business models such as fractional ownership, tokenization, crowdfunding, etc.
Blockchain and smart contracts are creating new AEC industry jobs for professionals who can leverage these technologies to provide better services and solutions for their clients. Some of these jobs include:
- Blockchain developer: A blockchain developer is someone who creates blockchain applications and smart contracts for the real estate industry. They need to have skills in programming, cryptography, distributed systems, and web development.
- Blockchain consultant: A blockchain consultant is someone who advises professionals and consumers on how to use blockchain technologies effectively. They need to have skills in communication, business analysis, strategy, and innovation.
- Blockchain specialist: A blockchain specialist is someone who operates and maintains blockchain platforms and smart contracts for the real estate industry. They need to have skills in troubleshooting, technical support, security, and compliance.
Artificial Intelligence and Big Data
Artificial intelligence (AI) is a term that refers to the ability of machines to perform tasks that normally require human intelligence, such as learning, reasoning, decision making etc.
Big data and AI have many applications in the AEC industry, such as:
- Providing data-driven insights and recommendations for buyers and sellers
- Enhancing the valuation and appraisal of properties using predictive analytics
- Optimizing the design and construction of properties using generative design and simulation
- Reducing human errors and time taken for code compliance reviews
- Improving the operation and maintenance of properties using smart sensors and automation
- Personalizing the marketing and branding of properties using natural language processing and computer vision
Big data and AI are creating new jobs for AEC professionals who can leverage these technologies to provide better services and solutions for their clients. Some of these jobs include:
- Data scientist: A data scientist is someone who collects, analyzes, and interprets large amounts of data for the AEC industry. They need to have skills in statistics, mathematics, programming, and machine learning.
- AI developer: An AI developer is someone who creates AI applications and models for the AEC industry. They need to have skills in programming, algorithms, neural networks, and deep learning.
- AI consultant: An AI consultant is someone who advises AEC professionals and consumers on how to use AI technologies effectively. They need to have skills in communication, business analysis, coding, strategy, and innovation.
Some examples of how big data and AI are used in the AEC industry are:
- Autodesk: Autodesk is a software company that provides design and engineering solutions for various industries including AEC. Autodesk working on products that use AI and machine learning to enable generative design, which is a process that uses algorithms to generate multiple design options based on predefined goals and constraints. Autodesk BIM 360 also uses simulation tools to test and optimize the performance of buildings in terms of energy efficiency, structural integrity, etc.
- AutoReview.AI is an Artificial Intelligence Code Compliance software that provides Land and Building Development software. AutoReview.AI uses AI to check the plans and models for adherence to the local municipality development codes. Covering Planning and Zoning, and Landscape Reviews for Land, they also have a Building Code Compliance software that is a plugin to Autodesk Revit. This reduces the project development lifecycle and saves dollars.
- IBM: IBM is a technology company that provides various solutions for various industries including AEC. IBM uses big data and AI to enable smart buildings, which are buildings that use sensors, analytics, and automation to monitor and control various aspects such as temperature, lighting, security, etc. IBM also uses natural language processing and computer vision to create personalized marketing campaigns for properties using Watson Ads.
Conclusion
Technology is transforming and disrupting the AEC industry in many ways. It is creating new opportunities and challenges for AEC professionals and consumers alike. It is also creating new jobs for people who can leverage these technologies to provide better services and solutions for their clients and stakeholders.
If you want to learn more about how technology is creating new AEC industry jobs, you can contact us. We are America’s fastest growing managed architectural services firm providing Team and AI solutions for architects, engineers, and developers. We can help you with your technology needs and goals.
If you are interested in pursuing a career in the AEC industry or advancing your existing career, you should consider acquiring the skills and knowledge required to use these technologies effectively. You should also keep yourself updated on the latest developments and innovations in these fields. Technology is creating new jobs in industry, but it is also changing the nature and expectations of these jobs. You need to be prepared to adapt and thrive in this dynamic environment. We can also help you with your career development and opportunities. We look forward to hearing from you soon.