Innovation, purpose-built tools, and the labor shortage have initiated an unexpected shift in roles across the construction industry, especially when it comes to superintendents. Traditionally, the majority of superintendents have a background in the trades and deeply engrained experience from the field. Now, more than ever, superintendents are entering the role from a variety of backgrounds, creating a unique mix of experiences, perspectives, and approaches to the role. 

 In this episode, we are sitting down with Erin Saiki, who pivoted from her career in Civil Engineering and now has fully embraced the superintendent role at DPR Construction. We explore her career journey and how she sees the superintendent role evolving alongside the construction industry. 

Here’s what we cover: 

• Erin’s unique career path from civil engineer to superintendent 
• The growing variety of experiences and leadership styles among today’s superintendents 
• The superintendent’s role in streamlining and shortening project schedules 
• The rising importance of trade skills for future superintendents 
• How purpose-built tools are bridging the gap for newer superintendents 
• How superintendents can empower the field more effectively 

Digital Builder is hosted by Eric Thomas of Autodesk. 

A core goal of Digital Builder has always been to highlight innovative approaches to the way companies are designing and making our world, which involves so much more than workflow processes, RFPs, and the often-overhyped threat of AI taking all of our jobs. Some of these innovations are happening at a much more granular level, which is what our friends at BamCore are doing with sustainable building materials like eucalyptus and timber bamboo.  

In this episode, we sit down with two leaders from BamCore, Kate Chilton, the Chief Sustainability Officer, and Zack Zimmerman, Co-founder & Chief Commercial Officer. BamCore is dedicated to developing building solutions that minimize waste and shorten construction timelines with the goal of achieving a “beyond-zero” carbon footprint.  

We discuss: 

• What makes BamCore unique as a green construction startup 
• Common myths around alternative construction materials 
• The advantages of timber bamboo and eucalyptus as construction materials 
• Other, non-material factors that impact sustainability in construction projects 
• Influencing a culture shift in North America that encourages builders and owners to consider new materials  
• How BamCore’s emphasis on climate-smart practices and sustainability address a wide variety of objections 

If you want to hear about more organizations doing work with sustainable building materials, go check out Episode 84 where we talk with Ariana Cohn about mass timber’s growing popularity, as well.  

Digital Builder is hosted by Eric Thomas of Autodesk. 

Intuitive Machines aimed to be the first private, US commercial company to send a spacecraft to the moon. On February 22, 2024 they accomplished that goal. Helping Intuitive Machines realize their dreams was today’s guest, Stephen Brooke, a Digital Delivery Manager at Burns & McDonnell. 

With the recent completion of the SuperBAB operations and testing facility in Houston, TX, Stephen joined us at Autodesk University to share how the project was brought to life, how Burns & McDonnell approaches value delivery and client success, and how data and AI will continue to impact the future of the AEC industry. 

We also talk about: 

• Stephen’s career journey through the industry 
• Intuitive Machines’ testing facility 
• How to encourage an innovative mindset in the next generation 
• Collaborating with vendors to bring value to clients 

 Assets Mentioned: 

• The Mural 

Digital Builder is hosted by Eric Thomas of Autodesk. 

One of the most exciting ways the AEC industry is continuing to find new ways to increase sustainability and safety is through mass timber construction. That’s why we’ve invited Ariana Cohn, a Digital Construction Engineer at Timberlab, an organization dedicated to advancing the mass timber’s mainstream adoption.  

Whether it’s mass timber’s impact on the environment, or its ease of use in prefab and modular construction, there is so much potential for it to be a game changer for the industry.   

Here are some of the topics you can look forward to in this episode:  

• The top misconceptions about mass timber 
• Timberlab’s approach to its mission 
• A day in the life of a Digital Construction Engineer at Timberlab 
• The biggest obstacles for mass timber’s mainstream adoption 

Digital Builder is hosted by Eric Thomas of Autodesk. 

This week, Autodesk’s Chief Marketing Officer Dara Treseder, joins Eric at Autodesk University to break down the 2023 State of Design & Make report, including the key focuses of the study, narrative shifts across the AEC industry, and the competitive difference between Digital Transformation and Digital Maturity. 

In this episode, you will learn: 

• How companies across the AEC industry are experiencing the benefits of converging technologies 
• Why companies focusing on Digital Maturity are maintaining a statistically significant competitive advantage 
• How to engage the next generation of talent 
• Why the future of AEC innovation is going to focus on augmentation in our workforce 

Assets Mentioned: 

• The 2023 State of Design & Make Report 

Digital Builder is hosted by Eric Thomas of Autodesk. 

The rise of Gen AI has put organizations in a race to remain competitive. Those who are successfully integrating AI into their processes are seeing improvements in efficiency and output quality, but that rush to adopt AI carries some significant risks, ones that can spell disaster for companies if they are not careful about their approach to using AI.  

 We've invited May Winfield, Global Director of Commercial, Legal and Digital Risks, at Buro Happold, to reveal what some of the biggest risks are when using Gen AI, what questions organizations should be asking as they adopt AI, and why sometimes the best way to move quickly is to slow down. 

We discuss: 

• Identifying AI’s five biggest risk categories in AEC: reliance, confidentiality, copyright, personal data, and ethics 
• Why copyright and content attribution are such tricky issues with AI 
• The limitations of using in-house AI models trained on proprietary data 
• Why client requests are becoming more informed and specific (and why this is good!) 

