More Construction Companies Are Building a Technology-Focused C-Suite

Why It Matters

Embedding technology at the executive level ensures digital initiatives drive profit and competitiveness, accelerating construction firms’ adoption of AI and automation.

Key Takeaways

• Barge creates first Chief Design Solutions Officer role.
• Role integrates digital strategy with core business priorities.
• Leadership aims to make technology an operational advantage.
• Industry trend: tech‑focused C‑suite positions expanding.
• Digital adoption seen as essential for future competitiveness.

Pulse Analysis

The construction sector is at a tipping point as artificial intelligence, robotics, and data‑driven tools move from pilot projects to everyday practice. Contractors face pressure to cut schedules, improve safety, and meet sustainability targets, all of which can be addressed through digital solutions. Yet many firms still treat technology as a support function rather than a strategic driver, creating a gap between innovation potential and operational reality.

Barge Design Solutions’ appointment of Laine Hiera as chief design solutions officer illustrates a deliberate shift toward a technology‑focused C‑suite. Unlike traditional IT chiefs, Hiera’s mandate spans design, engineering, and client delivery, ensuring that digital capability is woven into every project phase. By aligning technology initiatives with business priorities—such as faster decision‑making, better forecasting, and knowledge retention—she aims to make digital an invisible enabler rather than a disruptive overlay.

If the Barge model proves successful, other construction firms are likely to replicate it, accelerating the creation of roles like chief digital officer, VP of innovation, or head of construction tech. This evolution promises stronger talent pipelines, more measurable ROI on tech spend, and a competitive edge for early adopters. Ultimately, a tech‑forward executive layer could redefine industry standards, turning digital adoption from a cost center into a core differentiator.