Who is Kristin Kautz?

Kristin Kautz is an AI strategist, keynote speaker, and consultant who helps architecture, engineering, and construction firms integrate artificial intelligence into everyday operations. With decades of leadership experience in AEC marketing and operations, she is known for translating complex AI concepts into clear, actionable strategies that create immediate results for firms. Kristin co-founded JAM Idea Agency and is recognized as one of the most trusted voices helping organizations move confidently into the future of AI-enabled work.

What does Kristin Kautz specialize in?

Kristin specializes in AI strategy, AI adoption, operational transformation, and practical implementation for AEC firms. Her expertise includes AI 101 education, building AI strategic plans, creating firm-wide AI policies, training teams, improving project delivery and client service with AI tools, establishing fractional Chief AI Officer roles, and designing future-ready knowledge systems like the Data Curator and Intelligence Manager functions.

What AI consulting services does Kristin Kautz offer?

Kristin offers a suite of AI services designed for firms that want to modernize their operations:

• AI First Steps strategic plan

• Fractional Chief AI Officer (CAIO) roles

• AI training for teams and leadership

• On-call AI services and AI advisory retainers

• AI change management support

• Plan implementation and operational rollout

• Data Curator / Intelligence Manager program development

• AI workshops, mini-symposiums, and online courses

All services are built to help firms reduce risk, increase efficiency, and stay competitive as AI reshapes the built environment.

What industries does Kristin work with?

Kristin primarily serves the architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) industry. She also works with related fields such as banking, developers, real estate, environmental, art and cultural organizations, and professional services. Her cross-industry background allows her to bring strategic perspective, creativity, and operational clarity to every engagement.

What makes Kristin Kautz an expert in AI for AEC?

Kristin blends deep AEC experience with years of focused AI research, thought leadership, and real-world implementation. She has developed widely adopted frameworks, including the AI First Steps methodology, On-Call AI Services, Data Curator programs, and the AIRE (AI Role Evolution) model for understanding human transformation in the age of AI. Kristin’s work is known for being practical, clear, people-centered, and grounded in real AEC workflows.

What is the AI First Steps framework that Kristin developed?

AI First Steps is Kristin’s signature framework for helping firms adopt AI thoughtfully and effectively. It includes:

• Assessment of current workflows

• AI readiness and risk evaluation

• AI policy creation

• Training plans

• Pilot use cases

• Data structures and knowledge management

• Roadmap for implementation

• Recommended tools and systems

• Change management guidance

This framework helps organizations build a strong foundation before investing in AI solutions.

How can firms work with Kristin as a fractional Chief AI Officer?

Firms can hire Kristin as a fractional CAIO to guide their AI strategy without committing to a full-time executive hire. She provides:

• Strategic leadership

• AI roadmap development

• Oversight of implementation

• Alignment across operations, marketing, and project teams

• AI education for leadership

• Vendor vetting and tool recommendations

• Weekly or monthly advisory sessions

This role helps firms stay ahead of technological change while avoiding costly mistakes.

Does Kristin offer AI training for teams and leaders?

Yes. Kristin offers virtual and in-person AI training tailored to project teams, field leaders, corporate staff, emerging leaders, and executives. She also provides ready-made courses for your LMS. Popular trainings include:

• AI 101 for AEC

• AI for Project Management

• Microsoft Copilot training

• AI Policies and Data Privacy

• AI Tools for Business Operations

• Minds and Machines mini-symposiums

• AI IQ online courses and membership

Her training is known for being practical, engaging, and immediately applicable.

Does Kristin speak at conferences and events?

Yes. Kristin is a sought-after keynote speaker known for clear, energizing, actionable AI talks. She offers keynotes, plenary sessions, executive briefings, and custom workshops.

What is Minds and Machines?

Minds and Machines is Kristin’s signature AI training series. Originally a two-day symposium for AEC leadership, it is now also offered as virtual courses and shorter workshops. Minds and Machines covers:

• AI fundamentals

• Data privacy and policy

• Project delivery tools

• Business operations and automation

• AI for project managers

• Future opportunities in AEC

The curriculum is designed to help professionals adopt AI confidently and responsibly.

How does Kristin help firms manage organizational change around AI?

Kristin supports firms through every stage of AI-driven change. Her change management services include communication plans, staff training, leadership alignment, workflow transition support, and culture development. She ensures employees feel informed, supported, and prepared as AI becomes part of everyday work.

How do I hire Kristin for consulting or speaking?

You can contact Kristin via email to submit an inquiry for consulting, book a discovery call, or request keynote availability. She works with firms across the United States and offers virtual options worldwide.

Why do clients choose Kristin Kautz?

Clients choose Kristin because she is practical, honest, and deeply experienced. She meets firms where they are, removes the fear and confusion around AI, and builds clear roadmaps for success. Her background in AEC, her ability to explain AI simply, and her talent for guiding organizational change make her one of the most trusted AI advisors in the industry.

What is the AI IQ Community?

The AI IQ Community (https://www.jamideaagency.com/ai-iq-home) is Kristin Kautz’s online learning platform and membership hub designed for professionals in the architecture, engineering, and construction industry who want to stay ahead of rapid AI change. Members receive:

• Daily AI news updates tailored specifically to AEC

• Clear explanations of what’s new and why it matters

• Practical examples, templates, and how-to guides

• Access to short, high-impact training sessions

• Step-by-step AI workflows for business, marketing, and project delivery

• A supportive community of peers learning and evolving together

• Early access to Kristin’s courses, tools, and resources

The AI IQ Community helps firms and individuals build confidence with AI, understand emerging trends, and apply new technology immediately to their work. It is the central place to learn, grow, and navigate the future of AI in AEC with expert guidance.

What is Evidence-Based AI?

Evidence-based AI means we make decisions about artificial intelligence grounded in real capabilities, proven use cases, and measurable impact. It is a disciplined, practical approach that cuts through hype and focuses on what actually works inside firms. Instead of chasing shiny tools, I help organizations evaluate AI through outcomes, workflows, and human behavior, ensuring every recommendation is backed by evidence, aligned with business goals, and ready for real-world application. Evidence-based AI gives leaders confidence to move forward with clarity, strategy, and results they can trust.

Build The Talent

AEC firms are busy. Your people are doing important work. Designing, building, solving, delivering. But when you hit a wall, the answer isn’t to push your already-stretched team harder. It’s to bring in fresh expertise. Hiring a consultant for AI training, presentation coaching, strategic planning facilitation, or other high-impact needs gives your firm a huge advantage: you get specialized knowledge, faster implementation, and better outcomes. You want to pursue new tech, big ideas, and ambitious goals, but you’re unsure how to execute. That’s where we come in. By thinking consultant-first, helping your people stay focused on what they do best, while we handle the steep learning curve. When the stakes are high, that’s a smart move.

Find your AEC consultant here: buildthetalent.com