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Automation opportunities and challenges for corporate real estate and allied industries
Corporate Real Estate Journal,
14
(4),
322-334
(2025)
Abstract
Rapid advances in artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) are expected to bring major economic benefits. This benefit, however, also introduces the challenge of automating tasks central to many professions and redefining what consumers value. Despite extensive expertise and complex responsibilities, professionals in corporate real estate and the architecture, engineering and construction (AEC) industries are not immune to the effects of automation. A case study of the international AEC firm Ware Malcomb highlights opportunities from deploying AI and ML solutions for the corporate real estate and AEC industries by increasing efficiencies and value propositions. A broader trend to pursue short-term gains at the expense of long-term differentiation with AI and ML may, however, pose risks. Primarily, automation may reinforce commodification that has perniciously diminished the value of corporate real estate and AEC services. While achieving greater efficiency in project delivery is essential in the short-to-midterm, it is crucial to use the time and resources freed by automation to innovate new value propositions and real estate and design performance metrics that drive long-term innovation and growth.
Keywords: PropTech; human-centred artificial intelligence (AI); asset management portal, development accelerator; point cloud processing; Revit model creator; brand consistency
The full article is available to subscribers to the journal.
Author's Biography
Nicholas Watkins Nicholas (Nick) Watkins, PhD, is currently the Director of Strategy and Research at Ware Malcomb. Delivering human-centred, experience-based work environments, Nick has led global and nationwide research and strategy projects for corporate workplace, life sciences, healthcare, education, retail and public placemaking projects. One of evidence-based design’s original trailblazers, he has served as the Chair of the Environmental Design Research Association (EDRA) and co-founded the esteemed EDRA CORE programme, which bridges the design industry with the environmental design research community by recognising the quality and impact of research on client projects. Research findings have been co-authored with colleagues across a wide range of publications, including Corporate Real Estate Journal, Environment and Behavior, Tradeline, Health Environments Research and Design Journal, the Handbook of Environmental Psychology, The McGraw-Hill Research Foundation, Evidence-Based Healthcare Design, Place Advantage: Applied Psychology for Interior Architecture, The Future of Environments for Aging, Lab Design News, Journal of Nursing Administration, US News and World Report and The Daily Beast.
Justin Ehart , PhD, LEED AP, is currently the Director of Digital Transformation at Ware Malcomb. Focused on shaping the built environment of tomorrow with creative digital solutions today, Justin leads the Digital Transformation (Dx) Team to advance Ware Malcomb’s digital presence. Dx is Ware Malcomb’s research and development team, dedicated to creating, testing and implementing innovative tools to enhance current processes and discover new ways of conducting business and serving clients in the future. Since 1994, Justin’s career has spanned architecture, civil engineering, land surveying, data science, software development and geospatial applications. With his broad range of expertise, he has served as a technical expert on large multidisciplinary projects across USA. Justin has also presented at several Autodesk University conferences.
Jinger Tapia is currently a member of the American Institute of Architects (AIA) and the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB) and is Vice President of Design at Ware Malcomb. During her more than 20-year tenure, her vision has helped define Ware Malcomb’s standards of high quality, creativity and future-proofing to ensure long-term real estate value for clients. As the Vice President of Design and a member of the Executive Team and Architectural Leadership Group, Jinger leads architectural design for Ware Malcomb and oversees the Strategy, Design, Branding and Digital Transformation Studios. Under Jinger’s leadership, Ware Malcomb was the only firm recognised four years in a row by NAIOP’s prestigious ‘Design of the Future’ competition. A Licenced Architect, Jinger has master planned and designed a wide variety of projects, including master planning, mixed use, corporate office, corporate headquarters, industrial, retail, healthcare, tenant improvements, multifamily and hospitality. She has been featured in numerous publications and presented at conferences across the USA on her extensive knowledge of design. Jinger is active in the Urban Land Institute (ULI), NAIOP, the Commercial Real Estate Development Association, American Institute of Architects (AIA) and the National Organization of Minority Architects (NOMA). She is the Leader of Ware Malcomb’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee.
Ashley Ebbert is currently a Technology Specialist in digital transformation (Dx) at Ware Malcomb, focused on advancing the interior architecture practise through innovative solutions, digital tools and reimagined workflows. With a background in interior design spanning resorts and hospitality, industrial and workplace sectors, she shifted her focus to digital transformation in 2024. Ashley is dedicated to improving the intersection of technology and design, ensuring more efficient, innovative and seamless processes. Her work supports the evolution of creative disciplines, driving the advancement of digital solutions that empower teams and transform the ways Ware Malcomb serves clients.
