CESA Practice Notes Webinars
We hosted two Practice Notes Webinar – “An Introduction to Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the Consulting Engineering Sector,” and “PN 101: Basic Implementation of BIM Systems.”
Charl Cilliers
Sam Varela
The CESA Practice Notes webinar, “An Introduction to Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the Consulting Engineering Sector,” offered invaluable insights from industry experts Charl Cilliers, Technical Director from Jones & Wagener Engineering and Environmental Consultants and Sam Varela, Principal Legal Risk Advisor from Aon South Africa, on navigating AI in professional practice.
Some key topics addressed by Cilliers included how AI should enhance, and not diminish, the quality of deliverables; that firms need clear AI policies to guide staff and how users should prompt AI for detailed explanations to create learning opportunities and build better oversight.
Varela focused on the legal and risk management dimensions; including on how negligence in applying AI outputs can result in liability; and that professionals remain fully responsible for the accuracy and compliance of AI-assisted work.
Both guest speakers concurred that the future of AI in consulting engineering looks promising but requires diligence, responsibility, and ongoing learning to safeguard professional standards and client trust. Thank to our guest speakers and our members who attended the webinar!
Basic Implementation of BIM Systems
The Practice Notes Webinar on PN 101: Basic Implementation of BIM Systems included guest speaker Mike Aldous from MPAMOT – a registered civil engineer with over 30 years’ experience in digital project delivery.
He provided practical, actionable insight into Building Information Modelling (BIM) and how to implement it effectively across your projects.
He explained that the growing rate of BIM adoption and alignment with international practice has resulted in skills shortages in certain BIM skills, and that it was critical that the industry continue to build capacity to support ongoing advances. “South Africa faces uneven BIM adoption, skill gaps, lack of standards, and resistance to change in the industry, compounded further by regional and technical knowledge across the private and public sector.”
Mike emphasised clear roles, responsibilities and robust standards are needed to ensure successful BIM execution and contractual compliance and should be adopted, leveraging international experience to drive the best solutions in the local market.