Documents
AI for RFIs: Finding Context and Preparing Better Responses
An RFI workflow is stronger when it starts with the specific ambiguity, the relevant issued information and the requested decision. AI can find and organise that context and draft a concise question; designers and authorised project people still determine the technical response.
Last reviewed: 23 September 2026 · General information only. Contractual, statutory, professional and safety decisions remain with the appropriate authorised people.
The construction problem
Where the work gets stuck
RFIs are raised without the drawing reference, prior correspondence or a clear requested decision, creating another round of emails.
Current manual workflow
- 1Find drawings, specifications and prior questions.
- 2Describe the issue.
- 3Draft the RFI.
- 4Track response and effect on work.
AI-assisted workflow
- 1Locate named references and related correspondence.
- 2Extract the ambiguity and proposed question.
- 3Check for missing attachments or document identifiers.
- 4Prepare an RFI draft and response tracker entry.
What a good workflow needs
Inputs, checks and useful outputs
| Inputs | Checks | Outputs |
|---|---|---|
|
|
|
Human control
The responsible designer or project authority answers technical questions; the team decides whether and how to issue the RFI.
Example
How this looks on a real job
A detail conflicts with the written specification. The system prepares a draft citing both references and asking which controls; the design team verifies the actual conflict.
Related resources
Sources and further reading