Explorez tous les épisodes du podcast Construction Disrupted
| Titre | Date | Durée | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Transforming Infrastructure - Episode 53 | George Floros | 17 Sep 2024 | 00:38:06 | |
The intersection of digital technology and urban development is paving the way for groundbreaking advancements in infrastructure and energy management. Digital construction is driving significant transformations in ways previously unimaginable. As we move towards smarter, more connected cities, the role of data-driven solutions becomes increasingly crucial in shaping environments that are not only technologically advanced but also deeply attuned to the needs of their communities. Smart cities represent a bold vision for the future—one where technology is leveraged to create more livable, sustainable, and resilient urban spaces. These cities use vast amounts of data to improve everything from energy consumption and transportation to public safety and environmental health. Yet, for smart cities to truly fulfil their promise, they must be designed with a focus on inclusivity and community impact, ensuring that all residents benefit from the technological advancements. But can a smart city truly contribute meaningfully on a global scale to humanity's well-being and sustainability goals? We need to chat to someone who can help us examine these interconnected topics! George Floros is the Associate Director of Digital Construction at AtkinsRealis, leading the Digital Construction strategy across the Nuclear & Power sector. George’s expertise lies on the long-term integration of the GEO and BIM domains (GeoBIM) to realise the digital thread across project lifecycles. George is delivering the Digital Transformation of the AEC industry by leveraging the power of data-driven Digital Twins and Smart Cities. Focusing on holistic integrations with a customer-centric approach, George delivers economic, environmental and social value for all project stakeholders, whilst reducing risk through cross-disciplinary, connected, data-driven solutions. In parallel to all of this, George is pursuing his PhD at the University College London focusing on the integration of GeoBIM for Asset Management. List of Topics - The Potential of a Smart City - Smart Cities and community impact - Can Smart Cities contribute to Net Zero targets - Generating enough power to sustain digital progress - Digital and nuclear build, operations and decommissioning Links Adobe Express 30-day Free Trial: https://prf.hn/l/ZYdd028 Website: https://www.builddifferent.marketing/ Linktree: https://linktr.ee/builddifferent Further Links | |||
| Smart Cities, BIM and the AEC Industry - Episode 52 | Shadan Dwairi | 03 Sep 2024 | 00:32:52 | |
The emergence and potential for data-driven smart cities represent a transformative shift in urban planning and management, leveraging advanced digital technologies to enhance the efficiency, sustainability, and livability of urban environments. At the forefront of this transformation is the integration of a variety of software and hardware, all of which play pivotal roles in shaping how cities are designed, constructed, and operated. It’s the epitome of collaboration digitally. These combined innovative digital solutions aim to meet the evolving demands of modern urban landscapes, improving the way communities interact with their surroundings. As cities continue to grow and evolve, the potential for data-driven strategies to revolutionise urban living has never been more promising. But it is not without its challenges and as the latest meltdown from Microsoft evidences, we’re one line of code away from cities potentially malfunctioning. We need to understand smart cities, the technology behind them and what the future hold a whole lot better, so let's chat with someone who will help us do this! Dr Shadan Dwairi is a Senior BIM and Digital Engineering Consultant at Costain. Prior to becoming a BIM expert, Shadan’s background was in Architectural Engineering covering a variety of projects which included large-scale commercial, educational, residential and hospitality. Fast forward a little and Shadan obtained a PhD in BIM in 2019. As a BIM expert, she has been working on high-profile projects such as the Houses of Parliament and HS2. Her main role is interfacing with clients and understanding their needs to deliver and implement digital strategies that would work for their organisation and requirements. If that wasn’t enough, Shadan is also a Senior Lecturer in Architecture and BIM alongside conducting research for many publications. Her area of expertise is in automation and digitisation, digital transformation in addition to smart BIM, helping her to identify gaps in the industry, and support clients in solving them. List of Topics Covered - The Evolution and Impact of BIM on the AEC Industry - Using BIM on large-scale projects - Digital Transformation and Smart Cities - The Role of Automation Smart Cities - Bridging the Gap Between Academia and Industry Links Adobe Express 30-day Free Trial: https://prf.hn/l/ZYdd028 Website: https://www.builddifferent.marketing/ Linktree: https://linktr.ee/builddifferent Further Links | |||
| Digital Transformations - Episode 43 | Kris Lengieza (Live at Digital Construction Week 24) | 18 Jun 2024 | 00:41:35 | |
Kris Lengiesa is the Global Technology Evangelist at Procore Technologies, bringing a wealth of experience and passion to the intersection of construction and technology and playing a pivotal role in Procore’s product strategy. Previously serving as the VP of Global Partnerships & Alliances, Kris oversaw a diverse ecosystem spanning channel, ISV, public, and association partnerships. His journey began with 15 years in construction, where he embraced technology as an early adopter and now collaborates extensively with industry innovators, tech organisations, and construction companies exploring transformative technologies that promise to revolutionise working processes. In the ever-evolving landscape of construction technology, Kris stands at the forefront, bridging the gap between innovation and practical implementation. His vision? To empower the industry, one groundbreaking solution at a time. With all of Kris's knowledge, in this episode, we uncover what it takes to create true digital transformations. This episode was recorded live at Digital Construction Week, ExCeL, London (https://www.digitalconstructionweek.com/) where I interviewed some of the best and brightest in the built environment, for a revealing look at innovation and technology. Topics Covered - Company and Specialism: Procore's Meteoric Rise - Implementing Technology within Smaller Organisations - Examples of Work: Procore's Positive Impact on Projects - Leveraging Technology for Enhanced Collaboration and Decision Making - Best Practice in Planning for Digital Transformation - What the Future Holds within this Sector/Tech - Finally, we’re here at Digital Construction Week - Give us your thoughts Adobe Express 30-day Free Trial: https://prf.hn/l/ZYdd028 Website: https://www.builddifferent.marketing/ Further Links https://stockanalysis.com/stocks/pcor/revenue/ Mentioned in this episode: Adobe Express 30-day Free Trial Adobe Express 30-day Free Trial: https://prf.hn/l/ZYdd028 | |||
| Digital Adoption - Episode 42 | Ben Huskisson (Live at Digital Construction Week 24) | 11 Jun 2024 | 00:26:30 | |
With 21 years of construction experience in numerous countries including U.A.E, U.K, Australia, India, Sri Lanka and Maldives, Ben Huskisson is a member of the RICS and holds a Bachelor of Science. Currently the Managing Director of Gleeds India since 2010, successfully expanded from 1 office in Bangalore with 20 people to 6 offices across India and with over 300 people today. Today we’re taking a deep dive into data that elevates performance, productivity and profitability. This episode was recorded live at Digital Construction Week, ExCeL, London (https://www.digitalconstructionweek.com/) where I interviewed some of the best and brightest in the built environment, for a revealing look at innovation and technology. Topics Covered - Company and Specialism: Gleeds' Digital Transformation Journey - Why it’s Important for Construction: Unlocking the Power of Digitalisation - Examples of Work: Digital Solutions That Drive Project Success - Building the Right Culture Internally - The Biggest Challenge Currently Facing: Overcoming Barriers to Digital Adoption - Navigating the Future of Construction Technology - Finally, we’re here at Digital Construction Week - Give us your thoughts Adobe Express 30-day Free Trial: https://prf.hn/l/ZYdd028 Website: https://www.builddifferent.marketing/ Further Links Mentioned in this episode: Adobe Express 30-day Free Trial Adobe Express 30-day Free Trial: https://prf.hn/l/ZYdd028 | |||
| AI (Artificial Intelligence) in Construction - Episode 41 | Andrew Knight | 04 Jun 2024 | 00:37:52 | |
In the ever-evolving landscape of construction technology, one innovation stands out as a game-changer: Artificial Intelligence, or AI. Now I could go into the specifics of what is classed as AI, what most class as AI and what platforms are just LLMs (Large Language Models), but I won’t, as the simplification of classing the newest technology that seems to work magic and product something from nothing as Artificial Intelligence works well here in terms of categorisation and a singular point of focus. So let’s not split too many hairs about it here! For all its promise of reshaping how we design, build, and manage construction projects, the majority of us will not have used it beyond creating minimal, basic content or images that don’t quite cut it, yet. Let’s dive into the episode and explore AI’s transformative potential, challenges, and real-world applications. Our expert to guide us through this episode is Andrew Knight, Global Leader and Tech Lead at RICS, where he’s been camped out for the past 13 years and prior to his role in leading the AI, data and tech thought leadership and analytics, Andrew managed RICS’ relationship with the finance and investment community working with debt and equity participants, their advisors in law and accountancy, and regulators. Andrew has also enjoyed a long career in IT starting out by running programs on mainframes using punched cards, and then working through the eras of mini-computers, personal computers, and the internet - and now the world of artificial intelligence, cloud computing, the Internet of Things (IoT) and blockchain. In his current role, Andrew is responsible for AI, data, and tech thought leadership and content development, and the adoption of the RICS Data Standard (RDS) that supports valuation, property measurement, life-cycle costing, building performance, brokerage, and due diligence. Topics Covered - Integration of AI into Construction Processes - Challenges/Risks of Implementing AI - Building Design Innovations - Predictive Maintenance and Asset Management - Ethical and Regulatory Considerations Adobe Express 30-day Free Trial: https://prf.hn/l/ZYdd028 Website: https://www.builddifferent.marketing/ Further Links https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewknight3/ https://www.forbes.com/uk/advisor/business/software/uk-artificial-intelligence-ai-statistics-2023/ https://damassets.autodesk.net/content/dam/autodesk/www/pdfs/ai-infographic-pdf.pdf Mentioned in this episode: Adobe Express 30-day Free Trial Adobe Express 30-day Free Trial: https://prf.hn/l/ZYdd028 | |||
| Digital Construction Week Preview - Episode 40 | Ollie Hughes | 28 May 2024 | 00:25:43 | |
What's better than an event focussing on the built environment? OK, there may be quite a few things but I’m thinking of an event that focuses on the built environment AND new technology! Yes, I am of course talking about DCW (Digital Construction Week). As we are only a few days away from DCW, I’m delighted to get Ollie Hughes back on the podcast. Ollie featured in Episode 15 when discussing tech adoption within the construction industry and now he’s back on to tell us a little bit more about the event he co-founded and grew into one of the leading events for professionals within construction and technology. Topics Covered - Where are you up to with 1 week to go until DCW? - What’s changed from last year? - What are you looking forward to? - The best way for people to get involved? (what to do when visiting) - 2 weeks from now, what will good look like to you? Adobe Express 30-day Free Trial: https://prf.hn/l/ZYdd028 Website: https://www.builddifferent.marketing/ Further Links https://www.digitalconstructionweek.com/ https://www.builddifferent.marketing/podcast/episode/1f3f78b0/tech-adoption-connecting-the-digital-dots-episode-15-or-ollie-hughes | |||
| Building Safety Act - The Need to Knows - Episode 39 | Lorna Hagan | 14 May 2024 | 00:34:09 | |
The Grenfell Tower fire changed everything, but it was a tragedy that not only shouldn’t have occurred but was completely avoidable. In an industry where tight margins and the utilisation of cheaper alternative products to remain competitive can take president, we look forward to today, tomorrow and thereafter to ensure that the safety and integrity of high-rise residential buildings is the non-negotiable, constant and unwavering focus. Enter the Building Safety Act of 2022 — a comprehensive legislative framework designed to overhaul building safety regulations and accountability measures, although we’ve all heard of it, do we really know what it is, what it means and how it will impact the industry? From understanding the Act's core principles to navigating implementation hurdles, it’s an important topic that will affect us all, whether you're a building owner, a construction industry professional, or a resident. I must admit, I don’t know it as well as I should, so we need to chat with someone to help us unpack the complexities, opportunities, and challenges of this landmark legislation. With an ethos and positive approach to collaborative working Lorna Hagan founded ConstructTuition in 2021, providing practical skills training and advice on Quality in the Construction Industry. Lorna’s background in Civil Engineering brings with it 18 years of experience in site engineering and quality management systems, being a certified ISO9001 Lead auditor, and with previous work as Head of Quality, Lorna has managed an annual turnover portfolio of Civil Engineering Projects worth over £200 million. Systematic, practical and logical in her approach, Lorna is primed to give us the lowdown on the Building Safety Act. Topics Covered - Overview of the Building Safety Act - Key Provisions and Responsibilities - Implications for Construction Industry Professionals - Challenges and Implementation Hurdles - Role of Technology in Building Safety Compliance Adobe Express 30-day Free Trial: https://prf.hn/l/ZYdd028 Website: https://www.builddifferent.marketing/ Further Links https://www.linkedin.com/in/lorna-hagan-cqp-7457483a/ https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2022/30/contents/enacted https://www.thefpa.co.uk/news/hse-high-rise-residents-research-shows-fire-safety-knowledge-gaps Mentioned in this episode: Adobe Express 30-day Free Trial Adobe Express 30-day Free Trial: https://prf.hn/l/ZYdd028 | |||
| Maximising Your Event Budget - Episode 38 | Peter Sumpton | 30 Apr 2024 | 00:16:28 | |
