AEC Trailblazers: The Founders Files

In this episode of AEC Traiblazers, Matt Jones, Founder of The Dragon Group, joins Valentin Noves to discuss how technology is reshaping workforce management in the AEC industry.

With a deep understanding of the challenges faced by builders, site managers and business owners, Matt shares insights on how Dragon App streamlines the recruitment process for casual labor.

He explains how their platform provides a seamless experience for managing workforce allocation and reduces the headache of dealing with traditional labor hire companies.

As Matt says, "We make it really easy for the builder to navigate the platform because they don't want to be dealing with labor hire."

The conversation dives into the technicalities of workforce engagement through technology, emphasizing how Dragon App provides construction firms the tools they need to connect with skilled Australian workers more efficiently.

Matt highlights the importance of pricing and structure for workforce management, noting that "Even if the clients think they know what they want, Dragon app will give the best outcome."

The episode explores how this innovative platform leverages AI to match workers with jobs, ultimately improving the bottom line for businesses.

Whether you’re a site manager trying to manage your team more efficiently or a builder looking to cut operational costs, this episode provides actionable insights. From taxes to managing the casual workforce, Matt covers all the critical points.

Discover how embracing tech like Dragon App can revolutionize your staffing model, give you better control over your projects and drive higher margins.

In this episode, Stacy Smedley, Executive Director of Building Transparency, dives deep into the importance of sustainability in the built space and climate actions that reduce embodied carbon.

Stacy explores the groundbreaking work behind the Embodied Carbon in Construction Calculator (EC3), a free tool that allows architects, builders and project managers to analyze the carbon impact of materials like concrete and steel.

As the industry moves towards green building practices, Stacy reveals how databases and tools like COVE tools and EPD generators are crucial for decision-making.

A core focus of the conversation is on climate action in building design, where Stacy discusses how her nonprofit is fostering a shift by making sustainability data accessible.

The open-access model used by Building Transparency has united over 50,000 users from more than 70 countries, proving that the tools are not only valuable but essential for the construction industry to minimize its environmental impact.

“Anyone can register for free,” Stacy emphasizes, highlighting the inclusive nature of these solutions.

Stacy also shares personal stories, like when she told her mom at just eight years old that she wanted to build things that don't destroy nature.

Tune in to hear how Stacy's lifelong commitment to environmental protection is reshaping the future of building design and construction, and how it’s empowering professionals to lead with sustainability at the forefront of every project.

In this episode of AEC Traiblazers, we take a deep dive into the intersection of technology and the construction industry with Di-Ann Eisnor, a seasoned entrepreneur and current Chief Strategy Officer at WakeCap.

With a track record that spans leadership roles at Waze, Google and Crews by Core, Di-Ann brings an unparalleled understanding of how IoT is transforming job sites.

As she explains, "Construction tech is a whole different beast", one that requires new solutions to age-old challenges like safety and productivity.

Throughout the episode, Di-Ann unpacks how WakeCap’s innovations are making a measurable impact on safety and efficiency, from massive $300 billion projects to smaller initiatives, and why IoT provides the 'truth set of data' that is essential for real decision-making in the construction space.

One of the core themes we explore is the role of IoT-driven data in addressing safety issues on job sites. Di-Ann emphasizes how construction professionals have traditionally relied on fragmented, point solutions that fail to provide a holistic view of the work environment.

“The industry has been trying to get away from point solutions,” Di-Ann notes, advocating for integrated systems that track real-time data across projects. With IoT, it’s no longer about assumptions, but about systems that make recommendations based on real-time insights—a shift that is not only improving safety but also enhancing productivity and project outcomes.

For professionals in the construction tech space, understanding how to leverage this data is key to improving job site management and performance.

Di-Ann’s passion for the construction industry is deeply personal. Coming from a family of truck drivers and construction laborers, she has an intrinsic connection to the field. “I love the idea that I could do anything to make their job easier, better and safer,” she shares.

This episode is a must-listen for those who want to stay ahead of the curve in construction tech and understand the ROI potential of integrating advanced IoT solutions into their workflows.

Di-Ann also offers advice for entrepreneurs looking to enter this space, stressing the importance of achieving product-market fit and how investors are increasingly focused on the big-picture potential of construction tech startups.

