Canadian AI Speeds Up Construction Estimations

Edmonton-based SketchDeck AI has developed an AI-powered platform called LIFT that automates the process of calculating structural steel quantities for construction projects. This technology aims to significantly speed up the estimation process, which traditionally requires extensive manual work reviewing blueprints.

Daniel Kamau, founder and CEO of SketchDeck AI, identified a key industry pain point: estimators spending excessive time manually counting components like beams and columns from construction drawings. This labor-intensive process often limited companies' capacity to handle multiple projects and submit bids on time.

The LIFT platform utilizes machine learning models trained on a large dataset of structural steel drawings. The software can automatically identify and quantify the necessary materials, transforming hours or days of work into mere minutes. This allows estimators to focus on higher-value tasks and enables companies to pursue more bidding opportunities.

Customers report substantial benefits, including reducing estimation times from weeks to days and doubling or tripling their estimating capacity. Kamau emphasizes that the technology acts as an enabler for estimators, enhancing both the quality of work and employee well-being by reducing overtime.