Assets Mentioned: 

• Joint Study from the Harvard Business School & Boston Consulting Group  

Digital Builder is hosted by Eric Thomas of Autodesk.

One of the most exciting ways that innovation is taking construction to the next level is when companies like DPR Construction implement new and innovative strategies into their culture. We’ve invited Jacob Skrobarczyk, VDC Technology Lead at DPR Construction, to share his experience with data visualization and how he is using it to shift the narrative around Construction careers and changing the way the next generation is learning about Construction.  

Listen to hear about: 

• Construction’s perception problem  
• Why data visualization is so impactful 
• How DPR is approaching innovation and the adoption of new technology 
• Keeping people as the center of the industry 
• Improving benefits and apprenticeship programs for craft workers 
• How to better highlight non-linear career paths in Construction 

Assets Mentioned: 

• Jacob's Presentation
• https://www.dpr.com/company/careers 

Digital Builder is hosted by Eric Thomas of Autodesk. 

The landscape of construction is changing, and technology is at the helm. How can your organization stay on top of that changing landscape to remain competitive throughout 2024? 

Ariel Castillo, Innovation Director at Miller-Davis Company, and Brad Buckles, VP of Technology and Innovation at Charles Perry Partners, Inc., join the show this week to explore the latest trends in construction, from AI and data-driven insights to the importance of tech literacy and collaboration.  

We discuss: 

• Which trends are real and which are all hype? 
• How 3D modeling, wearables, and robotics are increasing field safety 
• How the latest trends are allowing the industry to move from reactive processes to becoming proactive decision makers. 
• Why modern technology is enabling multigenerational knowledge sharing experiences, giving experienced and new workers opportunities to learn from each other 
• How new technologies can reduce waste and increase sustainable construction practices 

Digital Builder is hosted by Eric Thomas of Autodesk. 

Content warning – this episode and description has some heavy conversation topics including a discussion on suicidal feelings and mental health struggles. 

Construction has a mental health crisis. According to research from the US Bureau of Labor Statistics and the CDC, the rate of suicide among US construction professionals is five times higher than the number deaths caused by workplace and safety-related accidents. Across the industry, companies cannot afford to talk about safety, innovation, and growth without also addressing the need for real, practical, and immediate solutions to the mental health crisis facing our people.  

Mark Dyke, Licensed Professional Counselor and Tenured Associate Professor at Ferris State University, joins Eric Thomas during Autodesk University for an intensely practical conversation about the mental health crisis, burnout, and how addressing the mental health crisis can help secure a bright future for the AEC industry. We will share not just why mental health needs to be addressed, but we will also give specific, practical advice for workers to identify and address mental health issues early and effectively. 

We discuss: 

• How to identify internal and external symptoms of burnout 
• How the leadership culture sets the tone for organization-wide mental health 
• How managers at all levels of an organization can support their team members 
• How Millennials have changed the way we talk about mental health 
• Why mental health and emotional wellbeing need to be top priorities to convince the upcoming generation to join Construction. 

 If you or someone you know are having trouble coping with work-related stress, talk with someone who can help: In the United States, call 988 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Hotline or visit https://988lifeline.org/.  

For those living outside the United States, you can find local resources here: https://blog.opencounseling.com/suicide-hotlines/.  

Digital Builder is hosted by Eric Thomas of Autodesk. 

As more BIM mandates are being put in place around the world, impacted organizations are working to ensure they are BIM compliant—while many in the construction industry are still trying to figure out not just if BIM and other digital tools are right for them, but how to begin even implementing them in their business operations.   

Digital tools are transforming the way construction companies are operating, demonstrating countless benefits to adopting them, but there are still many unanswered questions for companies and contractors who are trying to find the most cost-effective strategies for managing all these new innovations and requirements. 

That’s where our guests come in. David Purdon, Technical Director at Diatec, and Marek Suchocki, Head of Industry Associations Strategy at Autodesk, are two industry veterans who have seen first-hand the rollout of Europe’s BIM mandates and how companies are responding. In this episode, they will break down some of the myths around BIM mandates, what the true intent of the mandates are, and much more. 

We discuss: 

• The rollout of BIM mandates in the UK faced challenges in managing the information exchange process 
• The complex intersection of BIM modeling and the production supply chain 
• How BIM modeling and technology integration ensures the longevity of construction organizations 
• The difficulty many organizations face in balancing the long-term vision of digital tools with their immediate needs 
• Why BIM allows organizations to derive better value from public construction investments 
• How to get started on your BIM journey if you’re impacted by a BIM mandate. 

 Digital Builder is hosted by Eric Thomas of Autodesk. 

While AI continues to take the world by storm, most companies are still trying to figure out exactly how it fits within their operations and how it will impact their teams, workflows, and revenue.  

In this episode, Eric talks with Tonya Custis, Director of AI Research at Autodesk, all about AI’s proper place in the Construction ecosystem, how to make sure AI is the best solution to the problems you are trying to solve, and much more, including: 

• How AI can fill in the gaps when assessing risk and improving safety on project sites 
• How a focused data strategy can alleviate decision paralysis 
• The most important elements of data strategy for proper AI utilization 
• AI as a replacement versus acting as a collaborator with human workers 

Assets Mentioned: 

Digital Builder is hosted by Eric Thomas of Autodesk. 