If you’re serious about transforming your job site through technology, this conversation is packed with actionable insights and forward-thinking strategies.

In this episode of AEC Traiblazers, we dive deep into the world of construction equipment management with Oded Ran, CEO of Clue Insights, a game-changing company driving efficiency across the industry.

With over 20 years of experience in mobile software and SaaS, Oded shares his expertise on PLG (Product-Led Growth) strategies and what it takes to optimize a company’s most valuable assets: its equipment.

You'll learn how Clue is empowering heavy civil and road construction firms to get the most out of their fleets and why equipment managers, from mechanics to dispatchers, rely on their integrated, cloud-based solutions.

Through powerful anecdotes and practical insights, Oded discusses how construction firms are leaving behind "sales-driven" models and focusing on real, data-driven optimization.

He also emphasizes the importance of customer collaboration, highlighting, "Don't fall in love with your product. Instead, spend time with the person you're aiming to serve."

Tune in to discover how Oded’s team integrates with over 70 systems, works with top-tier firms like Vinci and Archer Western and is reshaping how the equipment management space functions.

This episode is a must for those looking to enhance productivity, reduce idle times and rethink their approach to horizontal construction.

In this episode, Robert Dahlstrom, CEO of Apellix, delves into the latest advancements in drone technology and its transformative impact on the AEC) industry.

These aren't just flying machines—they're sophisticated "flying computers" designed to enhance safety and efficiency in some of the most dangerous industrial environments.

Robert explores how Apellix's custom-designed drones are used for Power Washing high-risk structures like 120-foot water towers, as well as for Non-Destructive Testing (NDT), including ultrasonic testing (UT) and dry film thickness (DFT) measurements.

Through the integration of GPS, barometric pressure sensors and magnetic compasses, Apellix drones achieve precision flight control that allows them to perform autonomous tasks in hazardous environments, reducing the need for human intervention and significantly improving workplace safety.

Robert discusses how these drones operate as software platforms, where their hardware and software systems are finely tuned to execute tasks that previously placed workers at risk.

The episode also covers the global reach of Apellix's solutions, with drones being sold in 12 countries and utilized by entities such as the US Army's Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear Defense Division.

You’ll also hear how architects are embracing drone technology to explore more geometrically complex building designs that were previously considered too dangerous or difficult to construct.

Whether you're an AEC professional, safety engineer or tech enthusiast, this episode provides a comprehensive overview of the future of drone-powered safety and automation in industrial applications.

Tune in to discover how these cutting-edge machines are reshaping both the built environment and the way we think about workplace safety.

In this episode, we dive into the groundbreaking world of smart flooring sensors with Joe Scanlin, co-founder and CEO of Scanalytics.

Discover how their patented sensor technology is transforming the flooring industry by providing unparalleled building intelligence.

From integration with commercial carpeting to innovative installation processes, these sensors are setting a new standard in occupancy data accuracy.

Joe shares insights on how Scanalytics is redefining hardware deployment.

Their sensors can be embedded directly into typical flooring underlayment, making it easier for labor chains to implement without extensive training.

Imagine a smart floor that not only tracks foot traffic but also alerts to emergencies in real time—this is the future of IoT in building environments!

Join us as we explore how these advancements in flooring technology not only enhance building efficiency but also create safer and smarter spaces for occupants. With solutions tailored to existing workflows across all types of surfaces, this innovation is leading the charge in the evolution of smart buildings.

In this episode of AEC Trailblazers, we dive into how Alec Pestov, CEO of vGIS, is revolutionizing the way we think about city construction using AR and Twin Technologies.Alec’s company leverages intuitive AI to optimize large-scale construction processes and streamline project documentation, setting a new standard in the AEC industry. He shares his vision of a future where cities are built and modernized without human hands, transitioning from fully human labor to fully automated construction.

However, like any disruptive technology, AR in construction faces technical challenges. Alec discusses key hurdles such as occlusions—a common issue in AR visualization—and how vGIS is working on lateral solutions to overcome these limitations.The conversation highlights how, much like the iPhone’s breakthrough in personal tech, widespread industry adoption is critical for AR to truly transform construction.

Alec emphasizes that while humans will still control construction processes in the future, they won’t be physically building the cities of tomorrow. For the AEC industry to embrace these advancements effectively, greater tech awareness is essential.This episode is a must-listen for anyone ready to explore the future of automated labor and AI-driven construction.

