Your Civil Engineering Job Might Be at Risk: Here’s How AI Is Changing the Industry

AI, BIM, CAD, estimation software, estimator jobs, quantity surveying,

July 30, 2025

AI is increasingly impacting the civil engineering and construction sectors, particularly white-collar roles that involve planning, analysis, design, and project management.

At ConsultANZ, we’re seeing firsthand how rapidly artificial intelligence (AI) is being adopted across the civil engineering and construction industries—particularly in white-collar roles. From estimating and planning to design and documentation, AI-powered tools are transforming the way professionals work and how projects are delivered.

What was once a slow-moving sector when it came to digital innovation is now embracing AI at a pace we haven’t seen before. While this presents exciting opportunities for greater efficiency and smarter decision-making, it also raises important questions about which roles may be redefined, reshaped—or even replaced.

In this article, we explore which civil engineering and construction office-based jobs are most likely to be impacted by AI, and what professionals can do to stay ahead.

Here’s a breakdown of the civil engineering and white-collar construction jobs most likely to be affected by AI, ranked from most to least susceptible:

Most Susceptible to AI Automation or Disruption

Estimators / Quantity Surveyors

Among all white-collar construction roles, Estimators are arguably feeling the impact of AI the most. Traditionally, Estimators have spent countless hours reviewing civil drawings, measuring quantities, sourcing prices, and building detailed cost estimates. But with the introduction of AI-powered estimating tools, much of this manual, repetitive work can now be done in a fraction of the time.

Modern estimating software—like CostX, Togal.AI, and ALICE Technologies—can now:

• Scan and interpret project drawings using machine learning
• Automatically perform quantity take-offs
• Pull real-time pricing data from supplier databases or previous projects
• Generate multiple cost scenarios based on different assumptions or design options
• Detect patterns that could indicate cost overruns or risks

While the core need for accurate project costing isn’t going away, the traditional skill set of a “manual estimator” is evolving rapidly. Those who rely solely on spreadsheets and static drawings may find themselves edged out by professionals who are fluent in AI-augmented estimating tools.

To safeguard their careers, Estimators should aim to augment their skills rather than resist change. Here’s how:

Become Proficient in Digital Tools

Gain hands-on experience with AI-enhanced software like:

• CostX (2D/3D estimating)
• Bluebeam (quantity take-off)
• Togal.AI (AI-assisted plan review)
• Benchmark Estimating Software

Develop Analytical and Commercial Skills

AI can crunch numbers, but judgment, negotiation, and strategy are still human domains. Understanding how to read market trends, assess supplier risks, and strategically price a tender is what will set you apart.

Focus on High-Level Tasks

As AI handles the groundwork, Estimators should shift focus to:

• Building bid strategies
• Reviewing contractual risk
• Liaising with clients and project managers
• Validating assumptions and refining methodologies

In a recent LinkedIn poll, we asked our network which roles in construction and engineering are already feeling the impact of AI. The results painted a clear picture: AI is no longer just a “future technology” – it’s already reshaping how certain jobs are performed across the industry.

Schedulers / Planners

In the past, planners spent countless hours adjusting project schedules in response to site delays, resource shortages, or unexpected weather.

With AI-powered tools like Oracle Primavera Cloud, Microsoft Project with AI plugins, nPlan, and BuildAI, schedule updates that would take days can now be recalculated in minutes. These platforms ingest real-time project data from site reports, IoT devices, and even drones, automatically identifying deviations from the baseline and instantly proposing updated timelines.

AI is also transforming the initial planning phase. Tools such as nPlan and ALICE Technologies use machine learning to analyze data from thousands of past infrastructure projects, allowing them to forecast durations, predict bottlenecks, and recommend task sequences that have the highest probability of success.

Instead of building a plan manually from scratch, schedulers can now start with AI-generated scenarios based on proven project outcomes, dramatically improving efficiency and accuracy

Can AI fully replace Schedulers/Planners?

