A RICS AI can process the data, but the professional judgement and the accountability for it stays with the chartered surveyor
Noella Pio Kivlehan writes for RICS from MODUS (in June 2026, based on a February podcast):
… the launch of generative AI software ChatGPT in 2022 threw the technology firmly into the global spotlight and it swiftly became part of everyday life for many individuals and organisations… An RICS report, Artificial intelligence in construction 2025, found that nearly half of RICS member companies use AI to some extent – although within that figure only 2.5% reported widespread adoption, compared with 34% who are in early pilot phases of AI implementation.
But there’s a storm brewing… possible risks prompted RICS to launch its professional standard Responsible use of artificial intelligence in surveying practice, which came into effect in March…
‘The new standard normalises AI use, gives clarity in what are we using it for and reassures clients and the public we’re using it responsibly,’ says Nella Pang MRICS, MD of Omega RE…
…
Organisations, whether big corporations or SMEs, need to define their stance on the technology first… before addressing employees’ apprehensions….
… it also heightens the focus on security and the safeguards against cyber-attacks.
Despite the downsides, Garner says AI needs to be seen as an opportunity where people… should not be scared about it: ‘Be cautious but have no fear.’
Pang again reiterates AI will not replace surveyors… ‘… It’s coming, and it’s a question of how we adapt and continue to improve the profession.’
NOTE: This article first appeared in the June 2026 print issue of Modus and was based on a podcast recorded that February. AI has moved quickly since then. Recent weeks alone have brought the Hugging Face hack and warnings from a researcher at the AI company Anthropic about the dangers of how fast the technology is advancing.
