Building Smarter with AI: The Future of Construction

How IIBEC Metro NY’s 2025 Symposium Brought Artificial Intelligence into the Heart of the Building-Enclosure Industry

By Hugo Ramirez, President, IIBEC Metro NY

On September 17, 2025, Civic Hall became the center of innovation as the IIBEC Metro New York Chapter hosted its first-ever “Building Smarter with AI” Symposium, a sold-out event drawing architects, engineers, consultants, contractors, and students eager to explore how artificial intelligence is reshaping construction and façade restoration.

“Our goal was to demystify AI and show where it can create real value,” said IIBEC Metro NY President Hugo Ramirez. “Technology should make our work smarter, safer, and more sustainable.”

PHOTOS: IIBEC METRO NEW YORK

"AI literacy will soon be as fundamental as understanding windows or vapor barriers," said Hugo Ramirez (right), President, IIBEC Metro NY, addressing the organization's first-ever “Building Smarter with AI” Symposium exploring how artificial intelligence is reshaping construction and façade restoration.

Keynote speaker Michael Ramos opened the day with “Beyond ChatGPT: Real AI Solutions for Real Construction Problems,” demonstrating how predictive analytics and natural-language models can anticipate risks and streamline reporting. “AI isn’t here to replace expertise,” he said. “It’s here to augment it.”

Breakout sessions tackled AI from every angle: transparency in digital transformation, AI-driven branding, and practical adoption.

Nick Heim, Kenny Shultz, and Carter Huddleston showcased live applications of large-language models in daily workflows, while Michael Zucchi demonstrated field-tested tools like drone-assisted façade mapping and automated inspection logs.

Panels explored AI’s role in communication and construction, emphasizing that while machines can recognize patterns, only professionals can interpret them meaningfully. Sustainability also took center stage, with discussions on using AI for predictive maintenance, energy modeling, and climate compliance under Local Law 97.

The symposium closed with a powerful message: AI’s future depends on responsible human guidance. As Ramirez noted, “AI literacy will soon be as fundamental as understanding windows or vapor barriers.”

The event marked a milestone for IIBEC Metro NY, uniting industry and academia to ensure AI strengthens, rather than replaces, professional expertise.

“AI is already here,” said Zucchi. “It’s just waiting for us to use it wisely.” 🀰