In the FINAL EBFC Show episode of 2025, host Felipe Engineer-Manriquez sits down with Adalia Zhao, founder and CEO of BuildTrace, to talk about how AI is reshaping the future of construction—starting with change management. Adalia’s journey from counting 4,823 windows on a set of plans to becoming a Microsoft engineer and now AI startup founder is nothing short of inspiring.

Together, they dive deep into:

* Why “this doesn’t make sense” is the best way to spot innovation opportunities 🚨

* How BuildTrace automates drawing comparisons, estimates, and change tracking in minutes, not months ⏱️

* The power of learning on the job and betting on yourself 💪

* Overcoming barriers as a woman and immigrant in construction tech 🌍

* What GitHub for blueprints really looks like (hint: it’s amazing)

💡 Plus, Felipe reveals why he became an advisor to BuildTrace and why Adalia’s solution is exactly what construction needs right now.

🔥 If you’ve ever been buried in RFIs, confused by change orders, or frustrated by endless PDFs, this episode will hit home.

👉 Ready to build smarter in 2026 and beyond? Listen now, then connect with Adalia to explore if your team qualifies as an early design partner!

---

Connect with Adalia via

LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/adalia-zhao/ 

Website at https://build-trace.com/ 

Connect with Felipe via Social media and Free Lean and Scrum Training Resources at https://thefelipe.bio.link 

RSM Podia Course Link: https://store.theebfcshow.com/rsm

Subscribe to never miss new videos here: https://click.theebfcshow.com/youtube 

Watch The EBFC Show Podcast https://click.theebfcshow.com/YouTube-Podcast

---

Elevate your construction career and enhance your company's performance by mastering the crucial aspect of building enclosure management with Field Verified's specialized training. Address the major challenge of managing building enclosures, a common source of construction failures. Get hands-on learning experience with real-world construction scenarios and mock-up installations for skill-building with leadership and team-focused strategies. By joining our course, you gain access to a proven program that not only covers technical aspects but also better practices for effective construction management. Don't miss this opportunity to transform your approach. Visit https://fieldverified.com for more insights, or contact us at 480-719-5090.