Nick Hull is an Associate Director at Deloitte Access Economics, which was commissioned by Autodesk in 2023 to research data capabilities in construction. This effort revealed that 4 out of 5 construction companies have room to improve how they manage data. Deloitte surveyed about 1,275 global respondents to get a global view of data usage in construction and discover what defines data leadership. 

In this episode Eric talks with Nick to get a breakdown of the report’s major findings, what leaders can learn from it, and how the industry can move forward with data. 

We discuss: 

• How construction leaders are estimating their data capabilities 
• Retaining the human side of construction while integrating data and AI 
• How good data strategy maintains competitive advantage 
• How implementing data strategy impacts your bottom line 
• The ongoing issue of talent in construction and how data & AI can alleviate it 
• Balancing digital assistance with data-driven decision making. 

Assets Mentioned: 

The State of Data Capabilities in the Construction Industry Report 

Digital Builder is hosted by Eric Thomas of Autodesk. 

As more and more companies are adopting data strategies and AI into their processes, they are also starting to see other areas of the business that data can empower. Thiago Da Costa, Co-founder & CEO at Toric, believes one of those areas is monetization.  

We sat down with Thiago at Autodesk University to pick his brain on all things data monetization: how proper data implementation can save companies money, how it can empower new revenue streams in project bids, and how that same approach also naturally leads to stronger relationships with project stakeholders. 

 Here’s what we cover: 

• The gaps in data collection and curation in AEC 
• Best practices for data monetization 
• Why data monetization strategies also help companies stay competitive 
• The risks of trying to adopt AI without a robust data strategy already in place 
• How and where to deploy AI tools in your operations 

Digital Builder is hosted by Eric Thomas of Autodesk. 

In another of our episodes recorded live at Autodesk University 2023, guests Amy Bunszel, EVP of AEC Design at Autodesk, and Aaron Perry, Head of Digital Design at Allford Hall Monaghan Morris, join the show to break down the original vision for BIM in the AEC industry, why equitable access to BIM data is the way forward for construction innovation, and share what excites them the most for the future of Construction. 

We discuss: 

• What current challenges they’re seeing with BIM data 
• Why equitable access to data enables wider engagement opportunities from both large and small firms 
• How technology adoption and data strategy are becoming competitive differentiators in the AEC industry 
• How access to data models at the granular level empowers more diverse participation in all phases of a construction project  

Digital Builder is hosted by Eric Thomas of Autodesk. 

Ever wonder what’s one tool every construction worker will bring on the jobsite?

In this Digital Builder podcast episode, various experts from the construction industry share their insights on the one tool they always bring to every job site.

Answers range from tangible tools like iPads, measuring tapes, and smartphones, to intangible ones such as empathy, a positive attitude, and a lean mindset. Experts emphasize the importance of these tools in improving efficiency, collaboration, and problem-solving on the job site.

Advancements in technology, particularly the rise of smartphones and digital tools, have revolutionized the construction industry, according to industry experts.

This episode is a special treat! Not only was it recorded live at Autodesk University in Las Vegas, we also brought back our first-ever Digital Builder guest, Cliff Cole, the Director of Virtual Design and Construction (VDC) at The PENTA Building Group. Throughout 2023, Cliff and his team were a part of the planning and construction for the raceway infrastructure of the 2023 F1 Las Vegas Grand Prix race that took place November 16-18 in 2023.  

In addition to breaking down the coordination for the F1 project, Eric and Cliff also talk about the increasing importance of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, and explore how things have evolved since Cliff was first on the show. 

 We discuss: 

• The complexities of preparing and hosting an F1 race on the Las Vegas Strip 
• How innovative tech, like drone mapping, was used to enable safer, more efficient preparation 
• How the DEI conversation has evolved over the last three years 
• The role of mentoring and support in promoting diversity and inclusion 
• The impact of inclusive practices on attracting and retaining talent in the industry 

 Digital Builder is hosted by Eric Thomas of Autodesk. 

In this special live LinkedIn Live episode streamed on December 7, Eric chats with Mat Poulos, Electrical Engineering Manager at Gaylor Electric, Inc., and Matt Edwards, Director of Digital Delivery at CRB, to break down how their organizations are approaching documentation management, field collaboration, and how they ensure new technologies are helping their teams instead of hindering them. 

 In this episode, you will learn: 

• How to make sure everybody in the field has access to relevant and correct information on-demand 
• When to consider new additions or changes to your tech stack or processes 
• How to determine if process or tech changes are helpful or harmful to teams out in the field 
• How Gaylor Electric and CRB are deploying field-based BIM modeling 
• How to successfully deploy large scopes of prefab work 
• The impact of better integrated communication strategies on overall workforce mental health 

Digital Builder is hosted by Eric Thomas of Autodesk. 

Talking about the difficult challenges facing construction is a vital part of raising awareness and driving change, but talk alone isn’t enough. That’s why we are sitting down with Amit Oberoi, Executive Chairman of the Considerate Constructors Scheme, a UK-based company that is taking many of those big challenges head on. 

One of the most important challenges facing our workforce today is psychological safety, which empowers team members to speak up, to disagree, and to surface concerns without fear of retaliation or consequences. 

