In the era of AI, will the future of architecture and engineering be more tech-centric? Or is there too much risk for firms?
The architecture and engineering industry has always balanced innovation with risk. AI is no different.
We recently hosted a customer panel, where we brought together leaders from across the A&E industry:
- Amy Crawley, Financial Accountant at Barker Ryan Stewart
- Joanne Brill, Finance + Strategy Lead at Tzannes
- Luke Sheehy, Managing Director at DC Partnership
- Shameera Arangil, Finance Manager at Artefact Heritage Services and Environment
During the panel discussion, we delved into AI: where it’s working, where it’s not, and what’s holding firms back.
The discussion revealed that firms aren’t resisting emerging technology. But they also aren’t rushing headfirst into it.
Here’s what our panellists had to say about the current state of AI in A&E; and where they see the biggest opportunities ahead.
The Current State of AI in A&E: Cautious Curiosity
Across the A&E sector, AI adoption is neither widespread nor absent. It sits somewhere in between. Most firms are experimenting, but few have fully embedded AI into core project delivery.
While many firms across A&E are still cautious when it comes to AI, our panellists acknowledged that technology is being more widely used and accepted across the industry.
“We don’t generally use AI throughout our business as a standard. Security of information is our biggest concern. So, we’re approaching it with caution. But we know it’s not going to go away.” – Joanne Brill, Finance and Strategy Lead, Tzannes
Especially in the current market, cybersecurity is also front of mind, with many firms experiencing attacks firsthand. Client data, commercial information, and intellectual property are sensitive assets. Introducing AI tools without proper policies can pose additional risks around information security. And it’s not just our panellists who think so; Jeames Hanley, CTO at FK, recently told us that in the era of tech and AI, cybersecurity is the number one challenge for A&E firms in 2026.
Where AI is Already Adding Value
For now, AI is primarily being used for internal efficiencies. Proposal writing, report drafting, and rewording documentation are common ways firms are dipping their toes into AI. Here, using AI can offer tangible time savings while still keeping a measured approach.
Proposal & Report Drafting
Most commonly, our panellists are exploring the use of AI for proposal and report drafting, with technical staff in their firms being the first to explore AI on a deeper level. However, outputs aren’t yet at a consistently reliable point, with A&E firms needing more use cases before AI becomes more commonly used in these areas.
Basic data summarisation, like pulling key insights or consolidating project information, is also something Luke and Shameera are keen to explore further.
“AI would allow us to be more dynamic on report generation. Being able to dwell on the details is beneficial, especially for pricing. I think the wider industry is definitely adopting it.” – Luke Sheehy, Managing Director, DC Partnership
Brand Tone and Communication
Whether refining client communications or polishing internal reports, AI can assist with clarity and consistency, particularly for busy teams managing multiple deadlines.
Within their firms, our panellists are also using tools like CoPilot for internal support. Using AI, meeting summaries, task lists, and drafts can be produced faster so architects and engineers can focus on project and strategic work.
Drawing Review
Large-scale drawing reviews can put significant strain on A&E professionals. Luke points out that reviewing 500–600-pages of drawings is time-consuming, detail-intensive, and mentally fatiguing, yet critically important. Missing a minor dimension shift or coordination issue can carry substantial cost implications downstream.
Rather than replacing human expertise, AI can overlay documentation, identify inconsistencies, flag deviations from standards, and highlight areas requiring closer inspection. This reduces the likelihood of oversight while preserving accountability.
By reducing time spent on repetitive review tasks, senior staff can focus on higher-value activities: stakeholder engagement, innovation, and proactive risk management.
“AI is going to be a secondary consultant. If you can park the repetitive, standardised work, the team can then focus on better things. The important but boring stuff is being taken over by AI gods, and I see real benefit in that.” – Luke Sheehy, Managing Director, DC Partnership
Future Outlook on AI
Looking ahead, the future of AI in architecture and engineering is dependent on adoption, ongoing training, and keeping human judgement front and centre.
In terms of usage, AI literacy gaps can be a key barrier, and our customers have found that AI usage is at mixed levels among staff. A lack of training in how to use new tools effectively can limit confidence and slow wider adoption. Even short, practical training focused on real workflows can build capability and significantly improve outcomes.
“Some of our team are doing courses in AI, but we’ve not fully embraced it yet.” – Amy Crawley, Financial Accountant, Barker Ryan Stewart
Ultimately, our customers agreed; AI won’t replace professional judgment, technical expertise, or client relationships. But it can reduce repetitive administrative work, improve access to insights, and free up experienced professionals to focus on higher-value thinking.
The path forward isn’t about disruption, it’s about structured, incremental adoption that strengthens practices.
About Total Synergy
Built in Australia, Total Synergy is a global software platform purpose-built for the architecture and engineering industry. Our all-in-one solution brings together project management, resourcing, budgeting, time tracking, document management, invoicing, and reporting into a single system.
Trusted by thousands of A&E professionals across the globe, we simplify complex workflows so teams can spend less time on admin and more time delivering exceptional results.
With teams in Sydney and London offering around-the-clock support, we ensure you maximise the value of our platform. Book a demo today and discover how Total Synergy can transform your firm.