There is always a healthy debate around events and exhibitions in terms of cost vs return, especially within construction where one order can make an event lucrative, but on the flipside, a poor exhibition can leave a large dent the marketing budget and a sour taste in the CFOs mouth. Done right, exhibitions can serve as powerful platforms for networking, brand exposure, and knowledge sharing. These opportunities not only facilitate connections with industry peers and potential clients but also offer a stage to showcase innovative solutions and stay abreast of emerging trends. However, harnessing the full potential of these events requires more than just showing up—it demands strategic planning, thoughtful budget allocation, and meticulous execution. No wonder navigating the intricacies of event management and budgeting can be daunting. As we’ve mentioned, the financial investment associated with these events alone necessitates a keen focus on maximising impact while minimising the additional costs that can soon make an estimated budget look like pocket change compared to the overall cost. Additional elements such as marketing materials, travel expenses, and staff resources as well as exhibition space and stand design and builds need to translate into tangible returns, whether in the form of leads generated, partnerships, or brand recognition (side note - make sure you quantify what a good return looks like before investing a penny as it doesn’t always mean leads)! The challenge of optimising event budgets and quantifying their impact is one that resonates with most who have been put in charge of project managing the whole thing. It's a tricky conundrum that requires careful consideration of various factors, from selecting the right events to attend to crafting compelling messaging and experiences that resonate with your target audience. So, how can we ensure that we're making the most of our event budgets? How can we stand out in a crowded marketplace and leave a lasting impression, reach our goals and exceed all expectations? These are the questions we'll explore in today's episode where we'll delve into four actionable tactics designed to help you maximise your budget and amplify your impact at events. Let's dive in and uncover the secrets to unlocking the full potential of your event budget. Topics Covered - Map out your calendar of construction industry events - Elevating your expertise - Planning for deeper engagement - Extending your reach - Strength in numbers - The end of the event ISN’T the end of the event Adobe Express 30-day Free Trial: https://prf.hn/l/ZYdd028 Website: https://www.builddifferent.marketing/ Further Links https://www.builddifferent.marketing/post/2-wenty-ways-to-collaborate-that-benefit-you-and-the-rest-of-the-construction-industry https://www.builddifferent.marketing/podcast/episode/1fabcb3b/collaborative-working-in-construction-episode-28-or-peter-sumpton Mentioned in this episode: Adobe Express 30-day Free Trial Adobe Express 30-day Free Trial: https://prf.hn/l/ZYdd028 | |||
| UK Construction Week (UKCW) 24 Preview - Episode 37 | Peter Sumpton | 16 Apr 2024 | 00:18:46 | |
I spent last year covering some of the best (and not so best) events and exhibitions within the UK Construction space - You can find my reviews on my YouTube channel (link in the show notes as ever). So this year, instead of creating the reviews, I thought I’d try my hand at previewing - First up, UK Construction Week. For anyone who doesn't know what UKCW is all about, it’s the biggest exhibition within the UK construction space in the UK - a hub of innovation, collaboration, and industry insights as well as event sponsors and paying exhibitors gaining great exposure from being part of it. With thousands of exhibitors, seminars, and networking opportunities, it's a great platform for staying ahead of the curve in our ever-evolving field. So, why are we dedicating an entire episode to previewing UKCW 2024? Well, there's a lot to cover. From the latest technologies shaping the future of construction to initiatives and legislations driving change within the industry. Need to knows, must knows, who knows! Well hopefully we all do after this episode. From the seminars not to be missed to exhibitors that are worth a visit, I’ll be giving you an unbiased run-through of UK Construction Week 2024… That’s enough introing, time to get stuck into the details. Topics Covered - What's new for UKCW 24 - Exhibitors not to be missed - Seminar and talks selection - Who’s worth listening to? - Product demos - A few unknowns to think about Adobe Express 30-day Free Trial: https://prf.hn/l/ZYdd028 Website: https://www.builddifferent.marketing/ Further Links https://www.ukconstructionweek.com/ https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCi0WMMtVLdtX4sZ4Eu6vaQw Mentioned in this episode: Adobe Express 30-day Free Trial Adobe Express 30-day Free Trial: https://prf.hn/l/ZYdd028 | |||
| Exoskeleton Technology - Episode 36 | Meghan Kennelly | 09 Apr 2024 | 00:32:12 | |
In 1991 Terminator 2: Judgment day was released, the eagerly anticipated sequel to the first film. On its release, we were all treated to the latest in CGI technology, cyborgs and other robots n’shit. Over 30 years later, we still hear murmurings that the robots are going to kill us all and that one day AI will become smarter than us and destroy the modern world. And that’s where we’ll pause these yet-to-be-realised predictions and focus on the now and possibly the most advanced piece of kit we’ve ever featured on Construction Disrupted – Exoskeleton technology and while innovations like this may not be picking up any Academy Awards real soon, they are helping to transform the way we work and what is and might be possible in the future. But I’m not here to tell these tales, we need an expert in this field who can write the script and deliver a best seller. Meghan Kennelly, the Head of Global Marketing at German Bionic, a European robotics company, is a B2B Marketing expert with an innate passion for cutting-edge technology. Meghan’s visionary leadership has led to German Bionic gaining international recognition and numerous awards for its portfolio of smart power suits and wearable technologies which includes connected exoskeletons driven by self-learning and artificial intelligence. Topics Covered - The specifics behind exoskeleton technology - Is this a skills shortage saviour? - How exoskeletons can help reduce injuries in the workplace - Ergonomic data reshaping workplace safety - Is there an ROI for everyone? - AI tech and how this impacts future markets Adobe Express 30-day Free Trial: https://prf.hn/l/ZYdd028 Website: https://www.builddifferent.marketing/ Further Links https://empathyfirm.com/Meghan-Kennelly/ https://amtrustfinancial.com/blog/loss-control/exoskeleton-and-exosuits-in-the-workplace https://costcharts.com/exoskeleton/ Mentioned in this episode: Adobe Express 30-day Free Trial Adobe Express 30-day Free Trial: https://prf.hn/l/ZYdd028 | |||
| Sales and Marketing BS - Episode 35 | Andy Hamer | 02 Apr 2024 | 00:44:35 | |
Today's episode promises to be an eye-opener as we explore the often-overlooked synergy between sales and marketing two-bed fellows cut from the same cloth but at different ends of the table…. usually. In an industry where precision and collaboration are paramount, the integration of sales and marketing functions holds the potential to be a game-changer. Yet, despite their inherent alignment towards common goals, these two pillars of business strategy often operate in silos within construction, missing out on the powerful impact they could achieve together. Think about it: marketing lays the groundwork, crafting compelling narratives, and creating brand visibility, opening doors, while sales is on the front line, nurturing relationships and closing deals. When these forces unite seamlessly, the result is a formidable alliance that not only drives revenue but also fosters long-term growth and sustainability. So why does this powerful combination remain elusive to many, especially within the construction industry? How can we reduce the possibility of failure and look to almost certain success? Throughout this episode, we'll walk through the answers to these questions, exploring the nuances of sales-marketing integration within the unique landscape of construction. From cultural shifts to technological innovations, we'll examine the factors shaping this paradigm and uncover actionable insights that can empower us to succeed in today's competitive marketplace. But who is our guiding light here? Andy Hamer is the Chief Executive Officer and Founder of Gorilla Team Associates, specialising in fractional sales and marketing for B2B tech firms and startups, spanning hardware, networking, services, and SaaS, shaping innovative go-to-market strategies, addressing the needs of emerging startups and global corporations. Throughout an expansive 40-year career, Andy has secured esteemed senior management and board positions in renowned firms, including Marconi, Strategic Analytics, Equant, Informa, Wongs Electronics, and Bentley Systems. More recently, he’s delved into Architecture, Engineering and Construction, working at senior and board levels at institutions like Codebook, XYZ Reality, and Archdesk. Andy has a BA (Hons) in Marketing Engineering, is a certified BIM Information Manager and authored a book on structured data management in BIM as well be achieving the status; Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Marketing (FCIM). Topics Covered - Getting market-ready - The terminology trap - How can we reduce the chance of failure? - Why it should always be sales AND marketing - #1 myth in marketing (I’ll let you decide this one) Adobe Express 30-day Free Trial: https://prf.hn/l/ZYdd028 Website: https://www.builddifferent.marketing/ Further Links https://blog.hubspot.com/marketing/inbound-marketing-glossary-list | |||
| Digitising Temporary Works - Episode 34 | Ste Baldwin | 26 Mar 2024 | 00:24:11 | |
It’s easy, as humans, to focus on the end goal, what we set out to achieve and whether we’ve achieved this or fallen short. It’s the same in construction, be it remedial works or a new build there is always an end goal in mind. It’s easy to forget the peripheral, the support functions, the necessary ones that will help achieve this end goal but will not be around to share in the glory. Take temporary works, for example, a critical lynchpin in any construction project and one that keeps us all safe and supported in the right areas at the right time. But how safe and supported will we be going forward with more manual and traditional methods of design and implementation still being used? We’re about to find out. Ste Baldwin has worked in the world of marketing for over 15 years including Education, Recruitment, Accountancy, Wholesale and Construction and Engineering, 6 of which have been as Head of Marketing and Comms within the Temporary Works sector of the construction industry prior to transferring to his current role as Category Marketing Manager - Below Ground at Mabey Hire he has spent the last 6 years within the engineering and service excellence space of temporary works. Topics Covered - Traditional methods of temporary works project design. - Introducing to EVE. - Is it worth a client's investment vs traditional methods? - Transition from on-screen to on-site. - Using VR. - Future of technology within the temporary works industry. Adobe Express 30-day Free Trial: https://prf.hn/l/ZYdd028 Website: https://www.builddifferent.marketing/ Further Links https://www.mabeyhire.co.uk/technical-hub https://www.mabeyhire.co.uk/about-us/eve Mentioned in this episode: Adobe Express 30-day Free Trial Adobe Express 30-day Free Trial: https://prf.hn/l/ZYdd028 | |||
| Future Technology in Construction - Episode 51 | James Garner | 20 Aug 2024 | 00:46:32 | |
As AI continues to revolutionise various sectors, its impact on construction is particularly noteworthy, presenting both significant opportunities and challenges. One fundamental question that we never seem to get around to talking about is whether AI, as commonly understood, truly exists in practical applications today. We talk a good game, but are we talking about the right game? And even if we are, we still need to consider how this game is constructed, as any successful deployment of AI is reliant on who is using it and what already exists, the data within construction and its cleanliness and reliability and whether are we truly ready to learn how to apply these tools effectively? For those who feel they are primed to implement AI solutions right now, it’s important we don’t just go gung-ho here and we carefully consider the practicalities, ethics and pitfalls of doing so, and we’re doing this to solve problems rather than just doing the do! If you haven’t heard of the paperclip hypothesis, you’re in for a treat! But before we get that all of this, we’re in for a real treat as I introduce our guest today. James Garner is an accomplished data leader in the construction industry, which all started with his university dissertation on data and digitalisation in the construction sector followed by being elected as a Fellow of RICS for his significant writing contributions to the RICS Black Book technical standards back in 2012. In 2020, James took up the challenge of becoming Head of Insights and Analytics at Gleeds, an opportunity that allowed him to further his skillset and qualify as a data analyst in 2022, launching the company's data analytics and research capabilities. Today, James leads Gleeds' Global Data, Insights, and Analytics department, with a focus on business intelligence, project intelligence, data literacy, and data maturity and has been elected as chair of the Project Data Analytics Taskforce as well as being nominated as one of the Top 100 People in Data 2023 by Data IQ. And if you haven’t already, check out James's weekly newsletter and podcast called ProjectFlux, the link to which is in the show notes. Topics Covered - Does AI actually exist? - Do we have enough ‘clean’ data in construction to use AI effectively? - Learning to use AI practically (how should we do this)? - Advice for deploying AI in construction right now - AI and the paperclip hypothesis Adobe Express 30-day Free Trial: https://prf.hn/l/ZYdd028 Website: https://www.builddifferent.marketing/ Further Links | |||
| Utilising Power BI - Episode 33 | Samuel Arsenault-Brassard | 19 Mar 2024 | 00:37:05 | |
In an era where every nail hammered, every beam placed, and every brick laid can be augmented by technology, Power BI emerges as a beacon of efficiency and insight. From project management to resource allocation, from cost estimation to risk mitigation, this robust business intelligence tool has been making waves across the construction sector, revolutionising the way projects are planned, executed, and managed. This software also does the improbable and starts to integrate the supply chain, converting seemingly unrelated sources of data into coherent and interactive visualisations assisting architects with conceptual visualisations, project managers who strive for better insights and contractors aiming to optimise operations. But this is only the case if we have the skills and abilities to use this type of software at our disposal. So do we? And if we do, is Power BI the one and only platform that can help us achieve greater integration and collaboration at a digital level, empowering decision-makers to navigate the complexities of construction projects with clarity and confidence? We need to chat with someone who will help us uncover the insights and best practices that can propel construction towards greater efficiency, productivity, and ultimately, success. Samuel Arsenault-Brassard, Head of Product at VIM AEC, is an authority in BIM data analysis and PowerBI auditing. A dynamic force in architectural innovation and digital artistry, he has carved a niche in blending physical and virtual realms. As a BIM expert, his work spans from the practical aspects of architectural technology to the creative arenas of lighting design and XR art. In the realm of digital art, he is a recognised XR artist and curator, with works displayed at various galleries and his presentations on topics like Metaverse architecture, coupled with his art shows, illustrates his commitment to exploring and shaping the intersection of technology, art, and architecture. Topics Covered - The importance of managing and utilising data. - Power BI and VIM. - Visualisation, analysis, output, etc (what does good look like)? - Do we need to up-skill to maximise the success of these tools? - Space for all system-integrated software or do we need a unified approach? - AI, Metaverse and the future. Adobe Express 30-day Free Trial: https://prf.hn/l/ZYdd028 Website: https://www.builddifferent.marketing/ Further Links https://cloud.vimaec.com (Cloud Service) https://www.asite.com/blogs/what-is-the-most-important-data-to-track-on-construction-projects https://www.citb.co.uk/media/dfuom4ma/ai_and_automation_report.pdf | |||