Join Eric and Amit as they discuss: 

• The statistics on the mental health of our construction teams are alarming and much of the data indicates that the construction industry has one of the highest rates of suicide among all industries in the United States. 
• Psychological safety fosters creativity and better outcomes in construction projects. 
• The data on mental health in construction highlights the importance of providing a safe and healthy environment for your workforce and underscores the need for organizations to prioritize employee care and retention. 
• Guidance on how individuals can advocate for themselves and communicate their needs to their managers. 
• Why loneliness can be a significant issue, even in a crowded workplace. 
• Developing a culture of transparency and honesty requires deliberate effort and starting small. 
• Why a sense of pride and connection to the work can be a driving force in the industry. 

Digital Builder is hosted by Eric Thomas of Autodesk. 

Join us for this special episode of the Digital Builder Podcast, recorded live at AU 2023, the Design & Make conference!

In this recap of day 3, host Eric Thomas dives into the biggest themes encompassing the Design & Make Conference, such as Digital Transformation, the growing importance of AI in construction, the push for getting clean data and adopting cloud-based solutions, and why its vital for technology providers in the AEC industry to act as true partners to their customers and industry leaders as we all work together to make this industry better and safer.

Digital Builder is hosted by Eric Thomas of Autodesk. 

Join us for this special episode of the Digital Builder Podcast, recorded live at AU 2023, the Design & Make conference!

We sit down with Ross Wagner, Manager of Technical Solutions AEC at Autodesk, and Justin Lipsey, Technical Solutions Executive at Autodesk, to discuss their exciting experiences from the conference.

They dive into the hype of the newest announcements from AU, the executive and customer briefings taking place throughout the week, the impact that customer feedback is making on Autodesk's products, and their predictions for what the next decade will bring to the construction industry.

Digital Builder is hosted by Eric Thomas of Autodesk. 

Join us for this special episode of the Digital Builder Podcast, recorded live at AU 2023, the Design & Make conference!

We sit down with Jenna Pellegrino, Global Voice of the Customer & Customer Experience Strategy manager, and Mallory Adiego, Director North American Customer Success, to discuss their exciting experiences from the conference.

They dive into the excitement of AU being back in Vegas, discuss some exciting news from today’s keynote, highlight the importance of customer feedback, discuss their roles in the Voice of the Customer program, and provide a glimpse into the future of construction.

Digital Builder is hosted by Eric Thomas of Autodesk. 

Click here to watch this episode on YouTube!

Technology on job sites has become the standard in construction and it’s only growing by the day. Builders and construction companies need to utilize digitization to not only help plan projects but also when finding new talent to join your team!  

In a special episode recorded live at Autodesk University, we’re joined by Ro n McGuire, Program Administrator at International Training Institute and Ken Schneider, Training Specialist at United Association, to discuss how trade workers in the construction industry are using technology not only to advance job sites but also to help attract and retain new talent to the AEC world!  

 We discuss: 

• The digitalization of constructions sites  
• Bringing the younger generation of workers to employers with tech  
• Meeting demand through technology 
• The biggest trends in construction 

Digital Builder is hosted by Eric Thomas of Autodesk. 

What do the cloud and trust have in common? A lot, actually. Autodesk CEO Andrew Anagnost is on a mission to create a high-trust ecosystem in construction building on today’s cloud technology. And the benefits extend far beyond improving efficiency and transparency – it’s about solving construction’s capacity problem.

Recorded live from Autodesk University 2022, we had the incredible opportunity to chat with Andrew about his vision for the future of construction, the legacy he hopes to leave the industry, the value of working in the cloud, and a whole lot more!

This in-person episode was filmed and you can watch the conversation unfold right from our YouTube channel.

Digital Builder is hosted by Eric Thomas of Autodesk.

When experiencing a period of rapid growth and fast-paced transformation, leaders can get caught up in optimizing processes and finding fast solutions to new problems. This means you may miss opportunities to build deeper connections between your teams and struggle to nurture a strong culture of trust that is ready to adapt to changes on the fly. 

There are already so many important elements of the organization that need to be balanced, so how can leaders effectively navigate these high-growth periods without making their workforce feel like they’ve been left behind? 

We sat down with Tomislav Zigo, Chief Technology Officer and Vice President at Clayco, during AU2023 to talk through these complex processes, how complex companies like Clayco are changing the way they handle tech deployment, and how leaders can properly invest in their teams now to navigate these periods of rapid growth, new technology, and massive workforce culture shifts. 

We discuss: 

• How tech adoption practices have evolved over the last 15 years 
• How Tomislav evaluates new technology for potential adoption 
• How to empower leaders in a fast-scaling model 
• How broad workforce culture shifts are impacting the way organizations scale 
• The need for companies to adopt a strong data strategy to remain competitive 

Digital Builder is hosted by Eric Thomas of Autodesk. 

Even the largest organizations are not immune to the supply chain and labor shortage issues facing the construction industry around the globe, so we’ve invited Vanayak Pai, CEO & Managing Director at Tata Projects, and Rahul Sharma, CIO at Tata Projects, to explore how one of India’s leading engineering, procurement, and construction companies is navigating those challenges, their approach to tech deployment, and why increasing predictability is at the heart of their company operations.  

We discuss: 

• Tata Projects’ approach to becoming a technology-led EPC delivery organization 
• The increasing role of women in India’s construction ecosystem 
• Strategies for tackling global supply chain and labor shortage issues 
• How technology and connectivity driving safer and more efficient prefabrication 
• The importance of improving predictability in project delivery 
• Why Digital Twins and BIM are becoming must-have tools  

Digital Builder is hosted by Eric Thomas of Autodesk. 