AI can process massive datasets and suggest optimized plans, but it cannot fully understand the complexities of a construction site, the nuances of engineering constraints, or the human dynamics involved in large infrastructure projects.

Decisions about sequencing work, negotiating with subcontractors, and aligning stakeholders still require human expertise, intuition, and leadership.

A planner who knows how to leverage AI can guide a project with greater precision, foresee risks earlier, and help deliver projects faster and more cost-effectively than ever before.

Design Engineers (especially CAD/BIM roles)

One of the most significant changes is automated design generation. Traditionally, engineers spent long hours manually drawing and adjusting models.

Today, AI-driven generative design tools can instantly create hundreds of design options based on parameters such as weight, strength, material, and cost. This allows engineers to focus less on drafting basic layouts and more on refining and selecting the best solutions generated by AI. As a result, entry-level drafting roles that focus primarily on repetitive drawing are becoming less prominent.

BIM modelling is also becoming more intelligent and predictive. Modern AI-enhanced BIM software can automatically detect clashes, generate 3D models from 2D plans, and predict potential structural issues well before construction begins. Tasks that previously involved extensive manual error-checking and coordination are now handled by AI, enabling engineers to dedicate their efforts to higher-level decision-making and project leadership.

How to safeguard your Design Engineer job?

You should master AI-powered CAD/BIM software tools like Autodesk Generative Design, Revit with AI plugins, and AI-assisted simulation platforms are becoming industry standards. Engineers who know how to guide, interpret, and refine AI-generated models will remain valuable.

Basic coding and scripting skills (e.g., Python, Dynamo, Grasshopper) can help engineers automate repetitive CAD/BIM tasks themselves, giving them a competitive edge and making them tech enablers, not tech replacers.

Document Controllers / Admin Coordinators

One of the biggest changes is automation in document management.

In the past, Document Controllers spent hours manually filing, labeling, and distributing drawings and specifications. Today, advanced document management systems like Aconex, Procore, Autodesk Construction Cloud, and Asite use AI to automatically tag, organize, and version-control documents.

AI-powered search functions allow project teams to instantly locate files without sifting through multiple folders. This automation reduces repetitive administrative tasks and significantly speeds up document retrieval.

Another area where AI is making an impact is in compliance and quality control. Construction projects often involve strict document approval processes, audit trails, and regulatory checks.

AI tools can automatically check documents for compliance issues, flagging missing information or outdated revisions before they cause delays or costly rework. For example, machine learning algorithms can detect whether the correct drawing revision has been uploaded or if safety documentation is incomplete, something that previously required painstaking manual oversight.

Future Document Controllers and Admin Coordinators will need to be tech-savvy. Skills in digital collaboration tools, cloud-based document control systems, and basic understanding of AI-powered workflows will become essential.

Professionals who can leverage data analytics to improve document management processes or provide insights into project performance will stand out. Rather than just moving documents, they’ll become information managers and key contributors to project decision-making.

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While AI may automate certain tasks, it won’t replace the need for skilled professionals who can think critically, solve problems, and lead people.

Rather than seeing AI as a threat, learn how to use it to your advantage. Familiarise yourself with tools like BIM, AI-based scheduling platforms, estimating software, and digital collaboration tools.

AI can process data, but it can’t replace emotional intelligence, leadership, and communication. Skills like stakeholder management, negotiation, conflict resolution, and team leadership will only become more valuable. Soft skills are the new power skills.

Keep up with industry trends. Attend webinars, read up on AI developments in construction, and consider upskilling in areas like:

• Data literacy
• AI/ML fundamentals
• Digital project delivery
• Risk analysis and forecasting tools

Focus on areas where AI is unlikely to replace humans—like geotechnical analysis, complex structural assessments, regulatory approvals, or site-specific design work.

Roles will evolve. Those who can interpret AI-generated data, communicate insights to stakeholders, and make informed decisions will be essential. Think of yourself as the “translator” between AI tools and real-world execution.

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