| Geospatial Solutions - Episode 32 | Stuart Gilling | 12 Mar 2024 | 00:40:58 | |
If you’re going to host a podcast, make sure you always cover subjects you know something about so that you can engage with your guests and make sure you don’t look the fool when asking questions or inviting healthy debate. Well, let’s try something different this week and go with a topic I know very little about, even though we touched upon it in episode 25, Capturing Reality with Derek Lawrence. This week we’re looking into the world of Geospatial Solutions and whether it’s just for the big ass projects we're accustomed to hearing about via our fav construction media (aside from the podcast of course) or if there’s wider scope here, where this type of technology is accessible and affordable for most and usable on projects both large and small. Now I’m being slightly flippant in that most (and I’m including myself in this ‘most’) have heard of the likes of Google Earth and projects such as Earth 2, which could be categorised within the Geospatial sphere, but from a construction perspective, these don’t offer the sector-specific solutions we need within construction. To put it simply, we need to chat with someone who knows what they are talking about! Stuart Gilling is the Managing Director of Malcolm Hughes, geospatial consultants specialising in the capture and processing of measured data in all environments. Stuart also bares the title of MRICS Chartered Surveyor - Geospatial solutions and consulting - RICS Registered Expert Witness specialising in boundary dispute resolution. Prior to this, Stuart initially managed the CAD production team and was instrumental in the adoption of BIM across the business and the adoption of UAV (drone) services. With 17 years’ experience in the geospatial profession, he also completed a Management and Logistics degree followed by a Masters in Business Administration, becoming a member of the Chartered Institute of Civil Engineering Surveyors in 2006! Topics Covered - What is Geospatial Analysis? - The tech behind it - What do you need to get started vs detailed large-scale projects. - PUMA128 (PAS128 Utility Mapping Accreditation) - Potential commoditisation of the industry v bespoke solutions. - Growth Opportunities. Adobe Express 30-day Free Trial: https://prf.hn/l/ZYdd028 Website: https://www.builddifferent.marketing/ Further Links Mentioned in this episode: Adobe Express 30-day Free Trial Adobe Express 30-day Free Trial: https://prf.hn/l/ZYdd028 | |||
| Healthy Buildings, Healthy Minds - Episode 31 | William Stewart | 05 Mar 2024 | 00:41:43 | |
You are what you eat. Not literally true, but technically, yes. Bad eating habits are just one way to get yourself into ill health, but not the only way. We could all reel off the things that are good for us and those that are classed as bad, from food to the amount you sleep, the exercise you do, what you drink, the content you consume and even the company you keep. There is one factor that doesn’t roll off the tongue however, I’m taking out our environment and the buildings we utilise for work, rest or play. We spend around 90% of our time indoors and even when we’re outside this can be made up of commuting, taxiing or doing general life administration such as shopping. Even then we’re still within an environment we’ve created, there is simply no getting away from it. Yet we pay little attention to how this may be impacting our health and wellbeing. It’s about time we did, so, fortunately, our guest today knows just how much the built environment can affect our health. Will Stewart is a WELL Accredited Professional (AP) and Chartered Commercial Property Surveyor working as a Health and Well-Being Consultant at Ekkist. Will previously worked in property investment and development for 6 years, has an MSc from the Bartlett School of Sustainable Construction and now specialises in advising developers as well as contributing to a RICS document on how to create places which positively impact the health and well-being of the occupants. Currently, Will is advising on the implementation of a health and well-being strategy on market-leading office spaces across London as well as managing a WELL standard application for several London Co-living schemes. Topics Covered - What is a Health and Wellbeing Consultant? - The impact our built environment has on our health. - The key aspects of a healthy building. - 'The Design, Delivery and Management of Healthy Buildings’ guide; its importance and main takeaways. - Ensuring buildings are healthy through certifications. - Looking at the future of healthy buildings. Adobe Express 30-day Free Trial: https://prf.hn/l/ZYdd028 Website: https://www.builddifferent.marketing/ Further Links https://www.opinium.com/brits-spend-90-of-their-time-indoors/ https://9foundations.forhealth.org/ https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/green-building-materials-market-expected-/ | |||
| The 3 Step Marketing Plan - Episode 30 | Peter Sumpton | 27 Feb 2024 | 00:32:51 | |
3 Step Marketing Plan Template Link: https://www.builddifferent.marketing/post/3-steps-to-implementing-a-basic-integrated-marketing-plan In today's fast-paced and interconnected business landscape, a well-coordinated marketing approach is essential for success in the UK construction industry. An integrated marketing plan brings together various tactics to create a harmonious and impactful brand presence, but most start-ups, founders, SMEs and even larger organisations can find it hard to rationalise the time it takes to create a successful marketing plan. Crazy I know! By following these steps, you will create a basic marketing plan that will enable you to streamline your efforts, enhance brand visibility, increase sales activation and create a compelling narrative that resonates with your target audience - sounds a lot I know, but if you’re starting from scratch developing this plan will help to achieve these fundamentals for business success, short and long-term. Note: Things that this guide doesn’t cover where the presumption is these are already in place or will be. If any of these aren’t yet sorted it’s best to get clarity prior to mapping out your next marketing plan: 1 Budget confirmed/understood 2 Analysis of any marketing plan output 3 Resources and capabilities are available 4 A level of marketing competency for understanding basic principles and theory There is a bank of blank templates at the back of this ebook that will help you complete each stage of this plan. We’re the gift that keeps on giving right? Probably want to know what these steps are right? Topics Covered Step 1: Diagnosis - Understanding The Landscape Step 2: Strategy - Crafting a Unified Vision Step 3: Tactics - Executing Your Plan Adobe Express 30-day Free Trial: https://prf.hn/l/ZYdd028 Website: https://www.builddifferent.marketing/ 3 Step Marketing Plan Template Link https://www.builddifferent.marketing/post/3-steps-to-implementing-a-basic-integrated-marketing-plan Mentioned in this episode: Adobe Express 30-day Free Trial Adobe Express 30-day Free Trial: https://prf.hn/l/ZYdd028 | |||
| Marketing in a Tech Start-Up - Episode 29 | Garrett Chamberlain | 20 Feb 2024 | 00:59:07 | |
When you’ve been in marketing as long as I have there are a number of topics that crop up over and over again. Lack of resources limiting what can be done, difficulty targeting decision-makers and the most common topic - what to do on a limited budget. Regardless of budget, you can still make your marketing work for you, as long as you are realistic with your expectations. Entering the market on a small budget and expecting to achieve the reach of a tech giant will only lead to disappointment. But this doesn’t mean you can’t achieve realistic goals to your size and scale. You just need to work that little bit harder at the start to understand your market, and the most efficient channels and of course, be creative. One company that does this particularly well and you could say has been bootstrapping their marketing since they started is SymTerra (I’ve mentioned them before on the podcast as they are currently one of my favs when discussing tech within construction). I’m also a fan of how they go about their marketing. Everyone seems to get stuck into it. It’s fun, engaging, doesn’t take itself too seriously, always has a CTA (call to action) and is so typically them - from Dinosaurs at events to using Chat GPT to create fictional rage on a construction site, their marketing is simple, but is it effective? The only way to find out is to look internally and who better to talk us through this than Garrett Chamberlain, Operations Manager who was behind one post that generated 8.9 million views and half a million likes on a YouTube short - but this kind of virality doesn’t equal success or does it? Since launching in March 2021, SymTerra has built a client portfolio that includes £5bn worth of construction and infrastructure projects for Thames Water, to Transport for London and closed its $1.7million seed investment round in 2022. Garrett’s background is unique transitioning from Traffic Marshal to entrepreneur, swapping construction sites for websites. Throughout this journey, Garrett has gained hands-on experience, honing his skills in Health, Safety, Quality, and Environmental management, but instead of taking a cushy little number he decided to make a move and joined SymTerra as a Founding Team member and Operations Manager, bringing his expertise and unique perspective to the tech industry. Topics Covered - How does a H&S advisor find his way into (in my opinion) one of the most exciting tech start-ups in construction? - Convincing those above AND those on the ground (plus supply chain) - Challenges around integration with other technologies and keeping up with the pace of change - We chat about SymTerra's marketing output :) - Making the practical, unglamorous tech look (sexy) appealing - How much is it about the people behind the tech? Adobe Express 30-day Free Trial: https://prf.hn/l/ZYdd028 Website: https://www.builddifferent.marketing/ Further Links | |||
| Collaborative Working in Construction - Episode 28 | Peter Sumpton | 13 Feb 2024 | 00:19:34 | |
Thought it was about time I jumped back behind the mic for a solo episode, been a while hasn’t it? But this episode has been sparked by the previous 20 or so guests who have given up their valuable time to chat about topics and news that are disrupting the industry. With this in mind, I wanted to turn your attention to the one thing that connects all of this together, that binds the market together and, in my mind, is the only true route towards a more sustainable industry. Call it what you will, building partnerships, collaborative working or helping each other, the construction industry relies on strong connections to get things done - I’m talking about working together as a more cohesive unit to get sh* (stuff) done. So in this episode, I’m going to share my top 20 ways to collaborate that will benefit you and the rest of the construction industry. By this I mean I’m not covering the more obvious contractor/sub-contractor type relationship, we’re focusing on reciprocal gains rather than direct payments for services. Aside from this podcast, I’m building a network, a database if you will, of individuals and organisations that genuinely want to build a collaborative industry by getting involved in each other's projects. And we’d like you to be part of it! Here’s what you have to do: Step 1: Go to the website (link is in the show notes): https://www.builddifferent.marketing/become-collaborative-partner Step 2: Complete the form and click submit. Step 3: You’re done actually. Nice1. We're always on the lookout for amazing people and amazing companies to join this collaborative effort. So, do something amazing and sign up! There is also another link in the show notes to a blog post that compliments this episode so check it out if reading stuff off a screen is more your thing. Now with that out of the way, let’s get into this episode. Here are my top 20 ways to collaborate, that benefit you and the rest of the construction industry. Topics Covered 1 Joint Content Creation 2 Podcasts and Webinars 3 Cross-Promotion on Social Media 4 Guest Blogging 5 Infographics 6 Co-branded Marketing Collateral 7 Thought Leadership Panels 8 Networking Events 9 Workshops 10 Market Research, Industry Reports and Surveys 11 E-books 12 Trade Shows and Exhibitions 13 Joint Press Releases/Case Studies 14 Social Media Takeovers 15 Cross-Industry Collaborations 16 Resource Sharing 17 Community/Local Business Engagement Projects 18 Knowledge Sharing 19 Training and Skills Development 20 Industry-wide Data Analytics Adobe Express 30-day Free Trial: https://prf.hn/l/ZYdd028 Website: https://www.builddifferent.marketing/ Further Links https://www.builddifferent.marketing/become-collaborative-partner Mentioned in this episode: Adobe Express 30-day Free Trial Adobe Express 30-day Free Trial: https://prf.hn/l/ZYdd028 | |||
| The Importance of BIM - Episode 27 | Paul Wilkinson | 06 Feb 2024 | 00:36:14 | |
Within the ever-expanding world of technology, there is one process that is a constant, it can sometimes feel like it is the only way to create that single source of truth which most tech needs to function and more organisations need to successfully deliver projects. I am of course talking about BIM (Building Information Modelling) and even though it has been around in theory since the 1970’s it wasn’t until the 80’s that BIM as we know it now started to become the software we used today, which is quite a lengthy period of time for technology to advance and with these advances came more sophisticated ways of utilising BIM as a tool within construction with the only real ceiling being the computer power we can place behind it. It would be foolish of us not to cover BIM in some detail here due to its importance. So we need someone who knows a thing or two about it. Our guest today Paul Wilkinson, who has been working in construction industry marketing and PR for over 30 years and has become a leading authority on the use of construction collaboration technology platforms. What started out as a temporary job has lasted (in various guises) over the last three decades. Writing about construction IT, Paul produced a guide on website development for Construct IT in 2000, and has contributed technology chapters to several books on construction business development, collaborative working, and e-business in construction, leading to the release of his own book - Construction Collaboration Technologies: The Extranet Evolution in 2005. More recently Pauls’ experience has focused on SaaS, Web 2.0 and BIM as well as public speaking and lecturing, and is the vice-chair of nima (formerly the UK BIM Alliance). Topics Covered - Why is BIM at the heart of most construction technological advancements? - Industry-wide transition from traditional to BIM - The implementation of BIM - 3D, 4D, 5D…. 6D? - Emerging trends and tech Adobe Express 30-day Free Trial: https://prf.hn/l/ZYdd028 Website: https://www.builddifferent.marketing/ Further Links nima https://wearenima.im/events-calendar/nima-virtual-spring-conference-20243/ Others http://extranetevolution.com/about-paul-wilkinson/ https://www.construction-europe.com/news/bim-a-game-changing-technology-/8015162.article https://www.thenbs.com/knowledge/bim-dimensions-3d-4d-5d-6d-bim-explained | |||
| Digital Transformation - Episode 26 | Henry Fenby-Taylor | 30 Jan 2024 | 01:04:40 | |
