Episodes
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One of the most exciting ways the AEC industry is continuing to find new ways to increase sustainability and safety is through mass timber construction. That’s why we’ve invited Ariana Cohn, a Digital Construction Engineer at Timberlab, an organization dedicated to advancing the mass timber’s mainstream adoption.
Whether it’s mass timber’s impact on the environment, or its ease of use in prefab and modular construction, there is so much potential for it to be a game changer for the industry.
Here are some of the topics you can look forward to in this episode:
The top misconceptions about mass timber Timberlab’s approach to its mission A day in the life of a Digital Construction Engineer at Timberlab The biggest obstacles for mass timber’s mainstream adoptionDigital Builder is hosted by Eric Thomas of Autodesk.
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This week, Autodesk’s Chief Marketing Officer Dara Treseder, joins Eric at Autodesk University to break down the 2023 State of Design & Make report, including the key focuses of the study, narrative shifts across the AEC industry, and the competitive difference between Digital Transformation and Digital Maturity.
In this episode, you will learn:
How companies across the AEC industry are experiencing the benefits of converging technologies Why companies focusing on Digital Maturity are maintaining a statistically significant competitive advantage How to engage the next generation of talent Why the future of AEC innovation is going to focus on augmentation in our workforceAssets Mentioned:
The 2023 State of Design & Make ReportDigital Builder is hosted by Eric Thomas of Autodesk.
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The rise of Gen AI has put organizations in a race to remain competitive. Those who are successfully integrating AI into their processes are seeing improvements in efficiency and output quality, but that rush to adopt AI carries some significant risks, ones that can spell disaster for companies if they are not careful about their approach to using AI.
We've invited May Winfield, Global Director of Commercial, Legal and Digital Risks, at Buro Happold, to reveal what some of the biggest risks are when using Gen AI, what questions organizations should be asking as they adopt AI, and why sometimes the best way to move quickly is to slow down.
We discuss:
Identifying AI’s five biggest risk categories in AEC: reliance, confidentiality, copyright, personal data, and ethics Why copyright and content attribution are such tricky issues with AI The limitations of using in-house AI models trained on proprietary data Why client requests are becoming more informed and specific (and why this is good!)Assets Mentioned:
Joint Study from the Harvard Business School & Boston Consulting GroupDigital Builder is hosted by Eric Thomas of Autodesk.
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One of the most exciting ways that innovation is taking construction to the next level is when companies like DPR Construction implement new and innovative strategies into their culture. We’ve invited Jacob Skrobarczyk, VDC Technology Lead at DPR Construction, to share his experience with data visualization and how he is using it to shift the narrative around Construction careers and changing the way the next generation is learning about Construction.
Listen to hear about:
Construction’s perception problem Why data visualization is so impactful How DPR is approaching innovation and the adoption of new technology Keeping people as the center of the industry Improving benefits and apprenticeship programs for craft workers How to better highlight non-linear career paths in ConstructionAssets Mentioned:
Jacob's Presentationhttps://www.dpr.com/company/careersDigital Builder is hosted by Eric Thomas of Autodesk.
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The landscape of construction is changing, and technology is at the helm. How can your organization stay on top of that changing landscape to remain competitive throughout 2024?
Ariel Castillo, Innovation Director at Miller-Davis Company, and Brad Buckles, VP of Technology and Innovation at Charles Perry Partners, Inc., join the show this week to explore the latest trends in construction, from AI and data-driven insights to the importance of tech literacy and collaboration.
We discuss:
Which trends are real and which are all hype? How 3D modeling, wearables, and robotics are increasing field safety How the latest trends are allowing the industry to move from reactive processes to becoming proactive decision makers. Why modern technology is enabling multigenerational knowledge sharing experiences, giving experienced and new workers opportunities to learn from each other How new technologies can reduce waste and increase sustainable construction practicesDigital Builder is hosted by Eric Thomas of Autodesk.
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Content warning – this episode and description has some heavy conversation topics including a discussion on suicidal feelings and mental health struggles.
