When one employee’s enthusiasm meets an innovative leadership team, organisational change can follow. This case study shows how a single staff member’s passion for AI, supported by an open and agile leadership team, evolved into a comprehensive AI skills training programme at Ireland’s premier project management consultancy.
About KSNPM
Founded in 1998, KSNPM is recognised as Ireland’s leading project management practice. The company serves clients across commercial, residential, hospitality, education, infrastructure, industrial, and retail sectors.With over 20 years of proven expertise, KSNPM delivers tailored advice throughout the full building lifecycle. Its team of senior leaders, project managers, architects, and sustainability consultants consistently deliver complex projects while maintaining the highest standards of technical accuracy and client service. In an industry where efficiency gains without compromising quality are critical, AI integration has become a key part of KSNPM’s future strategy.
The Spark
After completing the AI Core Skills training course, one KSNPM team member achieved measurable efficiency gains in their daily work. Inspired, they encouraged six colleagues to join the next training session. This excitement, rooted in practical outcomes rather than hype, quickly caught the attention of senior leadership. When multiple participants reported similar improvements, the leadership team recognised the opportunity to roll out AI training across the organisation.
Leaders at Full Capacity
KSNPM’s team faced several challenges that demanded tailored AI solutions:
- Safe, compliant adoption at scale – Train staff to trial AI in line with company policy and the EU AI Act, starting with controlled internal pilots before any external rollout.
- Productivity and efficiency gains – Use AI for meeting notes, documentation review, and repetitive admin, while supporting delivery of bids, reports, project plans, risk trackers, and Gantt charts under tight deadlines.
- Stronger project governance and reporting – Apply AI to assess project controls (risk, cost, quality) and streamline reporting across multiple stakeholders and formats.
Unlike generic programmes, KSNPM required training customised to the heavy administrative demands of a high-performing consultancy.
Discovery phase
Discovery Phase
An AI survey mapped the specific pain points faced by each participant. Instead of assuming universal challenges, we analysed individual workflows to uncover bottlenecks. This revealed nuanced issues that standard training often misses.
Customisation
The survey data informed a bespoke curriculum tailored to real problems faced by project managers, HR, admin, sustainability teams, and bid writers. Each module had immediate, practical relevance.
Delivery
World-class AI instructors delivered the customised training through live online sessions.
The interactive format enabled real-time problem solving using KSNPM’s actual workflows and documentation.
The Results
Widespread Training
KSNPM expanded AI literacy across teams, creating a shared foundation of knowledge.
Quantifiable Impact
- Time Savings: Project managers reduced time spent on documentation, risk assessments, and reporting.
- Industry Example: A sustainability consultant preparing environmental impact assessments typically spent 8–10 hours on research and drafting. With AI, regulations were cross-referenced, requirements identified, and draft documentation produced in a fraction of the time for expert review.
- Governance and ComplianceKSNPM has introduced AI in a phased, measured way. All staff have received training on AI risks, and governance frameworks are firmly in place. Their AI policy and protocols align with the forthcoming EU AI Act, positioning the firm ahead of regulatory requirements.
- Leveraging AI to architect and plan workflows more strategically.
Baseline AI literacy sparks ideas for advanced automation
- Automated project status summaries from multiple systems
Dynamic risk assessment reports
- Client communications tailored to project phases
— Tom
KSNPM’s journey demonstrates how strategic, phased AI adoption builds organisational capability and competitive advantage in a complex market.
— Paula
- Organic enthusiasm drives adoption: Staff who see real benefits become natural advocates
- Customisation matters: Tailored training delivers immediate impact, unlike generic programmes.
- Governance and literacy unlock innovation: Strong policies give teams confidence to experiment, while a shared foundation paves the way for advanced automation.