RFIs are often considered a necessary evil in construction, where, on average, 10 RFIs get issued for every million dollars' worth of construction put in place. This can easily result in negative impacts to a project’s budget and schedule.  

But what if there was a way to eliminate the burden RFIs place on construction projects? What if we could take the hours, money, and effort that is currently devoted to RFIs and invest them elsewhere to complete projects faster, more efficiently, and more safely? 

Sidharth Haksar, Autodesk’s Senior Director & Head of Strategy and Industry Partnerships, believes just that, and in this episode, he shares his vision for how we can get there. 

Here's what we cover: 

• Why RFIs exist and continue to impact projects 
• The common results of RFI generation 
• The impact automation can offer to reduce wasteful processes 
• The lack of needed innovation in the pre-construction and planning phases and why organizations should invest more heavily in improving those phases 
• Why automating pre-construction processes can reduce safety incidents and bring faster risk assessment 

Assets Mentioned: 

• Blog: The End of RFIs: It’s Time to Stop Automating Wasteful Construction Processes 

Digital Builder is hosted by Eric Thomas of Autodesk. 

The core purpose that drives any impactful customer success program is understanding needs and desired outcomes. Without a foundational understanding of a client’s needs, achieving success can be like trying to find a needle in a haystack.  

In this way, Autodesk’s customer success team mirrors the exact way construction projects are brought to life: building strong relationships, identifying core needs and desired outcomes, collaborating with everyone involved to plan and execute, and utilizing all available resources and technology to achieve those desired outcomes and meet those core needs. 

And because of that process, the customer success team can often be the first to know how trends are changing in the industry and how organizations can and should adapt their strategies to remain competitive in this rapidly evolving industry—which is exactly what we are breaking down for you in this week’s episode. 

Guests: 

Brandon LeCourciere, Senior Director of Global Customer Success at Autodesk 

Allison Scott, Director of Customer Experience & Industry Advocacy at Autodesk 

We discuss: 

• How to find data-centric solutions for process optimization 
• How a younger workforce and accessible technology are pushing the construction industry to evolve 
• Why construction companies that embrace technology have a better chance of attracting younger talent and remaining competitive 
• How technology is helping to fill skills gaps in the construction industry 

Assets Mentioned: 

Autodesk Construction Cloud Learning Center 

Digital Builder is hosted by Eric Thomas of Autodesk. 

Construction in motion can be a sight to see, with so many workers on site completing their work alongside each other and so many moving parts working together.

But that marvel doesn't happen on its own. To be successful, these construction projects take careful planning, collaboration, and coordination to execute, and it takes motivated individuals with a passion for their work to do it right.

Without those motivated trades workers and general contractors, there wouldn’t be a construction project to marvel at, leaving our construction sites empty. That's why we are diving into the realities of trades careers, how to help young people generate interest in construction careers, and how efforts like Autodesk’s Make it Real program are empowering young people to build successful careers for themselves.

Guests this episode:

• Savy Francis, Pipefitter at E.M. Duggan
• Kelsey Gauger, National Director for Operational Excellence at Suffolk Construction

We discuss:

• How new technology adoption naturally creates opportunities for knowledge transfer between older and younger generations of skilled workers
• How seeing the results of their work empowers, motivates, and inspires workers and brings meaning to their contribution
• The myth about construction and trades being antiquated and dirty
• Why both collaboration and transparency are needed for successful innovation
• Savy’s involvement in Building Pathways, a pre-apprenticeship program in Boston, MA that empowers people to secure a trades careers in Boston
• Autodesk’s Make it Real program that encourages young people to engage in their communities through construction

Assets Mentioned:

• Autodesk’s Make it Real Program

Digital Builder is hosted by Eric Thomas of Autodesk.

Watch the video version of this episode on YouTube!

Many think of career growth as a set path one must take where they hit specific milestones to get to the next level. But  in today’s connected world, the paths to career growth and success have widened, and some may even surprise you. 

In this episode, Eric sits down with Natalya Cappellini, CEO of CURATO Design Build, and Kaitlin Frank, CEO of eMOD, two powerhouse leaders who have found success by embracing their own unexpected career journeys.  

Throughout the episode, we discuss: 

• How to identify and take smart risks to grow your experience and career 
• The importance of stepping out of one’s comfort zone 
• The challenges facing women in construction 
• Transitioning from hands-on work to leadership in construction 
• How to build confidence in your skills and knowledge  

Digital Builder is hosted by Eric Thomas of Autodesk. 

 Watch the video version of this episode on YouTube! 

The Massachusetts Port Authority connects Massachusetts with the world through airports, cruise ports, container terminals, and more, and with so many complex operations going simultaneously, Massport is where technology and innovation intersect to keep everything running smoothly. What’s even more impressive is they do this with a relentless focus on improving the passenger and customer experience.  

Dr. Lucianna Burdi is the Director of Capital Programs and Environmental Affairs at the Massachusetts Port Authority. Her team is responsible for delivering projects safely, efficiently, and sustainably, while keeping the overall experience as high-quality as possible. In this episode, Eric and Dr. Burdi talk about how a passion for customer service drives her approach to infrastructure development, how large organizations should think about tech adoption, and why sharing our learnings is key to the long-term growth and success of the AEC industry.  

We explore: 

• How to innovate while navigating highly regulated industries 
• How clarity and navigational efficiency drive infrastructure design decisions 
• Why interconnected digital twins and collaborative design are the future of infrastructure management 
• How Massport trials new initiatives and acquires fast feedback for improvement and iteration 

Digital Builder is hosted by Eric Thomas of Autodesk. 

