Bricks And Bytes

"Loading 19 files, each over a gigabyte, into a web browser and manipulating them like butter was the moment I knew I had to join Qonic." - Aaron Perry, former digital design lead at one of UK's largest architecture firms.

In today's episode of Bricks and Bytes, we sat down with Mark and Aaron from Qonic to explore how they're revolutionizing AEC software with cloud-native technology that overcomes the limitations of decades-old industry tools.

Tune in to find out about:

✅ Why existing AEC software built in the 90s is holding the industry back

✅ How Qonic handles complex construction models that traditional tools can't process 

✅ Their innovative "per project size" pricing model instead of per-user licensing

✅ Why contractors adopt new tech faster than architects (hint: it's not about the colors)

Listen to the full conversation on Spotify to discover how Qonic is enabling true collaboration across the entire building lifecycle.

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Chapters

00:00 Founding Koniq: A New Era in AEC Software

03:03 The Future of AEC Software: Insights and Innovations

05:58 Challenges in the AEC Industry: Software Limitations

08:55 Interoperability and Collaboration: Bridging the Gaps

12:00 Koniq's Unique Approach: Transforming Design and Construction

14:46 The Role of Koniq in the AEC Landscape

17:59 Market Positioning: Koniq's Strategy and Vision

20:59 The Future of AEC Tools: Collaboration vs. Monopolization

24:01 Koniq's Value Proposition: Cost Efficiency and Innovation

27:04 The Impact of AI on AEC Software

29:57 Looking Ahead: The Future of Koniq and AEC Software

39:00 The Role of AI in Architecture

45:02 Modern Architect Needs and Software Solutions

52:01 Understanding the Customer Base

55:55 Innovative Pricing Models and ROI

01:02:02 Bootstrapping and Go-to-Market Strategies

"I love my iPhone, but you don't hear people say, I love my consultant."

In today's episode of Bricks & Bytes, we welcomed Angelos Nicolaou from Sektor AI who shared fascinating insights about construction tech adoption, the "anti-consultant" movement, and why technology must equal profitability.

Tune in to find out about:

✅ How Sektor helps companies avoid wasting billions on unused technology

✅ Why large companies with tiny innovation teams need external firepower

✅ The race to adopt AI and how smaller companies can now compete with giants

✅ Why the consulting model is ripe for disruption through automation

The construction industry often treats each project like "a new startup" with new teams and processes built from scratch. Sektor is changing that through tech adoption that delivers measurable results.

Listen to the full episode on Spotify!

"To be able to provide more data faster, we need to rely on generation. In order to progress a project and know what's going to be built, you need floor plans." - Jesper on why floor plan generation matters.

In today's episode of the Future of Design Series from the Bricks and Bytes, we had Jesper, co-founder and CPO of Finch, sharing insights on construction tech and the evolution from architect to tech founder. His journey from running an architecture firm to building a tool that generates floor plans 13x faster is fascinating!

Tune in to find out about:

✅ How a viral Grasshopper prototype led to a waiting list of 80,000 professionals

✅ Why interoperability between design tools is crucial for the AEC industry

✅ The importance of creating "compliant" floor plans that meet regional regulations

✅ Why Jesper believes the future of design stack will be a fragmented market with best-in-class tools

Listen to the full episode on Spotify to learn how Finch is transforming architectural workflows and why focus is the most valuable advice for construction tech founders.

Download the Future of Design report here: https://bricks-bytes.com/downloads/

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Chapters

00:00 Intro

06:25 From Architecture to Tech: Jesper's Journey

09:22 The Birth of Finch: Addressing Industry Frustrations

12:20 Innovating Design: The Unique Features of Finch

15:29 Compliance in Design: Ensuring Regulatory Adherence

18:30 The Future of Finch: Focus and Interoperability

21:36 Understanding the Market Need: Why Floor Plans Matter

24:18 Client Success Stories: Efficiency and Time Savings

27:33 Defensibility and Competition: Standing Out in the Market

30:15 Interoperability Challenges: Seamless Integration with Existing Tools

33:13 Emerging Tools in Architecture and Design

36:07 Understanding Finch's Target Audience

38:45 Go-to-Market Strategies and Lessons Learned

39:58 Team Structure and Development Focus

42:59 Funding and Financial Strategy

47:28 Future of Design Tools in Construction

"Insulation has a 3-4x better ROI than heat pumps and 10x better than solar systems. Most people get this wrong when retrofitting their homes."

