Bricks, Buck$ And Bytes

Construction companies are claiming they're "software companies" now - but this dangerous trend could destroy the industry.

In this episode of Bricks, Bucks & Bytes, Owen and Patric dive deep with Alan Mosca (CTO of nPlan) about the AI revolution that's both exciting and terrifying the construction world. Plus, we hear from Todd Thomas of Woodchuck AI about turning construction waste into profit, and Forest from Parspec Inc on their 20 million Series A raise.

Key topics discussed:

• Why contractors thinking they can "vibe code" critical software is setting them up for disaster

• The DocuSign problem: why you can't just prompt your way to enterprise security

• The AI paradox that could kill coding platforms when they get too good

• How Woodchuck AI is reducing waste costs by 30% while creating new revenue streams

• Why GCs are "pressurizing a chamber that's already at incredible high pressure"

• Travis Kalanick's physics breakthrough claims and what they reveal about AI hype

• The real applications of AI that are actually working in construction

Key quote: "That is basically pressurizing a chamber that is already at incredible high pressure with very thin walls. Because GCs run on insanely thin margins with very little time to spare and everything feels like you got it done by a miracle most of the time." - Alan Mosca

This episode doesn't hold back on the hard truths about AI in construction. Listen now to understand what's really happening behind the hype.

Chapters

00:00 Intro

01:05 Introduction to AI in Construction

03:05 Challenges with AI in Construction

09:53 The Future of Vibe Coding

16:15 The Role of AI in Business and Investment

21:16 AI Generated Content and Marketing Strategies

27:35 The Influence of Extremes on Public Opinion

28:10 Marketing Strategies in the Age of AI

29:13 The Dangers of Intellectual Laziness in Content Creation

30:03 The Rise of Vibe Coding in Construction

30:57 The Challenges of Software Solutions in Construction

34:05 Point Solution Fatigue in General Contracting

36:56 The Slippery Slope of DIY Software Solutions

40:05 Woodchuck's Innovative Approach to Waste Management

41:56 AI's Role in Sustainable Construction Practices

45:09 The Importance of Pre-Sorting in Waste Management

47:54 The Future of Waste Management and Compliance

53:07 Funding and Expansion Plans for Woodchuck

57:19 The Rise of Tesla Robot Taxis

01:02:10 AI in Construction Material Sourcing

01:09:24 Challenges in E-commerce for Construction

01:15:48 Lessons from Startup Growth

Is your construction project secretly losing $5 billion a year? This industry insider just exposed the shocking truth about why 89% of construction firms are failing.

In this episode of Bricks, Bucks & Bytes, Owen, Martin, and Patric dive deep into the hidden forces reshaping the AEC industry, plus exclusive interviews with game-changing founders who are disrupting everything.

What we cover:

• The $5 billion heat crisis destroying construction schedules (and why Martin thinks it's just an excuse)

• Why 70% of construction tech startups are failing at Series A funding rounds

• Sean Petterson from SuperSede reveals how recycled plastic is replacing plywood forever

• The brutal truth about why all construction software has terrible UX design

• Mo Akbari's controversial take on how AI could kill DocuSign overnight

• Patrick's explosive Coca-Cola business model that could transform construction

• Why Europe's buildings are designed to overheat (and what that means for your projects)

Key Quote: "If you build shit companies and you raise your seed round on a shit promise and you can't deliver on that shit promise, well, at series A and B, it's easier to be found out." - Patric Hellermann

From climate disasters to funding secrets to revolutionary materials, this episode pulls back the curtain on what's really happening in construction tech. Warning: You might never look at your projects the same way again.

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Sponsors:

BuildVision - streamlining the construction supply chain with a unified platform - www.buildvision.io

4M Analytics - Instant, reliable utility data you can trust and verify - https://www.4manalytics.com/

