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Technology: Strategy not shortcut
Technology isn’t always the answer. But the way we approach technology might be.
Over three quarters of high adopters of AI in our research say they are very confident in meeting every construction project goal. They were also significantly more likely to feel aware of the risks they faced.
But it’s not the tools that make the difference. It’s the attitude.
The companies using AI aren’t reacting to trends. They’re responding to risk. They’re making deliberate, strategic moves. Using tech is one of these. It’s a signal that shows willingness to act. And those willing to act are already ahead.
That said, technology can make a tangible difference. Take offsite modular manufacturing. It reduces reliance on site labour. It cuts weather risk. It speeds up delivery. And it brings greater programme certainty.
Machine learning and AI help monitor productivity, predict risks, benchmark costs, and optimise programmes. But none of that works without clear intent, quality data, and expert analysis.
We need to stop thinking of tech as innovation for its own sake. It’s a tool. A powerful one. But only when deployed with purpose. Use it to:
— Predict problems before they escalate
— Inform better, faster decisions
— Build resilience into every stage of the project
We don’t just need to invest in tools. We need to invest in the attitude that makes them matter.
Technology won’t remove uncertainty. But it can help us control it, if we’re properly prepared and willing to act.
Case study
InnoCell shows what’s possible when technology meets intent
This smart living and co-creation space in Hong Kong is the first multi-storey building in the city to use Modular Integrated Construction (MiC). The team took a bold step away from convention, and it paid off.
The entire project was delivered in just 13 months. That’s five months faster than if traditional methods had been used.
By moving major construction offsite, the team cut exposure to labour shortages, weather delays and onsite inefficiencies. MiC brought greater precision and consistency, helping to control costs and maintain quality.
Currie & Brown provided full quantity surveying services. We helped the team plan with confidence, manage costs, and understand the financial impact of using new technology.
The result? Faster delivery. Better cost control. And a clear example of how doing things differently can deliver certainty where it matters most.