This year is 2024. Just two years ago, I witnessed the rapid development of artificial intelligence (AI) at a pace that is almost hard to believe. Every day, I find more of my routine tasks being streamlined by AI, from conducting research to drafting simple emails. Yet, it is clear that AI’s capabilities extend far beyond these basic applications. In my field of quantity surveying, AI is already making strides in areas like measurement, cost estimation of materials, and price comparison, just to name a few.
This technological progress prompts a significant question: How soon will AI replace me in my role as Quantity Surveyor? “TODAY,” I said to myself, as I realized the impact was more immediate than I had anticipated and recognized the undeniable presence and influence of AI in my current professional life.
This might seem a bit exaggerated, but it becomes quite reasonable once I explain my reasons in the following section.
The traditional or typical perception of a quantity surveyor’s role includes tasks such as taking off quantities, preparing cost estimates, and conducting feasibility studies for prospective developments, among other responsibilities.
Today, the integration of AI in quantity surveying is redefining traditional workflows and enhancing the efficiency and accuracy of various tasks. To name a few, here are three key applications of AI in the field today:
Automated Quantity Take-offs: Many large construction firms have adopted AI-enhanced Building Information Modeling (BIM) systems that automatically extract quantities from models. This not only speeds up the preparation of cost estimates but also reduces errors compared to manual take-offs. AI algorithms can interpret complex BIM data and provide precise material and component measurements, which are crucial for accurate budgeting and planning.
Machine Learning for Cost Modeling: Machine learning algorithms are being employed to create more accurate and dynamic cost models. These AI systems analyze historical data and ongoing project costs to predict future expenditures, allowing quantity surveyors to provide more reliable cost estimates. This predictive modeling helps in foreseeing cost overruns and provides data-driven insights to better manage financial risks.
Automated Correspondence and Documentation: AI is increasingly used to automate routine tasks such as generating reports, creating official documents, and even responding to emails. This implies that even routine tasks such as writing and responding to emails can be delegated to AI, allowing us to oversee these processes from the sidelines with reduced cognitive effort.
Given that many of these foundational workflows are now being effectively and accurately managed by AI, what remains for quantity surveyors to do? Many might argue that despite AI taking over numerous workflows, it still requires human oversight. Therefore, the focus may shift towards training professionals to become skilled operators of AI technologies.
I find this statement to be true but only to a certain extent. If everyone is focusing on acquiring the same skills to operate AI technologies, one must question what then differentiates each professional from another.
Therefore, I firmly believe in the concept of differentiation. This approach is simple but powerful. It is about setting yourself apart from the competition by offering something unique that your competitors do not; all this to ensure you are a top choice in your field.
To stand out from your competitors, it is essential to ask yourself: what aspects do I want to excel in? Do I aim to be one of the most skilled operators of AI software for quantity surveying? Or do I aspire to become proficient in crafting powerful and effective AI prompts for clients and professionals in the construction and quantity surveying field? Whether it is AI-related skills or not, identifying these unique strengths can help you define your niche and lead your field.
Once you have identified your unique strengths, the next step is to consider how you can enhance or “add value” to your current skill set. This process involves a thorough self-assessment to determine your strengths and weaknesses. However, adding value does not always mean focusing on improving weaknesses. Often, it makes more sense to further enhance your strengths. By building on what you are already good at, you can deepen your expertise and become even more specialized in your area of expertise. This approach helps you solidify your position as a leader in your field.
For instance, there is a common stereotype that quantity surveyors are good at math, and there is truth to this, as their work involves a lot of numerical tasks, from measuring quantities to calculating costs. Therefore, taking up a course in accounting or finance could further enhance their skills, particularly in areas like reading financial statements or interpreting account ledgers.
These skills are crucial for understanding how financial records impact a business. With such knowledge, quantity surveyors could advance to management levels, where they play a pivotal role in guiding the strategic direction of construction firms by interpreting financial data and indicators. This additional expertise not only broadens their role within the company but also enhances their career trajectory.
In another example, quantity surveyors could pursue courses that are now widely available on managing standard forms of contract, such as FIDIC, JCT, and others. Understanding the intricacies of each contract clause and the rationale behind their inclusion to safeguard the interests of various parties can significantly deepen their contractual knowledge.
With this expertise, quantity surveyors can add substantial value by managing contracts more effectively between stakeholders and contractors, ensuring fairness and minimizing costly disputes. Such skills open up pathways for career advancement, potentially leading to roles like Contract Director or other senior management positions that focus on the legal aspects of construction projects.
So, based on the foregoing, rather than viewing AI as a threat to the profession, it should indeed be seen as a complement that enhances the capabilities of quantity surveyors. AI can be particularly useful in supporting learning and application in several ways, such as AI tutors offering personalized assistance and feedback, helping quantity surveyors understand complex accounting concepts at their own pace. These systems can answer questions, provide explanations, and even offer quizzes and tests to assess understanding and retention.
In other instances, AI-driven data analysis tools can help quantity surveyors understand patterns and trends in financial data, teaching them how to apply accounting principles to real data. Learning to use these tools can enhance their ability to make informed financial decisions based on quantitative insights.
With AI handling many administrative tasks, such as responding to standard emails, quantity surveyors can shift their focus to higher-level tasks requiring human cognitive skills like critical thinking. This shift allows them to concentrate on business development, leveraging specialized skills they have acquired, such as accounting, contract management, and dispute avoidance. By focusing on these areas, quantity surveyors can play a pivotal role in shaping strategic decisions that drive business growth and enhance operational efficiency.
No matter how accurate and powerful AI can become, it is not programmed to make errors. Humans, on the other hand, are inherently prone to making mistakes. But it is this very propensity for error that distinguishes humans from AI. While one might think that being error-free is ideal, I hold a different view.
Though everyone may long for perfection, a world without mistakes could become stagnant and dull. Often, it is the errors we make (often unexpected and usually accompanied by a flood of emotions like panic, fear, sadness, disappointment, and even happiness) that make experiences unforgettable and cherished. These emotional investments add a layer of depth to our experiences that AI cannot replicate.
I am not advocating for making errors deliberately, but rather suggesting that we should not be overly concerned about the mistakes we make today or worry that AI is surpassing us. It is our imperfections that make us human, and embracing this can enrich our lives and careers in unexpected ways!
Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article are solely those of the author(s) and should not be construed as legal or contractual advice. The information provided is for general informational purposes only and may not be applicable to your specific circumstances. The author(s) is not responsible for any actions taken or decisions made based on the information presented in this article. It is always advisable to consult with a qualified professional or seek legal counsel for specific advice pertaining to your situation. Feel free to connect with us if you have any questions or queries on the above.
