Constructing Innovation: Insights from Amir Zavichi on How AI is Reshaping Building Practices

With a doctorate in civil engineering and construction management and more than a decade of professional experience, Amir Zavichi is an expert in the field of architecture, engineering and construction (AEC). As an experienced construction manager, he has dedicated his professional life to providing innovative solutions to some of the industry’s key concerns. His recent passion: exploring and applying AI to the industry. 

“While AI is still in its early stages of adoption, it’s already making a significant impact in our industry,” said Zavichi. “From concept to occupancy, every stakeholder involved in the complex process of a construction project can leverage AI to make the industry more productive and safer.” 

According to Zavichi, generating multiple designs at record speed, identifying potential risks early and creating estimates more efficiently are just a few ways AI can improve the AEC industry. We spoke with Zavichi—a leader of key projects at the Port of Los Angeles and an instructor in UC Davis Continuing and Professional Education’s Construction Management Certificate Program—for a crash course in how AI is being used in the field, what industry professionals need to know and how UC Davis CPE can help prepare them for the digital future. 

What are the benefits of adopting AI, and what specific technologies are most used today? 

While productivity in other industries has surged by 1,500% over the last 80 years, the AEC sector has remained largely stagnant. The advent of AI presents a potentially historic opportunity to change that trajectory and realize significant gains in productivity and efficiency. 

AI is designed to help us perform tasks faster and more effectively. Architects, for example, have benefited greatly from advances in generative AI. Many firms have integrated generative AI tools into their design and marketing workflows, enabling the rapid creation of complex designs and photorealistic visualizations. This integration has led to a two- to threefold increase in productivity during early-stage competition designs, improving firms’ chances of winning new projects. 

General contractors have adopted AI-integrated quantity takeoff tools, significantly reducing the time spent on takeoffs. These time savings allow estimators to focus more on value-generating activities such as scoping and value engineering. 

Contractors have also implemented AI-powered safety monitoring systems, which have reportedly led to a 35% reduction in workplace injuries and a 20% improvement in compliance. These systems leverage computer vision and machine learning to monitor construction sites in real time, identifying potential hazards and ensuring that safety protocols are followed. 

Some companies are adopting AI-driven progress monitoring tools that use high-definition photography, live video streaming, drones and sensors to collect and analyze data continuously. Real-time analysis helps maintain safety standards, identify risks early and support informed decision-making throughout the construction process. One example of this application is the use of Boston Dynamics’ dog robots. 

AI tools like ChatGPT, Gemini and Claude —widely available across industries—can also be helpful for daily time-consuming tasks such as drafting emails, reviewing RFPs and other administrative duties. Construction managers can use these tools to address concerns more quickly than traditional methods. 

How can construction managers effectively integrate AI into their day-to-day workflow? 

As technology evolves, it's crucial for construction managers and engineers to stay informed about developments in their field. 

Identifying daily tasks that are good candidates for automation can be highly beneficial. Look for low-risk, repetitive, slow and costly tasks—these are often the most feasible to automate, and tools likely already exist to handle them. 

One of the most important skills for achieving results with AI tools is knowing how to interact with them. Even though these tools process natural language, your prompts (as they’re called in the AI world) should include specific elements to generate the most accurate results. A good prompt should be clear, simple and concise. 

As a construction manager, you can also facilitate AI adoption within your teams and projects. While you might not be directly responsible for creating detailed estimates, you oversee project schedules and budgets. By equipping estimators with AI tools, you can help improve your team's productivity and efficiency. Key factors for success include openness to adopting new technology and helping your team adapt to AI advancements. 

Some AEC professionals are now specializing in helping companies adopt AI by analyzing workflows, identifying improvement areas and recommending tools tailored to specific budgets and needs. Hiring an AI implementation coach can add value and smooth integration into day-to-day operations. 

What are some of the challenges in adopting AI? 

One major challenge is the general lack of knowledge about AI. The term itself can causes fear or insecurity, especially among professionals who feel they are falling behind. If you are a decision-maker, consider consulting with peers who have already adopted AI tools and learning from their experiences. This can be done through conferences, professional associations, online courses and ongoing education. 

Cybersecurity is another concern. AI models are often trained using user-provided data, which makes it critical to avoid feeding sensitive project information into public tools. Protecting proprietary data should be a top priority. Custom AI tools can help by being tailored to specific project needs while safeguarding sensitive information. 

It’s also important to maintain a “human-in-the-loop” mindset. All AI-generated content should be double- or even triple-checked to ensure accuracy and relevance. 

Are there ethical considerations that need to be addressed? 

One key ethical concern is job displacement. As a construction manager, you need to acknowledge and address your team’s potential insecurities. Reassure them that AI is not replacing workers—it’s enhancing their ability to focus on higher-value tasks and develop new skills. 

Construction managers should also be mindful of algorithmic bias and fairness. AI systems can unintentionally reflect and reinforce existing inequalities, especially if they are trained on biased historical data. This can affect decisions around hiring, evaluations or resource allocation. Keeping humans involved in decision-making helps ensure AI supports fairness and accountability. 

What advice would you give to professionals looking to adapt to AI in their field? 

Actively learn how to integrate AI into your workflows. It’s becoming a transformative force in the AEC industry. It is up to us, as professionals, to embrace it responsibly, maximize its benefits and always remain mindful of the ethical considerations it brings. 

How does UC Davis CPE’s Construction Management Certificate Program prepare students to work with AI in a construction setting? 

In the course that I teach, Estimating, Preconstruction and Bidding, I integrate On-Screen Takeoff software into the curriculum. This provides students with hands-on experience using cutting-edge tools that are changing how estimates are produced and how preconstruction processes are managed. This kind of practical training enhances students’ technical capabilities and prepares them to evaluate and adopt AI solutions in the workplace. 

At CPE, we're not just teaching theory—we're bridging the gap between traditional construction practices and the digital future. 

How do you see AI revolutionizing the industry in the next decade? 

While it’s impossible to predict every change, one thing is certain: AI will continue to reshape traditional construction workflows. Embrace the change, stay curious and keep learning. Adoption of AI is inevitable, and professionals who can guide this process along are in demand. Those who adapt and grow alongside AI will not only secure their place in the industry but will also shape its future.