AI & Automation: The Future of Engineering with Jesse Light - SML Consulting Structural & Forensic Engineers

Building Scale

We interview successful Architecture, Engineering, and Construction (AEC) business leaders to learn how they use people, processes, and technology to scale their businesses.

AI & Automation: The Future of Engineering with Jesse Light - SML Consulting Structural & Forensic Engineers

E129 • Jul 29, 2025 • 61 mins

Jesse Light shares his career journey in the AEC industry, emphasizing automation and software integration's role in enhancing efficiency and cost savings. The discussion includes AI applications developed with universities, examples of Power Automate use, and AI's return on investment. Jesse addresses recurring revenue models, file delivery optimization, and managing engineering fee structures and scope changes. The conversation explores AI's impact on employee roles, project searches, and detail management. Jesse highlights the importance of technology understanding and data centralization for business owners, addressing AI-related employee concerns and cybersecurity. Closing remarks encourage technology adoption and reflect on the podcast's mission.

Key Points

Integrating AI and automation tools like Excel and Python can drastically reduce engineering time and error rates, transforming lengthy manual processes into efficient, streamlined workflows.
Leveraging AI and data science can help businesses optimize their historical data, making it easier to find valuable information and reuse past work, thereby saving time and reducing redundancies.
Adopting new technologies and fostering a culture of innovation within a company can significantly enhance efficiency and scalability, ensuring long-term competitiveness and business growth.

Connect with Jesse Light - LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jesse-light-s-e-p-e-26b73b12/ Website: https://www.smleng.com/ Connect with Justin & Will - Will's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/willforet/ Justin's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/justneagle/ Learn More & Connect With Spot Migration - Website: https://www.spotmigration.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/spot-migration Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/spotmigration YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/Spotmigration Do you want to be a guest on the show? Go to https://buildingscale.net/guests Need to discuss your IT and Cybersecurity Strategy? Go to https://buildingscale.net/help

Speakers

Justin Neagle

Host • 13%

Will Foret

Host • 2%

Will Foret

Host • 10%

Jesse Light

Guest • 76%

Chapters

0:00	Introduction by Justin Neagle and Will Foret
1:10	Guest introduction: Jesse Light
2:10	Jesse Light's background and career journey in AEC
5:00	Automation and software integration in engineering
10:53	Efficiency improvements, cost savings, and leveraging AI
16:48	AI applications and university collaboration for coding
18:25	Power Automate examples and AI investment returns
20:56	Recurring revenue models and optimizing file delivery
26:06	Fee structures and managing scope changes in engineering
33:36	Employee roles, AI's long-term impact, and short-term evolutions
40:35	AI for project searches and detail management
43:24	Technology understanding and data centralization for business owners
48:06	Employee AI concerns and cybersecurity in cloud computing
54:27	Advice for investing in technology and company services
58:33	Technology adoption encouragement and upcoming events
59:55	Closing remarks and podcast mission

Transcript

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