Episódios
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In this episode, Stacy Smedley, Executive Director of Building Transparency, dives deep into the importance of sustainability in the built space and climate actions that reduce embodied carbon.
Stacy explores the groundbreaking work behind the Embodied Carbon in Construction Calculator (EC3), a free tool that allows architects, builders and project managers to analyze the carbon impact of materials like concrete and steel.
As the industry moves towards green building practices, Stacy reveals how databases and tools like COVE tools and EPD generators are crucial for decision-making.
A core focus of the conversation is on climate action in building design, where Stacy discusses how her nonprofit is fostering a shift by making sustainability data accessible.
The open-access model used by Building Transparency has united over 50,000 users from more than 70 countries, proving that the tools are not only valuable but essential for the construction industry to minimize its environmental impact.
“Anyone can register for free,” Stacy emphasizes, highlighting the inclusive nature of these solutions.
Stacy also shares personal stories, like when she told her mom at just eight years old that she wanted to build things that don't destroy nature.
Tune in to hear how Stacy's lifelong commitment to environmental protection is reshaping the future of building design and construction, and how it’s empowering professionals to lead with sustainability at the forefront of every project.
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In this episode of AEC Traiblazers, we take a deep dive into the intersection of technology and the construction industry with Di-Ann Eisnor, a seasoned entrepreneur and current Chief Strategy Officer at WakeCap.
With a track record that spans leadership roles at Waze, Google and Crews by Core, Di-Ann brings an unparalleled understanding of how IoT is transforming job sites.
As she explains, "Construction tech is a whole different beast", one that requires new solutions to age-old challenges like safety and productivity.
Throughout the episode, Di-Ann unpacks how WakeCap’s innovations are making a measurable impact on safety and efficiency, from massive $300 billion projects to smaller initiatives, and why IoT provides the 'truth set of data' that is essential for real decision-making in the construction space.
One of the core themes we explore is the role of IoT-driven data in addressing safety issues on job sites. Di-Ann emphasizes how construction professionals have traditionally relied on fragmented, point solutions that fail to provide a holistic view of the work environment.
“The industry has been trying to get away from point solutions,” Di-Ann notes, advocating for integrated systems that track real-time data across projects. With IoT, it’s no longer about assumptions, but about systems that make recommendations based on real-time insights—a shift that is not only improving safety but also enhancing productivity and project outcomes.
For professionals in the construction tech space, understanding how to leverage this data is key to improving job site management and performance.
Di-Ann’s passion for the construction industry is deeply personal. Coming from a family of truck drivers and construction laborers, she has an intrinsic connection to the field. “I love the idea that I could do anything to make their job easier, better and safer,” she shares.
This episode is a must-listen for those who want to stay ahead of the curve in construction tech and understand the ROI potential of integrating advanced IoT solutions into their workflows.
Di-Ann also offers advice for entrepreneurs looking to enter this space, stressing the importance of achieving product-market fit and how investors are increasingly focused on the big-picture potential of construction tech startups.
If you’re serious about transforming your job site through technology, this conversation is packed with actionable insights and forward-thinking strategies.
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In this episode of AEC Traiblazers, we dive deep into the world of construction equipment management with Oded Ran, CEO of Clue Insights, a game-changing company driving efficiency across the industry.
With over 20 years of experience in mobile software and SaaS, Oded shares his expertise on PLG (Product-Led Growth) strategies and what it takes to optimize a company’s most valuable assets: its equipment.
You'll learn how Clue is empowering heavy civil and road construction firms to get the most out of their fleets and why equipment managers, from mechanics to dispatchers, rely on their integrated, cloud-based solutions.
Through powerful anecdotes and practical insights, Oded discusses how construction firms are leaving behind "sales-driven" models and focusing on real, data-driven optimization.
He also emphasizes the importance of customer collaboration, highlighting, "Don't fall in love with your product. Instead, spend time with the person you're aiming to serve."
Tune in to discover how Oded’s team integrates with over 70 systems, works with top-tier firms like Vinci and Archer Western and is reshaping how the equipment management space functions.
This episode is a must for those looking to enhance productivity, reduce idle times and rethink their approach to horizontal construction.
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In this episode, Robert Dahlstrom, CEO of Apellix, delves into the latest advancements in drone technology and its transformative impact on the AEC) industry.
These aren't just flying machines—they're sophisticated "flying computers" designed to enhance safety and efficiency in some of the most dangerous industrial environments.
Robert explores how Apellix's custom-designed drones are used for Power Washing high-risk structures like 120-foot water towers, as well as for Non-Destructive Testing (NDT), including ultrasonic testing (UT) and dry film thickness (DFT) measurements.
Through the integration of GPS, barometric pressure sensors and magnetic compasses, Apellix drones achieve precision flight control that allows them to perform autonomous tasks in hazardous environments, reducing the need for human intervention and significantly improving workplace safety.