Construction has a mental health crisis. According to research from the US Bureau of Labor Statistics and the CDC, the rate of suicide among US construction professionals is five times higher than the number deaths caused by workplace and safety-related accidents. Across the industry, companies cannot afford to talk about safety, innovation, and growth without also addressing the need for real, practical, and immediate solutions to the mental health crisis facing our people.
Mark Dyke, Licensed Professional Counselor and Tenured Associate Professor at Ferris State University, joins Eric Thomas during Autodesk University for an intensely practical conversation about the mental health crisis, burnout, and how addressing the mental health crisis can help secure a bright future for the AEC industry. We will share not just why mental health needs to be addressed, but we will also give specific, practical advice for workers to identify and address mental health issues early and effectively.
We discuss:
How to identify internal and external symptoms of burnout How the leadership culture sets the tone for organization-wide mental health How managers at all levels of an organization can support their team members How Millennials have changed the way we talk about mental health Why mental health and emotional wellbeing need to be top priorities to convince the upcoming generation to join Construction.If you or someone you know are having trouble coping with work-related stress, talk with someone who can help: In the United States, call 988 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Hotline or visit https://988lifeline.org/.
For those living outside the United States, you can find local resources here: https://blog.opencounseling.com/suicide-hotlines/.
Digital Builder is hosted by Eric Thomas of Autodesk.
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As more BIM mandates are being put in place around the world, impacted organizations are working to ensure they are BIM compliant—while many in the construction industry are still trying to figure out not just if BIM and other digital tools are right for them, but how to begin even implementing them in their business operations.
Digital tools are transforming the way construction companies are operating, demonstrating countless benefits to adopting them, but there are still many unanswered questions for companies and contractors who are trying to find the most cost-effective strategies for managing all these new innovations and requirements.
That’s where our guests come in. David Purdon, Technical Director at Diatec, and Marek Suchocki, Head of Industry Associations Strategy at Autodesk, are two industry veterans who have seen first-hand the rollout of Europe’s BIM mandates and how companies are responding. In this episode, they will break down some of the myths around BIM mandates, what the true intent of the mandates are, and much more.
We discuss:
The rollout of BIM mandates in the UK faced challenges in managing the information exchange process The complex intersection of BIM modeling and the production supply chain How BIM modeling and technology integration ensures the longevity of construction organizations The difficulty many organizations face in balancing the long-term vision of digital tools with their immediate needs Why BIM allows organizations to derive better value from public construction investments How to get started on your BIM journey if you’re impacted by a BIM mandate.Digital Builder is hosted by Eric Thomas of Autodesk.
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While AI continues to take the world by storm, most companies are still trying to figure out exactly how it fits within their operations and how it will impact their teams, workflows, and revenue.
In this episode, Eric talks with Tonya Custis, Director of AI Research at Autodesk, all about AI’s proper place in the Construction ecosystem, how to make sure AI is the best solution to the problems you are trying to solve, and much more, including:
How AI can fill in the gaps when assessing risk and improving safety on project sites How a focused data strategy can alleviate decision paralysis The most important elements of data strategy for proper AI utilization AI as a replacement versus acting as a collaborator with human workersAssets Mentioned:
Digital Builder is hosted by Eric Thomas of Autodesk.
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Nick Hull is an Associate Director at Deloitte Access Economics, which was commissioned by Autodesk in 2023 to research data capabilities in construction. This effort revealed that 4 out of 5 construction companies have room to improve how they manage data. Deloitte surveyed about 1,275 global respondents to get a global view of data usage in construction and discover what defines data leadership.
In this episode Eric talks with Nick to get a breakdown of the report’s major findings, what leaders can learn from it, and how the industry can move forward with data.
We discuss:
How construction leaders are estimating their data capabilities Retaining the human side of construction while integrating data and AI How good data strategy maintains competitive advantage How implementing data strategy impacts your bottom line The ongoing issue of talent in construction and how data & AI can alleviate it Balancing digital assistance with data-driven decision making.Assets Mentioned:
The State of Data Capabilities in the Construction Industry Report
Digital Builder is hosted by Eric Thomas of Autodesk.