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Chapters

00:00 Intro

01:07 Introduction and Technical Glitches

04:14 Cultural Insights from Corfu

07:07 Heat and Productivity in Construction

10:05 Debating Heat Management Solutions

13:09 Innovations in Construction for Heat Management

16:12 Building Regulations and Overheating Concerns

19:08 The Role of Insulation and Building Design

22:06 Funding Analysis and Market Trends

36:22 Funding Trends in Construction Tech

41:08 Challenges in Achieving Series A and B Funding

44:36 Introduction to Super Seed and Its Innovations

51:58 Super Seed's Unique Product Offerings

57:31 Scaling and Capacity Building in Manufacturing

01:02:34 Brand Strategy and Market Positioning

01:04:54 Navigating Industry Standards and Specifications

01:13:46 Choosing the Right Communication Tools

01:14:42 The Importance of User Experience in Construction Tech

01:16:56 Evaluating Product Design and Usability

01:19:38 Metrics for Assessing User Experience

01:25:19 The Role of AI in Product Development

01:29:24 The Future of Document Signing Solutions

01:32:55 The Impact of Pricing on Market Competition

01:35:24 Mo's Upcoming Project Reveal

Big Tech is Quietly Taking Over Construction (And Making Billions Doing It)

In this episode of Bricks, Bucks & Bytes, Owen, Martin, and Patric dive deep into how tech giants are reshaping the construction industry - and who's really profiting from the AI boom.

What we cover:

• How big tech companies are forcing construction firms to completely rethink project delivery

• Why Palantir just signed a $100 million deal with a nuclear company (and what it means for the industry)

• The shocking truth about where all the AI money actually goes

• Why 22-28% of the world's GDP comes from projects - and what that means for capacity vs. software

• The wild world of fundraising scams targeting desperate startups

• Whether usage-based pricing models are about to collapse

• Why most construction startups are solving the wrong problems

Key quote: "Why would I invest in software rather than the factory? I would invest in the factory, right? If I want to have access to space and monopolize the access to space, dude, I'm not building software. I'm building a fucking launch ramp and a reusable rocket." - Patric

Plus, the hosts try (and fail spectacularly) to guess the World Economic Forum's top 10 emerging technologies of 2025. Spoiler: nobody saw "green nitrogen fixation" coming.

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Sponsors:

BuildVision - streamlining the construction supply chain with a unified platform - www.buildvision.io

4M Analytics - Instant, reliable utility data you can trust and verify - https://www.4manalytics.com/

-----------------------Chapters

00:00 Intro

01:21 Heat Waves and Air Conditioning Trends

05:23 Big Tech's Influence on Construction

11:20 Capacity Challenges in Construction

17:14 Palantir's Nuclear Operating System Partnership

30:27 Navigating the Complexities of General Contracting

33:45 The Role of Private Equity in General Contracting

37:56 Emerging Technologies and Their Impact

40:40 The Future of Fundraising and Scams in Startups

52:35 Understanding the Venture Investment Ecosystem

55:25 Navigating Fundraising Challenges

58:20 The Role of Fundraising Advisors

01:02:30 Effective Messaging in Marketing

01:07:18 Competition vs. No Competition in Market

01:11:22 Debating Usage-Based Pricing Models

Does AI Actually Make Us Dumber? MIT Study Reveals Shocking Truth + $15B DocuSign vs. Tiny AI Startup

In this episode of Bricks, Bucks & Bytes, hosts Owen, Martin, and Patric dive deep into the controversial world of AI and its impact on our brains, plus exclusive behind-the-scenes access to Cuby's revolutionary construction process.

Key topics discussed:

• MIT study proves ChatGPT users show "lowest brain engagement" and get lazier over time

• DocuSign's $15 billion empire threatened by AI-built copycat app - is this the future?

• Exclusive live tour of Cuby's construction site where entire house interiors are built in just 16 hours

• Why 95% of billion-dollar companies were NOT venture-backed (and what this means for startups)

• SnapTrude's game-changing V3 launch that's making architects question their pricing

• The brutal truth about why top VCs avoid construction tech despite massive profit margins

• Live demo of "vibe designing" - the future of architectural workflows

Plus special guests:

• Alex from Cuby giving exclusive construction site access

• Altaf from SnapTrude revealing their revolutionary new product launch

• Shub with insights from APAC and MENA construction markets

Key quote: "We as a venture community obsess about pumping more money into the next AI, the next software, trying to be number 101. We should stop trying to be number 101 and just try to rebuild the other 1,050 companies which have not been touched." - Patric

Warning: Contains heated debates about intellectual property theft, the "muscle atrophy" effect of AI dependency, and why one VC called construction founders "cockroaches" (it's actually a compliment).