Robert discusses how these drones operate as software platforms, where their hardware and software systems are finely tuned to execute tasks that previously placed workers at risk.
The episode also covers the global reach of Apellix's solutions, with drones being sold in 12 countries and utilized by entities such as the US Army's Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear Defense Division.
You’ll also hear how architects are embracing drone technology to explore more geometrically complex building designs that were previously considered too dangerous or difficult to construct.
Whether you're an AEC professional, safety engineer or tech enthusiast, this episode provides a comprehensive overview of the future of drone-powered safety and automation in industrial applications.
Tune in to discover how these cutting-edge machines are reshaping both the built environment and the way we think about workplace safety.
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In this episode, we dive into the groundbreaking world of smart flooring sensors with Joe Scanlin, co-founder and CEO of Scanalytics.
Discover how their patented sensor technology is transforming the flooring industry by providing unparalleled building intelligence.
From integration with commercial carpeting to innovative installation processes, these sensors are setting a new standard in occupancy data accuracy.
Joe shares insights on how Scanalytics is redefining hardware deployment.
Their sensors can be embedded directly into typical flooring underlayment, making it easier for labor chains to implement without extensive training.
Imagine a smart floor that not only tracks foot traffic but also alerts to emergencies in real time—this is the future of IoT in building environments!
Join us as we explore how these advancements in flooring technology not only enhance building efficiency but also create safer and smarter spaces for occupants. With solutions tailored to existing workflows across all types of surfaces, this innovation is leading the charge in the evolution of smart buildings.
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In this episode of AEC Trailblazers, we dive into how Alec Pestov, CEO of vGIS, is revolutionizing the way we think about city construction using AR and Twin Technologies.Alec’s company leverages intuitive AI to optimize large-scale construction processes and streamline project documentation, setting a new standard in the AEC industry. He shares his vision of a future where cities are built and modernized without human hands, transitioning from fully human labor to fully automated construction.
However, like any disruptive technology, AR in construction faces technical challenges. Alec discusses key hurdles such as occlusions—a common issue in AR visualization—and how vGIS is working on lateral solutions to overcome these limitations.The conversation highlights how, much like the iPhone’s breakthrough in personal tech, widespread industry adoption is critical for AR to truly transform construction.
Alec emphasizes that while humans will still control construction processes in the future, they won’t be physically building the cities of tomorrow. For the AEC industry to embrace these advancements effectively, greater tech awareness is essential.This episode is a must-listen for anyone ready to explore the future of automated labor and AI-driven construction.
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In this episode of AEC Trailblazers: The Founders Files, meet George Smithies, a seasoned Chartered Engineer, entrepreneur, and Forbes' 30 Under 30. Hear George’s perception of the challenges of founding a company, especially after a traditional career path, which presents a straightforward journey. While following a set career path provides a clear direction, starting your own business requires constant decision-making and adaptation and the ability to learn quickly and make decisions is the inevitable bone for success.
George also dives into the significant differences between the design and construction phases and their belief that to disrupt the construction industry they needed to focus on the 90% of workers that actually work in the field- versus the 10% managing from the office. With this goal in mind, George and his team sought to create a centralized platform that integrated various technologies, identifying a gap in the market for tools specifically designed for field workers, who often lacked the necessary technology to streamline their tasks.
Creating a platform for field workers required a strategic approach. Rather than selling directly to them, the team focused on selling to those with purchasing power within construction companies. This approach ensured that the platform would be adopted and used by field workers.
Committed to this goal, in 2018, George co-founded innDex, an innovative platform that streamlines project management and enhances workforce connectivity. By integrating hardware and cloud-based software, innDex offers a comprehensive suite of tools for site inductions, access control, RAMs, toolbox talks, progress reporting, inspections, and more. The platform aims to improve efficiency, and compliance, and reduce waste in the construction industry.
Tune in to this episode and get to know more about how to integrate hardware and cloud-based software to enhance workforce connectivity.
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In this episode of AEC Trailblazers: The Founders Files, we sit down with Cristiano, the passionate co-founder and CPO of laiout, a PropTech startup revolutionizing floor plan design. Cristiano's journey, from the bustling streets of Rome to the innovative tech scene of Oslo, is a testament to his entrepreneurial spirit and unwavering commitment to the AEC industry.
We delve into Cristiano's transition from architecture to tech, inspired by the limited opportunities in Italy. His experience working in a proptech company in London provided invaluable insights into the potential of technology to transform the industry. This inspiring story serves as a beacon for architects seeking to break free from traditional constraints and embrace innovation.
Balancing design aesthetics with practical considerations is a delicate art. Cristiano shares his insights on navigating the challenges of meeting client expectations while maintaining design integrity. He emphasizes the importance of understanding client pain points and tailoring solutions to their specific needs.