Transverse, diverse, universe, metaverse, versatile. Odd way to start I know, but for most there doesn’t seem to be a solidified answer to what the metaverse is. Ask most people and they will say that the metaverse is a mere extension of what Facebook is developing—a misconception that it's "Facebook on steroids." This could not be further from the truth and in this episode, we’ll uncover the true potential of the metaverse within the construction sector and how it holds the promise of reshaping the industry in profound and exciting ways. Before we do that we need to take a step back and look at the broader picture here in terms of construction and digital transformation. Where do we start with this kind of change that can present a plethora of opportunities for innovation, collaboration, and positive transformations within construction? I suppose we better start by meeting the chap who will help us through answering this question and more. Our guest today, Henry Fenby-Taylor founded his company, Athenophilia (the love of wisdom) in 2019 after a diverse professional career of 19 years writing books, delivering digital twins, information management, innovation, research and providing science communication. As the former Head of Information Management for the Centre for Digital Built Britain, he brings with him a breadth of experience from research to implementation that includes everything from getting his hands dirty on projects to leading programmes of work for clients. Henry has also worked as a digital consultant working on diverse projects in sectors from Nuclear to Water. Henry is also a firm believer in the power of entrepreneurialism and innovation to solve many of the problems facing the built environment today and that this innovation can help deliver greater sustainability and profitability. Topics Covered - Where to start with digital transformation - The digital selection box - getting it right - The path to successful innovation implementation - Change environments within a company - Examples that include the Metaverse - Rules and regs (especially with AI) - do we need them? Adobe Express 30-day Free Trial: https://prf.hn/l/ZYdd028 Website: https://www.builddifferent.marketing/ Further Links https://www.futurebuild.co.uk/speaker/henry-fenby-taylor-athenophilia-ltd/ https://www.cdbb.cam.ac.uk/AboutCDBB/directory/henry-fenby-taylor | |||
| Capturing Reality - Episode 25 | Derek Lawrence | 23 Jan 2024 | 00:45:06 | |
A picture is worth a thousand words was a statement invented by an advertising executive, Fred R. Barnard in 1921. We’ve come a little bit further than static images in the one hundred and two years since then, with technological advancements within both digital and imagery. 3D is now a reality, virtual walk-thoughts are possible and project management (what was once lines on a spreadsheet) can be brought to life in a visual presentation backed by data. There are so many visual tools available it’s difficult to keep track and with the exponential growth and development in AI, this doesn’t look like stopping. We’re just beginning. This is not to say that all of them will stand the test of time, history tells us that the cream will always rise to the top, even when there is little competition - think Betamax v VHS, HD DVD v BluRay or Playstation and Xbox still battling it out. But how does this happen? Is it simply survival of the fittest, the best tech wins out? Or do we look to the experts to make these types of decisions for us and we follow? Within construction, it is never that simple as one size never fits all. So what we tend to rely on are people who know more about the tech than we do, people who can spot the good from the bad in terms of what is right for a particular organisation and for particular scenarios. This is where today's guest joins the party. We’re joined by Derek Lawrence, a Chartered Building Services Engineer and Reality Capture Consultant, with experience in the the design and operation of the built environment. Derek advises organisations on the benefits and practical implementation of reality capture, AR (Augmented reality), VR (virtual reality) and photogrammetry technologies. Derek, in his own words is ‘absorbed with the idea that reality capture will positively impact the way we design and shape our built environment’ and as you can imagine Derek has a wide and deep understanding of evolving digital tools and techniques that will improve the way we design, procure, build, operate and decommission our built environment. But we can go a little further than this as Derek is equally interested in the artistic 'misuse' of technology, providing a 'what's the point in this technology' approach to his work, or as Derek likes to summarise ‘I play with technology’. Topics Covered - What is photogrammetry - The technology behind it and barriers to entry - The process from onsite to end result - Reality capture - Looks cool, but what’s the point? - The mundane examples and the beneficial ones Adobe Express 30-day Free Trial: https://prf.hn/l/ZYdd028 Website: https://www.builddifferent.marketing/ Further Links https://www.ukconstructionweek.com/speakers/derek-lawrence https://www.iwfm.org.uk/community/events/the-digital-twin-journey-series-part-two.html | |||
| Building Health - Episode 24 | Becky Valentine | 16 Jan 2024 | 00:46:35 | |
When it comes to our own physical and mental health it’s always a good idea to engage and talk to others about what should we be doing, who can help us and what steps need to be taken to achieve our goals. Buildings don’t have this luxury (well that was a step change I didn’t see coming), they rely on us to build them and keep them upright, in shape, and healthy. But these buildings and our surrounding environments have a huge impact on us, both mentally and physically, regardless of age or ability. We hear a lot about how we build, maintain and demolish our buildings but not a lot about how these structures and the way they are built and maintained can help or hinder us. This is crazy when you think about the amount of time we spend in them, be it working, eating, sleeping or relaxing. From the air quality, lighting, noise, moisture, heating, ventilation and safety there is much to be considered in the makeup of a healthy building. So let’s chat with someone that knows about this kinda stuff. Becky Valentine is one of East Midland’s leading Sustainability and Building Health consultants, supporting and advising businesses, schools and charities in improving their sustainability, wellbeing and performance. Becky is the co-owner of Spenbeck, with over 10 years of experience in sustainability and building health, helping a range of clients embed sustainability and climate change mitigation across their operations, with particular expertise on governance, culture and policy to optimise engagement and achieve ESG targets. Complemented by her former teaching career and current role as Associate Lecturer in Sustainability at Nottingham Trent University, Becky’s expertise is repeatedly sought after for high-profile expert panels, keynote speeches, podcasts and feature articles, including with the UN Global Compact UK Network and UK Construction Week. Topics Covered - The importance of building health for the industry, workers and those that inhabit them - The process of changing a physical working environment - Consideration for building age, style and type - What can we learn from older buildings to help us in the future - Technology that is facilitating your work Adobe Express 30-day Free Trial: https://prf.hn/l/ZYdd028 Website: https://www.builddifferent.marketing/ Further Links https://standard.wellcertified.com/well https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/why-sustainable-office-design-key-improving/ | |||
| Digital Twins - Episode 50 | Anand Mecheri (Live at Digital Construction Week 24) | 06 Aug 2024 | 00:26:51 | |
Anand Mecheri is the co-founder and CEO of Invicara, the company behind the industry’s first fully composable digital twin platform, Twinit. With more than 30 years of entrepreneurial experience in building ventures involving enterprise software, solutions, and services, with a proven track record of envisioning, bootstrapping, scaling and creating value in start-ups in the smart building space (all acquired by Siemens, where he previously worked at the building technologies division global headquarters in Switzerland for 2 years), Anand is as thought leader on Digital Twin concepts and technologies and I’m delighted to have him here on the podcast. You're going to be hard-pushed to find someone who can answer the key questions about digital twins, the benefits of utilising this technology and how we can overcome the challenges of knowledge and acceptance which can stifle the successful integration of technology within the industry. This episode was recorded live at Digital Construction Week, ExCeL, London (https://www.digitalconstructionweek.com/) where I interviewed some of the best and brightest in the built environment, for a revealing look at innovation and technology. Topics Covered - Company and Specialism: Twinit's Journey to Pioneering Digital Twin Applications - Transforming Construction Operations with Digital Twins - Examples of Work: Twinit's Impact and Empowering Clients and Projects - The Benefits of Digital Twins Aside from the Actual Build - The Challenge of Knowledge and Acceptance Levels of Digital Twins - Navigating the Future of Digital Twins - Finally, we’re here at Digital Construction Week - Give us your thoughts Links Adobe Express 30-day Free Trial: https://prf.hn/l/ZYdd028 Website: https://www.builddifferent.marketing/ Further Links | |||
| Packaging Problems - Episode 23 | Roger Wright | 09 Jan 2024 | 00:56:31 | |
When we analyse the construction industry, we often focus on the building cost. However, the true cost of inefficiencies, rework and waste is frequently underestimated. In episode 9 we spoke to Caner and Jayan from Gamma AR and how augmented reality can help to reduce some of these reoccurring problems. But what about the tangible, construction is all about the tangible right? The physical products, the fabric of a build and everything that goes on inside it, where do these products come from? What are they made up of? Where will they end up? From raw materials to onsite waste there is a lot to consider here. According to the CPA (Construction Products Association) in 2018 the UK produced 68 million tonnes of construction and demolition waste of which 5 million tonnes was sent to landfill. While the bigger picture will always focus on the actual product this intro has covered, today I want to turn your attention to the periphery and parts of a product's make-up we don’t generally discuss – The packaging. Let’s unwrap this. Roger Wright is the Waste Strategy & Packaging Manager at Biffa, bringing his retail experience to the construction industry, more specifically bringing his experience into waste management. By developing this unique service Roger looks to help businesses think differently about the packaging they consume and become more circular in their approach, Roger designs out the materials they don’t need and implements the scalable alternatives they do. It’s almost counter-intuitive as doing this will invariably reduce the waste created and therefore required to be managed but certainly a strategy that Biffa and Roger believe is the right one. Topics Covered - Is plastic evil? - Learning from other industries mistakes - Packaging policies - Packaging optimisation Adobe Express 30-day Free Trial: https://prf.hn/l/ZYdd028 Website: https://www.builddifferent.marketing/ Further Links https://www.supplychainschool.co.uk/packaging-waste-report/ https://www.gov.uk/guidance/packaging-producer-responsibilities https://www.biffa.co.uk/biffa-insights/packaging-optimisation-in-housebuilding https://www.biffa.co.uk/biffa-insights/practical-guide-to-epr https://www.constructionproducts.org.uk/media/557062/how-much-construction-waste-is-there.pdf https://www.swiftpak.co.uk/insights/packaging-waste-in-construction-industry https://constructionmaguk.co.uk/can-the-uks-construction-industry-lessen-its-plastic-usage/ https://www.sustainability-beat.co.uk/2023/07/31/supermarket-plastic-bag/ Mentioned in this... | |||
| Bio-fabrication - Episode 22 | Olivia Page | 02 Jan 2024 | 00:40:51 | |
Carbon neutral, carbon negative, net zero and other similar words are banded around like a dutchie to the left-hand side (one for the younger generation there), with commitments and targets to a more sustainable future set decades away do nothing to help what many believe to be the biggest problem the construction industry faces. It can be frustrating for everyone involved within the built environment to see organisations set these fanciful targets with no real robust plan of how to achieve them. This isn’t helped by external industry influences occurring within the political realm as well as other pressures from inside the industry itself. It feels like the focus is always on the coal face of the industry, focusing on what is happening onsite, rather than on the innovative products and services that are integral to achieving such lofty ambitions. So it’s always refreshing to speak to someone who is looking at product development, taking it right back to the start - from a raw materials perspective and looking to help the built environment, by focusing on the natural environment. Our guest today is Olivia Page. Olivia’s architectural education and experience have always focused on bio-based and sustainable materials for construction, striving to prove that it is possible to build with a variety of affordable material options that don’t cost the planet. In January 2022, Olivia co-founded and is now co-CEO of Mykor, a company that creates carbon-negative building materials grown from waste and fungi. Olivia has also been developing other innovative construction materials from waste and is working on construction-related projects in Portugal. Topics Covered - Bio-fabrication - what is this? - Scalable bio-fabrication - Are the targets/timeframe set around carbon reduction and achievable within an industry that is slow to change - The waste onsite issue (and the takeback policy) - The danger of carbon-neutral products becoming a commodity - Are we still discovering substances and properties that could take products on a stage further? Adobe Express 30-day Free Trial: https://prf.hn/l/ZYdd028 Website: https://www.builddifferent.marketing/ Further Links https://www.mykor.co.uk/ Mentioned in this episode: Adobe Express 30-day Free Trial Adobe Express 30-day Free Trial: https://prf.hn/l/ZYdd028 | |||
| Projects and Tendering - Episode 21 | Demetrios Yianni | 19 Dec 2023 | 00:51:47 | |
One critical part of the construction process that can be detrimental to success is the tendering process. Without this there would be less competition for work available and although at times it can be painstaking, lengthy and if you’re on the wrong end of a result disheartening, the industry cannot do without it. Whether you’re at a PQQ stage, completed the PAS91 or have a templated tendering document ready to rock and roll, there is still a heck of a lot of work to be put into the process. It’s a skill, an art form almost. There is no doubt that technology plays its part and will possibly play a much larger part in the future as we see more tech removing or making light of the more repetitive and administrative tasks. But when each and every construction project differs slightly, so will the tender requirements, or at least the specifics within the tender docs. As you may have guessed by now, I’m no expert at all of this so it’s time to chat to one. Demetrios Yianni, Director of Projekt QS Ltd, a Chartered Quantity Surveying & Project Management practice is a Chartered Quantity Surveyor with over a decade of experience in providing cost consultancy and project management to Private and Public-sector clients and contractors. Demi is also a Property Developer and has collaborated with Landowners and Developers to provide built assets across multiple sectors from Residential to Healthcare and even Museums. Possessing degrees in both Law and Quantity Surveying gives Demi the inside edge and in procurement routes, contract selection, contract administration, and dispute avoidance. And, no pressure here Demi but as an experienced Public Speaker presenting at 100s of events to 1,000s of people we’re expecting a polished performance on the podcast today. Topics Covered - Why it isn't just all numbers and spreadsheets - How the process has changed - Is it all about the price - New technology within this sector - How laws/legislation have had an impact Adobe Express 30-day Free Trial: https://prf.hn/l/ZYdd028 Website: https://www.builddifferent.marketing/ Further Links https://focus.gleeds.com/spring-2022-uk-market-report/tendering-contracts-and-claims https://www.theconstructionindex.co.uk/tenders Mentioned in this episode: Adobe Express 30-day Free Trial Adobe Express 30-day Free Trial: https://prf.hn/l/ZYdd028 | |||
