Architecture, Engineering & Construction (AEC) Working Group

The AEC Working Group brings together leaders from architecture, engineering, construction, technology, academia, and government to accelerate the responsible adoption of artificial intelligence across New Zealand’s built-environment sector. Our mission: enhance productivity, resilience, sustainability and equity across the sector — for today and future generations.

Who we are
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Why AI Matters for AEC in Aotearoa

The built environment contributes over NZ $17.6 billion to national GDP (~6.3 %).

As infrastructure demands grow — and with long-term challenges like climate risk, population growth, and resource constraints — AI offers a path to smarter design, efficient delivery, and adaptive, resilient infrastructure.

We believe AI should be married with cultural values, sustainability, and equitable access — to reflect a uniquely Aotearoa vision for infrastructure.

Working Group Leadership

  • Chair: Maria Mingallon
  • Deputy Chair: Todd Bowman
  • Executive Director: Madeline Newman

Workstream Leads:

  • Assess Lead: Maureen Crampton
  • Upskill Lead: Caelan Huntress
  • Innovate Lead: Nick Sterling
  • Inform Lead: Theresa Wells

What We Do: Our Five Workstreams

Assess

Build roadmaps and readiness frameworks for integrating AI across AEC firms and projects.

Upskill

Provide training, resources, and support so professionals and organisations can leverage AI effectively and safely.

Inform

Collect and share knowledge — case studies, guidance materials, research — to build community understanding.

Innovate

Foster pilot programmes, digital-twin initiatives and AI-driven innovation in design, construction and infrastructure.

Governance

Ensure AI tools and systems are implemented ethically, transparently and safely — with robust data governance, compliance, and stakeholder accountability.

What We’ve Achieved So Far

Submitted a comprehensive response to the Draft National Infrastructure Plan (2025), advocating for stronger digital enablement, AI integration, climate resilience and inclusion, including Te Ao Māori engagement and spatial-planning innovation.

Initiated cross-sector dialogues among AEC firms, technologists, regulators, Māori experts and community stakeholders to shape AI adoption aligned with cultural, social and environmental values.

Begun compiling knowledge resources — research briefs, use-case assessments, governance frameworks — to seed a sector-wide “AEC + AI” knowledge hub.

What’s Next: Roadmap & Priorities

  • Publish a full White Paper mapping AI integration pathways for AEC industry participants
  • Release an AI Readiness Assessment Toolkit for firms and projects
  • Deliver regional training workshops and an “AI 101 for AEC” curriculum
  • Build a Use-Case Portfolio & Pilot Projects (including Digital Twin infrastructure, spatial-planning tools, predictive modelling)
  • Develop a robust Data & Ethics Governance Framework tailored for AEC
  • Advocate for national infrastructure procurement policies that embed AI governance and sustainability standards

How to Get Involved

We welcome contributions from across sectors — whether you lead a firm, work on project delivery, research AI applications, or bring community or cultural insight.

Ways to participate:

  • Co-lead a workstream or propose a new one
  • Join as a contributor — support research, pilot projects, community engagement
  • Submit case-studies, use-cases, or ideas for AI + AEC deployments
  • Sign up for upcoming workshops, webinars and working-group events
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Connect & Stay Connected

Want to learn more, share ideas, or collaborate? Reach out at info@aiforum.org.nz or complete our joining form.

Submit a Case Study for the Knowledgehub
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