The AEC industry has been slow to adopt technology, often relying on outdated methods and processes. Cristiano discusses the reasons behind this resistance and how laiout is breaking down barriers. He highlights the benefits of using technology to streamline workflows, improve efficiency, and enhance collaboration.
We explore the details of laiout's innovative platform, which offers a fully automated multiplayer architectural design tool. The tool can generate personalized floor plans within existing buildings in seconds, saving users valuable time and effort. We discuss the benefits of data-driven design and how laiout can help clients achieve more efficient, cost-effective, and sustainable projects.
Learn how Cristiano's app is disrupting the real estate market with its impressive growth driven by inbound leads and word-of-mouth.
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In this episode of AEC Trailblazers: The Founders Files, discover how Josh Graham, a visionary in the construction and climate tech industries, is revolutionizing the way we tackle weather-related risks. In this episode, learn about the hidden costs of weather on construction projects and how Josh's groundbreaking startup, EHAB, is using data and AI to help builders weather the storm.
Weather-related disruptions, from extreme rainfall to heatwaves, have long been a major headache for the construction industry. Delays, cost overruns, and safety hazards are just some of the consequences. Recognizing the urgent need for solutions, Josh and his team embarked on a data-driven mission to quantify the financial impact of these disruptions. The results were alarming: weather-related problems accounted for a substantial portion of the industry's challenges, and the risk was only increasing due to climate change.
To combat this growing threat, Josh tells us how they’ve developed advanced software that utilizes machine learning and predictive analytics to analyze weather patterns and forecast potential disruptions. By providing accurate and timely information, they empower construction companies to make informed decisions and take proactive measures to protect their projects.
As climate change continues to accelerate, the need for sustainable and resilient construction practices becomes increasingly urgent. Josh's work at EHAB is a testament to the power of innovation and collaboration. By understanding the hidden costs of weather and leveraging cutting-edge technology, we can build a more resilient and sustainable future for the construction industry.
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In this episode of AEC Trailblazers: The Founders Files, get to know Tim's entrepreneurial journey. With a desire to start a data analytics consulting company, he soon realized his true passion lay in the digital construction world. Fueled by the challenges of the pandemic, he decided to take the leap and start a startup.
With this goal, Tim joined Antler, a global VC incubator, where he met his co-founders, Onur and Mahan. Together, they identified a gap in the engineering space: the fragmentation of tooling and the lack of standardized workflows. With this challenge in mind, they co-founded CalcTree, with the ultimate mission to bring together engineering, design, and calculations. They aimed to provide engineers with a platform to manage calculations and data across projects, promoting collaboration and efficiency, while emphasizing the importance of integrating existing tools and workflows, rather than forcing engineers to adopt new, unfamiliar methods.
Listen to Tim speaker about his key must-haves for launching a Construction Technology startup: accessibility, designed to be user-friendly, with a low barrier to entry for engineers; flexibility: integrating with popular tools like Python and spreadsheets, allowing engineers to maintain their preferred workflows; and scalability: offering a wide range of features, from basic calculation management to advanced capabilities like version control and community support.
Tim also tells us the future plans for Calctree's roadmap, including further development of their platform, building features like version control and review models, and ultimately creating a marketplace for engineering tools and services.
Join us on this episode and get to know Tim's entrepreneurial journey and the founding of Calctree highlighting the growing importance of innovation and technology in the AEC industry. By addressing the challenges of data fragmentation and workflow inefficiencies, Calctree is helping engineers to work more efficiently and effectively.
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Innovation in the Design, Construction and Management
In this episode of AEC Trailblazers: The Founders Files, meet Adam, the serial entrepreneur behind Bad Monkeys, Bimbeats, and Autonomation.
Join us as we discuss the transformative shift in the AEC industry, driven by a wave of innovative startups. Australia has emerged as a global leader in this space, with even smaller cities and contractors seeing significant growth and multi-billion dollar projects.
As an early adopter of Revit and Dynamo, Adam shares his experiences and the importance of continuous learning in the AEC industry and constant adaptation to new technologies. Along with Valentin, they discuss their passion for coding and their work with machine learning, LLMs, and AI integration in the AEC ecosystem.
They continue the conversation delving into the world of AEC software development, exploring the creation of custom applications and cloud-based solutions. The speakers discuss the challenges of data integration and automation, and how these issues can be addressed through innovative approaches. They double down into Bimbeats, a tool that provides real-time insights into AEC software usage and user needs, and into Autonomation, offering bespoke AEC customer applications, and cloud development interfaces with existing solutions.
The episode also explores the differences between working with enterprise customers and end consumers, as well as developing products versus services. The speakers discuss the importance of clear communication, understanding customer needs, and delivering solutions that meet their specific requirements.
