Artificial Intelligence is beginning to transform the way architects and engineers approach the design phase of their projects. Not only is it being integrated into workflows to improve efficiency; it can also help enhance creativity and enable designers to emphasize key aspects such as sustainability and flexibility. Designers can produce a wider variety of design options and run performance simulations to test structural integrity, and the efficiency of various designs and systems.
Based on industry surveys and observations, about 60% of design firms currently use AI in some form, and 90% of them say they expect AI to play an increasingly large role in their business over the next several years. Those who embrace the power of AI and seek to unlock its full potential are already beginning to build a distinct advantage and separate themselves from their competitors.
How Design Firms are Utilizing AI
The most common applications of AI involve using generative design and creating virtual reality experiences that help clients visualize the designs andsee how design changes will impact functionality in real time. Other applications are more technical in nature, and include:
- Environmental and traffic flow analyses
- Building performance simulations
- Predictive modeling for systems integration and maintenance
AI Risk Management Challenges and Best Practices
Artificial Intelligence is a new and rapidly evolving space, which can create a variety of risks for design and engineering firms. The technology relies on large datasets that are often open-sourced. This can create the possibility of bad information or bad actors corrupting data, which can present serious liability risks. It also creates both ethical and legal questions regarding who owns the intellectual property the AI produces.
There is also a general lack of training or guidelines when it comes to AI. A survey of 1200 designers using AI indicated that 60 percent have received no formal training and are engaged in self-learning through experimentation. There is also a lack of training and processes to integrate AI with other software systems, along with a lack of regulatory framework and ethical guidelines.
To reduce the liability risks associated with AI, it is critical for design and engineering firms to establish policies and guidelines based on industry best practices. These include:
- Establishing policies regarding input restrictions, and procedures to on the use of AI, including documentation of data sets
- Establishing QA/QC processes to ensure the validity, integrity, accuracy of the data being used to deliver AI design and analysis
- Training key personnel on the use of AI, and ensuring compliance with data, privacy and security regulations
- Developing disclaimers, definitions, and contract language protecting against potential risks associated with AI generated content
On-Demand Webinar
Tim Corbett from SmartRisk®, a top ten risk management consulting firm, presents an A&E On-Demand Webinar, discusses identifying the risks associated with using Artificial Intelligence in the engineering & design space, and developing guidelines for best practices, and risk management recommendations.
Topics covered in this webinar include:
- Quality assurance and quality control
- Security, privacy, and intellectual property concerns
- Regulatory compliance
- Ethical considerations
- Training and systems integration
- Contract language
Professional Liability Insurance from Admiral
Admiral Insurance Group is a leading provider of professional liability insurance for architects and engineers, and is known for its expertise in the liability associated with changing laws and technology. As part of our AdmiralProâ„¢ Design Coverage, Admiral partners with SmartRisk to provide A&E and construction clients with contract reviews, risk analysis, and risk reduction strategies.
If you are a retail agent or broker with clients in the architecture and engineering industry, we encourage you to connect with one of our wholesale broker partners.
