The AI Readiness Conundrum: Turning Construction Data into Strategic Foresight
From design to delivery, vast quantities of data are generated every day across our construction projects and portfolios but most of it remains underused or trapped in disconnected systems. As Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools become more accessible, there’s growing pressure for construction firms to harness their data more effectively. The question is: how ready are they?
In a recent webinar titled “The AI Readiness Conundrum: How to Turn Construction Data into Strategic Foresight”, experts from leading construction and technology organisations explored this challenge head-on. They discussed what it really takes to become AI-ready, what holds firms back, and how to take the first steps toward building predictive, strategic capabilities.
“if we’re taking different data from different silos, we’re in essence getting to the point where we’re creating confusion and distrust across the business”
Aaron Machej, Microsoft
Microsoft’s Perspective
Aaron Machej, Data and AI Specialist, Microsoft, opened the session with a global perspective on digital maturity in construction.
Digital transformation is still in its early stages for many firms. Without a solid foundation of good data practices and integrated systems, AI is unlikely to deliver meaningful results.
He stressed that AI readiness must be underpinned by strategy and not simply adopting tools for the sake of it, but aligning them with broader business goals and transformation efforts.
Most importantly, strong data platforms come first. Aaron highlighted the need to get data flowing securely and consistently across teams before layering on advanced analytics or AI tools.
Kier Construction’s Mission Control
Ashley Dawson, Digital Construction Lead, shared Kier Construction’s own digital journey, providing a practical, project-focused view of how to build AI readiness from the ground up. Kier has shifted from experimenting with digital pilots to embedding them across operations, with platforms like Mission Control and Your Insights helping drive business-wide visibility.
Cultural transformation is essential. Ashley noted that leadership buy-in, cross-functional collaboration, and clear value delivery are critical to adoption by teams.
He also highlighted the need to democratise data, ensuring that dashboards and tools are accessible to teams across all levels and not just analysts or digital specialists.
Digital and Cultural Transformation
The panel brought together experts from across construction, business and technology, each offering insights into the opportunities and obstacles they’ve faced in turning data into strategic foresight.
The panellists shared their progress in data and AI readiness, with Jordan Connachie from Kori Construction emphasizing the importance of having unified data before implementing AI to ensure accuracy and reliability.
They highlighted the importance of starting with foundational questions in digital transformation and assessing the maturity of the organization. Nelly Twumasi-Mensah, Business Change Consultant, emphasized the need to meet teams where they are and ensure they are ready for new technologies and provide the necessary training and support to facilitate the transition.
Ashley Dawson stressed that executive sponsorship has been pivotal to Kier’s digital success. He also flagged the importance of clear documentation and supply chain upskilling to drive reliable data inputs.
The panel discussed the importance of information security in AI implementation. Tom Loader, Global Director of Digital Transformation mentioned Multiplex’s decision to deploy Co-Pilot Chat for secure AI usage, while Ashley highlighted Kier’s AI policy balancing risk and opportunity.
Aaron Machej encouraged attendees to look at upstream value and how AI contributes to wider business impact, not just isolated wins. He stressed that whilst immediate benefits are important, organizations should also focus on building a solid data foundation for sustained success.
The panellists rounded off discussing the future of data and AI in construction, emphasizing the need for predictive analytics and strategic foresight. They highlighted the importance of making data capture easy and focusing on leading indicators, emphasizing the importance of continuous conversation, organic growth, and sharing knowledge within the industry to drive progress in digital transformation and AI.
Key Takeaways for AI Readiness in Construction
- Standardisation is critical: Disparate systems and formats continue to hold the industry back. Unified data practices were highlighted as a top priority.
- Security must evolve with AI: As generative tools enter the workplace, firms must build strong governance frameworks to protect sensitive project data.
- Strategy before software: AI works best when it supports a defined business objective. Several panellists warned against chasing trends without purpose.
- Foresight, not just hindsight: The real opportunity lies in predictive insights—using AI to anticipate problems, not just report on them after the fact.