Overall, the episode provides valuable insights for entrepreneurs and industry professionals looking to navigate the changing landscape of AEC technology, software development, and entrepreneurship. Tune in to know more.
About Adam Sheather, Managing Director at Autonomation
Adam is a seasoned entrepreneur and co-founder of Autonomation, Bimbeats, and Bad Monkeys. With over two decades in AEC, he has collaborated with developers, designers, and contractors on diverse projects across Australia, the US, Asia, and the Middle East. His expertise lies in optimizing workflows and data capture to enhance design and delivery.
As Managing Director of Autonomation, Adam and his team partner with industry leaders to develop cutting-edge computational and automation solutions. Their focus is on improving project integration, analysis, and productivity. As certified Autodesk, Bentley, and Trimble developers, they create software and cloud-based solutions leveraging Azure to drive data-driven decisions and streamline processes.
Adam is passionate about harnessing technology to revolutionize the design and construction industry. By empowering project stakeholders and fostering collaboration, he aims to eliminate inefficiencies, accelerate project delivery, and deliver exceptional value. His vision is to provide stakeholders with real-time insights into project progress and maturity, allowing them to focus on strategic decision-making rather than operational tasks.
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Bending Tech to Meet the Build by Combining Power and Data
This episode of AEC Trailblazers: The Founders Files features Jim Baldwin, a Silicon Valley veteran with a storied career at tech behemoths like Apple, Microsoft, and Intel, who has taken an unconventional path into the construction industry. While his background is steeped in software and hardware innovation, he has found a unique opportunity to disrupt the traditional building wiring process with his startup, Domatic.
Jim tells us about his journey, beginning at Apple, where he was immersed in a culture of groundbreaking innovation. From early work on fiber networks and the revolutionary touchpad to his involvement in the Firewire project, he gained invaluable experience in developing cutting-edge technologies. Firewire, in particular, laid the groundwork for Domatic’s core concept of combining power and data transmission through a single cable.
Jim tells us about the birth of Domanic. A keen observer of the market, Jim noticed a recurring challenge: the complexity of integrating technology into buildings often hindered progress. Inspired by his experience at Apple, where the focus was on making technology accessible to everyone, he sought to apply the same principles to the construction industry.
Recognizing the limitations of traditional wiring systems, which rely on outdated infrastructure, Jim envisioned a more efficient and cost-effective solution. By combining his deep technical knowledge with a fresh perspective on building design, he founded Domatic.
Domatic's core innovation lies in its low-voltage wiring system, which replaces the bulky and complex high-voltage infrastructure used in most buildings. By focusing on powering the majority of building fixtures, such as lights and sensors, with lower voltage, Domatic significantly reduces installation time, cost, and the need for skilled labor.
This simplified approach eliminates the complexities associated with permits, inspections, and multiple rounds of revisions, ultimately accelerating project timelines and reducing overall expenses.
Dive into this episode and be immersed in a vision of the future. Jim’s entrepreneurial spirit, coupled with his extensive industry experience is poised to transform building wiring. By challenging the status quo and embracing innovative solutions, he is paving the way for a more efficient, sustainable, and technologically advanced construction industry.
About Jim Baldwin, Founder and CEO at Domatic
Jim is a seasoned technology executive with over three decades of experience in software and hardware development. He has held leadership roles at industry giants such as Apple, Microsoft, and Intel, where he spearheaded innovative projects and built high-performing teams.
In 2013, Jim founded Antimatter Research, a consumer electronics startup focused on embedding intelligence into products. As CEO, he successfully led the company until 2020. Since then, he has remained active in the tech ecosystem, serving as an advisor and board member for multiple startups, such as ****Escher Reality, Zone·tv™, DeepSight, and NOWHERE.
Jim's entrepreneurial journey continued in 2019 with the founding of Domatic, a ConTech company dedicated to creating smarter, healthier buildings. By combining his deep technical expertise with a passion for sustainable solutions, Jim is driving innovation in the built environment.
Jim’s passion is to apply hardware and software technologies to create solutions that enhance energy efficiency, comfort, and safety in the built environment. He believes that by combining cutting-edge research, engineering, and entrepreneurship, we can transform the way buildings are wired and improve the quality of life for millions of people.
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Revolutionizing Construction Scheduling with AI
This episode of AEC Trailblazers: The Founders Files features René Morkos, the founder and CEO of ALICE Technologies, a software solution aimed at revolutionizing construction planning and scheduling.
The conversation begins with a discussion about the gap between academic theory and practical application, a challenge René encountered during his PhD research. Prior to his academic pursuits, René had an unusual career, including a stint in Afghanistan where he gained valuable leadership experience at 22 years old managing a team of 140. These experiences shaped his entrepreneurial spirit, leading him to eventually become an AEC Startup co-founder and leader.
