The terms get used interchangeably, but they describe meaningfully different things. Getting this wrong costs you time and money.
What an AI consultant does
An AI consultant is typically an individual (or small group) who advises on strategy, scopes problems, evaluates vendors, and helps you make better decisions about where and how to use AI. They are paid for judgment and direction. They usually do not build.
A consultant is the right choice when you need to understand your options before committing to a build — when you are writing an AI strategy, evaluating vendors, or deciding whether a problem is worth solving with AI at all.
What an AI agency does
An AI agency designs and builds the actual systems. They handle the technical implementation, the integrations, the testing, and the handover. They are paid for delivery. The best ones also bring strategic judgment, which is where the line blurs.
An agency is the right choice when you have a defined problem and are ready to invest in solving it. The output is a working system, not a document.
What Integra AI is
We do both. Every engagement starts with the consulting work — sitting with your team, mapping your workflows, understanding the problem before proposing a solution. If a build is warranted, we do it. If it is not, we tell you.
We are also vendor-agnostic. We hold no reseller agreements and have no quota to hit. We recommend what is right for your situation, not what is easiest for us to sell.
Book a 30-minute discovery call and we will tell you honestly which category your situation calls for.