How we use AI now and into the future

The buzz around artificial intelligence is everywhere, and it is no different here at Thrasher & Lynch Engineering. We believe a future where AI fully replaces an engineer is still a long way off. That reality does not stop us from using these tools every day to improve efficiency, expand creativity, and develop smarter ways of working.

AI is not a substitute for engineering judgment. It is a tool that helps us focus more time on the high-value decisions that matter most.

1. Efficiency Gains

Small time savings add up quickly. Fifteen minutes here, thirty minutes there, or an hour in another task compounded throughout the week often becomes four to twelve hours of reclaimed time. This allows us to focus on engineering, coordination, and client-facing decisions rather than administrative busywork.

• Code Research

Benefit:
AI helps identify which codes and sections address specific engineering issues. Tasks that once required hours of flipping between documents, definitions, and cross-referenced sections can now be completed in seconds.

Limitation:
Interpretation of code language is still unreliable. AI often struggles with nuance or provides incorrect interpretations. Human judgment remains essential.

• Drawing Consistency

Benefit:
AI has been very effective at detecting inconsistencies, grammar issues, and specification mismatches across drawing sets. It identifies missing scope items, misaligned notes, and general cleanliness issues. This allows QA/QC reviewers to concentrate on engineering decisions rather than proofreading.

Limitation:
It cannot replace the technical judgment of a senior engineer. AI still struggles with graphic interpretation and cannot reliably count equipment, fixtures, or devices.

2. Creative Partner

As a small, technically focused team, we know our strengths, and we know where AI can provide meaningful support. Large Language Models offer valuable assistance in shaping clear and engaging content while maintaining our authentic voice.

Newsletter Development

Benefit:
AI helps technical writers expand ideas, improve structure, and adopt a tone that fits a broader audience.

Limitation:
If not guided, the content can become overly polished or generic. Retaining our authentic tone requires deliberate prompting and careful review.

3. Tool Creator

This is one of the most impactful uses of AI in our workflows. Having the equivalent of a coder, software assistant, and researcher available at any moment, and for minimal cost, has opened the door to significant capability improvements.

• Excel

Benefit:
AI acts like an on-demand Excel specialist who can generate macros, formulas, and advanced workflows that previously required considerable time.

Limitation:
It still has limitations with complex logic or calculation accuracy. It works best as a thought partner rather than an automatic formula generator.

• HTML Tools

Benefit:
AI supports the development of lightweight tools that help explain engineering concepts to non-technical audiences. These tools are especially helpful for presentations and educational content.

Limitation:
To date, we have focused on simple visual and communication tools. More advanced engineering-focused tools have not yet proven reliable using AI alone.

• Revit

Benefit:
AI provides step-by-step guidance, troubleshooting, and best practices developed from broad historical and technical knowledge.

Limitation:
Some instructions are based on older software versions, which occasionally creates conflicts with current workflows.

Looking Ahead: Developing AI Tools for the Future

We have been intentional in integrating AI into our workflows from day one. At the same time, we remain committed to the principle that engineering decisions must always be grounded in human judgment, professional experience, and accountability. Licenses are earned through knowledge and practice, not automation.

As we continue developing new tools and capabilities, we are exploring several future applications.

Additional Quality Assurance

• Automatic highlighting of design elements that fall outside expected parameters. This includes feeders, ducts, pipes, panelboards, and other system components.

• Device layout automation for prescriptive devices such as air outlets, sprinkler heads, and fire alarm components. AI could generate multiple layout options for review.

Weekly Round-Up Newsletter

• Automated research agents that collect and summarize key trends across engineering, construction, and the broader real estate industry.