BY DENISE RAMSEY, PE, FBPE Chair (2025)
As I struggle to compose thoughts for this newsletter, my mind goes to “Can AI help me?”
Artificial intelligence is transforming the engineering profession across all disciplines. In the near term at least, it will not replace engineering expertise, but it is becoming a powerful tool that enhances how we design, solve problems, and deliver our work.
Key areas where AI affects engineering:
- Design & Simulation: AI can accelerate modeling and testing, allowing engineers to optimize designs earlier in the process
- Automation of Routine Tasks: Repetitive calculations, documentation, and compliance checks can be streamlined, freeing engineers to focus on higher-level problem-solving
- Data-Driven Decision Making: With sensors and IoT generating vast data, AI can help engineers identify patterns, predict failures, and improve system reliability
- Sustainability & Efficiency: AI can assist in optimizing resource use in construction, energy systems, and manufacturing in support of greener practices
Challenges and responsibilities:
- Engineers must remain accountable for the ethical and safe use of AI
- Regulatory frameworks are still evolving, requiring vigilance to ensure AI-assisted work meets professional and legal standards
By integrating AI responsibly, our profession will continue to lead innovation while safeguarding the public trust.
The Board would like to hear from you on any professional standards that you think should be incorporated into our rules.
On a final, unrelated note, for the structural engineers who have struggled with the new format of NCEES exams. They have heard you and are taking steps to address the issues. By-laws require one year’s notice to changes to exams, so changes won’t be immediate, but they are taking steps to add another hour to the exam while reducing the number of questions.
Denise Ramsey, PE, of Jacksonville, is the vice president of AE Business Processes and chief engineer with Haskell Architects & Engineers. She was appointed to the Board in 2021 and served as its vice chair in 2024.