Change has always been a part of the AEC (Architecture, Engineering, and Construction) industry. At every pivotal moment, the introduction of new technology has sparked both excitement and fear. Those of us who remember the transition from hand drafting to CAD recall the whispers of job losses, the skepticism, and the claims that the art of design would be lost. Yet, despite the uncertainty, we adapted. New roles emerged, skills evolved, and our industry grew.
A Personal Journey Through Change
I remember working for a local Architect named Grover Tayler. He worked out of his house, a garage converted into a design studio and hired me to convert select projects to AutoCAD. Most of the time, I worked alongside him on the board, hand drafting projects. Occasionally, I converted select designs to AutoCAD. During that time, I remember listening to people in the industry, reading printed articles warning that CAD would take our jobs. I didn’t think much of it because I learned AutoCAD and board drafting around the same time.
But as the years passed, AutoCAD became an industry titan, and parametric modeling entered the architectural space. Suddenly, I was feeling a bit of déjà vu. CAD drafters and CAD managers began to say, "BIM is going to take our jobs." Today, Revit is the industry standard for many. And now, with AI developing at an unprecedented rate, I once again hear familiar voices: "AI is going to take our jobs!" But here’s the reality…we’ve been here before.
A Revolution in the 1980s
The 1980s marked a significant shift with the introduction of Computer-Aided Design (CAD) software. AutoCAD, launched in 1982, revolutionized the architectural industry by transitioning design processes from manual drafting boards to digital platforms.
This transformation led to the evolution of roles:
- Draftsmen transitioned into CAD Technicians or CAD Operators, acquiring skills to produce digital drawings.
- Designers and Engineers integrated CAD tools into their workflows, enhancing precision and efficiency.
- CAD Managers emerged to oversee CAD standards, manage digital libraries, and ensure quality control.
While some manual drafting positions diminished, the industry saw an overall growth in productivity and the creation of new job opportunities.
Transforming the Industry in the 2000s
Building Information Modeling (BIM) began gaining traction in the 1990s, with tools like ArchiCAD and Revit leading the way. However, it wasn't until the 2000s that BIM truly became mainstream. This shift brought about new roles and transformed existing ones:
- CAD Technicians evolved into BIM Modelers, learning to create and manage 3D models enriched with data.
- Project Managers and Coordinators adopted BIM tools for better collaboration and project visualization.
- BIM Managers and Coordinators emerged to oversee BIM implementation, standards, and workflows across projects. The adoption of BIM not only enhanced collaboration and efficiency but also led to the development of specialized roles, further expanding the job market within the AEC industry.
The Next Evolutionary Step
Now, we stand at another turning point, Artificial Intelligence. Once again, we hear the same fears and predictions. But just as CAD and BIM paved the way for new possibilities, AI has the potential to enhance our creativity, automate repetitive tasks, and elevate our designs to new heights.
Yes, some tasks may change. Yes, some roles may evolve. But we have always been an industry that adapts, learns, and thrives. We are the dreamers who shape skylines, the problem-solvers who build communities, and the innovators who never stop moving forward.
So, let’s welcome AI, not with fear, but with the same spirit of curiosity and resilience that has always defined our industry. Let’s be the leaders who show that technology is not here to replace us but to empower us.
After all, we’ve been here before. And every time, we didn’t just survive, we thrived.
Jeff Thomas III, Technology Consultant
As a Technology Consultant at ARKANCE, Jeff works closely with customers, providing guidance and training in AEC technology, drawing on his experience in the retail, commercial, modular, and telecommunications industries. His expertise spans Revit, AutoCAD, Enscape3D, and graphic design, supported by strong skills in project management and QA/QC.