| Decarbonisation - Episode 20 | Tom Robinson | 12 Dec 2023 | 00:54:06 | |
One thing that has been a constant on this podcast is the fact that most of our guests are the kinda people that are actually doing something they care about and you’ll hear a lot of that on this episode – more on that later. When you hear the word Decarbonisation it’s easy to be flippant about what is being discussed. It is one of the buzzwords in construction that is easy to say, and harder to do, especially if you are a large organisation built on traditional ways of working, with a diverse supply chain and a reliance on contracting out a lot of the work that is required. But how does this sector navigate the path from mere (and sometimes over-inflated) environmental claims to genuine, effective strategies that change the way in which construction goes about its business? To understand this and gain an insight into the current state of play we’ll look to shed some light on what it truly takes to construct buildings with minimal environmental impact – or at least look to sustainable methods of building that are less reliant on the planet's finite resources. It's often a challenge to persuade sceptics that sustainability isn't just the latest buzzword. We'll delve into the art of substantiating the case for sustainable construction and the long-term benefits it can bring and explore whether it's feasible to usher in a significant change in an industry known for its resistance to innovation. So where do we start? Innovating new products, reimagining design, educating the workforce, upgrading equipment, streamlining logistics, tackling existing building stock, or embracing novel construction methods? It’s a long list and there may not be one simple, universally agreed-upon answer here. But let's see where we get to shall we? Our guest today is Tom Robinson, founder of Adaptavate, with a vision to consolidate the company as the world’s leader in the development and global deployment of carbon negative building products. A former builder, a planet-centric systems thinker, and an industrialist whose belief is that industrial businesses can do both planetary good and economically well. But how did he get to this point? Oddly enough it was the book ‘Let my people go surfing. ‘The Education of a Reluctant Businessman’ by Patagonia founder: Yvon Chouinard (evon sch-weenard) which Tom was reading while embracing a simple, minimal, and ecological way of living and travelling the world. Tom began his ‘working life’ as an on-site builder and plasterer before studying for a Masters in Sustainable Architecture and through his thesis, Tom developed what is now known as ‘Breathaboard’, a carbon-negative alternative to plasterboard, followed by other products such as Breathaplasta. And now the pinnacle of his career, being inducted into the Construction Disrupted Hall of Fame. Tom, I’m afraid it’s all downhill from here! Topics Covered - Greenwashing vs carbon reduction – how does the industry transition through this? - What are the key principles and practices around low carbon construction - Trying to change a traditional industry - is it possible? - Where do we start; products, design, people, equipment, logistics, current stock, new methods? - Construction can be all about cost, above most things. Are there long-term cost-savings in decarbonisation? - Is the government doing enough? - Emerging trends in low carbon construction you find exciting Adobe Express 30-day Free Trial: https://prf.hn/l/ZYdd028 Website: https://www.builddifferent.marketing/ Further Links | |||
| 2023 Construction Industry Recap - Episode 19 | Andrew Curtin | 05 Dec 2023 | 00:25:35 | |
Today I welcome back Andrew Curtin, CEO of Construction Wave, providing news and insight into the UK construction industry. If you haven’t already, sign up for their daily email newsletter that covers infrastructure, commercial, residential, regulations, and strategic news. Alongside this Construction Wave have recently announced their first Construction CFO Summit - 19th Feb 2024 in London where there will be a full day of speakers and insights into the world of construction financials with registration for the event open right now (https://event.constructioncfosummit.com/). Topics Covered - HS2 what went wrong? - So many businesses going into admin, is there light at the end of this? - What's going on at RSK? - Technology - A change of pace or same old? - Putting a spotlight on payment practices - 2024 - What’s the deal, will we see more of the same or are there positives we should be looking forward to? Adobe Express 30-day Free Trial: https://prf.hn/l/ZYdd028 Website: https://www.builddifferent.marketing/ Further Links https://event.constructioncfosummit.com/ https://constructionwave.co.uk/ https://constructionwave.co.uk/subscribe-to-our-daily-newsletter/ Mentioned in this episode: Adobe Express 30-day Free Trial Adobe Express 30-day Free Trial: https://prf.hn/l/ZYdd028 | |||
| We Have an Image Problem! - Episode 18 | Ryan Jones | 28 Nov 2023 | 00:39:32 | |
If there is one thing the construction industry loves, it’s a report, the more complex the better, and the longer the better it seems. But sometimes size isn’t everything. Over-engineered reporting can stifle the main outcomes and put blockers on achieving over-inflated or even unachievable targets. So it’s always refreshing to see a report that cuts the crap and gets to the heart of the matter. Today we welcome Ryan Jones, Managing Director at SLG Agency. Ryan has almost 20-years of experience managing communications for some of the construction sector’s biggest names, building up a wealth of strategic marketing experience. His passion for construction, and belief in the need to improve the image of the sector, has led him to found Deconstruction – a not-for-profit with the sole purpose of fixing the skills gap by changing the public’s perception of the industry. Sounds like a simple challenge doesn’t it and one we’ve covered before with Kathryn Lennon Johnson (episode 8) and Rich Smith (episode 14). So today we’re going to look at the stats. Ryan recently published the Deconstructed 2023 report with YouGov to bring the public perception of the construction industry into view. Topics Covered - Intro to Deconstructed - Would you recommend a career in construction? - What is healthcare doing right that construction isn’t? - Why highly skilled roles and further education aren’t seen as prerequisites to working in construction. - Do we have an image problem? - What were the surprises in the report and what wasn’t? Adobe Express 30-day Free Trial: https://prf.hn/l/ZYdd028 Website: https://www.builddifferent.marketing/ Further Links https://www.thisisdeconstruction.com Mentioned in this episode: Adobe Express 30-day Free Trial Adobe Express 30-day Free Trial: https://prf.hn/l/ZYdd028 | |||
| Demand Generation - Episode 17 | Bradley Fehler | 21 Nov 2023 | 00:47:20 | |
If you ask Google ‘what's the most important thing in any business’ you get a variety of answers from Relationships, Reputation and People to profit and even Urgency. All are key aspects, and that is undeniable, if one of these is weakened it surely impacts the success of a business. But this isn’t a definitive list by any stretch of the imagination as each business is different. But one thing that we can all agree on is that a business will not survive without paying customers - be it for profit or not, the money needs to come from somewhere and if we track back, another truism is that a healthy pipeline of potential clients is also a critical factor - if the well is dry, no one can drink (does that make sense, it did when I said it)? If we flip reverse it a look at why most businesses fail, the picture is much clearer. According to the Small Business Administrator (SBA) about 33% of small businesses fail in the first two years and around 50% go belly up after five years with the most common reasons for this failure including a lack of capital or funding, retaining an inadequate management team, a faulty infrastructure or business model, and unsuccessful marketing initiatives. And it’s this final one that draws my attention (for obvious reasons). Whether brand building or sales activation, your marketing initiatives are what will set most organisations apart and part of this equates to demand generation - but how do we do this? Where do we start? What does it involve? And why are unicorns currently a thing? Our guest today is Bradley Fehler a Demand Generation expert and Startup Advisor with experience within B2B SaaS, healthcare and digital sectors. If we dig into the details this consists of understanding your audience, choosing the right comms channels, creating the right type of creative and copy, utilising a budget effectively, integrating comms, usability and accessibility, as well as all of this being underpinned by a cohesive strategy - or as a meme that Bradley recently used puts it: When a startup founder finally finds a working distribution channel… ‘it was the most erotic moment of my life’ Topics Covered - The mythical nonsense of unicorn growth - Why culture and the right team are so important - Planning for growth/scale - How can marketing help to facilitate demand - How failure is key Adobe Express 30-day Free Trial: https://prf.hn/l/ZYdd028 Website: https://www.builddifferent.marketing/ Further Links | |||
| The Problem with Women In Construction - Episode 16 | Naz Lewis-Humphrey | 14 Nov 2023 | 00:36:19 | |
Today, we've got a thought-provoking and important topic to discuss - Women in Construction. It's a subject that has been gaining increasing attention in recent years, and for good reason. The construction industry is undergoing significant changes in terms of technology and innovation but can this also be said in terms of diversity and inclusivity? We've seen a surge in interest and conversation about this topic, but the fear is that this is all we’ve been doing, gaining an interest and sparking conversation. Plainly speaking, it’s a numbers game - the more women within construction, the more of a voice they have, the more will be done to the imbalances we currently see. But why do we see this as an important step change within construction? What are the benefits here above solving the other critical challenges our industry faces? The answer is within the question itself. First and foremost, gender diversity in the construction industry has the potential to address the skills shortage the industry is currently facing. With an ageing workforce and the ongoing need for new talent, it's imperative that we tap into the full spectrum of our society's talents and resources. Secondly, fostering inclusivity in the sector not only strengthens the workforce but can also lead to improved company performance and innovation. The construction industry is evolving, and in a perpetual wheel in motion, the more we diversify the workforce, the more changes will occur. All sounds simple, right? Yes, it is if we have a steady stream of employable people. The truth is that to fix the problem with women in construction we need to take a step back, open up the possible routes to employment at an earlier stage and diminish the longstanding perception that construction is a male-dominated, physically demanding field - there is more to construction than bricks and blocks! Everything we’ve just mentioned is fixable, but it takes time and effort and not just supporting the cause or getting behind one week out of the 52 available to magnify the women in construction problem. And our guest is actually doing something about all this. More talk, more action! And that guest is Naz Lewis-Humphrey, Learning and Development Consultant at BE Consulting. Naz is an experienced Learning & Development & EDI Professional with over 15 years experience within the construction and recruitment industry, specialising in early careers and apprenticeship recruitment. Her work, the doing bit, is liaising, networking and introducing apprentices, students, and a more diverse talent pool to the built environment. She has worked as a mentor to support women, women of colour and students both entering and working in construction. Shortlisted for the Top 100 Influential Women in Construction through being consistently passionate about the sector and campaigning for a more diverse and equal workforce with both employer and employees. Naz is also a Director with LRCTG (London Region Construction Training Group), working to promote education and upskilling for all to ensure a more skilled workforce is continued way into the future. Topics Covered - What is the current issue around Women in Construction and why the interest? - Why don’t women see construction as an option or route to employment? - What can we do as a complete sector to improve this? - What is BE Consulting doing to address this? Adobe Express 30-day Free Trial: https://prf.hn/l/ZYdd028 Website: https://www.builddifferent.marketing/ Further Links https://www.linkedin.com/in/nazlewis/ https://www.goconstruct.org/why-choose-construction/diversity-in-construction/women-in-construction/#:~:text=Women%20make%20up%20around%2014,in%20construction%20and%20engineering%20jobs.... | |||
| Tech Adoption: Connecting the Digital Dots - Episode 15 | Ollie Hughes | 07 Nov 2023 | 00:51:19 | |
When it comes to tradition, the construction industry can hold its own against other traditional industries such as mining and agriculture, but with tradition comes a reluctance to change. An inherent need to keep things as they are. But this simply isn’t true. We do need to change and we have in various ways, some are more obvious and visual than others - such as the impetus for onsite safety, but other changes that have occurred are subtle, going unnoticed, ticking along in the background yet have provided massive improvements in efficiency - the use of wi-fi, apps and CRMs for example. We seem to have an imbalance in the force here: - Tech adoption challenges v well-established technology - The need for onsite innovation v offsite developments - New roles v traditional roles - The focus on purpose v making a profit To help us unpick all of this I welcome Ollie Hughes, Portfolio Director, Diversified Communications & Digital Construction Week (DCW) Cofounder. With an eye on the future, Ollie launched DCW aimed at bridging traditional construction practices with cutting-edge technology - the force is strong with this one! Indeed, under Ollie’s guidance, DCW has grown into the leading event for professionals in construction and technology. His deep knowledge, combined with his ability to connect people and ideas, has transformed DCW into a must-attend event for anyone passionate about the future of construction. Topics Covered - The tech adoption challenge - Change acceleration - solving the tech adoption challenges - The vital onsite - offsite connection - New roles v traditional roles - Tips on maximising your event budget Adobe Express 30-day Free Trial: https://prf.hn/l/ZYdd028 Website: https://www.builddifferent.marketing/ Further Links https://www.rhumbix.com/blog/why-most-construction-technology-has-failed-construction-part-i https://www.digitalconstructionweek.com/news/ https://www.digitalconstructionweek.com/ Mentioned in this episode: Adobe Express 30-day Free Trial Adobe Express 30-day Free Trial: https://prf.hn/l/ZYdd028 | |||
| Engaging Multiple Audiences - Episode 14 | Rich Smith (Pre Construction Director for Keltbray, Author of When I Grow Up) | 31 Oct 2023 | 00:45:24 | |