In today's episode of the podcast, we had Chris from VARM, who shared his journey of building a VC-backed installation business aimed at becoming the European champion in the space.

Tune in to find out about:

✅ How VARM is building a "cloud installer network" - a franchise model on steroids

✅ Why Chris pivoted from longevity e-commerce to climate tech after successfully exiting his first business

✅ The surprising fundraising reality: "VCs and markets and investments are very often done based on FOMO"

✅ Their ambitious mission to insulate 1 million houses over 10 years

Listen to the full episode on Spotify to learn how VARM is revolutionizing the insulation industry with their innovative business model and scaling strategy.

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Chapters

00:00 Intro

06:20 The Journey to Vaughan: Chris's Background

09:19 From Management Consulting to Entrepreneurship

12:17 Building a Sustainable Business: The Vision for Varm

15:19 Why Insulation? The Case for Energy Efficiency

18:24 Blown-In Insulation: A Smart Choice

21:20 The Business Model: Cloud Installer Network

24:08 Empowering Installers: The Business in a Box

27:25 Growth Strategy and Customer Acquisition

36:04 Community Engagement and Education

39:26 Content Marketing Strategies

40:59 Learning Through Experience

43:12 The Cloud Installer Model

45:52 Investor Relations and Fundraising

47:38 Resource Allocation and Growth

48:45 Understanding Competition

51:09 Creating Win-Win Situations

52:24 Market Expansion Plans

55:55 Defining Success Metrics

57:40 Cultural Fit in Hiring

1:04:25 Advice for Founders in Physical Industries

"The future of building design is on the cloud. File-based design systems are becoming obsolete."

In today's episode of the Future of Design Series from the Bricks and Bytes podcast, we had Altaf from Snaptrude who shared fascinating insights about the evolution of design software in architecture and construction.

Tune in to find out about:

✅ Why cloud-based design tools are 10x faster than traditional file-based systems

✅ How data connectivity is transforming early-stage design workflows

✅ Why architects are wasting billable hours on rework and value engineering

✅ The coming inflection point for cloud-based design tools (predicted mid-to-late next year)

Altaf also revealed they're working on AI copilots that will revolutionize how architects make design decisions based on sustainability data. Don't miss this conversation about the tools that will shape our built environment.

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Download the Future of Design report here : https://bricks-bytes.com/downloads/

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00:00 Intro05:38 Introduction and Personal Updates08:42 The Future of Design and Construction11:45 SnapTrude: A Modern Approach to Design14:35 Collaboration and Interoperability in AEC17:32 Transitioning from Concept to Detailed Design20:38 Data Management and User Experience23:35 The Role of AI in Design Software26:46 Building Foundations for Future Growth29:47 Iterative Development and Customer Feedback32:44 Emerging Design Tools Landscape35:19 SnapTrude's Growth Strategy36:56 Focus on the US Market38:31 Investor Insights and Funding Journey40:41 Advice for Innovators in Design Tech42:37 Future of Design: Cloud and AI Integration45:23 Architects and New Tools Adoption48:36 Inflection Point for Cloud Adoption49:28 ROI and Productivity in Architecture51:18 Sustainability in Design54:06 Communication and Efficiency in Design

"We make money when our customers make money"

In today's episode of Bricks & Bytes, we had Mike Powers and Ben Lyddane from BuildVision who shared their journey of raising a $10M Series A led by Norwest Ventures.

Their platform helps contractors procure mechanical and electrical equipment more efficiently, saving 20-30% on costs while creating new revenue streams for general contractors.