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In another of our episodes recorded live at Autodesk University 2023, guests Amy Bunszel, EVP of AEC Design at Autodesk, and Aaron Perry, Head of Digital Design at Allford Hall Monaghan Morris, join the show to break down the original vision for BIM in the AEC industry, why equitable access to BIM data is the way forward for construction innovation, and share what excites them the most for the future of Construction.
We discuss:
What current challenges they’re seeing with BIM data Why equitable access to data enables wider engagement opportunities from both large and small firms How technology adoption and data strategy are becoming competitive differentiators in the AEC industry How access to data models at the granular level empowers more diverse participation in all phases of a construction projectDigital Builder is hosted by Eric Thomas of Autodesk.
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Ever wonder what’s one tool every construction worker will bring on the jobsite?
In this Digital Builder podcast episode, various experts from the construction industry share their insights on the one tool they always bring to every job site.
Answers range from tangible tools like iPads, measuring tapes, and smartphones, to intangible ones such as empathy, a positive attitude, and a lean mindset. Experts emphasize the importance of these tools in improving efficiency, collaboration, and problem-solving on the job site.
Advancements in technology, particularly the rise of smartphones and digital tools, have revolutionized the construction industry, according to industry experts.
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This episode is a special treat! Not only was it recorded live at Autodesk University in Las Vegas, we also brought back our first-ever Digital Builder guest, Cliff Cole, the Director of Virtual Design and Construction (VDC) at The PENTA Building Group. Throughout 2023, Cliff and his team were a part of the planning and construction for the raceway infrastructure of the 2023 F1 Las Vegas Grand Prix race that took place November 16-18 in 2023.
In addition to breaking down the coordination for the F1 project, Eric and Cliff also talk about the increasing importance of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, and explore how things have evolved since Cliff was first on the show.
We discuss:
The complexities of preparing and hosting an F1 race on the Las Vegas Strip How innovative tech, like drone mapping, was used to enable safer, more efficient preparation How the DEI conversation has evolved over the last three years The role of mentoring and support in promoting diversity and inclusion The impact of inclusive practices on attracting and retaining talent in the industryDigital Builder is hosted by Eric Thomas of Autodesk.
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In this special live LinkedIn Live episode streamed on December 7, Eric chats with Mat Poulos, Electrical Engineering Manager at Gaylor Electric, Inc., and Matt Edwards, Director of Digital Delivery at CRB, to break down how their organizations are approaching documentation management, field collaboration, and how they ensure new technologies are helping their teams instead of hindering them.
In this episode, you will learn:
How to make sure everybody in the field has access to relevant and correct information on-demand When to consider new additions or changes to your tech stack or processes How to determine if process or tech changes are helpful or harmful to teams out in the field How Gaylor Electric and CRB are deploying field-based BIM modeling How to successfully deploy large scopes of prefab work The impact of better integrated communication strategies on overall workforce mental healthDigital Builder is hosted by Eric Thomas of Autodesk.
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Talking about the difficult challenges facing construction is a vital part of raising awareness and driving change, but talk alone isn’t enough. That’s why we are sitting down with Amit Oberoi, Executive Chairman of the Considerate Constructors Scheme, a UK-based company that is taking many of those big challenges head on.
One of the most important challenges facing our workforce today is psychological safety, which empowers team members to speak up, to disagree, and to surface concerns without fear of retaliation or consequences.
Join Eric and Amit as they discuss:
The statistics on the mental health of our construction teams are alarming and much of the data indicates that the construction industry has one of the highest rates of suicide among all industries in the United States. Psychological safety fosters creativity and better outcomes in construction projects. The data on mental health in construction highlights the importance of providing a safe and healthy environment for your workforce and underscores the need for organizations to prioritize employee care and retention. Guidance on how individuals can advocate for themselves and communicate their needs to their managers. Why loneliness can be a significant issue, even in a crowded workplace. Developing a culture of transparency and honesty requires deliberate effort and starting small. Why a sense of pride and connection to the work can be a driving force in the industry.Digital Builder is hosted by Eric Thomas of Autodesk.
