In the world of construction, innovation isn’t just about prefabrication or building faster, it’s about building smarter. At JP Cullen, we’re embracing AI to support our team and customers, streamline workflows, and unlock new levels of efficiency in every phase of construction.
We are excited to promote how AI helps us tackle time-consuming tasks, analyze data, and make informed decisions earlier in the process. This means our team of experts can focus more on what they do best: solving problems, collaborating with partners, and delivering successful projects to the community. It’s not about replacing expertise; it’s about empowering our team.
Our preconstruction manager, Adam Mastalir, recently presented to our Young Leaders group to share how artificial intelligence is shaping our preconstruction process. Building on lessons from his presentation and diving deeper into the topic, Adam answered a few key questions that highlight how AI is shaping our preconstruction process and influencing his workflow overall.
How do you see AI making preconstruction more efficient?
Although AI has the potential to drastically streamline the preconstruction process, I measure the efficiency gains not based on what the tool performed, but what the tool allowed me to perform in lieu of the old process. For example, if AI reduces the time it takes for me to review data and I spend this time adding additional value to my team or the project I am working on, the efficiency gain is exponential. Alternatively, if I were to spend this time performing nonproductive tasks, the gain in efficiency is lost due to a new form of waste.
How do you see owners benefiting from their partners utilizing AI?
Owners can gain increased transparency when their partners utilize AI appropriately. The main benefit, however, stems from the timing of when an owner brings a partner on board during the project timeline.”. Ideally, this occurs during the conceptual phase, when the designer is first defining the building program. Owners will typically see faster decision cycles during this time and find the level of transparency we provided exceeds their previous experiences based on how we model and communicate project risk.
Do you think there’s any risks we should be on the lookout for as an industry?
There are a few risks associated with AI tools. One of the biggest risks is when users don’t fully understand how an AI model arrived at its conclusion. When you develop an overreliance on automation, you lose sight of what is happening inside the box and only focus on the inputs and outputs. Additionally, there are risks associated with data privacy, which is why it is important to understand how your partners are utilizing these tools and the data that may be linked to you and your business.
What’s the most impactful way you’ve utilized AI inside or outside of work?
Professionally, I have used data modeling as a tool to help provide reliable forecasting as well as a tool to help drive out waste within processes. This allows our partners and clients to make data-backed choices with an increased level of confidence. Combined with lean practices, this can lead to fewer surprises, tighter budgets, and faster project delivery. Now that data modeling has been rebranded to AI, there are a growing number of tools focused on tasks associated with AI, but again it goes back to my earlier comment on efficiency gains as well as the risks associated with AI tools. At some point you need a builder who can perform real world tasks and the reliability of a community partner like our team at JP Cullen is what is needed to ensure that this is done with safety and reliability in mind. As we continue to explore the possibilities of AI in construction, one thing remains clear: technology is only as powerful as the people who use it.
We’re just scratching the surface of what’s possible with AI in construction and we want you to be part of the journey. Whether you’re a client, partner, or industry peer, your perspective matters.
Curious about how we’re using AI to push the boundaries of what’s possible? Connect directly with our Director of Technology, Pete Scharenbroch, to learn how JP Cullen is turning innovation into impact.
