Randy Richardson, Senior Vice President & Program Management Regional Business Line Leader, AECOM

In an interview with Invest:, Randy Richardson, senior vice president and program management regional business line leader at AECOM, discussed how AI is reshaping engineering, influencing everything from design to project delivery. “The players that are embracing AI, that are training on how to best use it, are going to surpass those who are waiting around to see where it goes,” Richardson said.

What key trends are shaping the engineering and infrastructure industry?

AECOM is the trusted global infrastructure leader committed to delivering a better world. We have trusted advisors — planners, designers, engineers, consultants, program and construction managers — delivering professional services, with about 50,000 people across nearly every continent. In addition to complex engineering for public and private clients, my focus is on program management, which involves overseeing some of the most challenging and extensive megaprojects globally.

One of the most significant trends impacting our industry right now is AI. It is influencing every aspect of our work, from how we design solutions to how we deliver programs. The players who are embracing AI and training to use it effectively will surpass those who are waiting to see where it goes.

At AECOM, we are taking a proactive approach by bringing in AI specialists and developing solutions that allow our engineers to be more creative and efficient. AI is not replacing expertise but enhancing it, helping us optimize outcomes for our clients.

How are digital tools and AI improving project delivery and efficiency?

AI is enabling engineers to take a more strategic approach to problem-solving. The tactical work, such as calculations, evaluating multiple design options, and ensuring compliance with engineering standards, can now be handled more efficiently through AI.

That said, the human element remains critical. Understanding client needs, building consensus, and navigating stakeholder dynamics are still human-driven processes. AI allows our teams to focus more on those strategic and interpersonal aspects while automating the more repetitive tasks.

How does AECOM leverage its global scale to support regional work in markets like Charlotte?

It all starts with people. We place a strong emphasis on recruiting, training, and retaining top talent. Programs like our “Fantastic Fridays” allow us to engage with emerging professionals and connect them with experienced leaders to assess mutual fit.

We also attract senior professionals by offering opportunities to work on some of the most exciting and impactful projects in the world. Many of these individuals are at a stage in their careers where they want to contribute to something meaningful, something they can point to with pride. That combination of opportunity, culture, and impact is what allows us to bring global expertise to local markets like Charlotte.

How is Charlotte’s growth translating into demand for infrastructure?

Charlotte’s growth is placing pressure on nearly every aspect of public infrastructure. What stands out is not just the number of people moving here, but the diversity of that population, from young families to retirees.

This growth is increasing demand across transportation, water and wastewater systems, healthcare, power, and education facilities. Public officials are faced with making significant investment decisions, and our role is to help them prioritize and manage those investments efficiently over time.

How are federal infrastructure investments and policy changes shaping project delivery?

One important shift we are seeing is in disaster recovery funding. There is a growing expectation that states take on more responsibility for building robust recovery systems rather than relying heavily on federal agencies such as FEMA.

We are working with several states to help them establish the right structures, tools, and processes to respond effectively when disasters occur. This is becoming an increasingly important component of infrastructure planning.

Which sectors are seeing the most momentum right now?

Aviation continues to be a major growth area for us. We are involved with major airport programs across the United States and internationally, and nearly every major airport is undergoing expansion.

Another key area is K-12 education. In high-growth regions like Charlotte, there is ongoing demand for new schools and facility upgrades. These investments will need to continue for years to keep pace with population growth.

How are cost pressures influencing infrastructure development strategies?

Public-private partnerships are becoming more common as governments look for innovative ways to fund large infrastructure programs. We are seeing this in transportation projects, such as toll lanes in the Charlotte area.

As federal funding approaches evolve, local governments will increasingly need to collaborate with the private sector to deliver infrastructure efficiently. This trend is expected to continue.

What is your perspective on the talent pipeline in Charlotte?

Charlotte benefits from a strong and growing talent pool. The region attracts people from across the country and around the world, supported by a solid higher education system.

For us, recruiting is about clearly communicating the opportunities we offer at all career levels. Whether they are early-career professionals or seasoned experts, people are drawn to meaningful work, growth opportunities, and a strong work-life balance, all of which we strive to provide.

What are the biggest opportunities for investment in the Southeast?

One of the most significant trends is the growing demand for data centers and the energy required to support them. This is driving renewed interest in power generation, including nuclear energy.

The Carolinas are well positioned in this space, with an established nuclear infrastructure and a focus on sustainability. Advances in technology are making nuclear power both reliable and clean, and we expect continued investment in this area.

What are AECOM’s top priorities in the region over the next few years?

A key priority is helping clients manage large, complex infrastructure investments through our program management capabilities. Rather than building internal teams for short-term, large-scale projects, clients can rely on firms like AECOM to provide end-to-end expertise.

We support projects from early planning and design through construction, commissioning, and even asset management. This allows our clients to stay focused on their core operations while ensuring their major investments are delivered successfully.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

AECOM is continuously evolving alongside the market, our workforce, and advancing technology. The pace of innovation, particularly in digital tools, is accelerating rapidly.

We are committed not only to keeping up with these changes but to leading in how they are applied. Our goal is to use these technologies to deliver better, more efficient solutions for our clients around the world.