Deliberating AI? What's at risk.

Is Your Firm Ready for AI? Why Not Having a Strategy Could be Risky

Has your firm developed a strategy for navigating the rise of artificial intelligence? If not, you might be putting your business at risk.

AI has sparked a wide range of opinions, uncertainties, and concerns across industries. As firms grapple with how to integrate this evolving technology, one thing is becoming clear: not having a plan could leave your firm vulnerable.

AIA Cincinnati’s recent CEU event, The AI Dilemma, provided valuable insights into this complex topic. By the end of the session, the message was unmistakable—avoiding the conversation around AI is not a viable strategy.

Before diving deeper, I’d like to thank AIA Cincinnati and the event’s presenters* for generously sharing their expertise.

The discussion opened with a simple but powerful question:
Will AI help smaller firms compete more effectively with larger ones?

At first, the answer seemed straightforward. But the more I thought about it, the more complicated it became.

1. Reliability

How dependable is AI-generated information?
A quick search for “NYC attorneys ChatGPT false claims” brings up a cautionary tale—lawyers were sanctioned for citing fake cases generated by ChatGPT. While AI can save time, how much of that savings is lost to fact-checking and ensuring accuracy?

2. Intellectual Property and Data Privacy

Who owns the data entered into AI systems—and the output they produce?
Once data is entered, it may no longer remain private. Would your firm be comfortable if proprietary Revit models or sensitive project details were stored or reused by the AI platform? And what if you're under a non-disclosure agreement?

3. Client Expectations

As awareness of AI grows, will clients begin dictating its use—or banning it?
Will they assume AI reduces costs and expect corresponding discounts?

4. E&O Insurance

Even if AI is still emerging, will it eventually become part of what’s considered “standard care”?
If so, failing to use AI appropriately—or at all—could raise questions about professional liability.

5. The Competitive Landscape

AI might level the playing field, helping smaller firms match the capabilities of larger competitors.
But implementing AI comes with its own costs: time, training, oversight, and evolving compliance needs. Will small firms be agile enough to adapt, or will these demands stretch their resources too thin? Could this be a catalyst for collaboration between firms?

And all of this barely scratches the surface.

There’s still the biggest question looming over the industry:
Does AI threaten our jobs and the future of our profession?

The answers aren’t easy, but one thing is certain: AI isn’t going away. Whether you’re cautious or excited, developing a thoughtful strategy is no longer optional—it’s essential.

*AIA Presenters:

Tim Shumrick | Oswald Companies

Mike Murphy | Champlin Architecture

Mitch Hoffman | Champlin Architecture