Sponsors:

BuildVision - streamlining the construction supply chain with a unified platform - www.buildvision.io

4M Analytics - Instant, reliable utility data you can trust and verify - https://www.4manalytics.com/

Chapters

00:00 Intro

01:36 Introduction and Setting the Scene

04:23 The Impact of AI on Critical Thinking

08:18 Thought Experiment: The Drug of Supernatural Abilities

12:09 The Ethics of AI and Intellectual Property

24:48 Guest Introduction and Transition to Cuby Discussion

26:59 Documentary Insights and Community Impact

29:51 Building in Real Time: A Hands-On Approach

38:18 The Future of Construction and Venture Capital

48:37 Navigating the Project Economy: Opportunities and Challenges

50:18 The Essence of Venture Capital

51:31 Consultants vs. In-House Expertise

52:33 Real Estate and Venture Capital Dynamics

53:21 Innovations in Construction Technology

54:26 Navigating Economic Trends in APAC

56:34 Understanding Recession Dynamics

59:41 Emerging Markets and AI Innovations

01:02:38 Mega Projects in MENA

01:08:16 The Future of Design and Workflow Solutions

01:10:01 The Essence of Design: Vibes and Feelings

01:10:45 The Evolution of SnapTree: From Concept to Completion

01:14:28 Transforming Early Stage Design: Speed and Efficiency

01:16:57 Revolutionizing Design Tools: The Power of SnapTree V3

01:19:44 Streamlining Communication in Design Projects

01:21:47 Influencer Marketing: Expanding Reach and Engagement

01:26:14 AI in Design: Myths and Realities

01:27:52 The Impact of Technology on Workforce Dynamics

20 cold calls a day, $150 million in legal fees, and why the smartest CEOs are terrified of in-person competitors.

In this episode of Bricks, Bucks & Bytes, hosts Owen, Martin, Dustin, and Patric are joined by Justin Levine, CEO of  Shepherd, for a no-holds-barred discussion about the future of business, technology, and construction.

What we dive into:

• Apple's new AI call screening feature and why it spells doom for sales teams

• The shocking reality of 20 cold calls per day (and why most are terrible)

• Remote vs. office work: which startup would you fear more as a competitor?

• Why VCs are hilariously bad at cold outreach emails

• Construction insurance secrets that could save companies millions

• The $270 million Millennium Tower disaster (where legal fees cost more than the actual fix)

• Why hiring remotely means you need more experienced people

• The race to build the first $100 billion construction tech company

Key Quote: "If there's a competitor that's going to do exactly what we do - one fully remote, one five days in office - I am 100% more scared of the five day in office per week." - Justin Levine

From San Francisco's absurd delivery fees to the future of AI gatekeepers, this episode reveals uncomfortable truths about modern business that every entrepreneur needs to hear.

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Chapters

00:00 Intro

01:20 Introduction and Coffee Talk

04:20 Construction Assurance and Safety

07:31 iOS Updates and Cold Outreach Challenges

10:20 Innovations in Construction Insurance

13:23 Wrap-Up Policies and Cost Efficiency

16:22 Cold Outreach Strategies in 2025

19:11 The Future of AI in Sales and Marketing

28:01 The Importance of Mindset in Growth

28:39 Transparency in VC Interactions

29:27 Challenges of Cold Outreach in VC

30:24 The Role of Experience in Fundraising

33:54 Finding the Right Investor Fit

40:41 Understanding Investor Strike Zones

43:41 Defining Alpha in Venture Capital

44:59 The Long-Term Journey of Startups

47:42 The Bathtub Analogy in AI and Data Ownership

49:58 The Debate on Hustle Culture in Startups

50:22 The Value of In-Person Work Culture

58:59 The Challenges of Remote Work

01:08:15 Remote Work Considerations in Different Industries

01:09:11 Remote Work vs. Co-location in Tech and Hardware

01:11:42 The Impact of Time on Productivity

01:12:28 Rising Costs in Construction Insurance

01:16:32 The Challenges of Construction Defects

01:21:16 Reducing Insurance Premiums through Technology

01:26:59 Business Models in Construction Insurance

01:32:01 Future Trends in Construction Technology

50% Tarrifs are about to break construction - And That's Only The Beginning

In this episode of Bricks, Bucks & Bytes, our hosts dive deep into the chaos reshaping the construction industry and startup world. 

