How AI and 3D Visualization are changing the Building Products Industry
– By Tim Sandlund, Regional Marketing Director, Eva-Last Americas
The building products industry is undergoing a transformative shift thanks to the rapid advancements in artificial intelligence (AI). From design and planning to construction and maintenance, AI-powered visualization tools are reshaping how manufacturers, contractors, builders and homeowners interact with building projects.
If you have ever designed a new home, renovated a kitchen or bathroom, or built a deck at your home, you know the importance of visualization. You want the confidence to know that the vision in your head (and heart) will look amazing when it’s built and completed.
Home building projects are more than meets the eye. Consider the product type, brand, ease of installation and maintenance requirements. Answering these questions ensures your project brings lasting joy.
Technology, such as AI (Artificial Intelligence) and 3D visualization, is helping builders, contractors, and homeowners prevent their building projects from being a disaster. Here are some examples of how AI and 3D visualization are shortening the sales cycle in the building products industry.
Automated design using Artificial Intelligence (AI)
The technology behind AI has advanced at record rates in the past couple of years. What once was only available to experts and trained professionals is now being used by homeowners around the world.
Traditionally, architectural and product design relied heavily on manual drafting and static 3D models. AI is changing this by enabling dynamic, responsive design processes. AI algorithms can now analyze vast amounts of data to generate optimized designs that account for factors such as structural integrity, aesthetic appeal, and cost efficiency.
For instance, generative design uses AI to explore all possible permutations of a design solution, rapidly producing options that a human designer might not have considered. This allows architects and product designers to experiment with innovative structures and materials, leading to more creative and effective designs.
A fun example of AI being used for inspiration is the Hover AI-Driven Designer Tool. Upload an exterior or interior photo of your home and within minutes you’ll have over 15 design options for your home. It’s incredible!
Get the answers you need immediately with AI-driven chatbots
Chat GPT has changed the world. But did you know that same technology can be used to build efficiencies within your business that support new employee training, customer service teams and sales teams?
AI-driven chatbots allow businesses to create seamless, searchable databases of content that are accessible within seconds. Website data, installation guides, technical documents, catalogs, FAQ’s and more will be used to provide answers within seconds to questions that your customer service team, sales team or new employee asks.
Imagine your team no longer having to search through pages of an installation guide to find a specific screw size, or technical requirements of a specific installation condition. Just type in the query, and you’ll have a company-approved answer in seconds! That is the power of Artificial Intelligence.
This is already being utilized to train new employees, support call centers and customer service teams, and give incredible access to sales reps in the field to answer almost any question from customers without passing them on to another person. Not only does it improve overall business efficiency, it provides a better customer experience at all levels. AI is only going to continue to change and enhance how we do business.
Real-Time 3D Visualization with AR and VR
One of the most impactful applications of AI in the building products industry is real-time 3D visualization. AI-powered software can create highly detailed, interactive 3D models that allow stakeholders to explore building projects in Virtual Reality (VR) or Augmented Reality (AR) environments.
These immersive experiences enable clients, architects, and builders to walk through a virtual space, making it easier to understand complex designs and make informed decisions. AI enhances these models by simulating lighting, textures, and materials accurately, providing a realistic preview of the final product.
Augmented Reality is a powerful tool which allows homeowners to visualize products in their space immediately with just a phone or tablet. See your new flooring installed in your home before you purchase it. Ensure the couch fits in your living room and looks good with your favorite chair. Visualize a pergola in your backyard before you build it. The options are endless!
What’s more, if your project is on a larger scale, you can be completely immersed in the space with Virtual Reality, walking through your new home or kitchen remodel while making changes dynamically on the fly.
Sustainable Building Practices
Sustainability is a growing concern in the building products industry, and AI is playing a pivotal role in promoting eco-friendly practices. AI-powered visualization tools can model the environmental impact of different building materials and designs, helping architects, builders, and even homeowners make more sustainable choices.
For instance, AI can simulate how different materials will affect energy consumption and thermal performance. By visualizing these factors, stakeholders can choose options that reduce the building’s carbon footprint and contribute to sustainability goals.
In the end, AI and 3D visualization provide confidence in the lifecycle of your project. From design to build, technology is enhancing the overall experience for the manufacture, the architect, designer, builder, contractor and the homeowner! Embracing these AI-driven advancements is not just an option but a necessity for staying competitive in the modern building products market.
