GHD, Autodesk partner to advance AI-driven engineering

Key Takeaways:

• GHD and Autodesk signed an MoU to collaborate on AI-enabled engineering, predictive design, and cloud-connected platforms.
• The initiative expands on a 15-year partnership, embedding AI-powered tools such as Autodesk Forma Site Design across GHD’s international operations.
• Early design workflows will focus on integrating real-time carbon analysis, site massing, and environmental simulation to curb design rework.

The Whole Story:

Global professional services company GHD and design software maker Autodesk have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to deepen collaboration on artificial intelligence-enabled engineering and design workflows.

The agreement builds on a 15-year strategic partnership between the two companies, aiming to combine GHD’s global multidisciplinary engineering and architecture expertise with Autodesk’s digital design platforms, predictive analytics, and technology research. Under the framework, the firms will explore joint initiatives focused on generative AI, connected cloud platforms, trusted data environments, and modern project delivery models to improve efficiency and reduce rework across early design phases.

As part of the expanded collaboration, GHD has deployed Autodesk Forma Site Design across its global operations to provide project teams with automated massing analysis, environmental modeling, and real-time design optioneering. Representatives from the firm’s architecture division, GHD Design, recently showcased workflows at Autodesk University demonstrating how early-stage predictive AI, cloud simulations, and carbon analytics tools—including Autodesk Forma, Building Design, and Carbon Insights—can evaluate building performance, daylighting, and embodied carbon before committing to detailed engineering models.

“AI-enabled design is already reshaping the way our people work,” said Paul Murphy, Chief Information Officer at GHD. “When we evaluate options earlier and make more informed decisions, we can reduce rework and improve productivity for our clients, with humans still making the critical decisions. The MoU builds on our existing partnership and opens the door to further collaboration.”

Brett Casson, Architecture, Engineering and Construction (AEC) Strategy Director at Autodesk, noted that capturing the full benefits of automation requires integrated data structures across all project stakeholders: “Building on our 15-year partnership with GHD, we’re bringing together our technology and industry expertise to explore practical ways to improve project delivery, help teams work more efficiently and achieve better outcomes for customers.”