AI in AEC 2025 with Vesa Järvinen

In this episode of the AEC Business Podcast, I had the pleasure of speaking with Vesa Järvinen of AINS Group about the AI in AEC conference. We also delved into the present and future of AI in the construction sector, exploring how this transformative technology is being integrated and its potential impacts. The world’s first AI conference series for the built environment Vesa shared his journey into AI, highlighting his engineering background and his company’s early adoption of parametric design. He emphasized the importance of AI in business development and strategy and how the Finnish Association of Civil Engineers is pushing AI in AEC conferences to disseminate knowledge globally. We discussed the evolution of the AI in AEC conference, which started in 2018 and has grown significantly, even adapting to a hybrid format due to the pandemic. Vesa noted the increasing interest and participation, with the latest event attracting attendees from 39 countries. Key themes for the 2025 conference include real solutions and actions, focusing on generative AI and its practical applications. Vesa highlighted the importance of ethical considerations and the role of AI in transforming data into valuable insights for the construction industry. We also touched on the exhibition and demo opportunities at the conference, which provide a platform for companies to showcase their innovations. Networking remains crucial, and efforts are being made to enhance virtual networking opportunities. Vesa Järvinen About the guestVesa Järvinen is the Chair of the annual AI in AEC Conferences Programme Committee. He has extensive experience in managing design, technical service, and R&D organizations with P&L responsibility in civil and structural engineering, as well as steel construction and manufacturing businesses. He currently works as Executive Vice President at AINS Group consulting engineering company. Envisioning the future Vesa addressed the current industry situation, noting that while some companies have yet to see substantial business benefits from AI, there are already concrete applications in design optimization, safety risk management, and project management. He stressed the importance of widespread understanding and strategic partnerships in leveraging AI effectively. Looking ahead, Vesa envisions AI as a technical extension of human expertise, particularly in validation and judgment tasks. He also sees a growing role for robotics in construction, driven by labor shortages in many countries. Vesa advised young professionals and students to dive deep into technology while maintaining a broad understanding of its applications and value. He emphasized the need for a combination of technological skills and social and emotional intelligence. See you at AI in AEC – In person or virtually! The AI in AEC conference will take place in Helsinki from March 19 to 20, 2025. Attendance is available in person or virtually. Vesa encouraged participation from business and university professionals with a future-oriented mindset to foster new connections and drive innovation. Thank you for listening to this episode! Don’t forget to subscribe to the podcast. Listen to the podcast and subscribe on your podcast platform of choice