What we cover:

• The shocking 50% steel and aluminum tariffs that just doubled construction costs overnight

• Why rebar prices have exploded 26% and added $14,000 to every home

• How 68% of builders are now facing project delays due to supplier chaos

• The brutal truth about why VCs pushing "996" work culture are dead wrong

• ChatGPT's bombshell announcement that just killed $250M worth of AI startups

• Why construction tech companies are becoming consultancies (and if that's good or bad)

• The real reason behind tariffs that nobody talks about

• Forward deployed engineers - the new trend taking over AEC tech

• Why some founders are burning out while others thrive

"VCs pushing 9 to 6 are idiots. Most founders have no liquid capital and are actually struggling to make ends meet. You need to do whatever makes you most effective because it's not about hours you work, it's about output." - Dustin

From supply chain disasters to startup strategies, this episode unpacks the macro forces reshaping how we build - and who survives the chaos.

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Sponsors:

BuildVision - streamlining the construction supply chain with a unified platform - www.buildvision.io

4M Analytics - Instant, reliable utility data you can trust and verify - https://www.4manalytics.com/

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Chpaters

00:00 Introduction and Current Events

04:45 Impact of New Tariffs on Construction

07:48 Economic Implications of Tariffs

10:55 Labor Market Dynamics in Construction

13:52 Challenges in Project Management

16:57 Future of Construction Projects

19:52 Immigration and Labor Supply

22:51 Market Reactions and Predictions

25:47 Conclusion and Future Outlook

31:58 Infrastructure Investment and Economic Resilience

33:43 Restoration Business Dynamics

34:53 Market Optimism and Economic Trends

39:48 Technology in AEC: Forward Deployed Engineering

52:11 Software Stack Consolidation and Customization

58:09 Partnerships in Technology Solutions

01:05:24 The 996 Work Culture Debate

01:08:10 Personal Work Routines and Mental Health

01:11:01 Decision-Making in Business

01:16:24 The Role of Bias in Decision-Making

01:21:02 Expertise and Learning in Business

01:26:01 Hiring and Team Dynamics

01:31:27 The Future of AI Note-Taking

A $450 million AI startup just went bankrupt after lying about their revenue - and this might be just the beginning of the AI apocalypse.

In this episode of Bricks, Bucks & Bytes, Owen, Martin, Dustin, and Patrick dive deep into the shocking collapse of Builder AI and what it reveals about the entire AI industry. From fraudulent revenue claims to human workers disguised as AI, this cautionary tale exposes the dark side of Silicon Valley's latest obsession.

Key topics discussed:

• Builder AI's spectacular $450M bankruptcy and 25% revenue overstatement

• Why 90-95% of AI companies are headed for failure according to VCs

• OpenAI's questionable $6.5 billion acquisition of Johnny Ive's design firm

• How construction companies are getting fed up with AI promises

• The deadly mistakes founders make with venture debt

• Why hiring "missionaries" beats "mercenaries" every time

• The real cost of delayed hiring decisions on cash burn

• Why Ivy League credentials might actually hurt you in construction tech

• The truth about TAM calculations and industry sizing myths

"I talked to a VC yesterday, and we were guesstimating... 90% to 95% of AI companies are just going to go to zero." - Dustin DeVan

Tune in for unfiltered insights on AI hype, hiring secrets, and what really matters in construction tech.

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Chapters

00:00 Intro

01:13 Welcome Back and Conference Insights

04:12 AI in the AEC Industry: Challenges and Opportunities

07:11 Builder AI: A Case Study in Failure

10:15 The Impact of AI on Communication and Critical Thinking

13:21 Navigating Debt and Financial Stability in Startups

16:21 The Future of Software in Construction

19:08 The Role of Communication in a Tech-Driven World

33:39 Navigating Venture Debt and Equity Financing

39:18 Understanding Annual Recurring Revenue (ARR) and Its Implications

47:16 The AI Hype: Reality vs. Expectations

53:18 Evaluating the Impact of Emerging Technologies

01:05:30 The Role of Data in AI Development

01:12:23 The Future of AI and Its Limitations

01:18:19 Hiring Strategies in the AEC Tech World

01:21:59 Understanding Talent Acquisition and Onboarding

01:31:33 The Impact of Backgrounds on Hiring Success

01:38:54 Assessing the True TAM of the Construction Industry

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Sponsors:

BuildVision - streamlining the construction supply chain with a unified platform - www.buildvision.io

4M Analytics - Instant, reliable utility data you can trust and verify - https://www.4manalytics.com/

"Data centers might be overbuilding. When industries overshoot, they always crash back to reality." - Dustin DeVan on our latest episode

In today's episode of Bricks, Bucks and Bytes, we got to learn about the $500B "Stargate" project between OpenAI, SoftBank, and Oracle that's having trouble finding backers as data center costs rise.