Construction is a versatile industry, with many different roles and responsibilities. It can be challenging at the best of times to make yourself visible, especially if you are targeting or communicating with a variety of stakeholders who have very different wants and needs, which is usually the case. Add to this, fierce competition, a changing business landscape and tight budgeting restraints and you have a lovely mixture of challenge upon challenge. But where there are challenges there are solutions and usually the solutions we look for don’t come from the obvious, they come from other or different parts of the industry, or the unique, the unfound, the yet-to-be-tested - like books for small children for example (we’ve all heard of books right? They need to appeal to both parents and children, stand out in a very saturated market as well as tell a story and usually add some kind of value, be it entertainment, education or both. Our guest this week, Rich Smith, Rich has spent over a decade within the construction sector and has been inspiring the next generation to get involved with the construction industry for the past X years through his books - When I Grow Up and The Big Build. Rich isn’t just someone who talks the talk, he lives it as well, with expertise within heavy construction materials and main contractor as well as specialising in pre-construction, sales and marketing in his current role as the Pre Construction Director for Keltbray, this is also complimented by being the Chair of Governors for St Mary Magdalene Primary School. Topics Covered - Explain how the book(s) came about - “When I Grow Up unites our industry in that movement." - Next stage of development (making sure we don't lose that momentum) - Storytelling - what makes a good story and how do you actually create one - Catering for multiple audiences (children/adults) and lessons learnt that we can apply to the construction industry - Adding value and using comms to build a brand Adobe Express 30-day Free Trial: https://prf.hn/l/ZYdd028 Website: https://www.builddifferent.marketing/ Further Links https://www.whenigrowupbook.co.uk/ https://www.marketingwords.com/blog/storytelling-stats/ Mentioned in this episode: Adobe Express 30-day Free Trial Adobe Express 30-day Free Trial: https://prf.hn/l/ZYdd028 | |||
| Supply Chain Transformations - Episode 49 | Neeral Shah (Live at Digital Construction Week 24) | 30 Jul 2024 | 00:23:59 | |
Neeral Shah is the founder and CEO of YardLink, a B2B marketplace digitising the $1TN construction supply chain. As a former investment banker, it took a move into Supply Chain Finance to discover a real issue (or opportunity should I say): A fragmented supply chain and inefficient procurement strategies within construction, with too much resource spent just getting hold of the right equipment and materials. When Neeral started working at a high-growth tech startup the catalyst to YardLink was his involvement in digital marketplaces and seeing the power of network effects. From this point onwards Neeral knew there was a better (digital) solution to one of the construction industry’s biggest challenges with supply chains. Enter YardLink! Even though Neeral's primary focus is YardLink and delivering the software that can reduce costs and boost profitability, there is a whole lot more to supply chain management and the benefits that come through the successful implementation of supply chain management technology, so let's take a peek at what these are shall we? This episode was recorded live at Digital Construction Week, ExCeL, London (https://www.digitalconstructionweek.com/) where I interviewed some of the best and brightest in the built environment, for a revealing look at innovation and technology. Topics Covered - YardLinks Impact with Digitisation of the Supply Chain - The importance away from the supply chain (carbon reduction, local suppliers, better business connections, margin improvements, etc) - Opportunities to reduce costs and boost profitability - Advice for the hesitant organisations and initial transformational steps - What the future holds for YardLink - Staying ahead of the curve - Finally, we’re here at Digital Construction Week - Give us your thoughts Adobe Express 30-day Free Trial: https://prf.hn/l/ZYdd028 Website: https://www.builddifferent.marketing/ Further Links https://www.statista.com/statistics/1275080/uk-software-spending-industry-construction/ https://yardlink.com/blog/what-is-digital-supply-chain-in-construction https://yardlink.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/yardlink-the-true-cost-of-the-supply-chain.pdf Mentioned in this episode: Adobe Express 30-day Free Trial Adobe Express 30-day Free Trial: https://prf.hn/l/ZYdd028 | |||
| Building a Community - Episode 13 | Alex Ramsden (BuildMyTalent) | 24 Oct 2023 | 00:40:52 | |
As we mentioned last time, construction is more than bricks and mortar, and although the previous episode was centralised around bits and bytes (another integral part of the built environment) we discovered that construction is still all about the people who help build our cities and communities. In this episode, we're going beyond the blueprints and machinery to explore the vital concept of community building. In a world where projects grow larger and more complex, the need for cohesive teams and harmonious partnerships has never been greater, so fostering better connections, nurturing collaborations, and building stronger communities within the construction industry can only lead to efficiencies and better practices. If we look at the construction industry as a whole or even a single project within it, we can see how disparate it can become, from architects and engineers to contractors and other offsite stakeholders, the number of people involved with different positions, responsibilities and agendas is vast, so the power of breaking down those silos and fostering a sense of unity among the diverse professionals who make construction possible cannot be overlooked. We also cannot lose sight of the fact that professional relationships need to be formed through more structured practices when it comes to employee and employer relationships. Put simply, we want our cake and we want to eat it with people we know, like and trust as well as find those that can help make the cake and possibly eat it with us (no cakes were consumed during the recording of this podcast by the way). Who better to chat with here than Alex Ramsden, CEO and Founder of BuildMyTalent, a community-led organisation that shares and leverages its members’ expertise to put people and jobs together by combining networking, learning and a job board to benefit both professional employees and employers in the construction industry. Alex was one of the winners of a Young Entrepreneur scheme in 2021, and what started out as a pandemic project developed into an established platform. Topics Covered - The background to BuildMyTalent - The importance of community-driven platforms - Getting the most out of a community - Should you pay to be in one? - Job hunting in construction - The future of recruitment Adobe Express 30-day Free Trial: https://prf.hn/l/ZYdd028 Website: https://www.builddifferent.marketing/ Further Links Get in touch with Alex if you're interested in partnering and developing the BuildMyTalent platform: alex.ramsden@buildmytalent.com (episode released September 23) https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/online-community-statistics-50-stats-know-2021-peerboard/ https://www.crewitresourcing.com/2022/11/03/construction-industry-employment-statistics-2022/ | |||
| Using Data for Good - Episode 12 | Ian Gordon (Author of Data and the Built Environment) | 17 Oct 2023 | 00:52:25 | |
We're delving deep into a topic that's rapidly transforming the way we build our world - data. Data is the lifeblood of the modern construction industry, reshaping everything from project management to safety protocols, and even the very designs that shape our cities. As the construction industry continues to evolve, adopting innovative technologies at an unprecedented pace, the effective use of data is emerging as a critical catalyst for progress. It's not just about bricks and mortar anymore; it's about bits and bytes too. At the forefront of the UK construction technology industry, data is being harnessed for good, to drive efficiency, sustainability, and safety in construction projects of all sizes. But data is never a one-size fits all, as each set of data that is collected, analysed, and leveraged differs slightly due to the nature of the fragmented industry meaning we must continually look for different ways to make this information work for us humans, look for different ways to make this information enhance decision-making processes, streamline construction operations, and ultimately, construct a future that's more connected and responsive to the demands of our rapidly changing world. To help us unravel the complexities of construction data we’re chatting to Ian Gordon, author of Data and the Built Environment, a book that helps to explain how data and the digital technologies that use data can help the built environment sector deliver value to society. Simply put - it’s a love story about the built environment and the data it produces. When not writing Ian help normal people use data for the public good, covering all manor of technical subjects such as the Cloud, ontologies and knowledge graphs, Digital Twins, data models, BI, interoperability, UI/UX, APIs, open data standards, decision support, automation, and that all-important craft beer. Ian has worked on a range of high-profile projects for Highways England, Network Rail, Transport for Wales, Transport Scotland, Thames Tideway Tunnel and most recently the Houses of Parliament Restoration & Renewal. Topics Covered - Skills shortage and the need for data analyst professionals - Improving the flow of knowledge between individuals and computers - Gaining reliable data to make decisions - Determining if data is trustworthy and reliable where disinformation is rife - Apply the data to make decisions - Emerging AI models and their impact - Making data and tech investments accessible to everyone Adobe Express 30-day Free Trial: https://prf.hn/l/ZYdd028 Website: https://www.builddifferent.marketing/ Further Links Data and the Built Environment - Book Release 2024 https://www.bimplus.co.uk/of-bytes-and-bricks-data-and-the-built-environment/ Mentioned in this episode: Adobe Express 30-day Free Trial Adobe Express 30-day Free Trial: https://prf.hn/l/ZYdd028 | |||
| Architecture Digitisation - Episode 11 | Giuseppe Bono (tp bennett) | 10 Oct 2023 | 00:40:40 | |
I’ve always found Architecture a bit of a secret society, a bit like Marketing in a way. It can be easy from the outside to view it as just creative thoughts and conceptual designs with no science behind them as the output is so visual. Yes, science is integral to the design and build of, well, anything. As technology becomes more advanced right across the construction space, from the design software we use to creative innovative-looking buildings, to the product development of materials that allow these buildings to become a reality, these changes mean that Architectures transition from pencil, paper, ruler, to keyboard, mouse and software have given rise for even more scope to design and build structures that were once only ever classed as futuristic, and the usage of new building materials means that the way these structures are being built physically is also changing. It’s important we don’t overlook the catalyst for all this change however, us. The societies we live in, the cultures that surround us and the demands of a new generation mean that the human element within architecture is not forgotten and we still build to cater for our changing needs and wants. This co-existence, the rise of a digitised architectural space and the changing requirements of the generations lead us to multiple questions about how technology is and perhaps will shape the design of future structures as well as the ever-present humanistic side of architecture. Our guest today is Giuseppe Bono, an Italian and British registered architect and computational designer. Gio is the current Associate Director in Computational Design and Emerging Technologies at TP Bennett. Giuseppe holds a Masters in Architectural Computation and Architecture and Construction Engineering. With over ten years of international experience in the construction industry from conceptual design to built realisations, Giuseppe has worked in several countries around the world and has contributed to lectures and international conferences. He has published several papers on the relationship between digital technologies and human progress, and he is the author of the book Blue Papers. Studies on Digitational Architecture. Topics Covered - What is Digitational Architecture? - Digital Architecture v Computational Architecture - The architectural industry in its current state - Changing actual building designs through digitisation and creating efficiencies - Implications to the rest of the supply chain - New building material - Green Robotics - Chapter 8 - Building design and build in the future Adobe Express 30-day Free Trial: https://prf.hn/l/ZYdd028 Website: https://www.builddifferent.marketing/ Further Links Blue Papers. Studies on Digitational Architecture https://papers.cumincad.org/data/works/att/acadia10_293.content.pdf | |||
| Can Poor Payment Practices be Resolved Through Tech? - Episode 10 | Fiona Graham (PAYAPPS) | 03 Oct 2023 | 00:30:34 | |
We’ve all been there haven’t we, and it always feels like we’re on the receiving end of it - late payments for something or another and depending on your financial situation that can be a brief oversight or a disastrous situation to be in. But should this be a situation we ever find ourselves in at all? Yes, if you’re in financial difficulty then there is a valid reason for late payments but there is also no shortage of technologies that can manage finances, provide warnings and easily resolve late payment issues, both in our daily lives and commercially. With this in mind, it can be highly frustrating to work in an industry that relies on collaborative efforts to construct and build, yet when it comes to purchase orders, invoicing and of course payments. I’ve been lucky enough to work on a recent research project alongside the FIS, AMA Research and the University of Reading (Procurement in the finishes, fit-out and interiors sector) which highlighted these particular problems. Indeed 2 out of 3 formally tendered work packages were asked to reduce the pricing retrospectively, with over half of these respondents admitting that retention monies are rarely released on time. In short, we all know that payments are an issue within construction. And this isn’t just a UK-wide issue. But what do we do about it? Is tighter legislation the answer, more openness and transparency or does tech have the answers? Our guest today is Fiona Graham a Senior Business Development Manager from PAYAPPS, cloud construction software for submitting, assessing and approving progress payments for main and subcontractors. PAYAPPS have recently released Building Resilience through Technology reports for both the UK and Australia/New Zealand which highlights the issues we may have when integrating technology into our payment systems. And it seems one thing that may be contributing to these issues is the perception of Digital Adoption. Two quotes that stood out to me from this report were: “We’re a smaller company and just don’t always have the time to research or find out about these things.” “We are slower to purchase new technologies that would benefit the company and some employees find it hard to adapt and use the new technologies” But back to Fiona who has worked within the constriction industry for over 20 years now from British Gas to Causeway Technologies and now PAYAPPS. Topics Covered - Current poor payment practices - Are legislation, guides, and reports helping? - Implications of late/poor payments - How tech is helping resolve issues - The possibilities and barriers to industry-wide change Adobe Express 30-day Free Trial: https://prf.hn/l/ZYdd028 Website: https://www.builddifferent.marketing/ Further Links https://www.chaserhq.com/blog/how-construction-businesses-can-reduce-late-payments https://www.payapps.com/uk/blogs/late-payments-in-construction-the-supply-chain-domino-effect | |||
