Is AI better than traditional software for sustainable design of buildings? University of Portsmouth (London Campus) researchers Dr Don Samuel and Horacio Araujo investigate
In this paper, we answer the above question from the perspective of industry professionals, particularly in the design consultancy sector. By applying rigorous statistical analysis to the sampled data, we discovered that AI is perceived to improve design quality, project delivery efficiency, and sustainable design outcomes, although cost benefits are less definitive.
Lack of training, technical limitations and implementation costs emerged as key adoption barriers.
Practitioners viewed AI as complementing rather than replacing traditional software and professional judgement. The study concludes that effective AI adoption requires workforce capability, organisational readiness, appropriate governance and integration with established digital design workflows.
Future research could involve larger and more geographically diverse samples, sector-specific comparisons and longitudinal studies examining measurable project outcomes as AI adoption develops.
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Dr Don Samuel MCIOB is course leader for the MSc in Project Management and senior lecturer for the MSc in Construction Project Management at the University of Portsmouth London Campus. Horacio Araujo is a student member of CIOB and a student at the University of Portsmouth London Campus.
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