Speed, Quality, Cost: Using AI in Construction to Finally Get All Three

As heard on the Construction Genius podcast — Episode 334

Can the construction industry finally achieve the trifecta of speed, quality, and cost? On the Construction Genius podcast, Slate Technologies CEO Trevor Schick sat down with host Eric Anderton to explain how AI is helping construction leaders do exactly that — by uncovering risks, improving planning, and linking data in ways the industry has never seen before.

Construction delays come from bad data, fragmented tools, and miscommunication. But what if you could change that—with insights powered by your own project history? Drawing on decades of experience leading global supply chains at Apple, HP, and Motorola, Trevor explains how AI is helping construction teams solve problems before they start—without adding complexity or replacing people.

From Fragmented Systems to Real-Time Insight

Construction generates massive amounts of data—but most of it lives in silos scattered across tools like P6, Procore, BIM 360, and ERP systems. As Trevor points out, this fragmentation makes it nearly impossible to get a real-time picture of what’s actually happening on a project.

Trevor’s message is clear: AI isn’t magic—it’s pattern recognition. By linking data across platforms, tools like Slate can surface patterns, flag critical risks to schedule or budget, and give teams the context they need to act fast. It’s not about replacing people — it’s about helping them focus on the problems that matter most.

“We have very smart people in construction that have seen it all. What I’m trying to do is solve the 70–80% of the problems we’ve seen before… so [they] can put their focus on the hard problems.”
Trevor Schick

No more guessing at progress. No more surprise delays. No more digging through five systems to find the real answer.

Tech Supply Chains to Construction Sites

Trevor’s journey from launching the original iPod at Apple to leading innovation in construction gives him a unique vantage point. Early in the episode, he reflects on bringing a supply chain mindset into an industry that often runs on gut feel and disconnected systems.

At Apple, Motorola, and HP, speed, quality, and cost weren’t trade-offs—they were non-negotiables. That mindset has shaped Trevor’s approach to construction tech, especially around off-site construction and materials planning, where delays often begin.

Where AI in Construction is Moving the Needle

Much of the episode focuses on where AI is delivering real value today—not theoretical gains, but active improvements on real projects.

Jobsite safety: AI-powered cameras trained on real-world incidents can flag hazards like uncapped rebar in real time.
Progress tracking: Instead of relying on subjective guesses like “We’re about 70% done”, field teams can mark completed work directly on a BIM model.
Data-driven scheduling: By linking Procore, P6, and BIM, Slate spots compounding risks—like unresolved RFIs—that could delay upcoming work.
Role-based insights: Slate’s platform tailors alerts by persona, giving execs the high-level view while field teams get actionable priorities.
Lessons learned: By analyzing past project data, Slate identifies recurring issues (like subcontractor performance or warranty trends) and applies them to future projects.
Preconstruction optioneering: Teams can now run hundreds of build scenarios to optimize ROI, timeline, and cost before breaking ground.

The result? Faster decisions, fewer surprises, and better use of your team’s time.

From Chaos to Clarity

Throughout the episode, Trevor emphasizes that AI isn’t just about automation — it’s about insight. By ingesting real project data and learning from outcomes, Slate’s platform becomes smarter over time.

A junior project engineer using Slate can tap into years of historical knowledge—gaining decision-making support that previously required decades of experience. It’s this shift—from reactive to proactive, fragmented to connected—that Trevor sees as the next frontier for construction.

AI won’t replace your team. But it can make them faster, sharper, and better equipped to lead.

HIGHLIGHTS

[01:29] Trevor’s background in the construction industry.
[03:13] Cultural differences at HP, Motorola, and Apple.
[07:23] The potential of off-site construction and supply chain innovation.
[09:11] AI’s role in safety, progress reporting, and linking data in construction.
[13:18] The importance of data quality for AI implementation.
[17:31] Automatic insights and solutions.
[18:56] Perona-based AI tools.
[22:11] The benefits of adapting to user perspectives.
[25:50] AI’s impact on pre-construction and scheduling.
[29:22] The importance of AI in centralizing data, reducing time spent, and project estimations.