| Can AR be a True Reality? - Episode 9 | Caner Dolas and Jayan Jevanesan (Gamma AR) | 26 Sep 2023 | 00:39:27 | |
It’s easy to get carried away with tech, on paper it always sounds like a great idea but to put it into practice (within construction at least) can be a challenge, too much tech is like a Chinese buffet, it looks great, you know it’s gonna work for you, but once you’re in it, it can become uncomfortable very quickly and the worst thing you can do is keep on going!!!! Some tech is just too complex, in-depth and hard to implement fast enough to see a real return. In 2014 NBS published an article that listed some of these (at the time) new technologies, which included; Predictive and collaborative design through BIM Smart buildings using ‘Internet of Things’ Biotechnology and nanotechnology New building materials and 3D printing of building elements and systems. Nearly a decade later and we’re not as advanced as we thought we may be. It’s the same old, same old. Tech takes time to seep through into the masses and become commonplace. But this can give some organisations a competitive advantage by choosing the right tech, the right solution and making sure it’s integrated successfully prior to it becoming a pre-requisite for most. And this is where I feel we are with some of the new technology today. If we break this down into a direct comparison VR (Virtual Reality) is currently a step too far, whereas AR (Augmented Reality) is easier to integrate as the hardware and software is more accessible to more people. But does it offer enough benefits to make it a technology that the construction should embrace? I’m chatting with Gamma Technologies co-founders CEO Caner Dolas and CTO Jayan Jevanesan. Caner is an architect, digital transformation expert, and visionary, who is currently overseeing the development of their flagship product, GAMMA AR. He has a background in architecture, digitalisation, BIM, research, development projects and strategic consulting on digital transformation in manufacturing and design, with a specific emphasis on automation. Jayan Jevanesan obtained a Diploma in Natural Sciences-Mathematics, a degree in Computer Science and earned a Master's in Computer Science and has as been working in the tech industry for 6 years now beginning this career as a Software Developer and Student Assistant at formitas AG a developer of BIM tools. Currently, his experience helps to bring Gamma AR to life through the easy-to-use app. Topics Covered - Is Augmented Reality a True Reality? - Why AR? - Hardware and software run-through - Benefits and challenges of using organisations using AR onsite - Long-term benefits of using AR Adobe Express 30-day Free Trial: https://prf.hn/l/ZYdd028 Website: https://www.builddifferent.marketing/ Further Links: https://www.thenbs.com/knowledge/uk-productivity-how-the-construction-industry-can-help | |||
| Future Construction Skills and Where to Find Them - Episode 8 | Kathryn Lennon-Johnson (B.E.S.S) | 19 Sep 2023 | 00:50:08 | |
Back in 2021 CITB (Construction Industry Training Board) stated that 216,800 new workers are needed by 2025 to meet demand and the latest figures show this has increased by nearly 4%, increased, not decreased! The sectors this seems to be affecting the most are Private housing, Infrastructure and Repair and maintenance. But I don’t think this is an accurate representation as it very much focuses on the front line, on the tools, the trades, and not the entire industry. It’s easy to forget that the industry wouldn’t survive without other skills such as architectural design, engineering, project management and other office-based disciplines. These worrying facts are only compounded by the fact that construction is one of the least digitised industries. But within all this doom and gloom there lies hope. The next generation of workers, digital natives, will demand digitisation, they no nothing different and this could be cyclical - more digital natives means more digitisation which leads to a more appealing industry for younger generations. But how do we get there? Today, we’re chatting with Kathryn Lennon-Johnson, an Entrepreneur, Author (which we’ll come onto later), TEDx Speaker, Teacher and Consultant with over 18 years of experience in behaviour change. To tackle the construction skills shortage and attract the next generation into construction, Kathryn recognised the need to celebrate the built environment as a source for good. She is the Founder of Built Environment Skills in Schools (B.E.S.S), and author of courses and books for employers looking to deliver effective school engagement. Topics Covered - Future skills and where to find them - The worst-case scenario if we don’t resolve the skills crisis within construction - Where and when should we be engaging - A look at 1990s school career advice is bleak, what’s changed - Are schools really the best way/time - How do we get people interested in off-the-tools roles - Latest technology to teach, learn and engage Adobe Express 30-day Free Trial: https://prf.hn/l/ZYdd028 Website: https://www.builddifferent.marketing/ Further Links http://www.beskillsinschools.co.uk/ 5D Thinking - The Five-Step Roadmap to deliver measurable impact and powerful outcomes in careers outreach TEDxBrum Talk: https://bit.ly/2Y5OSHO | |||
| Issues with Improving Productivity - Episode 7 | Brian Green (Brickonomics) | 12 Sep 2023 | 00:31:44 | |
Inefficiencies within the construction industry can be easily spotted at the output stage, onsite. A recent study by buildots outlined four such inefficiencies; the areas of a project that are worked on per week (46%), the weekly output from onsite trades can vary by over 50%, we’re making too many return visits to incomplete work and work is being delivered out of sequence causing issues later down the line. All interesting stuff, with the conclusion being that collaborative working practices, as well as tech, can resolve these ills. But what about a more holistic view of productivity in the industry? Improving productivity on site is one thing, but making a whole industry more efficient is another and although improvements would benefit everyone, competition and the requirement for companies to grow may stifle this approach. Even the ONS state “Data on the expenditure, skills and capital of the construction industry are all suggestive of productivity growth in recent years. Yet our productivity estimates show little if any productivity growth in construction in recent decades”. So where do we go from here? What is true productivity, how are we defining it and is technology the catalyst for a more productive, efficient and collaborative industry as a whole? I caught up with Brian Green from Brickonomics to unravel this productivity conundrum. Brian has been a journalist, commentator and researcher focusing on construction for more than 30 years. He writes and produces reports and consults across a wide range of industry topics for both commercial and non-commercial organisations including Barbour ABI, RIBA Journal, CIOB, BEIS and the ONS. Topics Covered - Calculating productivity. - Maximising construction productivity and its contribution to national productivity. - Complexities of evaluating productivity. - Making comparisons on how productive we are. - Being more mindful of building the right things, rather than building for commercial gain. - Offsite production input into productivity. - Ensure a more accurate and informed assessment. - Regulatory help or hindrance. - Overlooking the significance of people skills. Adobe Express 30-day Free Trial: https://prf.hn/l/ZYdd028 Website: https://www.builddifferent.marketing/ Other Links https://pages.buildots.com/inefficiency-of-construction-mgmt-pr | |||
| Latest News (Summer Recap) - Episode 6 | Andrew Curtin - Construction Wave | 05 Sep 2023 | 00:27:49 | |
As another beautiful British summer comes to an end it’s time to reflect and take stock. Who are we kidding, it’s business as usual. Part of this business as usual is scrolling through our favourite social channels looking for note and newsworthy items associated with our industry to expand our knowledge and keep us in the loop. Or a better way to view this - wasting our time doom scrolling and thinking ‘why is everyone living their best life on here?!?!” What better way to help you out here than take a look back at the most important construction industry news stories and how they are disrupting construction and more specifically construction technology? Today I’m joined by Andrew Curtin, CEO of Construction Wave, providing news and insight into the UK construction industry. Their daily email newsletter covers infrastructure, commercial, residential, regulations, and strategic news (the link to this is in the show notes to please use it and subscribe). They are constantly curious and always say it ‘how it is’, which is why Andrew is taking us through the need to knows from this summer. Topics Covered - Administration and the impact right across the industry - HS2 - is it a positive or a negative? - The positivity around work still available within construction - RSK and construction industry acquisitions - More still to come from ‘ConTech’ Adobe Express 30-day Free Trial: https://prf.hn/l/ZYdd028 Website: https://www.builddifferent.marketing/ Other Links https://constructionwave.co.uk/ https://constructionwave.co.uk/subscribe-to-our-daily-newsletter/ Mentioned in this episode: Adobe Podcast Adobe Podcast In The Making! https://creativecloud.adobe.com/cc/discover/article/in-the-making-a-podcast-for-and-about-the-creator-economy/ | |||
| Will people lose their jobs? (People v Progress) - Episode 5 | 25 Aug 2023 | 00:09:14 | |
6 reasons why you shouldn’t be worried about losing your job to construction technology and instead should start getting excited about a technically advanced construction industry of the future being in the now, like right now, right in front of you. 1 Technology Creates Jobs The more new tech that enters the industry (and sticks), the more there will be a requirement for people who know how to actually use it! We will need to learn how to deploy it, utilise it and customise it to do the work we want it to. These skills are currently in short supply which means huge job opportunities. 2 A Rise in Wage When skills are in short supply, they come at a premium. Some of the knowledge and abilities we know we have a short supply of (data analysis’s for example), others are yet to be defined along with the technology. People who develop skills alongside new technology will be able to charge a premium for their work. This doesn’t mean a career change, this could be a bolt-on to what you currently do. 3 Improved Health and Safety H&S is improving all the time, in all industries. Technology helps keep us safe onsite and off-site. Manual, repetitive jobs that put stress and strain on the body can be done by machines reducing long-term side effects as well as reducing the more immediate threats that come with working on a live site by utilising technology that can spot dangers much quicker than a human can. 4 It Can Make You Better at What You Do Imagine trying to do your current role without a screen, be it a phone, laptop or desktop computer. You probably can’t or at least it will take to a lot longer and it would feel a lot harder than you’re used to. It’s the same with new technologies. They can make you better at what you do if deployed correctly. Too much tech can blow your mind and actually be ineffective. One step at a time. Choose your tech and use it to the max! 5 Creating More Opportunities The spin-off from an influx of new tech is that when industries change dynamically then new opportunities always open up. We discover that when we start using X we also need Y. Simply put, when one door closes another one opens up (just remember a few years ago people laughed at job ads with the title TikTok Content Creator)! 6 Plugging the Skills Shortage If we can utilise new technology to automate replaceable skills, making parts of a project quicker and more accurate (such as repetitive and administrative tasks) we can do more with less. This allows people to focus on their core work, more focus, better quality work, in a faster time, meaning more projects can be completed quicker. Which works well for both individuals and the economy at large… oh and the robots. Embrace the tech! Adobe Express 30-day Free Trial: https://prf.hn/l/ZYdd028 Website: https://www.builddifferent.marketing/ Mentioned in this episode: Adobe Express 30-day Free Trial Adobe Express 30-day Free Trial: https://prf.hn/l/ZYdd028 | |||
| Using AI in ways that aren't dumbass - Episode 4 | 25 Aug 2023 | 00:13:42 | |
Before proceeding with this episode it’s important to note that this isn’t a ’the robots are taking over’ or an ‘AI is stealing people's jobs’ guide nor is it an AI love in where EVERYTHING MUST BE AI. AI will be an important tool that we can utilise to our advantage as long as we’re not sucked into all the BS that is spewed out by those jumping on the bandwagon. These tools really are effective if mixed with HI (Human Intelligence) use them as you would any other digital tool to better productivity, output and performance, quality and knowledge. Top 3 rules for using AI: 1 - Never rely on it without adding your own human intelligence to it 2 - Have a purpose and work out why you are using it - what’s the outcome. If it’s efficiency, make sure it’s making you more efficient and not slowing you down. 3 - Trail 2 or 3 platforms to see which suits your style and workflow - all AI isn’t made equal Usage: Idea generation Platform: Chat GPT Example: This is very useful for idea generation to Never go off what this spews out, always tweak it and tailor it for your audience, in your own voice to add a layer of humanism to the copy. For example, I find it useful to kick start any form of writing I have to do be it blog posts, email copy or even just content titles. A simple way to get into using it is to do with: Explain the scenario: You are a marketer within a UK construction technology company... Provide a deliverable: … and have been tasked with writing 4 engaging blog posts around the latest construction technology aimed at manufacturers within construction... Describe the output required: …produce 4 blog post titles and a summary of each article… Include any specifics: …there must be a strong call to action with each post complimenting the others. The opportunities to help speed up idea generation in an industry where in-house resources are limited and time spent being creative may be seen as wasteful can be a game changer for your output speed and quality. Usage: Authentic blog post imagery that is better than shitty stock photography Platform: Adobe Firefly Example: It can be tricky to find unique imagery that isn’t from stock. Adobe Firefly lets you create your own AI-generated images based on what you want to create. Even better is the functionality once created. There are options to add or remove elements, change the style (i.e. digital, vector, collage, pencil, etc), or change the colour, tone, lighting and composition. You can truly make it brand appropriate. Key in building mental availability through brand association, a key component to any contech company where competition for awareness is fierce. Usage: For taking meeting notes, transcribing conversations and generating a list of required actions. Platform: Scribbl Example: This becomes very useful when you need to have meaningful outcomes in online meetings, need a transcript instead of taking your own notes or want to break down the various topics that have been discussed. Added features such as time stamping your own topics alongside a recorded video of the meeting make this a powerful tool to use. This is excellent when multiple stakeholders are involved and campaigns need to move quickly and are time-sensitive. You simply download and it does its thing in the background, not tech stuff. As long as you can hit command/alt, shift and y…. You can use this! Usage: Condense detailed documents into easy-to-understand summaries Platform: Scholarcy Example: We’re currently going through a lot of changes within construction, especially legislative and legal, The... | |||
