AEC Trailblazers: The Founders Files

In this episode of AEC Trailblazers: The Founders Files, get to know Tim's entrepreneurial journey. With a desire to start a data analytics consulting company, he soon realized his true passion lay in the digital construction world. Fueled by the challenges of the pandemic, he decided to take the leap and start a startup.

With this goal, Tim joined Antler, a global VC incubator, where he met his co-founders, Onur and Mahan. Together, they identified a gap in the engineering space: the fragmentation of tooling and the lack of standardized workflows. With this challenge in mind, they co-founded CalcTree, with the ultimate mission to bring together engineering, design, and calculations. They aimed to provide engineers with a platform to manage calculations and data across projects, promoting collaboration and efficiency, while emphasizing the importance of integrating existing tools and workflows, rather than forcing engineers to adopt new, unfamiliar methods.

Listen to Tim speaker about his key must-haves for launching a Construction Technology startup: accessibility, designed to be user-friendly, with a low barrier to entry for engineers; flexibility: integrating with popular tools like Python and spreadsheets, allowing engineers to maintain their preferred workflows; and scalability: offering a wide range of features, from basic calculation management to advanced capabilities like version control and community support.

Tim also tells us the future plans for Calctree's roadmap, including further development of their platform, building features like version control and review models, and ultimately creating a marketplace for engineering tools and services.

Join us on this episode and get to know Tim's entrepreneurial journey and the founding of Calctree highlighting the growing importance of innovation and technology in the AEC industry. By addressing the challenges of data fragmentation and workflow inefficiencies, Calctree is helping engineers to work more efficiently and effectively.

Innovation in the Design, Construction and Management

In this episode of AEC Trailblazers: The Founders Files, meet Adam, the serial entrepreneur behind Bad Monkeys, Bimbeats, and Autonomation.

Join us as we discuss the transformative shift in the AEC industry, driven by a wave of innovative startups. Australia has emerged as a global leader in this space, with even smaller cities and contractors seeing significant growth and multi-billion dollar projects.

As an early adopter of Revit and Dynamo, Adam shares his experiences and the importance of continuous learning in the AEC industry and constant adaptation to new technologies. Along with Valentin, they discuss their passion for coding and their work with machine learning, LLMs, and AI integration in the AEC ecosystem.

They continue the conversation delving into the world of AEC software development, exploring the creation of custom applications and cloud-based solutions. The speakers discuss the challenges of data integration and automation, and how these issues can be addressed through innovative approaches. They double down into Bimbeats, a tool that provides real-time insights into AEC software usage and user needs, and into Autonomation, offering bespoke AEC customer applications, and cloud development interfaces with existing solutions.

The episode also explores the differences between working with enterprise customers and end consumers, as well as developing products versus services. The speakers discuss the importance of clear communication, understanding customer needs, and delivering solutions that meet their specific requirements.

Overall, the episode provides valuable insights for entrepreneurs and industry professionals looking to navigate the changing landscape of AEC technology, software development, and entrepreneurship. Tune in to know more.

About Adam Sheather, Managing Director at Autonomation

Adam is a seasoned entrepreneur and co-founder of Autonomation, Bimbeats, and Bad Monkeys. With over two decades in AEC, he has collaborated with developers, designers, and contractors on diverse projects across Australia, the US, Asia, and the Middle East. His expertise lies in optimizing workflows and data capture to enhance design and delivery.

As Managing Director of Autonomation, Adam and his team partner with industry leaders to develop cutting-edge computational and automation solutions. Their focus is on improving project integration, analysis, and productivity. As certified Autodesk, Bentley, and Trimble developers, they create software and cloud-based solutions leveraging Azure to drive data-driven decisions and streamline processes.

Adam is passionate about harnessing technology to revolutionize the design and construction industry. By empowering project stakeholders and fostering collaboration, he aims to eliminate inefficiencies, accelerate project delivery, and deliver exceptional value. His vision is to provide stakeholders with real-time insights into project progress and maturity, allowing them to focus on strategic decision-making rather than operational tasks.