René dives into the capabilities ALICE is unlocking for the industry. By leveraging AI, the platform optimizes project scheduling and planning, resulting in significant time and cost savings. The core functionality of ALICE lies in its ability to explore millions of scheduling sequences, identify potential bottlenecks, and provide actionable insights to project teams, achieved through a rule-based system that works in conjunction with 3D BIM models.
Finally, René emphasizes the importance of passion and perseverance in entrepreneurship, highlighting the numerous challenges faced by startups, such as financial constraints and client retention.
Overall, the podcast provided a fascinating glimpse into the world of construction technology and the entrepreneurial journey of René
About René Morkos, Founder and CEO of ALICE Technologies
René Morkos is the founder and CEO of ALICE Technologies. He obtained his Ph.D. in artificial intelligence applications for construction as a Charles H. Leavell fellow at Stanford University. He is a second-generation civil engineer with over 15 years of construction industry experience divided between industry and academia. His professional experience includes working as a project manager in Afghanistan, underwater pipeline construction, automation engineering on a $350 million gas refinery expansion project in Abu Dhabi, ERP system implementations, and various Virtual Design and Construction projects.
With the launch of ALICE, René introduced the industry to a paradigm shift in construction scheduling and is on a mission to empower the construction industry with AI-powered generative construction scheduling technology to derisk projects and recover from delays. Now, our latest innovation, ALICE Core, allows users to quickly ingest P6 and Microsoft Project schedules and start optimizing them right away. With the AI-powered 'what-if' feature, users can explore scenarios to find the most efficient path forward for their construction project.
René is a passionate mountaineer who relishes the challenge of conquering new peaks.
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Merging Expertise for Next-Level AEC Content
This episode dives into the inspiring story of Gary Sprague, a long-time outsider who became a co-founder of two successful AEC startups, Andekan and Kinship. His journey is a testament to the power of collaboration and embracing new perspectives.
Gary's background wasn't in AEC. He initially worked in finance, focusing on social impact and environmental businesses. This experience equipped him with valuable skills in startups, marketing, and customer support. The turning point came through a reconnection with a college friend who had been working in a digital modeling company. Their shared passion for technology and a chance encounter with Revit software sparked an idea: who would create the content for this revolutionary tool in the AEC industry?
Despite lacking a traditional AEC background, Gary faced his initial imposter syndrome head-on. He realized that the industry's vastness meant no one had the complete picture, and an outsider's perspective could be a strength. He brought a user experience and technology focus, challenging the common narrative of architects being stuck in the past. For Gary, the design industry should be forward-thinking, and innovation is not exclusive to other sectors like Fintech, which he believes often relies on outdated backend systems.
The conversation also highlights the importance of strong partnerships. Gary emphasizes that finding the right co-founder is crucial. It's a long-term commitment, and having partners who act as a team provides invaluable support through challenges and crises. With the right team in place, even outsiders with fresh perspectives can become successful innovators in the complex world of AEC.
Dive into this story of a build-passionate entrepreneur and his journey into founding 2 amazing AEC Startups.
About Gary Sprague - Co-Founder & CEO at Kinship
Gary brings a unique blend of operational expertise and entrepreneurial spirit to the building industry. He honed his operational acumen in the early years, working across various roles in financial services for mission-driven businesses. But his passion for building things led him to a freelance consultancy role, where he spent nearly five years helping entrepreneurs and social enterprises leverage affordable technology to create high-impact operational systems.
In 2008, Gary embraced entrepreneurship fully by co-founding Andekan, a Revit content creation company. They've provided thousands of Revit families to major AEC firms and manufacturers globally. As COO for a decade, Gary gained extensive experience in the AEC and IT services world.
Recognizing the growing need for cloud-based Revit content management, Gary helped launch Kinship in 2016. This AEC startup, where he serves as CEO, offers a cloud solution for Revit content, projects, and analytics. Kinship’s customers include major international AEC firms such as Buro Happold Engineering, Bjarke Ingels Group, Herzog & de Meuron, Laing O’Rourke, Pace, and COX Architecture.
Gary is a recognized leader in the digital transformation of the building design and construction industry. He's driven by a passion for building high-growth technology businesses that excel in product, talent, and customer service.
In his personal time, Gary loves to travel and spend as much time as possible on trails or at the beach with his wife and two kids.
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The Power of Knowledge and Effective Management in AEC
This week's podcast delves into the fascinating world Christopher Parsons, Founder and CEO of Knowledge Architecture. Our guest takes us on a surprising career journey, from law school to the world of architecture, ultimately leading him to found a successful software startup.
The conversation highlights the growing importance of capturing and sharing knowledge within AEC firms. This "knowledge architecture" empowers teams to leverage past experiences and best practices, leading to improved efficiency and project outcomes.
