Automation opportunities and challenges for corporate real estate and allied industries

Nicholas Watkins, Justin Ehart, Jinger Tapia and Ashley Ebbert
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Nicholas Watkins: Director of Strategy and Research, Ware Malcomb, USA
Justin Ehart: Director of Digital Transformation, Ware Malcomb, USA
Jinger Tapia: Vice President, Ware Malcomb, USA
Ashley Ebbert: Technology Specialist, Ware Malcomb, USA

Corporate Real Estate Journal, 2025, vol. 14, issue 4, 322-334

Abstract: Rapid advances in artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) are expected to bring major economic benefits. This benefit, however, also introduces the challenge of automating tasks central to many professions and redefining what consumers value. Despite extensive expertise and complex responsibilities, professionals in corporate real estate and the architecture, engineering and construction (AEC) industries are not immune to the effects of automation. A case study of the international AEC firm Ware Malcomb highlights opportunities from deploying AI and ML solutions for the corporate real estate and AEC industries by increasing efficiencies and value propositions. A broader trend to pursue short-term gains at the expense of long-term differentiation with AI and ML may, however, pose risks. Primarily, automation may reinforce commodification that has perniciously diminished the value of corporate real estate and AEC services. While achieving greater efficiency in project delivery is essential in the short-to-midterm, it is crucial to use the time and resources freed by automation to innovate new value propositions and real estate and design performance metrics that drive long-term innovation and growth.

Keywords: PropTech; human-centred artificial intelligence (AI); asset management portal; development accelerator; point cloud processing; Revit model creator; brand consistency (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: R3 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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