Bending Tech to Meet the Build by Combining Power and Data

This episode of AEC Trailblazers: The Founders Files features Jim Baldwin, a Silicon Valley veteran with a storied career at tech behemoths like Apple, Microsoft, and Intel, who has taken an unconventional path into the construction industry. While his background is steeped in software and hardware innovation, he has found a unique opportunity to disrupt the traditional building wiring process with his startup, Domatic.

Jim tells us about his journey, beginning at Apple, where he was immersed in a culture of groundbreaking innovation. From early work on fiber networks and the revolutionary touchpad to his involvement in the Firewire project, he gained invaluable experience in developing cutting-edge technologies. Firewire, in particular, laid the groundwork for Domatic’s core concept of combining power and data transmission through a single cable.

Jim tells us about the birth of Domanic. A keen observer of the market, Jim noticed a recurring challenge: the complexity of integrating technology into buildings often hindered progress. Inspired by his experience at Apple, where the focus was on making technology accessible to everyone, he sought to apply the same principles to the construction industry.

Recognizing the limitations of traditional wiring systems, which rely on outdated infrastructure, Jim envisioned a more efficient and cost-effective solution. By combining his deep technical knowledge with a fresh perspective on building design, he founded Domatic.

Domatic's core innovation lies in its low-voltage wiring system, which replaces the bulky and complex high-voltage infrastructure used in most buildings. By focusing on powering the majority of building fixtures, such as lights and sensors, with lower voltage, Domatic significantly reduces installation time, cost, and the need for skilled labor.

This simplified approach eliminates the complexities associated with permits, inspections, and multiple rounds of revisions, ultimately accelerating project timelines and reducing overall expenses.

Dive into this episode and be immersed in a vision of the future. Jim’s entrepreneurial spirit, coupled with his extensive industry experience is poised to transform building wiring. By challenging the status quo and embracing innovative solutions, he is paving the way for a more efficient, sustainable, and technologically advanced construction industry.

About Jim Baldwin, Founder and CEO at Domatic

Jim is a seasoned technology executive with over three decades of experience in software and hardware development. He has held leadership roles at industry giants such as Apple, Microsoft, and Intel, where he spearheaded innovative projects and built high-performing teams.

In 2013, Jim founded Antimatter Research, a consumer electronics startup focused on embedding intelligence into products. As CEO, he successfully led the company until 2020. Since then, he has remained active in the tech ecosystem, serving as an advisor and board member for multiple startups, such as ****Escher Reality, Zone·tv™, DeepSight, and NOWHERE.

Jim's entrepreneurial journey continued in 2019 with the founding of Domatic, a ConTech company dedicated to creating smarter, healthier buildings. By combining his deep technical expertise with a passion for sustainable solutions, Jim is driving innovation in the built environment.

Jim’s passion is to apply hardware and software technologies to create solutions that enhance energy efficiency, comfort, and safety in the built environment. He believes that by combining cutting-edge research, engineering, and entrepreneurship, we can transform the way buildings are wired and improve the quality of life for millions of people.

Revolutionizing Construction Scheduling with AI

This episode of AEC Trailblazers: The Founders Files features René Morkos, the founder and CEO of ALICE Technologies, a software solution aimed at revolutionizing construction planning and scheduling.

The conversation begins with a discussion about the gap between academic theory and practical application, a challenge René encountered during his PhD research. Prior to his academic pursuits, René had an unusual career, including a stint in Afghanistan where he gained valuable leadership experience at 22 years old managing a team of 140. These experiences shaped his entrepreneurial spirit, leading him to eventually become an AEC Startup co-founder and leader.

René dives into the capabilities ALICE is unlocking for the industry. By leveraging AI, the platform optimizes project scheduling and planning, resulting in significant time and cost savings. The core functionality of ALICE lies in its ability to explore millions of scheduling sequences, identify potential bottlenecks, and provide actionable insights to project teams, achieved through a rule-based system that works in conjunction with 3D BIM models.

Finally, René emphasizes the importance of passion and perseverance in entrepreneurship, highlighting the numerous challenges faced by startups, such as financial constraints and client retention.

