Smart construction starts with better data

Gavin: What is smart construction and what differentiates the leaders in this space?

Magda Pyszkowski
Board Member & CTO, Tylko Advisors

Magda: The bedrock of smart construction is the free flow of data, supported by clear rules governing how it is structured and used. That begins with manufacturing data, covering the products that make up a building from design to construction. Digitalization has to be core to the strategy, not an experimental add-on. Leaders who recognize that will drive the future.

Gavin: How can digital tools accelerate sustainability in this sector?

Magda: Sustainability depends on connecting across the building lifecycle . But we need to stop double-handling data—copy/pasting and re-working it—and instead take a standardized approach, making it structured, accessible, and tied to clear uses cases.

The difficulty is, our sector is fragmented. Stakeholders are not aligned, and construction is not a linear, scalable production process like manufacturing cars. We view each building as unique. This has to change. We need more repeatable approaches, including pre-fabrication and platform-based design to make both processes and data more predictable. This shift is already underway, but it will take time.

Gavin: Where will AI be most transformative in the construction sector?

Magda: AI can make standards visible and usable. . This will help people understand what’s required, then structure the data and make practical recommendations. This is not about replacing engineering thinking; it’s about identifying pain points and simplifying daily work. It will be transformative for those who want the transformation. Some will lead, others will lag. For instance, we’ve looked at building information modeling for 20+ years and still usage isn’t homogenous. But AI and computing calculation speed is changing how we see innovation: the mindset has to be to accept change.

Gavin: The construction industry is traditionally a very male domain - can digital transformation help diversify the industry?

Magda: Interestingly, in my home country of Poland we never had this difficulty the idea that women couldn’t be engineers. I only experienced this when I came to France and could not understand why a woman couldn’t be considered the same as a man. I run a Foundation for Women Entrepreneurs and I strongly believe women find AI data easier than men. Maybe they have a combination of logical thinking and soft skills. I think data is a woman! It’s about making connections, and many women respond well to that.

Gavin: If data is a woman, what new skills need to be taught to ensure everyone in the construction sector can share in its benefits?

Magda: The key is collaboration. No single player can lead — solutions evolve quickly, and what works today may not work in two years. The complexity of data and systems makes partnerships essential.

Competitiveness will depend on how well companies manage data delivery, logistics, and services. Materials themselves will be harder to differentiate, so value will shift to execution.

This also requires reskilling. Technical requirements and regulations are complex, and while not everyone needs to work directly with AI, everyone in the sector needs to upgrade their skills. Continuous learning will be essential.