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Join us for this special episode of the Digital Builder Podcast, recorded live at AU 2023, the Design & Make conference!
In this recap of day 3, host Eric Thomas dives into the biggest themes encompassing the Design & Make Conference, such as Digital Transformation, the growing importance of AI in construction, the push for getting clean data and adopting cloud-based solutions, and why its vital for technology providers in the AEC industry to act as true partners to their customers and industry leaders as we all work together to make this industry better and safer.
Digital Builder is hosted by Eric Thomas of Autodesk.
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Join us for this special episode of the Digital Builder Podcast, recorded live at AU 2023, the Design & Make conference!
We sit down with Ross Wagner, Manager of Technical Solutions AEC at Autodesk, and Justin Lipsey, Technical Solutions Executive at Autodesk, to discuss their exciting experiences from the conference.
They dive into the hype of the newest announcements from AU, the executive and customer briefings taking place throughout the week, the impact that customer feedback is making on Autodesk's products, and their predictions for what the next decade will bring to the construction industry.
Digital Builder is hosted by Eric Thomas of Autodesk.
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Join us for this special episode of the Digital Builder Podcast, recorded live at AU 2023, the Design & Make conference!
We sit down with Jenna Pellegrino, Global Voice of the Customer & Customer Experience Strategy manager, and Mallory Adiego, Director North American Customer Success, to discuss their exciting experiences from the conference.
They dive into the excitement of AU being back in Vegas, discuss some exciting news from today’s keynote, highlight the importance of customer feedback, discuss their roles in the Voice of the Customer program, and provide a glimpse into the future of construction.
Digital Builder is hosted by Eric Thomas of Autodesk.
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Click here to watch this episode on YouTube!
Technology on job sites has become the standard in construction and it’s only growing by the day. Builders and construction companies need to utilize digitization to not only help plan projects but also when finding new talent to join your team!
In a special episode recorded live at Autodesk University, we’re joined by Ro n McGuire, Program Administrator at International Training Institute and Ken Schneider, Training Specialist at United Association, to discuss how trade workers in the construction industry are using technology not only to advance job sites but also to help attract and retain new talent to the AEC world!
We discuss:
The digitalization of constructions sites Bringing the younger generation of workers to employers with tech Meeting demand through technology The biggest trends in constructionDigital Builder is hosted by Eric Thomas of Autodesk.
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What do the cloud and trust have in common? A lot, actually. Autodesk CEO Andrew Anagnost is on a mission to create a high-trust ecosystem in construction building on today’s cloud technology. And the benefits extend far beyond improving efficiency and transparency – it’s about solving construction’s capacity problem.
Recorded live from Autodesk University 2022, we had the incredible opportunity to chat with Andrew about his vision for the future of construction, the legacy he hopes to leave the industry, the value of working in the cloud, and a whole lot more!
This in-person episode was filmed and you can watch the conversation unfold right from our YouTube channel.
Digital Builder is hosted by Eric Thomas of Autodesk.
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Even the largest organizations are not immune to the supply chain and labor shortage issues facing the construction industry around the globe, so we’ve invited Vanayak Pai, CEO & Managing Director at Tata Projects, and Rahul Sharma, CIO at Tata Projects, to explore how one of India’s leading engineering, procurement, and construction companies is navigating those challenges, their approach to tech deployment, and why increasing predictability is at the heart of their company operations.
We discuss:
Tata Projects’ approach to becoming a technology-led EPC delivery organization The increasing role of women in India’s construction ecosystem Strategies for tackling global supply chain and labor shortage issues How technology and connectivity driving safer and more efficient prefabrication The importance of improving predictability in project delivery Why Digital Twins and BIM are becoming must-have toolsDigital Builder is hosted by Eric Thomas of Autodesk.
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