When Eddie Thompson and I started discussing artificial intelligence in construction, his enthusiasm was palpable. As someone who's been in public accounting for 27 years and witnessed the industry's evolution from paper work papers to electronic systems, Eddie has a unique perspective on technological transformation. His insights on AI in construction are both exciting and cautionary.
AI in the Construction Office
The impact of AI on construction office operations is already substantial and growing rapidly. Eddie outlined numerous applications that are streamlining administrative work:
Accounts Payable and Credit Cards: AI tools can automatically code and post credit card transactions when employees upload receipts. What used to take an accounts payable clerk half a day now happens instantly.
Payroll Processing: AI is automating time tracking, calculations, and posting.
HR Management: Employee handbooks, policy management, and HR documentation are being handled by AI tools.
Safety Management: Toolbox talks and safety protocols can be generated using AI.
Bidding and Estimating: AI is helping contractors develop more accurate bids more quickly.
Project Management and Scheduling: Automated scheduling tools optimize timelines and resource allocation.
Materials Procurement: AI helps predict needs and optimize ordering.
AI in the Field
Perhaps even more impressive are the field applications Eddie described:
Autonomous Equipment: Excavators that can be programmed to make specific cuts, operating with GPS-like precision without manual control.
Layout Robots: AI-powered robots that can spec out plywood subfloors with drawings showing where stud framing should be laid.
Masonry Robots: Automated systems that lay cement blocks and brick.
Eddie acknowledged he hasn't witnessed all of these applications firsthand, but he's heard enough from industry professionals to know they're becoming reality. The technology is advancing rapidly, and field applications are moving from experimental to practical.
The Growth Opportunity
What excites Eddie most—and what should interest every construction professional—is that AI isn't replacing workers. It's enabling growth.
He shared a perfect example from his own career: When Brown Edwards transitioned from paper work papers to electronic systems, everyone worried about job losses. Would they need fewer accountants if work could be done more efficiently?
The answer was no. The technology didn't replace people—it increased the amount of work they could do. Efficiency improvements allowed the firm to take on more clients and grow.
The same principle applies to construction. AI implementation will:
- Increase efficiency
- Enable companies to take on more projects
- Allow existing staff to focus on higher-value activities
- Support business scaling and growth
Rather than eliminating jobs, AI creates capacity for growth that can lead to more employment opportunities.
The Competitive Divide
Here's Eddie's key warning: Not everyone is utilizing AI to the extent they could. Unless companies have already formed AI committees and developed implementation strategies, they're likely behind the curve.
Companies that embrace AI early will:
- Operate more efficiently
- Scale their businesses more effectively
- Win competitive bids through better estimating
- Complete projects faster and more accurately
- Attract tech-savvy employees
Companies that stay behind will:
- Continue doing what they've always done
- Operate less efficiently than competitors
- Struggle to scale
- Find it harder to compete on price and timeline
- Miss opportunities for growth
As Eddie put it, companies staying behind will "still be able to do what they do, but in a less efficient manner than what those that are on board with AI are doing."
The Reality of AI Adoption
Eddie was realistic about one thing: you're never going to get completely ahead of AI because it grows so fast. The technology evolves daily, with new applications and capabilities emerging constantly.
The goal isn't to be ahead of AI—that's impossible. The goal is to be ahead of your competition in adopting and implementing AI tools that improve your business.
Brown Edwards' AI Initiative
Eddie's commitment to this topic is clear: Brown Edwards hosted a webinar in February featuring a panel of experts who implement AI in construction. The panel included professionals working with AI on both the office side and the field side.
This demonstrates Eddie's point about staying current. Rather than waiting for AI to become "fully mature" (which will never happen), smart firms are educating themselves and their clients now.
Conference Insights
Eddie mentioned attending conferences where multiple vendors showcase AI-driven software for construction. The variety is impressive:
- Credit card and expense management
- Payroll systems
- Accounts payable automation
- Project management platforms
- Scheduling software
- Materials procurement systems
- Safety management tools
The technology is here. It's not some future development—it's available now for companies ready to implement it.
What This Means for Real Estate Professionals
From my perspective working with real estate developers and investors, understanding AI's impact on construction is crucial. When contractors operate more efficiently:
- Projects complete faster
- Costs become more predictable
- Quality improves through consistent processes
- Communication and documentation improve
- Overall project success rates increase
Real estate professionals should ask their contractors about AI adoption. Are they implementing these tools? How are they improving efficiency? Companies that embrace AI are likely to be better partners for your development projects.
The Path Forward
If you're in construction and haven't started exploring AI implementation:
- Attend industry conferences and webinars focused on construction technology
- Form an AI committee within your organization to evaluate opportunities
- Start small with one or two applications that address clear pain points
- Learn from others in the industry who are already implementing AI
- Budget for technology as a regular business investment, not a one-time expense
If you're already implementing AI:
- Keep learning about new applications and improvements
- Share successes with your team to build buy-in
- Expand gradually to additional applications as you master existing tools
- Track ROI to justify continued investment
- Use your AI adoption as a competitive advantage in recruiting and business development
Final Thoughts
Eddie's enthusiasm about AI in construction is well-founded. This technology represents the most significant efficiency opportunity since the computer revolution. Companies that embrace it will thrive and grow. Companies that resist or delay will find themselves increasingly unable to compete.
The choice is clear: get on board with AI, or get left behind. As Eddie concluded, it's a great time to be in construction and real estate—especially for those willing to embrace the tools that will define the industry's future.
For those interested in learning more, tune in for Brown Edwards' webinar on AI in construction. It promises to be an enlightening discussion with experts who are living this transformation every day.
Evan Ross is a Tax Director with Brown Edwards & Company based in Roanoke, Virginia, and host of the Real Estate Tax Playbook podcast.
