What AI Still Gets Wrong in Construction | Matthew Hallowell, Gray

Buildings have been making automatic decisions for decades. So why is so much of preconstruction still manual—and how much of it should we trust AI to handle? Matthew Hallowell of Gray joins host Karisa Maxwell McKee to unpack the connection between building automation and today’s construction AI. With a background in electrical engineering and automation, Matthew brings a practical perspective to estimating, bid leveling, and the judgment that comes from years on the job. They discuss where AI can take repetitive work off a construction team’s plate, why confident answers still need scrutiny, and a bigger question: if AI does the entry-level work, how does the next generation gain experience? Plus: digital twins, humanoid robots, and a round of “Would you trust AI with that?” CHAPTERS 00:00 Can AI replace the experience younger engineers need? 00:54 Meet Matthew Hollowell of Gray 02:35 From electrical engineering to building automation 05:23 The automated systems working around us 10:58 What it takes to make automation work 13:29 Why preconstruction is still so manual 15:44 Design-build and rising client expectations 20:13 AI confidence versus construction knowledge 23:40 Training the next generation alongside AI 25:21 Catching code requirements and repeat mistakes 29:27 AI as an assistant for bid leveling 35:25 Do humanoid robots belong in construction? 39:07 Digital twins and catching field problems 44:45 Would you trust AI with that? 49:29 Meet Hawkins Street AI 50:14 More decisions Matthew would—and wouldn’t—give AI 55:03 What happens when we automate away every challenge? 1:02:42 Final thoughts BUILDERS BUILD Conversations about what works, what breaks, and what’s next in the business of building. Presented by Hawkins Street AI. EXPLORE HAWKINS STREET AI A construction AI platform backed by engineers who help implement and maintain workflows around the way your company operates. https://hawkinsstreet.ai/contact HAVE A TOPIC OR WANT TO JOIN THE PODCAST? Email info@hawkinsstreet.ai Subscribe for more conversations with the people building the industry. #Construction #ConstructionAI #Preconstruction