From BIM to Brains, Part II: Six Months in the AI Trenches
2026-06-17
Scott Yates (VDCO Data)
In December 2025, we introduced the concept of empowering AEC professionals with "AI Mech Suits" and outlined a strategic roadmap through the "6 Levels of AI Autonomy." Six months later, this candid follow-up presentation pulls back the curtain on the reality of implementing those principles on a daily basis. Moving past the theoretical hype and massive enterprise AI acquisitions, we will share the actual successes, failures, and productivity gains experienced while transitioning into an AI-first organization. From the struggles of prompting AI for specific visual deliverables to the massive wins of automating administrative friction, openBIM data workflows, and semi-autonomous company "brains," attendees will discover how everyday AI and "context engineering" are practically reshaping the industry, providing a tested roadmap for firms looking to navigate their own digital transformations.
