NIBS' Future of Work Webinar: 6 Key Takeaways for Design & Construction Pros
Looking for a sneak peek into the future of design and construction? In a recent webinar by the National Institute of Building Sciences (NIBS), industry leaders Amy Marks, Nancy Novak, and Sandra Benson discussed how AI, automation, and offsite manufacturing are reshaping the built environment.
We’ve gathered 6 key takeaways for design and construction professionals to thrive in an evolving industry. Here’s what you need to know:
AI Isn’t Coming—It’s Here (And It’s Practical)
BIM-to-Fab Is the New Normal for Complex Projects
Offsite Fabrication: A Shift Toward Efficiency and Safety
AI and Proactivity: Detecting Errors Before They Happen
Building Long-Term, Tech-Driven Partnerships
The Industry Needs a New Talent Pipeline (and Mindset)
Let’s dive in!
Photo by Frames for Your Heart on Unsplash
1. AI Isn’t Coming—It’s Here (And It’s Practical)
AI is helping design and construction teams do more with less. From detecting jobsite issues via photo capture and LiDAR to optimizing installation workflows, AI is now a core jobsite tool. It’s crucial to remember that AI is not replacing you—rather, it’s eliminating repetitive tasks and enabling more focus on design excellence, prescriptive planning, and stakeholder collaboration.
“You're not going to lose your job because of AI. You’ll lose it to someone better at using AI.” —Amy Marks
2. BIM-to-Fab Is the New Normal for Complex Projects
The transition from traditional stick-built construction to modular construction offers numerous advantages, including faster project timelines, reduced labor costs, and improved quality control. Embracing modular construction means adapting to a more streamlined, efficient workflow that emphasizes offsite manufacturing and digital integration.
Hospitals, data centers, and MEP-intensive projects are leading the shift from traditional stick-built construction to digitally fabricated assemblies. This means designs are now being created digitally, often in Revit, and then directly exported to automated machines for cutting, bending, and assembly.
BIM-to-Fab connects the design process directly to fabrication, streamlining the entire workflow from concept to construction. This approach reduces manual labor, minimizes errors, and speeds up timelines—critical advantages for complex projects. If your firm isn't exploring BIM-to-Fab workflows, you're at risk of falling behind.
3. Offsite Fabrication: A Shift Toward Efficiency and Safety
Offsite fabrication is shifting much of the construction phase of a project into controlled shop environments, reducing jobsite variables like weather delays and labor shortages. This streamlined process helps mitigate the challenges typically faced on-site, leading to more predictable outcomes and fewer complications during construction.
Moving fabrication offsite also enhances safety, as workers operate in a controlled environment with specialized tools, reducing the risk of on-site accidents. The result is faster, more efficient installations on-site, since pre-assembled components can be quickly put into place upon arrival.
4. AI and Proactivity: Detecting Errors Before They Happen
Digital tools powered by AI enable real-time schedule optimization, helping teams allocate resources efficiently and stay on track with project timelines. More importantly, AI is revolutionizing issue detection by identifying potential problems early in the process—long before they escalate into costly delays or errors on the jobsite.
This level of foresight enables construction professionals to make more informed decisions, reduce the risk of mistakes, and optimize project outcomes across the entire lifecycle—from planning and design to construction and post-completion. With AI at the helm, projects are not only completed faster, but with greater accuracy, reducing the likelihood of costly rework and ensuring smoother project execution.
“Bad news early is better than bad news late.” —Sandra Benson
Want to learn more about how AI is revolutionizing construction? Check out this Forbes article.
5. Building Long-Term, Tech-Driven Partnerships
Today’s most successful firms are shifting their focus from winning low-bid projects to building long-term, tech-forward relationships with suppliers, trades, and manufacturers. They understand that relying solely on the lowest bid can lead to compromises in quality and project outcomes. Instead, they prioritize partnerships with suppliers and manufacturers who bring added value through technology-driven solutions.
6. The Industry Needs a New Talent Pipeline (and Mindset)
As digital tools like Building Information Modeling (BIM), AI, and automation become integral to the industry, professionals who can think critically, analyze data, and leverage technology are increasingly in demand. These skills are essential for streamlining workflows, reducing errors, and enhancing project outcomes. It's clear that the future of construction lies in a blend of traditional skills and technological expertise.
To meet this demand, firms should look beyond the typical candidate pool and recruit from industries like tech, manufacturing, and science. In today's rapidly changing landscape, experience in design and construction alone is no longer the sole qualifier. Hiring individuals with diverse, tech-focused backgrounds opens the door to fresh perspectives and new approaches, driving innovation and ensuring that you’re ready to meet future challenges.
Final Thoughts
This NIBS webinar was a powerful reminder of how rapidly our industry is changing — and how much opportunity lies ahead for those ready to adapt. As AI, automation, and offsite workflows become standard practice, the firms that lean in will lead the way—building smarter, faster, and with greater precision. Learn more at www.nibs.org.
Looking for the perfect product for your next project? Browse thousands of CAD, BIM, and 3D models on CADdetails.com.
Author: CADdetails
Cover image by Bradley Pisney on Unsplash