Watch the video version of this episode recorded live at the Autodesk Technology Center! 

New technology, processes, and data standardization is great, but what happens when new processes aren’t well-maintained? Or when your team isn’t properly trained in the handover process on how to utilize these new processes to keep accurate records of construction projects?  

Amr Raafat, the Chief Innovation Officer at Windover Construction, is leading his team to innovate with BIM and digital twins to ensure problems like that become a relic of the past. Alongside the increasing adoption of new tech, Eric talks with Amr about the ways that BIM and digital twins are transforming the level of accessibility project stakeholders have and how Windover is leading the way in developing future-proof handover processes that minimize new skills training and maximize efficiency. 

We discuss: 

• How prefab is helping to reduce waste and emissions, and why AI has even more potential to do the same 
• How digital twin technology is enabling more effective and impactful facility management 
• Why new innovations in BIM and digital twins are transforming the handover process for clients 
• Establishing cultures of trust and honest two-way conversation are essential when introducing new tools and technologies. 

Digital Builder is hosted by Eric Thomas of Autodesk. 

Behind every successful project is a slew of operations processes and team members that ensure project stakeholders have everything they need to complete the job on time with consistency and high quality. Without robust operations practices in place, projects can be doomed before they even begin. 

With that in mind, we’ve invited Giana Morini, Operations Technology Leader at DPR Construction, to share how operations thrives at DPR Construction and how their operational success can be replicated at any organization. 

We discuss: 

• Why operations technology is the foundation for innovation and design in construction 
• Critical differences between office and project site environments 
• Listening, understanding business goals, and building relationships with vendors are key in building a world-class technology stack 
• How to successfully capture and utilize data 
• How self-perform work can alleviate some labor shortage issues 

Digital Builder is hosted by Eric Thomas of Autodesk. 

Construction continues to face ongoing challenges like labor shortages, supply chain limitations, and logistics complications. Strategic firms are looking for ways to proactively protect their margins in 2023 so they can not only withstand these issues, but so they can stay ahead and remain innovative and competitive. 

In this special round-up episode recorded throughout the last several months, Eric asked several of our recent podcast guests to share what companies should be focusing on in 2023 to protect their profit margins so they can continue to expand and innovate.  

Digital Builder is hosted by Eric Thomas of Autodesk. 

As digital adoption in construction continues to accelerate, companies face new challenges around data. Collection, verification, standardization, and utilization are all vital data processes for every company to implement properly—but where to start? 

During Autodesk University, Eric sat down with Jit Kee Chin, Executive Vice President and Chief Data Officer at Suffolk Construction, to discuss how companies can properly implement data standardization, how data transformation brings value to every level of an organization, and more. 

 We discuss: 

• Contributing factors to the acceleration of construction technology and digital adoption 
• How technology has made transparency easier to achieve 
• Why building trust in data is so important 
• The risks and rewards of data standardization 
• Why organizations need to build trust in the data they collect 
• How Data Democratization empowers workers at every level of an organization 

Digital Builder is hosted by Eric Thomas of Autodesk.

Intentional investment in raising an organization's data quality, improving its access to information, and creating and implementing robust, purpose-built technology deployments in the field is already proving to be transformative for all stakeholders across construction projects. 

  For leaders like Christy Steffen, Assistant Director of Gaylor University at Gaylor Electric, and Brandon Floyd, Director of Quality at Rosendin, they are already seeing the major upside to upskilling their teams and implementing these tools on site. In this episode, we’ve invited them to share how their teams are approaching the implementation of data-driven tools, team training programs, and more. 

We discuss: 

• Ways to maintain a safe environment within a culture of continuous improvement 
• How Gaylor Electric and Rosendin are approaching data training and implementation 
• How project management technology has advanced over the last 10 years in the AEC industry 
• The biggest challenges facing specialty contractors with project delivery and on-site safety 
• How better data and on-demand access are already making field teams more efficient 

Digital Builder is hosted by Eric Thomas of Autodesk. 

Younger generation involvement in construction is essential to continue industry-wide expansion and innovation. And today, construction is truly a dynamic industry with more career options to choose from where anyone can apply their individual skillsets and passions.  

In this episode, Eric sits down with Fopefoluwa (Fope) Bademosi, Circular Economy and Construction Researcher at Autodesk, and Evan Reilly, Senior Emerging Technology Engineer at Skanska, inside the Autodesk Technology Center in Boston, MA, to break down the most effective methods for inspiring the next generation, educating them about the opportunities available to them, and some of the biggest industry problems that need innovative thinkers with unique perspectives to solve. 

 We explore: 

• How to resonate with college and pre-college students when presenting about construction 
• How better data capture and purpose-built technology has increased the need for a diverse array of skillsets beyond construction-specific expertise 
• How to promote new ideas through establishing a culture of innovation 

Digital Builder is hosted by Eric Thomas of Autodesk. 

In another one of our incredible live interviews from Autodesk University, Eric sits down with Matt Abeles, Vice President of Construction Technology and Innovation at Associated Builders and Contractors, to talk about the work the ABC Tech Alliance is doing, strategic principles for  leaders looking to adopt new and innovative technologies, and more. 

