New Book, Building Smarter with AI, Positions Artificial Intelligence as a Strategic Imperative for Construction Leaders
Artificial intelligence is rapidly becoming a defining competitive force in the construction industry. But while many firms are experimenting with tools, few are approaching AI as a strategic leadership issue.
In his new book, Building Smarter with AI, construction strategist and industry leader Brian Gallagher reframes the conversation. Rather than focusing on technology features or technical applications, the book positions AI as a catalyst for executive-level strategic decision-making, organizational alignment, and sustainable competitive advantage.
“AI is not a technology initiative—it’s a leadership test,” said Gallagher. “The firms that win will not be those that buy the most tools. They will be the ones that make the clearest strategic choices and align their business to compete in the future.”
As historic capital investment flows into data centers, power infrastructure, advanced manufacturing, and large-scale industrial and infrastructure projects, construction firms face mounting pressure to deliver more predictably and efficiently. At the same time, labor shortages, cost volatility, and project complexity continue to intensify.
Building Smarter with AI asserts that AI will amplify these pressures—and reward firms that build disciplined, strategically aligned organizations.
Drawing on real-world examples from construction, manufacturing, and capital projects, Gallagher outlines how executives can:
- Shift from AI experimentation to enterprise-level strategy
- Align AI initiatives with core business objectives and culture
- Strengthen data discipline and cross-functional alignment
- Build governance structures that manage risk and protect trust
- Create scalable advantages that compound over time
Rather than positioning AI as a replacement for human judgment, the book emphasizes that AI enhances the importance of leadership clarity. AI can accelerate analysis and surface insights, but executives remain responsible for direction, risk allocation, and cultural cohesion.
The book explores how AI is already reshaping business development, estimating, operations, safety, marketing, and talent development—while warning against fragmented adoption that creates confusion or scales inefficiency.
“Technology doesn’t create strategy,” Gallagher noted. “It reveals whether you have one.”
Written specifically for CEOs, presidents, executive teams, and project leaders, Building Smarter with AI provides a strategic framework for navigating AI adoption with discipline and intent. The book avoids technical jargon and instead focuses on practical leadership questions: Where does AI create leverage? Where does judgment remain essential? And how should firms govern AI before complexity outpaces control?
At a time when many organizations are reacting to competitive pressure, Building Smarter with AI offers a structured path forward—grounded in leadership, culture, and execution.
Order Building Smarter With AI
About the Author
Brian Gallagher is a construction industry strategist, author of multiple books, and a featured keynote speaker on leadership, strategy, and artificial intelligence in the built environment. He works closely with construction firms, manufacturers, and capital project stakeholders to align growth, culture, and innovation in an era of accelerating change.
Gallagher is known for translating complex industry shifts into clear, actionable frameworks that help executive teams make better long-term decisions and build organizations that last.
