Executive Summary
Artificial intelligence (AI) is now widely used across the construction and real estate sector.
It offers clear benefits in speed, efficiency and insight. However, it also introduces new risks to clients, particularly where outputs are relied upon without appropriate oversight or where data is not managed securely.
For clients, the challenge is not whether AI is being used, but how it is being used.
Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors regulated firms are required to follow structured guidance on the responsible use of AI, including governance, data protection, risk management and transparency. This is designed to protect clients and consultants, and uphold standards in the profession.
This article sets out what that means in practice, and the questions clients should be asking their consultants to ensure they are receiving robust, reliable and accountable advice.
The current landscape
AI is being adopted rapidly across the industry.
From drafting reports and analysing data to supporting cost planning and procurement, it is already embedded in many aspects of consultancy.
Used well, it can enhance decision-making and improve efficiency.
Used poorly, it can introduce risk.
At the moment, the market is inconsistent and there are new products coming to market on a regular basis. Some firms have structured policies, governance and clear accountability. Others are still experimenting.
From a client perspective, it can feel like the wild west.
Why this matters to clients
The use of AI is not just an internal operational decision. It directly affects the quality, reliability and accountability of the advice you receive.
Key risks include:
- Quality of outputs: AI can produce convincing but incorrect or incomplete information
- Loss of professional judgement: over-reliance without proper challenge
- Data risk: confidential or commercially sensitive information being uploaded or reused
- Lack of transparency: clients not knowing where or how AI has been used
The critical point is this:
AI does not remove responsibility.
Someone still needs to stand behind the advice.
What the RICS standard requires
The 2025 RICS professional standard on AI sets a clear baseline for responsible use.
It recognises both the benefits and the risks, and places emphasis on maintaining professional judgement alongside technology.
For regulated firms, this includes requirements to:
- Maintain data governance and protect confidential information
- Carry out due diligence on AI systems before using them
- Apply professional judgement to assess outputs
- Keep records of decisions and risks
- Be transparent with clients about where AI is used
- Ensure a qualified professional takes responsibility for outputs
These are not optional. They form part of the professional obligations of regulated firms.
Where clients are exposed
Where firms are not operating under a regulated framework, these controls may not be in place.
That does not mean all unregulated firms are operating poorly. However, it does mean:
- There may be no consistent standard
- There may be limited governance or oversight
- There may be unclear accountability
In a market where outputs can look credible regardless of how they were produced, this creates a genuine risk to clients.
The difference is not always visible at the outset, but it can become critical when decisions are challenged or outcomes do not align with expectations.
What clients should be asking about use of AI
As AI becomes more embedded in consultancy services, clients need to be more informed in how they assess it.
A simple set of questions can provide clarity:
1. How are you using AI on my project? Where in the process is it being applied, and for what purpose?
2. Who is accountable for the output? Is a named, suitably qualified professional reviewing and taking responsibility?
3. How do you verify the accuracy of AI outputs? What checks, reviews or controls are in place?
4. How is my data being handled and stored? Is any information uploaded into AI systems, and if so, how is it protected?
5. What governance do you have in place? Do you have formal policies, risk registers and review processes?
6. Can I opt out of AI use? If required, can services be delivered without AI involvement?
7. What due diligence have you carried out on the tools you use? Do you understand their limitations, risks and potential bias?
A simple way to think about it
AI is a tool.
Like any tool, its value depends on how it is used.
The role of a professional consultant is not to replace judgement with technology, but to use technology to support better judgement.
The risk is not AI itself.
It is the uncontrolled or unaccountable use of it.
Conclusion
AI will continue to play an increasing role in consultancy.
It has the potential to improve efficiency, insight and delivery.
However, it also raises important questions around quality, accountability and risk.
For clients, the focus should not be on whether consultants are using AI, but whether they are using it responsibly.
Because in the end, the output matters.
And so does who stands behind it.
How we can help
At EthosEQ, we use AI to support our work, not replace it.
All outputs are subject to professional review, and we operate within a regulated framework that ensures transparency, accountability and protection of client data.
References
Artificial Intelligence in the natural and built environment sector
Regulation Is Not About Compliance – It’s About Confidence
Disclaimer
This article is provided for general information purposes only and does not constitute professional advice. Clients should seek specific advice based on their project requirements and circumstances.
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