What Works Now in AEC in the Post-ChatGPT Era: A Phase Aligned Evidence Map of AI Startup Value

10 pages•Published: June 2, 2026

Sushmit Sharma Bhattarai, Sabin Bhandari and Hyunhwan Kim

Abstract

This study presents an evidence map of AI-startup activity across the architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) lifecycle in the post-ChatGPT period (2023–2025). Peer-reviewed literature and auditable public implementations were synthesized and coded by project phase, task, AI modality, integration touchpoint, and reported evaluation approach. Activity is concentrated in design and construction, with comparatively fewer offerings in feasibility and operations where data are sparse or heterogeneous. Reported use cases cluster around design optioneering and model checking, preconstruction quantity takeoff/estimating and schedule-risk analytics, and construction safety and progress monitoring. Across modalities, generative and language-model tools dominate design and document intelligence, computer vision dominates progress and safety workflows, and predictive analytics supports select operations use cases. The review identifies five recurring barriers, data readiness and integration, industry culture and trust, scalability versus customization, regulatory/liability posture, and workforce capability, and translates them into actionable evaluation guidance. Specifically, we provide phase-aligned decision aids for procurement and pilots, including a startup screening rubric and a pilot scorecard that pairs technical validity with operational KPIs and integration readiness. The findings inform practitioner adoption strategies and support research and education agendas emphasizing standardized reporting, reproducible evaluation protocols, and multi-site validation.

Keyphrases: ai adoption and governance, ai pilot evaluation framework, chatgpt, construction technology startups, generative ai in aec

In: Wesley Collins, Anthony Perrenoud and John Posillico (editors). Proceedings of Associated Schools of Construction 62nd Annual International Conference, vol 7, pages 763-772.

Links:	https://easychair.org/publications/paper/FDK3
	https://doi.org/10.29007/qptn

BibTeX entry

@inproceedings{ASC2026:What_Works_Now_AEC,
  author    = {Sushmit Sharma Bhattarai and Sabin Bhandari and Hyunhwan Kim},
  title     = {What Works Now in AEC in the Post-ChatGPT Era: A Phase Aligned Evidence Map of AI Startup Value},
  booktitle = {Proceedings of Associated Schools of Construction 62nd Annual International Conference},
  editor    = {Wesley Collins and Anthony Perrenoud and John Posillico},
  series    = {EPiC Series in Built Environment},
  volume    = {7},
  publisher = {EasyChair},
  bibsource = {EasyChair, https://easychair.org},
  issn      = {2632-881X},
  url       = {/publications/paper/FDK3},
  doi       = {10.29007/qptn},
  pages     = {763-772},
  year      = {2026}}

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