 We explore: 

• The ABC Tech Alliance’s mission, values, and how it helps members use technology to be safer, increase revenue, and secure new opportunities 
• Highlights from this year’s ABC Technology Report Why many organizations are missing solutions that will solve 90% of the problem at a fraction of the cost 
• The trend of increasing collaboration between construction technology companies to innovate and solve more complex problems 

Digital Builder is hosted by Eric Thomas of Autodesk. 

Construction often involves complex logistical planning and coordination, but what happens when you add building in one of the harshest environments on earth to the mix? 

In this episode, Eric sits down with David Brand, the Senior Project Manager from the British Antarctic Survey, and Neil Irving, Digital Project Solutions Business Partner at BAM Nuttall, to talk about their work on the British Antarctic Survey Project, how they overcome their project’s unique challenges, and what they’ve learned so far.  

We discuss: 

• How the project brings together digital construction and sustainability while enabling more advanced scientific research in the future 
• Why all project stakeholders need to collaborate thoroughly to ensure no details are missed 
• How prefabrication enables construction in Antarctica’s harsh climate 
• How they are using digital tools to enable successful project management 
• How the onsite team builds community and fosters connection  

Digital Builder is hosted by Eric Thomas of Autodesk. 

In construction, the decisions leaders make now will largely determine what our industry will look like in a decade. How organizations embrace new technologies has never been more important, because technology and the success of the next generation comes hand in hand. 

Eric sits down with John Fish, Chairman and CEO of Suffolk Construction, and Jim Lynch, Senior Vice President & General Manager of Autodesk Construction Solutions for an honest, no-holds barred look at the state of construction today and where the industry is headed tomorrow.  

We discuss: 

• The need for increased collaboration and alignment across all contributing members of a project 
• How AI is unlocking new opportunities for workers and companies to innovate and refine their focus 
• How leaders should invest in recruiting more blue-collar talent and upskilling them with unfamiliar technology and why it’s so important 
• Can data sharing become the most transformative form of collaboration across the industry? 
• How should organizations approach engaging the next generation in construction 

Digital Builder is hosted by Eric Thomas of Autodesk. 

People are the important thing for any company to remember as they replace legacy technology with innovative, purpose-built tools and processes. That’s why Eric is sitting down with Jon Marks, Former CTO at Swinerton and Principal CEO at Corvus Star Consulting. 

In this episode Jon breaks down the key tactics leaders can implement to ensure they are keeping their people first. 

We discuss: 

• Change management in construction is challenging to lead because there are limited opportunities to deliver change 
• Effective delivery of change involves bite-sized learning and intentional engagement with project teams 
• Flexibility is important for retaining talent and finding the best people for the organization 
• The use of technology and processes is interconnected with the need for mentorship and coaching. 
• Technology and automation in buildings can improve comfort, reduce costs, and benefit the environment. 

Digital Builder is hosted by Eric Thomas of Autodesk. 

With the growing conversation about how construction is changing because of purpose-built technology like AI, AR technology, and robotics, it’s important to nurture those who will have their careers be the most influenced by it: the next generation of workers. 

That’s why we’ve invited Alan Dillon, Senior Superintendent at Truebeck Construction, for a conversation about leadership, effective mentorship, and why successful relationships are the key to successful projects. 

We discuss: 

• Properly balancing technology and human contributions 
• Why collaboration and providing new opportunities are key to successful mentorship 
• How successful construction projects are built from successful relationships 
• Why curiosity and asking questions help leaders and team members grow, feel valued, and lead to new opportunities 

Digital Builder is hosted by Eric Thomas of Autodesk. 

The benefits and challenges of digitization are shared by construction companies globally. Construction leaders located around the world are all discovering the best ways to scale digital adoption at their organizations so that processes can become safer, faster, and more efficient. Today we're taking a closer look at how digital adoption is quickly gaining traction in APAC, or the Asia-Pacific region. 

During Autodesk University, Eric sat down with Muhd Khalil Shaiful Bahari, Deputy Director for the Group Technology Office at Boustead Projects Limited, and William Low, Asia-Pacific Regional Sales Manager at Autodesk, to discuss the state of digital adoption in APAC, the main obstacles to scaling digitization, and why it is so necessary for the success of future projects. 

We discuss: 

• The challenges of scaling digital adoption 
• How virtual collaboration has transformed the construction ecosystem in APAC 
• Main obstacles preventing digital adoption 
• How a value-focused digitization strategy prevents “Shiny New Toy Syndrome” 
• The state of data collection, creation, visualization, and implementation in APAC 
• Upcoming technology trends to be excited about  

Digital Builder is hosted by Eric Thomas of Autodesk.  

The adoption of robotics and augmented reality tools at scale is making projects more efficient, workers live safer & easier—all while reducing errors that can cause major problems. 

This and a whole lot more was discussed when Eric sat down with Andrew Cameron, Project Manager at Hensel Phelps. In this episode, we are talking effective technology pilots, tech deployment at scale, and how these tools and new processes are turning Construction into a more attractive industry. 

We discuss: 

• Effective technology pilot strategies  
• Aligning new tech with a company’s core goals and a team’s specific pain points 
• How augmentation improves worker experience & safety 
• Agile software tools versus legacy technology and processes 
• The ROI of robotics deployment at scale  

Digital Builder is hosted by Eric Thomas of Autodesk. 

It’s no secret that manual labor in construction can take a significant toll on the human body, and high-strain activities can have a long-term health impact for workers. 