Tune in to find out about:

✅ How BuildVision grew from processing $700M to over $1B in equipment transactions

✅ Their three-tiered pricing model that aligns with customer success

✅ How AI costs for processing documents dropped from thousands to just $1.40 monthly

✅ Why focusing on critical path items like chillers and generators (not commodity products) creates maximum value

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Chapters

00:00 Intro

00:05:35 Introduction and Series A Announcement

00:08:25 Build Vision Overview and Product Development

00:11:40 AI Integration in Procurement Solutions

00:14:41 Revenue Models and Customer Success

00:17:29 Growth and Future Projections

00:20:43 Challenges in the Construction Industry

00:23:35 Funding and Investor Relations

00:26:40 Technological Challenges and Solutions

00:29:28 Market Position and Competition

00:40:07 Navigating Risk in Construction

00:43:35 Building Strategic Partnerships

00:46:29 Outcomes Over Products

00:49:35 Challenges in the Buy-Sell Dynamic

00:51:25 Impact of Tariffs on Construction

00:55:30 Future of International Operations

00:56:25 The State of Construction Tech

01:06:21 Voice-Enabled Workflows and Future Prospects

01:08:41 Acquisition Strategies and Market Positioning

"The interest of a contractor and the interest of a client are the same: I want you to finish this building to the best quality, to that date. And if I'm really smart as a client, I want you to make money too."

In today's episode of Bricks and Bytes, we had James Pellatt, founder of Digital Trees consultancy, sharing insights from his extensive career in real estate and construction technology.

Tune in to find out about:

✅ Why construction innovation is difficult and how bureaucracy, leadership gaps, and procurement approaches create barriers

✅ The cultural differences between US and European construction tech adoption

✅ How smart buildings should be planned from the briefing stage, not as an afterthought

✅ James' vision for how generative AI could reduce project delivery times by 12-18 months

Listen now on Spotify to hear James discuss how he helps clients bridge the gap between traditional construction and digital transformation.

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Sign up to the #1 Newsletter In Construction Tech. Join over 1,000 like-minded Founders, Investors and Techies disrupting the way we build. Forever : https://bricks-bytes.beehiiv.com/subscribe

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LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bricks-bytes/

X/Twitter: https://twitter.com/bricksbytespod

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCmNbunUTIIQDzbJgGJt9_Zg

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bricksbytes/

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Chapters

00:00 Intro

03:55 Introduction to James Pellatt and Digital Transformation in Real Estate

07:05 Understanding Client Challenges in Real Estate

10:08 The Role of Technology in Construction

12:47 Comparative Analysis of Technology Adoption: US vs Europe

15:43 Cultural Differences in Innovation and Entrepreneurship

19:06 Barriers to Innovation in Construction

21:55 The Importance of Transparency in Client-Contractor Relationships

24:59 The Future of Construction: Aligning Interests for Success

36:29 Engaging with Subcontractors for Better Insights

37:31 Cultural Challenges in Construction

38:43 Comparative Analysis of Global Construction Practices

40:56 Technology's Role in Construction Efficiency

44:36 Evaluating Technological Innovations in Construction

47:20 The Importance of Smart Buildings

51:42 Understanding ROI in Construction Technology

55:14 Advice for Tech Developers in Construction

01:00:06 Generative AI's Impact on Design and Construction

01:05:52 The Value of Mentorship in Professional Growth

"Knowledge is power when dealing with tariffs. The lack of it caused numerous contractors to go out of business during the last supply chain disruption. We're not going to let that happen again."

In today's episode of Bricks and Bytes, Josh Levy from Document Crunch shared how they're helping construction companies navigate the recent tariff changes with China, Canada, and Mexico - completely free.

Tune in to find out about:

✅ Document Crunch's growth to 100+ countries as a document compliance platform

✅ The free Tariff Risk Assessment Tool that audits contracts for tariff-related risks

✅ Why cost isn't the only risk - supply chain disruptions will follow

✅ How contractors can protect themselves against material price escalation

Listen now on Spotify to learn how to protect your projects from unexpected costs and delays

Get free access to their Tariff Assessment Tool here : https://www.documentcrunch.com/2025-tariffs

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Sign up to the #1 Newsletter In Construction Tech. Join over 1,000 like-minded Founders, Investors and Techies disrupting the way we build. Forever : https://bricks-bytes.beehiiv.com/subscribe

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Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Document Crunch and Recent Growth

02:56 Evolution of Document Crunch's Services

05:48 Impact of Geopolitical Changes on Construction

09:03 Introduction of the Tariff Risk Assessment Tool

11:48 Industry Response to Rising Costs

14:52 Functionality and Use of the Tariff Risk Assessment Tool

18:00 Final Thoughts and Call to Action

"A tech-enabled general contractor reduced construction costs by 30% and build times by 25% - not by replacing trades, but by empowering them with better tools."