In this episode of AEC Trailblazers: The Founders Files, meet George Smithies, a seasoned Chartered Engineer, entrepreneur, and Forbes' 30 Under 30. Hear George’s perception of the challenges of founding a company, especially after a traditional career path, which presents a straightforward journey. While following a set career path provides a clear direction, starting your own business requires constant decision-making and adaptation and the ability to learn quickly and make decisions is the inevitable bone for success.

George also dives into the significant differences between the design and construction phases and their belief that to disrupt the construction industry they needed to focus on the 90% of workers that actually work in the field- versus the 10% managing from the office. With this goal in mind, George and his team sought to create a centralized platform that integrated various technologies, identifying a gap in the market for tools specifically designed for field workers, who often lacked the necessary technology to streamline their tasks.

Creating a platform for field workers required a strategic approach. Rather than selling directly to them, the team focused on selling to those with purchasing power within construction companies. This approach ensured that the platform would be adopted and used by field workers.

Committed to this goal, in 2018, George co-founded innDex, an innovative platform that streamlines project management and enhances workforce connectivity. By integrating hardware and cloud-based software, innDex offers a comprehensive suite of tools for site inductions, access control, RAMs, toolbox talks, progress reporting, inspections, and more. The platform aims to improve efficiency, and compliance, and reduce waste in the construction industry.

Tune in to this episode and get to know more about how to integrate hardware and cloud-based software to enhance workforce connectivity.

In this episode of AEC Trailblazers: The Founders Files, we sit down with Cristiano, the passionate co-founder and CPO of laiout, a PropTech startup revolutionizing floor plan design. Cristiano's journey, from the bustling streets of Rome to the innovative tech scene of Oslo, is a testament to his entrepreneurial spirit and unwavering commitment to the AEC industry.

We delve into Cristiano's transition from architecture to tech, inspired by the limited opportunities in Italy. His experience working in a proptech company in London provided invaluable insights into the potential of technology to transform the industry. This inspiring story serves as a beacon for architects seeking to break free from traditional constraints and embrace innovation.

Balancing design aesthetics with practical considerations is a delicate art. Cristiano shares his insights on navigating the challenges of meeting client expectations while maintaining design integrity. He emphasizes the importance of understanding client pain points and tailoring solutions to their specific needs.

The AEC industry has been slow to adopt technology, often relying on outdated methods and processes. Cristiano discusses the reasons behind this resistance and how laiout is breaking down barriers. He highlights the benefits of using technology to streamline workflows, improve efficiency, and enhance collaboration.

We explore the details of laiout's innovative platform, which offers a fully automated multiplayer architectural design tool. The tool can generate personalized floor plans within existing buildings in seconds, saving users valuable time and effort. We discuss the benefits of data-driven design and how laiout can help clients achieve more efficient, cost-effective, and sustainable projects.

Learn how Cristiano's app is disrupting the real estate market with its impressive growth driven by inbound leads and word-of-mouth.

In this episode of AEC Trailblazers: The Founders Files, discover how Josh Graham, a visionary in the construction and climate tech industries, is revolutionizing the way we tackle weather-related risks. In this episode, learn about the hidden costs of weather on construction projects and how Josh's groundbreaking startup, EHAB, is using data and AI to help builders weather the storm.

Weather-related disruptions, from extreme rainfall to heatwaves, have long been a major headache for the construction industry. Delays, cost overruns, and safety hazards are just some of the consequences. Recognizing the urgent need for solutions, Josh and his team embarked on a data-driven mission to quantify the financial impact of these disruptions. The results were alarming: weather-related problems accounted for a substantial portion of the industry's challenges, and the risk was only increasing due to climate change.

To combat this growing threat, Josh tells us how they’ve developed advanced software that utilizes machine learning and predictive analytics to analyze weather patterns and forecast potential disruptions. By providing accurate and timely information, they empower construction companies to make informed decisions and take proactive measures to protect their projects.

As climate change continues to accelerate, the need for sustainable and resilient construction practices becomes increasingly urgent. Josh's work at EHAB is a testament to the power of innovation and collaboration. By understanding the hidden costs of weather and leveraging cutting-edge technology, we can build a more resilient and sustainable future for the construction industry.