That’s where Robotics comes in: By augmenting how workers do their jobs today, robots are helping to relieve them of the burden of many high-strain tasks, freeing workers to do their jobs faster, safer, and more efficiently. 

In this episode recorded live at Autodesk University, Eric sits down with Brooke Gemmell, Emerging Technology Partner at Skanska, to break down the current state of robotics in construction and how it will impact the industry in the coming years. 

We discuss: 

• How robots make manual labor and redundant activities easier 
• The biggest myths about robotics in construction 
• Benefits for adopting robotics & technology 
• Biggest obstacles to widespread adoption and how to mitigate them 
• Best practices for successful adoption 

Digital Builder is hosted by Eric Thomas of Autodesk. 

As the construction industry continues to digitize, companies are faced with endless possibilities thanks to access to exponentially more and better data, truly digitized workflows, technology like augmented reality, and communication tools that improve speed and efficiency.  

To dive into all of these and more, Matthew Cordova, Director of Construction Technology at Hermanson Company, Matt Lamb, the Chief Information Officer at Rosendin Electric, join Eric Thomas in another live episode of Digital Builder hosted on LinkedIn Live! 

We discuss: 

• Ensuring a balanced workload when integrating new tech into existing processes 
• Properly implementing new tech with different teams in the same organization 
• Security considerations and best practices with new technology and AI tools like ChatGPT 
• How AI and better data availability open new revenue lines 
• How to begin the digitization process in a way that teams can manage 

Digital Builder is hosted by Eric Thomas of Autodesk. 

As new AI tools enter the scene at a rapidly increasing rate, they will transform the way CAD or Computer Aided Design is integrated into our existing workflows. From managing data security and intellectual property to transforming the workflows of workers at all levels of involvement in a project, there is a lot of noise for organ?

That’s why we sat down with Autodesk’s Global VP for Product Management & Development, Marcus O’Brien. In this episode, Marcus shares the history behind CAD, how it originally revolutionized the industry, and cuts through the noise to share the tangible ways that new AI and ML tools are shaping the way we work.  

 We discuss: 

• The history and purpose of both CAD and AutoCAD 
• Which ML & AI tools are making a meaningful impact in AEC workflows 
• How AI tools can avoid becoming another “Clippy” 
• Organizational safety and data security when working with cloud-based AI tools 
• How AI tools can empower better and wiser decision-making when utilized properly 
• How AEC organizations are shifting from communication and documentation tools to collaborative tools 
• How common data environments could affect the future of AEC 

 Digital Builder is hosted by Eric Thomas of Autodesk. 

Reality capture technology is transforming what is possible on and off the construction site. Site scanning technologies and augmented and virtual reality are changing the game for construction pros by enabling teams to create a comprehensive view of physical structures and environments. 

In this episode recorded live at Autodesk University, Eric is sitting down with Lisa Kelly, VP of EarthCam, and Waleed Zafar, Mission Critical Projects Director at XYZ Reality, to talk about why this technology is so game-changing and how it is impacting the construction industry. 

We discuss: 

• What VR/AR technology brings to construction projects 
• The factors driving fast, widespread adoption 
• Best practices for adopting VR/AR technology into your organization 
• Why thorough project communication is vital to the success of any new technology 

Digital Builder is hosted by Eric Thomas of Autodesk. 

In the second half of our two-part episode with Autodesk colleagues Lisa Chen, Technical Sales Executive, and Ross Wagner, Manager of Technical Sales, we continue talking about the obstacles preventing the industry from digitization and why Legacy Non-Purpose-Built tools are holding companies back. 

If you haven't yet, catch the first half of our conversation with Lisa and Ross in Episode 41! 

We discuss: 

• Why contractors are rejecting digital tools 
• The difficult reality of using Legacy Non-Purpose-Built tools 
• The tools Lisa & Ross can’t do without on a job site 

Digital Builder is hosted by Eric Thomas of Autodesk. 

While remote work becomes more and more accessible and integrated in the workplace, it remains elusive for construction because the very nature of the work requires an onsite workforce. This nuance makes accessibility a difficult hurdle to improve workforce diversity across the industry. 

This week, Eric sits down with Camille Hardin, Project Manager at Flint Builders, Inc., to talk about innovative construction tech, the rise of prefab, and a candid look at the challenges facing women working in construction—especially for those out in the field. 

We discuss: 

• The gender & diversity imbalance in construction 
• How prefab can open up career possibilities for underrepresented groups 
• The need for increased flexibility in the workplace (and why!) 
• The best tech for coordinating the prefab process 

Digital Builder is hosted by Eric Thomas of Autodesk. 

We’ve all heard about the value Lean construction can offer our industry. But without robust communication practices, buy-in from all parts of a project, and a work culture that promotes innovation and good mental health practices—organizations are not able to truly maximize the value that’s possible. 

In this episode, Eric sits down with Ariana Alvear, Senior Production Manager at The Boldt Company, to deep dive into lean construction, how The Boldt Company is utilizing Integrated Project Delivery or IPD in its processes, and how to solve complex communication challenges that are all too common on construction projects. 

 We discuss: 

• Common communication problems and how to solve them 
• Increasing collaborative accountability at all stages of a project’s development 
• How Integrated Project Delivery (IPD) works 
• Embracing automation and minimizing manual processes 
• Creating positive work cultures in construction organizations 

Digital Builder is hosted by Eric Thomas of Autodesk.