One particularly intriguing innovation brought by Christopher is their client community of practice for Synthesis intranet teams called KA Community, informally called a "Community AI”, basically a community knowledge pool, generated by all of their clients that opt in to it. They allowed a scenario where anonymized data from multiple firms is pooled together. This collective intelligence is used to refine search accuracy and generate valuable insights that benefit all participants. It's a powerful example of collaboration driving innovation within the AEC industry.
The episode also acknowledges the overwhelming number of new software options vying for attention in the AEC space. Our guest emphasizes the importance of focusing on solutions that offer clear and demonstrable value, not simply the allure of the latest technology or mere fanaticism for innovation.
Christopher concludes with a heartwarming exploration of what truly fosters employee loyalty. Building a company with a clear purpose, offering remote work flexibility, and fostering a sense of shared ownership through employee stock options all rank high on the list. It's a refreshing reminder that treating employees with trust and respect goes a long way in building a strong and dedicated team.
This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in the future of AEC. It provides valuable insights into the growing importance of knowledge management, collaboration, and building a thriving work environment that empowers employees.
About Christopher Parsons, Founder and CEO of Knowledge Architecture
As Founder and CEO of Knowledge Architecture, an AEC Startup that builds software, community, and best practices to help AEC firms evolve and grow, Christopher is responsible for product development and organizational health. Founded in 2009, their flagship software product is Synthesis, an AEC intranet platform that integrates with common industry software like Deltek, Unanet, aec360, Microsoft Dynamics 365, Newforma, and OpenAsset.
As a company, every year they host an annual AEC Event, KA Connect, to highlight knowledge management best practices at architecture and engineering firms, a program composed of roundtables, intranet tours, unconference hangouts, outdoor activities, and plenty of unstructured time to connect, reflect, and recharge in the afternoons.
Christopher has been a technology leader in the AEC industry since 2002, including serving as the Chief Information Officer for Steinberg Architects and the Information Technology Director for SMWM (now Perkins+Will).
Christopher has a degree in History from Wake Forest University. He’s an avid reader, trailrunner, birdwatcher, and cook.
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From Bootstrapping to Building Businesses within Entrepreneurship
Dive into the inspiring journey of James Benham, a serial entrepreneur who's also a bestselling author, TEDx speaker, and host of a top-rated podcast. James takes us from his early days all the way to becoming a successful tech entrepreneur.
In this episode, you'll gain valuable insights on navigating the entrepreneurial path. James delves into the critical decision between VC funding and bootstrapping, drawing wisdom from his acclaimed book "Be Your Own VC." He emphasizes the crucial foundation for any successful business: identifying and solving a significant problem for your customers. James doesn't shy away from the challenges, highlighting the hard work and dedication required to achieve the freedom of pursuing your passion.
But the journey isn't solitary. James reveals the importance of building a dream team – a group of talented individuals who trust and work seamlessly together. He explores the differences between product and service companies, offering strategies for securing recurring revenue and maintaining a laser focus on client needs. Don't get caught up in the "shiny object syndrome," James cautions, emphasizing the importance of staying true to your core problem-solving mission.
Join us for this episode packed with invaluable business, professional, and life experiences from James. Be prepared for an impactful journey that will shape your approach to work, learning, and planning your future success!
About James BenhamCo-founder and CEO of JBKnowledge.
James Benham is the co-founder and CEO of JBKnowledge, a multinational technology and consulting company he’s bootstrapped for over 20 years. From his college dorm room to over 280 employees across the USA, Argentina, and South Africa, he has led JBKnowledge to build industry-leading software for the world's largest insurance companies.
James is also the co-founder of Terra, a disruptive insurance tech product. Terra is a cloud-based claims management software that improves claim outcomes for providers and consumers of Property and Casualty (P&C) insurance.
James is the creator and co-host of the growing and top-rated show, The InsurTech Geek Podcast, where he interviews leading industry experts from some of the most recognized companies in the world.
A passionate bootstrapped entrepreneur, James is the best-selling author of Be Your Own VC: 10 Bootstrapping Principles to Generate Cash and Keep Control, his debut book. In Be Your Own VC, James shares how bootstrapping led his tech company to a multimillion-dollar exit and the freedom to build what they love.
James is a sought-after consultant and speaker at the forefront of innovation in the insurance industry. His bold ideas and love for technology have landed him keynote opportunities at over 400 conference stages including The Future of Insurance USA and TEDx. James has served as an elected city councilman, an adjunct professor at Texas A&M University and currently serves the state of Texas as a Regent on the governing board of Texas Southern University. In his spare time, James pursues many hobbies including flying airplanes, ballroom dancing, playing guitar, singing, and geeking out on tech.