In today's episode of Bricks and Bytes, we had Salman from Mosaic who shared how they're revolutionizing the built-to-rent housing sector by bringing together software and construction expertise.

Tune in to find out about:

✅ How Mosaic achieves 30% cost reduction compared to traditional commercial GCs

✅ Their approach to "gentle disruption" that works with existing trades rather than replacing them

✅ How they're scaling to 2,000 units under construction with just 60 employees

✅ Why the future of construction might be in data granularity rather than new materials or robotics

Listen to the full conversation on Spotify and learn how Mosaic is addressing the housing crisis by making construction more efficient without reinventing the wheel.

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Chapters

00:00 Intro

03:30 Introduction and Mishaps

04:36 The Mission Behind Mosaic

07:35 Understanding Technology-Powered General Contracting

10:50 Current Projects and Clientele

15:21 Value Proposition for Developers

15:49 Exploring Built-to-Rent Communities

21:12 Cost Efficiency and Scheduling Benefits

23:50 The Secret Sauce of Technology

30:39 Minimizing Third-Party Behavior Change

37:42 Management Tools and Future Innovations

39:04 Core Business Artifacts and Cost Models

41:02 Leveraging Historical Data for Costing

44:03 Granular Cost Representation and Construction Practices

45:34 Mosaic's Team Structure and Efficiency Metrics

46:34 Profitability and Growth Dynamics at Mosaic

49:11 Future Growth and Market Expansion Strategies

51:48 Licensing Technology and Productization

57:14 Cultural Mindset for Achieving Profitability

1:01:25 Enhancing Trade Relationships through Technology

1:04:52 Collaborative Cost-Saving Dynamics in Construction

1:08:54 Identifying Opportunities for Cost Savings

"I started Integrated Projects with $12,000 in what I thought was emergency funds. Looking back, probably the silliest decision." - Jose Cruz

In today's episode of Bricks & Bytes, we had Jose Cruz of Integrated Projects (IPX) sharing his journey from bootstrapping to raising venture funding.

Tune in to find out about:

✅ How growing up in his parents' pizza shop gave Jose a "cheat code" for understanding business

✅ The problem with building documentation (8 out of 10 landlords start projects with inaccurate as-built drawings)

✅ How IPX is revolutionizing Scan-to-BIM technology by combining 3D scanning and modeling

✅ Why Jose bootstrapped for 5 years before raising capital ($12K savings to $1.2M revenue)

Listen to the full conversation to learn how IPX is scaling to meet the challenge of digitizing 1.6 billion existing buildings worldwide:

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Sign up to the #1 Newsletter In Construction Tech. Join over 1,000 like-minded Founders, Investors and Techies disrupting the way we build. Forever : https://bricks-bytes.beehiiv.com/subscribe

-----------------

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bricks-bytes/

X/Twitter: https://twitter.com/bricksbytespod

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCmNbunUTIIQDzbJgGJt9_Zg

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bricksbytes/

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Chapters

00:00 Intro

04:20 The Leap into Entrepreneurship

07:08 Foundations of Confidence and Experience

10:11 The Early Days of IPX

13:20 Understanding the Need for Digitization

16:23 Target Audience and Market Dynamics

19:21 Case Study: Tesla's Use of IPX Services

22:25 The Shift from CAD to BIM

25:06 The Role of Building Owners in Digital Asset Management

28:24 The Process of Scanning and Modeling

31:22 Advancements in Scanning Technology

34:22 The Future of Scan-to-BIM Automation

41:54 Building Trust with Customers

44:03 Securing Enterprise Clients

46:29 The Bootstrapping Journey

50:24 Deciding to Fundraise

52:50 Navigating Investor Relationships

55:47 Transitioning from Founder-Led Sales

58:45 Marketing Strategies for Growth

01:02:11 The Role of Community in Business Growth

01:05:21 Personal Reflections on Venture Capital

01:09:54 Key Advice for AEC Entrepreneurs