Overall, the podcast provided a fascinating glimpse into the world of construction technology and the entrepreneurial journey of René

About René Morkos, Founder and CEO of ALICE Technologies

René Morkos is the founder and CEO of ALICE Technologies. He obtained his Ph.D. in artificial intelligence applications for construction as a Charles H. Leavell fellow at Stanford University. He is a second-generation civil engineer with over 15 years of construction industry experience divided between industry and academia. His professional experience includes working as a project manager in Afghanistan, underwater pipeline construction, automation engineering on a $350 million gas refinery expansion project in Abu Dhabi, ERP system implementations, and various Virtual Design and Construction projects.

With the launch of ALICE, René introduced the industry to a paradigm shift in construction scheduling and is on a mission to empower the construction industry with AI-powered generative construction scheduling technology to derisk projects and recover from delays. Now, our latest innovation, ALICE Core, allows users to quickly ingest P6 and Microsoft Project schedules and start optimizing them right away. With the AI-powered 'what-if' feature, users can explore scenarios to find the most efficient path forward for their construction project.

René is a passionate mountaineer who relishes the challenge of conquering new peaks.

Merging Expertise for Next-Level AEC Content

This episode dives into the inspiring story of Gary Sprague, a long-time outsider who became a co-founder of two successful AEC startups, Andekan and Kinship. His journey is a testament to the power of collaboration and embracing new perspectives.

Gary's background wasn't in AEC. He initially worked in finance, focusing on social impact and environmental businesses. This experience equipped him with valuable skills in startups, marketing, and customer support. The turning point came through a reconnection with a college friend who had been working in a digital modeling company. Their shared passion for technology and a chance encounter with Revit software sparked an idea: who would create the content for this revolutionary tool in the AEC industry?

Despite lacking a traditional AEC background, Gary faced his initial imposter syndrome head-on. He realized that the industry's vastness meant no one had the complete picture, and an outsider's perspective could be a strength. He brought a user experience and technology focus, challenging the common narrative of architects being stuck in the past. For Gary, the design industry should be forward-thinking, and innovation is not exclusive to other sectors like Fintech, which he believes often relies on outdated backend systems.

The conversation also highlights the importance of strong partnerships. Gary emphasizes that finding the right co-founder is crucial. It's a long-term commitment, and having partners who act as a team provides invaluable support through challenges and crises. With the right team in place, even outsiders with fresh perspectives can become successful innovators in the complex world of AEC.

Dive into this story of a build-passionate entrepreneur and his journey into founding 2 amazing AEC Startups.

About Gary Sprague - Co-Founder & CEO at Kinship

Gary brings a unique blend of operational expertise and entrepreneurial spirit to the building industry. He honed his operational acumen in the early years, working across various roles in financial services for mission-driven businesses. But his passion for building things led him to a freelance consultancy role, where he spent nearly five years helping entrepreneurs and social enterprises leverage affordable technology to create high-impact operational systems.

In 2008, Gary embraced entrepreneurship fully by co-founding Andekan, a Revit content creation company. They've provided thousands of Revit families to major AEC firms and manufacturers globally. As COO for a decade, Gary gained extensive experience in the AEC and IT services world.

Recognizing the growing need for cloud-based Revit content management, Gary helped launch Kinship in 2016. This AEC startup, where he serves as CEO, offers a cloud solution for Revit content, projects, and analytics. Kinship’s customers include major international AEC firms such as Buro Happold Engineering, Bjarke Ingels Group, Herzog & de Meuron, Laing O’Rourke, Pace, and COX Architecture.

Gary is a recognized leader in the digital transformation of the building design and construction industry. He's driven by a passion for building high-growth technology businesses that excel in product, talent, and customer service.

In his personal time, Gary loves to travel and spend as much time as possible on trails or at the beach with his wife and two kids.

The Power of Knowledge and Effective Management in AEC

This week's podcast delves into the fascinating world Christopher Parsons, Founder and CEO of Knowledge Architecture. Our guest takes us on a surprising career journey, from law school to the world of architecture, ultimately leading him to found a successful software startup.

The conversation highlights the growing importance of capturing and sharing knowledge within AEC firms. This "knowledge architecture" empowers teams to leverage past experiences and best practices, leading to improved efficiency and project outcomes.