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Hacking the AEC with Smart Connections & Data
This episode of the AEC Trailblazers: The Founders Files dives into the story of Havard Vasshaug, the founder of two impressive startups: Anker and Reope. We'll hear about his path from his early days working in the tech industry after college to his current role leading innovative companies.
Along the way, Havard shares valuable lessons learned throughout his extensive career. He emphasizes the importance of building strong relationships ("pumping into amazing people") from the very beginning. These connections, especially the Bad Monkeys network, he reveals, played a crucial role in his success.
No journey is without its challenges, and Havard doesn't shy away from discussing the difficulties of salesmanship - "the most difficult job on the planet". He'll offer insights into the art of convincing people to invest in your creation.
Fundraising also gets a spotlight. Havard discusses the challenges of securing capital (currently in their second round) and the strategic allocation of those funds to fuel optimal growth for the company.
As a leader, Havard prioritizes fostering a motivated team. He believes that a team united by a shared purpose can achieve anything. He emphasizes the importance of empowering his employees through autonomy, steering clear of micromanagement.
By sharing his experiences as a tech-driven leader in the AEC industry, Havard offers valuable business best practices and leadership strategies that listeners can apply to their own endeavors.
This episode is packed with insights for anyone looking to build a successful career in the tech industry or for those seeking leadership inspiration. Tune in and learn from the inspiring journey of Havard!
About Havard VasshaugFounder of Anker, Reope, and Bad Monkeys
Havard is a prominent figure in the AEC industry, with a unique blend of architectural passion and engineering expertise. Over his 20+ year career, he has held various roles, starting as an engineer and BIM manager, before diving into design technology.
In 2014, Havard's entrepreneurial spirit emerged. He co-founded Bad Monkeys, a network that aimed to revolutionize the AEC industry by promoting visual programming for BIM-native architects and engineers. This network, led by a group of visionary industry leaders, inspired a generation of AEC designers to embrace coding. The impact of Bad Monkeys continues to be felt today, having served as a springboard for over 8 AEC startups. Havard himself has been deeply involved in 3 of them.
In 2014, Havard co-founded Bad Monkeys, a global team of BIM and programming experts dedicated to empowering professionals with custom digital workflows. Building on this success, he co-founded Reope in 2018, a software company where architects and engineers code to develop better tools for AEC projects and processes. He served as CEO of Reope until 2022.
Havard remains actively involved with both Bad Monkeys and Reope as a board member. His entrepreneurial journey continues with Anker, a new startup he co-founded in early 2023. Anker tackles the challenge of low AEC productivity by providing a powerful cloud-based solution for generating, validating, and automating BIM data.
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From Whale of an Idea to Software Giant: The John Walker and AutoCAD StoryThis episode of the AEC Trailblazers: The Founders Files, pays tribute to John Walker, the visionary who founded Autodesk and AutoCAD, the software that transformed design by making it digital and accessible. John, who passed away earlier this year, left an indelible mark on our industry and the way we work every day.
We'll delve into John's life story, from the early days of Autodesk to witnessing its incredible transformation. Back then, this "AEC startup" (though we wouldn't have called it that at the time!) was just a whale of an idea. In 1982, a pivotal trade show moment shifted the company's focus to AutoCAD, sparking a success story fueled by unexpected turns and remarkable adaptation. This agility became the cornerstone of building a software giant.
AutoCAD’s evolution reflects its constant dedication to improvement. From early 2D drafting to 3D modeling, mobile access, and AI integration, the software has consistently stayed relevant, keeping pace with ever-changing design needs.
Join us as we celebrate John's legacy, which lives through the continued development of Autodesk, as well as the impact of his futuristic visions on various fields.
About John Walker, co-founder of AutodeskJohn Walker was an American computer programmer, author, and co-founder of the computer-aided design software company Autodesk. He was later recognized for his writing on his website Fourmilab.
In 1982, John Walker and 12 other programmers pooled US$59,000 to start Autodesk, and began working on several computer applications. The first completed was AutoCAD, a software application for computer-aided design (CAD) and drafting.
The company went public in 1985. By mid-1986, the company had grown to 255 employees with annual sales of over $40 million. That year, Walker resigned as chairman and president of the company, continuing to work as a programmer. In 1989, Walker's book, The Autodesk File, was published. It describes his experiences at Autodesk, based around internal documents (particularly email) of the company.
Walker moved to Switzerland in 1991. By 1994, when he resigned from the company, it was the sixth-largest personal computer software company in the world, primarily from the sales of AutoCAD. Walker owned more than 850,000 shares of Autodesk at the time of his departure.
After Autodesk, John published on his personal domain, "Fourmi Lab". On his Web site, Walker published about his personal projects, including a hardware random number generator called HotBits, along with software that he wrote and freely distributed, such as his Earth and Moon viewer.
