From Tech Regret to AI Advantage: How AEC Firms Turn AI into Real Value

Most AEC firms are already experimenting with AI - but very few are seeing measurable business impact.   The gap isn’t AI itself. It’s how AI connects to your data, systems, and workflows.   In this webinar, we move beyond the hype to focus on what it actually takes to turn AI into real value. Drawing on industry research and real project experience, we’ll break down what’s holding back AI ROI - and how leading firms are shifting from isolated pilots to connected, operational impact.   We’ll also explore how emerging approaches like AI agents are starting to move beyond insights - helping teams automate workflows, support decisions, and execute work more efficiently.  You’ll gain a clear understanding of how modern approaches are enabling firms to connect systems, unlock data, and apply AI across projects, people, and financials - without large-scale system replacement.   This is a practical, non-technical conversation designed for AEC leaders who want to move beyond experimentation and start using AI to support real decisions and measurable outcomes.  KEY TAKEAWAYS: What’s really holding back AI ROI in AEC firms – and how to address it How to evaluate the right technology and partners for long-term impact How leading firms are moving from AI pilots to operational results Practical ways to connect systems and data – without large-scale replacement How AI agents are enabling automation and decision support across projects, people, and performance MEET THE PRESENTERS: Stefanie Richter Business Development & Microsoft Partnerships | sa.global Stefanie Richter is a recognized leader in business development and Microsoft partnership strategy, focused on enabling service-based firms to scale with purpose and clarity. At sa.global, she leads the firm’s go-to-market strategy for the Microsoft Service-Centric Cloud, working closely with engineering, legal, and consulting firms to navigate transformation. With a background in sales strategy, operational enablement, and change culture, Stefanie brings a human-first lens to every conversation - championing clarity, trust, and innovation. She’s also an active member of ACEC and a driving force behind Microsoft AI adoption in the AEC industry. Jennifer Holman Presales Solution Architect | sa.global With over 15 years in the Microsoft channel and deep expertise in Dynamics 365 implementations, Jennifer collaborates with clients to architect comprehensive solutions that optimize operations and drive success. Her thorough understanding of the ecosystem enables her to effectively guide customers and teams through digital transformation.  Jennifer is deeply engaged in the AEC industry as an active member and speaker within the ACEC Technology Committee and a regular contributor at AEC-focused conferences, where she shares practical insights on modernizing project-based firms. She is also a subject-matter expert in applied AI agents, helping AEC organizations use AI to improve decision-making, efficiency, and operational visibility. Jamie Hall Snr Director - AEC & Professional Service Industries | Microsoft Jamie Hall is a recognized leader in business applications and AI-driven enterprise transformation. As a specialist in Dynamics 365, Copilot, and largescale ERP modernization, Jamie helps organizations streamline operations, modernize legacy systems, and unlock measurable value through intelligent automation and agent- driven workflows. With deep industry experience in AEC, professional services, and complex multi-entity environments, Jamie is known for translating technology into a clear business strategy - bringing a practical, customer-first lens to every engagement. He frequently partners with executives to reimagine processes, accelerate digital outcomes, and build future-ready operating models anchored in Microsoft’s cloud and AI capabilities. Sean Galliher AI Business Process Global Black Belt, Microsoft Sean Galliher has over 20 years of experience architecting solutions across Dynamics 365, Azure, and Microsoft 365 - and is now focusing on the next frontier: agentic AI. As an agentic AI evangelist, Sean helps organizations understand how AI agents can transform business processes, moving beyond automation to more autonomous, intelligent operations. He is passionate about bridging the gap between enterprise platforms and the emerging agentic ecosystem, building tools and frameworks that make it practical for businesses to harness AI agents today.