One particularly intriguing innovation brought by Christopher is their client community of practice for Synthesis intranet teams called KA Community, informally called a "Community AI”, basically a community knowledge pool, generated by all of their clients that opt in to it. They allowed a scenario where anonymized data from multiple firms is pooled together. This collective intelligence is used to refine search accuracy and generate valuable insights that benefit all participants. It's a powerful example of collaboration driving innovation within the AEC industry.

The episode also acknowledges the overwhelming number of new software options vying for attention in the AEC space. Our guest emphasizes the importance of focusing on solutions that offer clear and demonstrable value, not simply the allure of the latest technology or mere fanaticism for innovation.

Christopher concludes with a heartwarming exploration of what truly fosters employee loyalty. Building a company with a clear purpose, offering remote work flexibility, and fostering a sense of shared ownership through employee stock options all rank high on the list. It's a refreshing reminder that treating employees with trust and respect goes a long way in building a strong and dedicated team.

This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in the future of AEC. It provides valuable insights into the growing importance of knowledge management, collaboration, and building a thriving work environment that empowers employees.

About Christopher Parsons, Founder and CEO of Knowledge Architecture

As Founder and CEO of Knowledge Architecture, an AEC Startup that builds software, community, and best practices to help AEC firms evolve and grow, Christopher is responsible for product development and organizational health. Founded in 2009, their flagship software product is Synthesis, an AEC intranet platform that integrates with common industry software like Deltek, Unanet, aec360, Microsoft Dynamics 365, Newforma, and OpenAsset.

As a company, every year they host an annual AEC Event, KA Connect, to highlight knowledge management best practices at architecture and engineering firms, a program composed of roundtables, intranet tours, unconference hangouts, outdoor activities, and plenty of unstructured time to connect, reflect, and recharge in the afternoons.

Christopher has been a technology leader in the AEC industry since 2002, including serving as the Chief Information Officer for Steinberg Architects and the Information Technology Director for SMWM (now Perkins+Will).

Christopher has a degree in History from Wake Forest University. He’s an avid reader, trailrunner, birdwatcher, and cook.

From Bootstrapping to Building Businesses within Entrepreneurship

Dive into the inspiring journey of James Benham, a serial entrepreneur who's also a bestselling author, TEDx speaker, and host of a top-rated podcast. James takes us from his early days all the way to becoming a successful tech entrepreneur.

In this episode, you'll gain valuable insights on navigating the entrepreneurial path. James delves into the critical decision between VC funding and bootstrapping, drawing wisdom from his acclaimed book "Be Your Own VC." He emphasizes the crucial foundation for any successful business: identifying and solving a significant problem for your customers. James doesn't shy away from the challenges, highlighting the hard work and dedication required to achieve the freedom of pursuing your passion.

But the journey isn't solitary. James reveals the importance of building a dream team – a group of talented individuals who trust and work seamlessly together. He explores the differences between product and service companies, offering strategies for securing recurring revenue and maintaining a laser focus on client needs. Don't get caught up in the "shiny object syndrome," James cautions, emphasizing the importance of staying true to your core problem-solving mission.

Join us for this episode packed with invaluable business, professional, and life experiences from James. Be prepared for an impactful journey that will shape your approach to work, learning, and planning your future success!

About James BenhamCo-founder and CEO of JBKnowledge.

James Benham is the co-founder and CEO of JBKnowledge, a multinational technology and consulting company he’s bootstrapped for over 20 years. From his college dorm room to over 280 employees across the USA, Argentina, and South Africa, he has led JBKnowledge to build industry-leading software for the world's largest insurance companies.

James is also the co-founder of Terra, a disruptive insurance tech product. Terra is a cloud-based claims management software that improves claim outcomes for providers and consumers of Property and Casualty (P&C) insurance.

James is the creator and co-host of the growing and top-rated show, The InsurTech Geek Podcast, where he interviews leading industry experts from some of the most recognized companies in the world.

A passionate bootstrapped entrepreneur, James is the best-selling author of Be Your Own VC: 10 Bootstrapping Principles to Generate Cash and Keep Control, his debut book. In Be Your Own VC, James shares how bootstrapping led his tech company to a multimillion-dollar exit and the freedom to build what they love.

