Embrace Change With AtkinsRéalis’ Darren Martin

The Trailblazers podcast is back with a new season! To kick things off, Darren Martin, Chief Digital Officer at AtkinsRéalis, joins Javier A. Baldor, CEO of BST Global, to explore how the AEC industry is continuing to navigate the rise of AI technology. 

Darren shares his perspective on how AI can be a powerful tool to enhance human capabilities across the AEC landscape. From mitigating climate impacts to detecting safety risks on-site, he sees AI as a force for positive change — when approached with balance and intention. He stresses the importance of implementing AI in ways that are practical and non-disruptive, advocating for "tolerable use cases" that accelerate progress without overwhelming teams.  

The discussion dives into key themes such as human and AI collaboration, the evolving agentic movement, AI’s role in business development, and how firms can close the digital divide between tech-savvy staff and executive leadership. It’s a forward-looking dialogue for anyone curious about the future of AI in AEC.