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A Story of Lifelong Learning and Business Success in AEC
In this episode of AEC Trailblazers: The Founders Files, we meet industry veteran Steve Dell'Orto. Steve's journey is nothing short of inspiring. He rose from intern to lead one of the largest US general contractors, averaging $5-6 billion annually! Now, he's a successful investor and entrepreneur in the ConTech scene.
Steve shares invaluable insights on career development and business acumen. He emphasizes lifelong learning over simply climbing the corporate ladder. He recounts his transition from the corporate world to the world of venture capital, where his expertise guides investment decisions. Steve focuses on startups solving real problems in the AEC industry with scalable solutions and visionary leadership.
He also discusses his involvement with the "Build by Builders Network," a group of industry veterans aiming to make a significant impact. This network emphasizes customer focus, utilizing a customer advisory board to gather feedback before development begins. Steve believes the most successful companies pay close attention to industry trends and deliver intuitive, user-friendly solutions – think Apple for construction!
Finally, Steve dives into ConCntric, the preconstruction platform that he co-founded and leads. Recognizing the fragmented nature of preconstruction, ConCntric unifies data, people, and processes to transform the industry.
Listen to this episode for exclusive insights you won't find anywhere else. Steve's experience and vision are pure gold for anyone in AEC.
About Steve Dell'Orto, Founder & CEO of ConCntric
Steve Dell’Orto is the founder and CEO of ConCntric, a preconstruction platform that is transforming the fractured preconstruction environment by unifying data, people and processes. ConCntric acts as a single source of truth for all preconstruction stakeholders by providing a dynamic view of the project that ensures a certainty of outcome. As a 26-year construction industry veteran who has lived and breathed the world of delivering preconstruction projects, Steve is uniquely positioned to bring digital transformation to the industry. Steve is the former Executive Officer of one of the largest privately-owned, domestic general contractors in the U.S. with revenues averaging $5-6 billion annually. As the Executive Officer, Steve led the major expansion of his former company’s Western Region including the Northern California and Pacific Northwest division achieving 10x growth and increasing margins by over 40% through a committed focus on selective work acquisition and a more comprehensive preconstruction process. Some of the notable projects completed under Steve’s leadership include the: Golden State Warriors Arena and Development, Salesforce Tower, Facebook’s San Francisco Park Tower, Seattle Convention Center Expansion, Manchester Grand Hyatt, LA County Museum of Art Expansion and the LA Live Development among many others. Steve is committed to leveraging his 30 years in the industry to advance the level of innovation and technological advancement in the real estate and construction sector. In addition to the change he is driving through ConCntric, Steve is an investor and venture partner in several construction-tech focused venture capital funds including Builders VC and Argonautic Ventures. Steve is also an Advisor to eight emerging construction-tech focused startups bringing a wide range of solutions in areas such as autonomy, fintech, work acquisition, change order communication, project communication, marketplaces and artificial intelligence. Since launching ConCntric in 2021, Steve has built a dynamic global team and secured support from strategic and notable investors. Steve and his team are on a mission to make the built world more affordable, predictable and sustainable, and are uniquely positioned to transform the future for the construction and real estate industry.
Steve is married with 2 daughters, one about to go to collage. and 1 dog.
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The Power of Consolidation in a Fragmented Software Industry
This episode of the AEC Trailblazers: The Founders Files features Matt Perrott, a passionate Melbourne surfer and civil engineer turned software guru. Matt co-founded a company with his former boss's boss, proving great ideas can come from anywhere. He shares his journey of launching BuildPass, a construction software business during COVID, tackling the challenge of managing complex construction sites with never-ending communication needs and changing projects.
Dive into Matt's philosophy on entrepreneurship, including his views on balancing resources with client feedback, making decisions out of data, versus following your intuition and gut, and the commercial pros and cons of building features mostly based on client input.
Listen to Matt as he reveals how BuildPass transformed from a safety app into an operating system for construction sites. This cloud-based software streamlines operations by replacing a jumble of traditional apps, emails, and paperwork.
Don't miss Matt's inspiring story and how BuildPass is consolidating the construction tech landscape!
About Matt Perrott
Switching from civil engineering to the software world, Matt has always been fascinated by construction tech. In 2021 along with Aaron Vanston, he co-founded BuildPass, a cloud-based software that helps businesses streamline their operations by replacing traditional apps, emails, and paperwork, serving as an operating system for construction sites. Before BuildPass, Matt worked as a software engineer in tech companies and served as a tutor at the University of Melbourne.
Most of his time is spent with builders and subcontractors brainstorming better ways to manage safety, but when he's not he'll be finding his way to the coast for a surf. His passion for the water has driven him to support as head water polo coach and club captain of the Portsea Surf Life Saving Club.
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