James is a sought-after consultant and speaker at the forefront of innovation in the insurance industry. His bold ideas and love for technology have landed him keynote opportunities at over 400 conference stages including The Future of Insurance USA and TEDx. James has served as an elected city councilman, an adjunct professor at Texas A&M University and currently serves the state of Texas as a Regent on the governing board of Texas Southern University. In his spare time, James pursues many hobbies including flying airplanes, ballroom dancing, playing guitar, singing, and geeking out on tech.

Hacking the AEC with Smart Connections & Data

This episode of the AEC Trailblazers: The Founders Files dives into the story of Havard Vasshaug, the founder of two impressive startups: Anker and Reope. We'll hear about his path from his early days working in the tech industry after college to his current role leading innovative companies.

Along the way, Havard shares valuable lessons learned throughout his extensive career. He emphasizes the importance of building strong relationships ("pumping into amazing people") from the very beginning. These connections, especially the Bad Monkeys network, he reveals, played a crucial role in his success.

No journey is without its challenges, and Havard doesn't shy away from discussing the difficulties of salesmanship - "the most difficult job on the planet". He'll offer insights into the art of convincing people to invest in your creation.

Fundraising also gets a spotlight. Havard discusses the challenges of securing capital (currently in their second round) and the strategic allocation of those funds to fuel optimal growth for the company.

As a leader, Havard prioritizes fostering a motivated team. He believes that a team united by a shared purpose can achieve anything. He emphasizes the importance of empowering his employees through autonomy, steering clear of micromanagement.

By sharing his experiences as a tech-driven leader in the AEC industry, Havard offers valuable business best practices and leadership strategies that listeners can apply to their own endeavors.

This episode is packed with insights for anyone looking to build a successful career in the tech industry or for those seeking leadership inspiration. Tune in and learn from the inspiring journey of Havard!

About Havard VasshaugFounder of Anker, Reope, and Bad Monkeys

Havard is a prominent figure in the AEC industry, with a unique blend of architectural passion and engineering expertise. Over his 20+ year career, he has held various roles, starting as an engineer and BIM manager, before diving into design technology.

In 2014, Havard's entrepreneurial spirit emerged. He co-founded Bad Monkeys, a network that aimed to revolutionize the AEC industry by promoting visual programming for BIM-native architects and engineers. This network, led by a group of visionary industry leaders, inspired a generation of AEC designers to embrace coding. The impact of Bad Monkeys continues to be felt today, having served as a springboard for over 8 AEC startups. Havard himself has been deeply involved in 3 of them.

In 2014, Havard co-founded Bad Monkeys, a global team of BIM and programming experts dedicated to empowering professionals with custom digital workflows. Building on this success, he co-founded Reope in 2018, a software company where architects and engineers code to develop better tools for AEC projects and processes. He served as CEO of Reope until 2022.

Havard remains actively involved with both Bad Monkeys and Reope as a board member. His entrepreneurial journey continues with Anker, a new startup he co-founded in early 2023. Anker tackles the challenge of low AEC productivity by providing a powerful cloud-based solution for generating, validating, and automating BIM data.

From Whale of an Idea to Software Giant: The John Walker and AutoCAD StoryThis episode of the AEC Trailblazers: The Founders Files, pays tribute to John Walker, the visionary who founded Autodesk and AutoCAD, the software that transformed design by making it digital and accessible. John, who passed away earlier this year, left an indelible mark on our industry and the way we work every day.

We'll delve into John's life story, from the early days of Autodesk to witnessing its incredible transformation. Back then, this "AEC startup" (though we wouldn't have called it that at the time!) was just a whale of an idea. In 1982, a pivotal trade show moment shifted the company's focus to AutoCAD, sparking a success story fueled by unexpected turns and remarkable adaptation. This agility became the cornerstone of building a software giant.

AutoCAD’s evolution reflects its constant dedication to improvement. From early 2D drafting to 3D modeling, mobile access, and AI integration, the software has consistently stayed relevant, keeping pace with ever-changing design needs.

Join us as we celebrate John's legacy, which lives through the continued development of Autodesk, as well as the impact of his futuristic visions on various fields.

About John Walker, co-founder of AutodeskJohn Walker was an American computer programmer, author, and co-founder of the computer-aided design software company Autodesk. He was later recognized for his writing on his website Fourmilab.

