The emergence of Built Environment 5.0 marks a paradigm shift from automation to human-centric, AI-augmented, and sustainable project delivery. Within this era, two persistent challenges in the construction industry remain unresolved: contractual disputes arising from poor administration and high rates of occupational accidents due to reactive safety management. Artificial Intelligence (AI) offers transformative potential to address both through smart contracts for automated compliance and AI-driven systems for predictive safety. However, technological adoption without professional readiness risks ethical breaches, job displacement, and poor governance. This paper examines how built environment professionals in Nigeria can maintain relevance by leveraging AI in contract management and safety-centric delivery. Using a mixed-method design, data were collected from 150 built environment professionals and 5 key informants in Imo, Lagos, and FCT. Findings indicate that AI and smart contracts significantly improve transparency, reduce disputes, and accelerate payment cycles with a mean rating of 4.18. AI tools for computer vision and predictive analytics were also found to enhance hazard identification and PPE compliance, with a mean of 4.33. The study further revealed three critical competencies for professional relevance: AI literacy, data ethics, and human oversight. Anchored on the Technology Acceptance Model and Theory of Responsible Innovation, the paper argues that professional relevance in the AI era is not about competing with machines, but about governing them ethically. The study recommends curriculum reform, policy mandates for AI in public projects, and the development of a Nigerian Built Environment AI Ethics Code. It concludes that the future professional will be an “AI-Augmented Decision Steward” who uses technology to deliver safer, sustainable, and legally resilient infrastructure. The paper contributes to discourse on digital transformation, professional development, and sustainable development goal 8, 9, and 11 in the African context.

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