| Machine Learning - Episode 48 | Varun Bhartiya (Live at Digital Construction Week 24) | 23 Jul 2024 | 00:24:48 | |
Varun Bhartiya is the Co-Founder, and CEO of nCircle Tech, a company at the forefront of empowering passionate innovators in the Architecture, Engineering, Construction and Manufacturing industry, providing disruptive solutions that reduce time to market and exceed business goals. From Varun's early days blending coding and 3D visualisations along with the integration of AI, Machine Learning, and other groundbreaking technologies, nCircle Tech has collaborated with over 75 software companies and successfully developed over 200 client products. Varun has been recognised as an inventor, technologist, entrepreneur, and visionary leader in the field of 3D design and visualisation automation for more than 15 years and is now seen as a thought leader and innovator deeply involved with AI, who is driven by his passion for helping companies unlock the transformative potential of AI in the construction industry and how AI can accelerate construction processes to make them better, smarter, and faster. I can think of no better person to discuss the details of implementing construction technology, best practices, and insights and perhaps dispel a few concerns around the integration of Machine Learning and AI. This episode was recorded live at Digital Construction Week, ExCeL, London (https://www.digitalconstructionweek.com/) where I interviewed some of the best and brightest in the built environment, for a revealing look at innovation and technology. Topics Covered - Company and Specialism: What Does nCircle Look Like Right Now? - Why it’s important to construction: Insights and Best Practices - Biggest challenge currently facing: Concerns around Integrating ML and AI - Examples of work: Collaborations and Client Products - The people, the data and collaboration: Utilising AL and ML within nCircle Tech - What the future holds within this sector/tech - Finally, we’re here at Digital Construction Week - Give us your thoughts Adobe Express 30-day Free Trial: https://prf.hn/l/ZYdd028 Website: https://www.builddifferent.marketing/ Further Links https://ncircletech.com/blogs/the-hurdles-of-ai-development-and-implementation-in-the-aec-industry https://constructible.trimble.com/construction-industry/the-benefits-of-ai-in-construction Mentioned in this episode: Adobe Express 30-day Free Trial Adobe Express 30-day Free Trial: https://prf.hn/l/ZYdd028 | |||
| The Importance of Marketing in ConTech - Episode 3 | 25 Aug 2023 | 00:18:57 | |
Although there is an abundance of other factors where Marketing plays a critical role, such as the diagnosis of current market factors, internal auditing of Marketing output as well as the development of strategic intent, it is within the implementation stage where this episode discusses the five principles that are so important to any Construction Technology business. Product Be it a SaaS or a physical product Marketing is your gateway to developing better solutions to your target market's problems. This is where it all starts if you aren't solving a problem, you might as well be creating art and art is only needed for the finishing touches of any construction project. Marketing is the only department that has that critical eye on the client's needs, the organisation's solutions and the communication between the two with any impartiality. What so often happens is that Marketing is left out of this product development - told to communicate the products/service not develop it. When in the construction technology industry, you must be developing products as much as the tech itself changes, which is constantly. Marketing is your gateway to understanding what these changes need to be. Price Rory Sutherland is quoted as saying that ‘poor promotion is discounting your pricing and you don’t need a degree to do that, any fool can cut the price of something’. And he’s right, cutting pricing simply means you havent got your pricing right in the first place. So let’s not do that. Your price point can make or break you, but how do you know what is the correct pricing for your services? It can be tricky as the price needs to reflect the potential problem-solving abilities of your offer. Too high and your potential clients may not see the value in it or where an ROI is coming from, too low and it will devalue what you have created. Through market and competitor analysis as well as inviting stakeholders to be involved you can start to analyse what your pricing structure will look like. Here are multiple ways of doing this such as how much profit do you want to make off each sale or by focusing on a breakeven point. Regardless of how you reach that figure, just like the product, Marketing should be at the decision table. Customer Journey The better you understand a customer's journey the better you can cater for their needs throughout. Not only cater for their needs but make sure you are providing the right information at the right stages of this journey, building up that brand awareness so when they are in a position to purchase, it’s you they think of. Failure to do this just means another brand pops into its head at the point of a decision being made. This becomes more complex within construction as you are usually targeting multiple stakeholders (buyer, user, owner, developer, beneficiary and so on). Using Marketing to better understand each journey means you stand a better chance of being remembered by your target market and creating dialogue for each stakeholder makes it much easier for all parties to agree on the right solution to a particular problem - let's make sure it's your solution. A quick note about purchasing here: Having an understanding of where your clients will purchase is an important part of this customer journey. This critical juncture is where a frictionless process is required, and you can use Marketing to understand how to make it so. The less friction there is (especially in the complex world of construction technology) in the purchasing and post-purchase stages the more likely potential clients will purchase quicker and stay a client for longer.. Promotion The promotional and creative elements of Marketing within construction are pretty poor. I’ve stated countless times from various sources of research that even... | |||
| What is holding ConTech back? - Episode 2 | 25 Aug 2023 | 00:17:19 | |
In this episode, we’ll run through the 10 main challenges facing the construction technology industry, or more specifically the hurdles that are in the way of a more technologically advanced industry appearing from its manually made rubble. We need to better understand these problems in order to overcome them and unlock the significant potential for increased productivity, cost savings, and sustainable growth. Lack of Digital Adoption: The construction industry has been relatively slow in adopting digital technologies, leading to inefficiencies, delays, and increased costs. We see this within a lot of organisations where legacy systems are still being used and make it difficult to integrate with more advanced technologies. There is not only a need for better awareness and understanding of the potential benefits of digital solutions but the mentality of viewing sunk costs as a barrier to improving or replacing older systems must change. Fragmentation and Lack of Collaboration: The industry is highly fragmented, with multiple stakeholders often working in silos. This lack of collaboration hampers the adoption and integration of new technologies, hindering progress and innovation. Fragmentation means we are developing systems that cater, very well, to sectors of the industry, but sometimes forget the bigger picture and the need to integrate systems across the supply chain. Skilled Workforce Shortage: There is a shortage of skilled workers who possess the necessary knowledge and expertise to implement and operate construction technology effectively. We often hear about the skills gap facing the trades, the workers at the coalface, onsite, getting the work done, but the shortage isn’t so isolated and is affecting almost every corner of the industry. Within Construction Technology this is a double whammy as we have a lack of skilled workers that can utilise and implement new technologies making sure they work well and limited skills when it comes to analysing the data, interpreting information from which accurate and reliable decisions can be made. The industry needs to invest in training programs and attract young talent to address this gap as well as transfer skills for those where technology will impact their profession the most. Cost and ROI Concerns: Construction technology can require a significant upfront investment, and many are concerned about the return on investment (ROI). In most cases this is unfound and the investment eventually brings a return. The key word there is EVENTUALLY. The construction industry is made up of predominantly small enterprises, with many being sole traders making investments difficult or impossible as a return takes too long and may not be necessary for such a small company. This leads to the question of whether it should be up to the larger organisations to carry the flag here and make technology more accessible for the smaller companies they rely on to contract or even sub-contract. Clear evidence of cost savings and productivity gains is crucial to encourage wider adoption. Data Management and Integration: Construction projects generate vast amounts of data, but effectively managing and integrating this data across various systems and stakeholders remains a challenge. Another challenge within this same category is the sheer amount of data that is collected. As not all data is made equally this poses a problem with the need to interpret what data is of substance and what is fodder. This is compounded by how we receive any information and analysis, is it raw data that can be scrutinised (if we do have the ability to do so), or has it already been interpreted, changed, analysed and perceptions made about what it is telling us? Either way, errors can be made leading to poor... | |||
| Construction Disrupted Intro - Episode 1 | 25 Aug 2023 | 00:04:51 | |
Welcome to Construction Disrupted, the ultimate podcast for the construction industry exploring the limitless possibilities at the dynamic intersection of construction and technology. Delve into the latest topics, news, events, expert insights and marketing that are shaping the industry right now and in the future and hopefully sprinkle a little humour in there. I’m your guide Peter Sumpton and I run a Construction Technology Marketing Agency, buildDifferent. If you're ready to embrace disruption and the unlocked potential of ConTech, keep on listening and be part of the conversation that is reshaping the future of construction. Whether you're a construction technology professional, engineer, architect, contractor, or investor, this podcast is your go-to resource for staying informed, inspired, and connected. This is episode 1 - The why episode where we talk through why the heck this podcast even exists! So let’s do that! The construction industry has, until recently, been remarkably consistent in its approach. The actual building process has been so consistent that large-scale builds can be traced back to Ancient Egypt, Iraq, Greece, Rome, and China right through to the industrial revolution and the large-scale projects we are so used to seeing today. Raw materials are delivered to Manufacturers who subsequently make the products and components that are required. Procurement on both sides organises the logistics - distribution to site. Materials such as bricks, blocks, and timber which in themselves haven’t changed much are brought to the construction site. Once on-site assembly commences. Contractors and subcontractors (typically) perform the work while inspections from formal bodies, associations and regulators r visit the in-progress building to oversee quality and compliance. With so many sectors and subsectors along this fragmented supply chain, it’s long been seen as an industry primed for disruption. And now with the added pressures and issues the industry as a whole faces - skill shortages, increasing prices, data overload, waste implications, sustainability factors and tighter regulations, it’s unlikely that any one particular technology will disrupt construction on its own. It will take a collaborative effort across multiple workflows for that to happen. But what we are seeing now is new techniques and technologies invalidating long-held assumptions about how the construction industry (especially the build) should be done. A confluence of technologies and tools, including digital twins, building information management (BIM) systems, parametric modelling, smart building materials, sustainable construction practices, robotics, automation, drones, VR, AR, IoT, modular construction, artificial intelligence and many more tech innovations are helping to streamline projects, enhance safety measures and optimise productivity. Put another way, it’s the technology and exploring the tech-driven transformation of the built environment we must turn to if the construction industry is going to thrive into the future and for now, for many, simply survive! Thanks so much for taking the time out of your busy day and giving this a listen. If you want to chat further about anything you’ve heard on today's episode, have a topic or technology you’d like me to cover or simply want to say hi, you’ll find me on LinkedIn or through the emails; peter@builddifferent.marketing Adobe Express 30-day Free Trial: https://prf.hn/l/ZYdd028 | |||
| Streamlining Processes - Episode 47 | Jose Oliveira (Live at Digital Construction Week 24) | 16 Jul 2024 | 00:23:10 | |
Jose is the Founder and CEO of DiRoots, a Custom Software and BIM consultancy company, with over 15 years of experience in the AEC and manufacturing industries aiming to transform global communities. As an expert in BIM strategies and automation, Jose and his team at DiRoots develop and implement innovative solutions to enhance efficiency and productivity which stems from his genuine passion for researching, exploring, and advancing the BIM automation field. The vision of DiRoots is to create affordable, intelligent, and innovative digital tools that will help designers, contractors, and manufacturers disrupt and automate traditional workflows. With over 200 successful custom digital applications under his belt, Jose has won numerous awards and recognitions for his work, crediting this success to his visionary and creative thinking, grounded in teamwork, simplicity, and excellence. Custom digital software has the ability to transform the construction industry, but only if it's accessible and not siloed in singular organisations across the supply chain. So let's dig into this digitisation and find out how customisation is helping improve projects and streamline processes. This episode was recorded live at Digital Construction Week, ExCeL, London (https://www.digitalconstructionweek.com/) where I interviewed some of the best and brightest in the built environment, for a revealing look at innovation and technology. Topics Covered - Company and Specialism: DiRoots' Evolution as an Industry Leader - The Role of Custom Software within Construction - Examples of Work: DiRoots' Impact on Streamlining Processes - The Outdated Process Challenges We Must Face Head-On - The Future of ConTech - Finally, we’re here at Digital Construction Week - Give us your thoughts Adobe Express 30-day Free Trial: https://prf.hn/l/ZYdd028 Website: https://www.builddifferent.marketing/ Further Links Mentioned in this episode: Adobe Express 30-day Free Trial Adobe Express 30-day Free Trial: https://prf.hn/l/ZYdd028 | |||