Artificial intelligence is showing up everywhere right now, and the AEC industry is no exception. But when it comes to Building Information Modeling (BIM), AI is not about replacing designers or engineers. It is about helping them do their best work more efficiently.

At Schemmer, that mindset is already shaping how teams approach BIM workflows.

Taking the Pain Out of Repetitive Work

Every project has tasks that are necessary but not enjoyable. AI is starting to take those off the plate.

“AI streamlines tasks that are repetitive in nature,” said Josh Murphy. “Freeing up from these types of tasks allows our team members to focus on quality and high-value work that benefits our client, the project, and our own work satisfaction.”

Instead of getting bogged down in tedious processes, teams can spend more time thinking critically, refining designs, and delivering better outcomes.

Improving Collaboration Without Replacing It

There is one thing AI will not replace, and that is real communication between people.

“Nothing will replace communication between team members on a project,” Murphy said.

What AI can do is support that communication in practical ways. Murphy pointed to meeting documentation as a simple but meaningful improvement. AI tools can generate clearer, more complete recaps in less time, helping teams stay aligned without adding extra workload.

It does not change how teams collaborate. It simply removes friction from the process.

Where AI Is Making the Biggest Impact

AI is not limited to one phase of a project. It is starting to touch nearly every stage of the BIM workflow.

“AI can fit in and benefit each stage of the design process,” Murphy said.

Right now, one of the biggest areas of focus is rendering and image generation, especially in early design. But the opportunities extend across the full project lifecycle:

• Early and Schematic Design
  Generate design iterations, test concepts, and explore more options
• Design Development and Construction Documents
  Support calculations, annotations, scheduling, and detailing
• Construction Phase
  Strengthen quality control and identify issues earlier

“With so many options, the tough part is figuring out where to start and what goes next,” Murphy said.

Smarter Decisions Earlier in the Process

One of the most important shifts AI is enabling is happening at the very beginning of projects. Early design used to be constrained by time. Teams had to move forward before fully exploring every option.

“With tools like Autodesk Revit, Dynamo, and TestFit, we are able to help our clients look through more options and iterations than we have ever been able to do,” Murphy said.

That expanded visibility leads to better outcomes.

“By providing analysis of different options, we are giving our clients the tools to make better, more informed decisions,” he said.

What AI Is Not

With all the attention AI is getting, there are still misconceptions about what it actually does.

“AI or any software will never take over the responsibility of making decisions,” Murphy said.

That responsibility still belongs to experienced professionals who understand the full context of a project.

“Our job is to use the highest quality tools available and provide the most well-thought-out design for our clients and their projects,” he said.

AI supports that responsibility. It does not replace it.

Moving Forward with Intention

AI in BIM is not a future concept. It is already here and evolving quickly. For firms and project teams, the opportunity is not to adopt everything at once. It is to be intentional about where AI can improve workflows, strengthen collaboration, and deliver better results. Because at the end of the day, the technology is not the story. The people and the projects they create still are.

SCHEMMER – DESIGN WITH PURPOSE. BUILD WITH CONFIDENCE.

At Schemmer, we believe that great design goes beyond structures; it strengthens communities. As a full-service architecture, engineering, and construction field services consultant, we deliver innovative solutions that enhance the built environment and improve lives.

Since 1959, we have been shaping the future while honoring our legacy. With nine offices across six states in the Midwest, our expertise reaches coast-to-coast, bringing thoughtful, sustainable, and impactful solutions to every project.

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