206: ‘Purpose-Built AI: Why It Matters in AEC’, with Rachelle Ray
A conversation with Rachelle Ray exploring how purpose-built AI can enhance AEC marketing workflows, streamline proposal processes, and free up time for strategic creativity while addressing common challenges in the industry.
Rachelle Ray joins the podcast to talk about how AEC marketing and BD teams are really using AI today: what’s working, what’s not, and where things are headed. While proposals are a recurring thread, the broader focus is on how AI can clear space for strategy and creativity by reducing manual, repetitive work.
Rachelle brings insights from OpenAsset’s customer feedback from both survey data and real conversations to highlight common challenges, misconceptions, and the growing demand for AI tools that actually understand AEC workflows.
Watch This Episode on YouTube:
Episode Links:
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Connect with the Guest
- RMR Consulting (Rachelle’s site)
- Rachelle on LinkedIn
- OpenAsset (her current role)
- “Rachelle Ray Joins OpenAsset” announcement
- YouTube — Proposal tips with Rachelle
- Article — “Social Proof and Evidence: Strengthen Your Proposal Writing”
AI Tools and Emerging Technologies
- OpenAsset + Shred.ai (AEC DAM + Proposal Management)
- Platform link
- Overview of proposal workflows & Shred.ai
- Quick debrief template by Rachelle
- Discussed in the episode as “Shred AI.”
- Perplexity (research assistant with citations)
- Website
- Mentioned as a fast, link-rich research tool.
- Crystal (personality insights for outreach on LinkedIn)
- Chrome Web Store Link
- Referenced for BD workflows to understand selection-committee preferences.
About Rachelle Ray:
Rachelle is a dynamic AEC marketing leader focused on creativity, education, and empowering marketers. As Head of AEC Marketing Innovation at OpenAsset, co-founder of Proposal Industry Experts, and owner of RMR Consulting, she helps firms improve strategy, team collaboration, and pursuit efficiency. With 15+ years of experience, Rachelle is a passionate advocate for burnout prevention, professional development, and community building. A frequent speaker at national and regional conferences, she’s also contributed to the first AI certification for proposal professionals. Her work bridges the gap between marketing and leadership, equipping professionals to thrive in a rapidly evolving industry.
