How AI Is Reshaping the AEC Workforce

AI is changing everything in the AEC industry — but not in the way most people fear. In this episode of The Peggy Smedley Show, host Peggy Smedley sits down with Claire Rutkowski, Executive Director of AI Productivity and Enablement at WSP, to explore how artificial intelligence is reshaping the engineering workforce. They dig into how AI is catching recurring clash patterns, flagging spec drift before it becomes costly rework, compressing meeting prep time, and freeing engineers to focus on judgment, creativity, and higher-value decisions. Claire also shares how WSP is upskilling its workforce, why the most skeptical engineers are often the most valuable voices in the room, and what it means to mentor a generation that's ready to go AI-native. Topics covered: Is AI coming for engineering jobs? The honest answer How AI agents work alongside engineers today — and where it's heading Clash detection, spec inconsistencies, and change order prevention Smarter coordination meetings powered by AI Upskilling engineers: persona-based training at scale The shift from project delivery to full asset lifecycle intelligence What separates firms that will lead from those that fall behind  Guest: Claire Rutkowski, WSP Executive Director of AI Productivity and Enablement 🌐 wsp.com | Follow Claire on LinkedIn