- Progress is iterative: Digital transformation doesn’t happen overnight. The panel advised starting small, learning continuously, and scaling successes organically.
Final Thoughts
The road to AI readiness in construction is not about adopting the latest shiny tool. It’s about building a data culture, where information is trusted, accessible, and used to drive decisions at every level of the organisation.
This webinar made it clear: construction firms that invest in data strategy, people skills, and strong governance now will be the ones leading tomorrow with the ability to turn hindsight into foresight and complexity into clarity.
If you missed it live, watch on demand here.
Many thanks to our panelists:
An industry experienced business advisor with a 25+ year career in construction and technology, working in commercial leadership roles for Enterprise Software, Data and Information Management organisations in the UK and global built environment.
Aaron Machej is a Data and AI specialist with extensive expertise in data management, data quality, and digital information solutions. At Microsoft, Aaron works closely with leading AECO (Architect, Engineering, Construction and Operations) organisations to assess their data and AI maturity, identify opportunities for improvement, and develop tailored solutions that unlock the full potential of their data assets. With a keen interest in emerging technologies, Aaron helps his clients navigate the rapidly evolving data and AI landscape, enabling them to achieve their strategic objectives.
Ashley Dawson is the Digital Construction Lead for Kier Construction – Strategic Projects, one of the UK’s largest regional builders. With over 11 years of experience in BIM and digital engineering and a First Class Honours degree in Architectural Technology and Design, Ashley has a proven track record of working on highly technical and large-scale Science and Health Care projects. Leading a specialist digital team within Kier’s Strategic Projects business, Ashley is responsible for delivering some of the UK’s largest and most complex construction projects.
Ashley has a keen interest in digital twins and smart buildings, as well as exploring innovative and disruptive technologies to enhance industry functionality. Their expertise lies in BIM, Digital, and Information Management, understanding the critical role of data in driving better decision-making, improving efficiency, and delivering value to clients. Committed to integrating digital solutions that enhance construction efficiency, collaboration, and sustainability, Ashley continues to push the boundaries of what is possible in the construction industry.
Nelly Twumasi-Mensah, Business Change Consultant
Nelly is business change leader, specialising in delivering and embedding valuable, transformational change with a focus on managing and motivating individuals and teams to realise the benefits of change programmes. A chartered member of the Royal Institution of Charted Surveyors, she has a background in Project Management; successfully delivering construction projects and programmes for large private and public sector clients. This unique blend of expertise means that she has great insight into the success factors needed to successfully transform traditional industries like the construction industry. Nelly is passionate about mentoring and coaching early career professionals to enable them to reach their full potential.
Tom Loader, Global Director of Digital Transformation, Multiplex
Tom started his career in the construction industry as a Landscape Architect working on the development of large residential master plans across the UK before turning his attention to the world of Digital Construction and heading up BIM for international design firms.
Modernising design production methods across the UK, Middle East and North America regions, Tom’s next move saw him take up the role of Head of Digital Transformation at Balfour Beatty, with a focus on the use of technology and data across the building, civil, rail and maintenance businesses in the UK. Tom is currently leading the Digital Transformation of Multiplex, implementing Technology, data and AI programmes to improve delivery of large-scale projects.
Jordan Connachie, Managing Director, Kori Construction
Jordan joined Kori Construction as Senior Quantity Surveyor in June 2015, following ten years in client-side construction consultancy qualifying as a Chartered Quantity Surveyor. Jordan’s commitment to clients and drive for continuous improvement led to his promotion to the Main Board as Managing Director in January 2019.
Jordan leads the development and implementation of the group’s strategy ensuring the businesses growth plans are achieved. With strong business acumen and a finance bias Jordan also takes full P&L responsibility for the group.
Possessing a commitment to deliver the best construction experience for Kori clients, Jordan utilises his client-side experience in understanding the key drivers and objectives of his clients and ensures the business is best placed to deliver on our client’s ambitions.