In 1982, John Walker and 12 other programmers pooled US$59,000 to start Autodesk, and began working on several computer applications. The first completed was AutoCAD, a software application for computer-aided design (CAD) and drafting.

The company went public in 1985. By mid-1986, the company had grown to 255 employees with annual sales of over $40 million. That year, Walker resigned as chairman and president of the company, continuing to work as a programmer. In 1989, Walker's book, The Autodesk File, was published. It describes his experiences at Autodesk, based around internal documents (particularly email) of the company.

Walker moved to Switzerland in 1991. By 1994, when he resigned from the company, it was the sixth-largest personal computer software company in the world, primarily from the sales of AutoCAD. Walker owned more than 850,000 shares of Autodesk at the time of his departure.

After Autodesk, John published on his personal domain, "Fourmi Lab". On his Web site, Walker published about his personal projects, including a hardware random number generator called HotBits, along with software that he wrote and freely distributed, such as his Earth and Moon viewer.

A Story of Lifelong Learning and Business Success in AEC

In this episode of AEC Trailblazers: The Founders Files, we meet industry veteran Steve Dell'Orto. Steve's journey is nothing short of inspiring. He rose from intern to lead one of the largest US general contractors, averaging $5-6 billion annually! Now, he's a successful investor and entrepreneur in the ConTech scene.

Steve shares invaluable insights on career development and business acumen. He emphasizes lifelong learning over simply climbing the corporate ladder. He recounts his transition from the corporate world to the world of venture capital, where his expertise guides investment decisions. Steve focuses on startups solving real problems in the AEC industry with scalable solutions and visionary leadership.

He also discusses his involvement with the "Build by Builders Network," a group of industry veterans aiming to make a significant impact. This network emphasizes customer focus, utilizing a customer advisory board to gather feedback before development begins. Steve believes the most successful companies pay close attention to industry trends and deliver intuitive, user-friendly solutions – think Apple for construction!

Finally, Steve dives into ConCntric, the preconstruction platform that he co-founded and leads. Recognizing the fragmented nature of preconstruction, ConCntric unifies data, people, and processes to transform the industry.

Listen to this episode for exclusive insights you won't find anywhere else. Steve's experience and vision are pure gold for anyone in AEC.

About Steve Dell'Orto, Founder & CEO of ConCntric

Steve Dell’Orto is the founder and CEO of ConCntric, a preconstruction platform that is transforming the fractured preconstruction environment by unifying data, people and processes. ConCntric acts as a single source of truth for all preconstruction stakeholders by providing a dynamic view of the project that ensures a certainty of outcome. As a 26-year construction industry veteran who has lived and breathed the world of delivering preconstruction projects, Steve is uniquely positioned to bring digital transformation to the industry. Steve is the former Executive Officer of one of the largest privately-owned, domestic general contractors in the U.S. with revenues averaging $5-6 billion annually. As the Executive Officer, Steve led the major expansion of his former company’s Western Region including the Northern California and Pacific Northwest division achieving 10x growth and increasing margins by over 40% through a committed focus on selective work acquisition and a more comprehensive preconstruction process. Some of the notable projects completed under Steve’s leadership include the: Golden State Warriors Arena and Development, Salesforce Tower, Facebook’s San Francisco Park Tower, Seattle Convention Center Expansion, Manchester Grand Hyatt, LA County Museum of Art Expansion and the LA Live Development among many others. Steve is committed to leveraging his 30 years in the industry to advance the level of innovation and technological advancement in the real estate and construction sector. In addition to the change he is driving through ConCntric, Steve is an investor and venture partner in several construction-tech focused venture capital funds including Builders VC and Argonautic Ventures. Steve is also an Advisor to eight emerging construction-tech focused startups bringing a wide range of solutions in areas such as autonomy, fintech, work acquisition, change order communication, project communication, marketplaces and artificial intelligence. Since launching ConCntric in 2021, Steve has built a dynamic global team and secured support from strategic and notable investors. Steve and his team are on a mission to make the built world more affordable, predictable and sustainable, and are uniquely positioned to transform the future for the construction and real estate industry.

Steve is married with 2 daughters, one about to go to collage. and 1 dog.