On 31st March 2025, I had the pleasure of participating in the panel discussion “The Future of AI in Construction”, hosted by the Turing Innovation Catalyst Manchester (TIC) and the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB). At the panel discussion, I shared insights and expertise on how AI can drive efficiency, safety, and compliance in the built environment – while remaining grounded in ethical principles and a commitment to social and environmental responsibility.
One area I particularly explored was the importance of maintaining ethical integrity and creating long-term value for stakeholders across the construction sector. To help minimise value destruction in the design process, I suggested approaches such as keeping a “human-in-the-loop” to ensure that AI-generated insights are reviewed and validated by experts. Since construction impacts a wide range of stakeholders – including workers, clients, and local communities – it’s crucial to incorporate their perspectives through participatory approaches like co-design.
Another critical aspect I raised was the critical role of data quality and bias. AI systems learn from historical data, which can reflect – and even amplify – existing structural inefficiencies or social biases. Bias can creep in at any stage, from data collection and labelling to interpretation. For example, when certain demographic groups are underrepresented or misrepresented in the data, AI outputs may result in inaccurate predictions or inequitable design decisions.
We also touched on algorithmic bias, particularly the risks that arise when profit-driven algorithms prioritise short-term cost savings over long-term sustainability. Specifically, AI might recommend the use of cheaper, lower-quality materials – leading to shorter building lifespans and increased environmental and financial costs over time. This highlights the need for regular auditing of AI models and a diverse range of data sources to ensure fairness and accountability.
Looking ahead, I’m excited to continue collaborating with TIC to help bring AI’s transformative potential to industry practitioners.
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INDEX is a Faculty of Environment, Science and Economy (ESE) Research Centre at the University of Exeter. Our multidisciplinary team looks at the coalescing of data with value, and its implication upon individuals, organisations, innovation and society. Our team brings together computer science, social science and engineering design perspectives.
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