Episode 142: Digital Transformation in Practice

How can we change the way we use data and digital tools to help improve our clients' business, internal collaboration, and design development? 

In this episode of Practice Disrupted, I sit down with Tim Dufault, Founder and Chief Revenue Officer of ConcertVDC, and Stefnee Trzpuc, the Director of Operations for BWBR to discuss the opportunities of digital transformation in practice, which refers to integrating digital tools and processes for design development and client collaboration.

First, Tim and Stefnee define digital transformation, emphasizing the importance of continuous learning to keep up with industry trends and effectively manage the digital ecosystem. They also discuss how this technology can transform the architect-client relationship and improve overall business performance. 

Then, they dive into the challenges architectural firms face, mainly smaller ones, in adopting these new technologies. Plus, Tim shares examples from ConcertVDC that demonstrate the benefits of sharing digital information to reduce misunderstandings between architects and clients. Stefnee also shares examples of BWBR's entire client project process with the specific digital tools, technologies, and strategies they use as well as where they have seen the most success.

There's this ongoing interaction between the building owner and the architect about what's working and what's not. How do we use that building better? How do we make that building effective for 1000 years, not 100 years? I hope that architects are looking at digital transformation as the mechanism to not just simply do something more "wow factor" as a way that we can actually change the world. - Tim Dufault

To wrap up the episode, Tim and Stefnee share their vision of the future, where digital transformation allows architects to create buildings that evolve through ongoing feedback, a focus on community, and an optimized collaboration with clients.

Tune in next week for an episode about architecture and AI. 

Guests:

Tim Dufault, FAIA

Tim Dufault is a founder and the Chief Revenue Officer for ConcertVDC, a Blockchain-based platform for registering and sharing digital design information in the AEC industry. Concert solves the problem of data ownership and the secure sharing of digital information during the design and construction process. The company was established in 2019 and attracted investment from major international architecture and engineering firms. Concert is leading the transformation to a true digital ecosystem in architecture and construction. Before joining Concert, Tim served for 15 years as the CEO of Cuningham, an award-winning Minnesota-based architecture and design firm. 

Stefnee Trzpuc, CID, EDAC, LEED AP

Stefnee Trzpuc serves as the Director of Operations for BWBR and actively seeks opportunities for complex problem solving by applying strategic systems thinking through a lens of people, processes, and technology. Stefnee leads strategy and teams for technology systems, knowledge management, data, legal and risk management, and administrative services and works closely with all areas of the organization to identify solutions and improvement strategies for an evolving and thriving practice. Current focus areas include studying impacts and opportunities on business and creative processes with hybrid work models, artificial intelligence and automation, data and knowledge strategy, digital transformation, and organizational effectiveness. 

📍 Show Links:  

Connect with Tim on LinkedIn

Connect with ConcertVDC on LinkedIn

Connect with Stefnee on LinkedIn

Learn more about ConcertVDC

Learn more about BWBR

📚Continue Learning:

Redesigning Work: How to Transform You Organization and Make Hybrid Work for Everyone 

Working Knowledge

The Art of Gathering

Momentum: Creating Effective, Engaging, and Enjoyable Meetings

📚 Past Episodes Referenced:

PD # 23 Finding a New Value Proposition Through Tech

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