We got to hear why Autodesk's God-themed ad campaign shows they don't understand their construction customers, despite having amazing 91% profit margins.

Also, we heard TestFit CEO Clifton Harness explain how their tools cut dirt costs from 30% to 20% on industrial projects through better site grading.

Tune in to find out about:

✅ Why smart capital is hesitant to invest in data center construction right now

✅ How Y Combinator takes 7% equity while giving little value to founders

✅ Why Safe Notes are becoming unpopular with serious investors

✅ The real reason construction permits are harder to get in the US vs Europe

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Timestamps

00:00:00 Intro

00:01:07 Introduction and Event Season Insights

00:04:09 Data Center Construction: Boom or Bust?

00:07:11 Stargate Project and AI Infrastructure Challenges

00:10:03 Market Dynamics and Overcapacity Concerns

00:12:59 Energy Consumption and Utility Challenges

00:16:07 Investment Hesitations in Data Center Technologies

00:19:04 Marketing Strategies and Autodesk's Controversial Campaign

00:40:42 Distraction Tactics in Business

00:42:05 Stock Valuations and Market Strategies

00:43:06 Analyzing Autodesk's Financial Performance

00:50:10 The Role of Boards in Corporate Governance

00:52:07 Civil Engineering Innovations and Controversies

00:59:11 Sales Strategies and Company Growth

01:08:47 Introduction to Bricks and Bytes

01:09:07 Understanding Market Segmentation

01:10:01 Debating Y Combinator's Impact

01:11:05 The Value of Mentorship in Startups

01:13:16 Critique of SAFE Notes

01:14:57 The Complexity of Infrastructure Costs

01:22:08 Comparing Planning Systems: Anglosphere vs Europe

"We got in trouble with our own partners for investing in technology that disrupted OUR business. Some were actually 'pissed' because it threatened our design revenue."

In today's episode of Bricks & Bytes, we had Robert Ioanna, Executive Principal of Syska Hennessy Group, sharing his innovative approach to construction tech investment and internal R&D.

Tune in to find out about:

✅ Their three-pronged innovation approach: external investments, internal R&D, and corporate ideation

✅ How they gamify innovation with an internal point system that engages 20% of their firm

✅ Why he believes MEP industry disruption will work backwards (from shop drawings to concept)

✅ The challenge of AI adoption in a code-driven, legally-rigid industry with PE stamp requirements

Listen now on Spotify to learn how this 700-person MEP firm is disrupting itself from within rather than waiting for outsiders to do it first.

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Chapters

00:00 Intro

02:52 Introduction to Cisco Hennessey and Roles

05:17 The Three-Pronged Approach to Innovation

09:03 Cisco Innovations: Internal Incubator or CVC?

11:41 Competitive Edge in the MEP Industry

12:05 Innovation Frameworks and Inspirations

17:06 Current Technologies in MEP Design

21:11 Measuring Innovation Success

22:15 Challenges in the MEP Space

35:10 Pain Points in MEP Design Consulting

38:57 The Future of AI in AEC

41:57 Navigating AI's Impact on MEP Engineering

45:15 Challenges in AI Adoption for Complex Projects

47:01 Understanding Market Dynamics in Construction Tech

55:20 The Evolution of Engineering Rates and Value

58:08 Lessons Learned from Tech Investments

01:00:17 Investor Perspectives on AEC Tech

01:04:31 Fostering Creativity in Innovation

01:09:22 Introducing DigiDux: A New Tool for Engineers

EXPOSED: How China is Building Nuclear Power for 90% Less While the West Falls Behind

"Every level that you move up the construction chain, you're saving 50 bips of interest. From capital provider to owner to GC to sub to supplier to manufacturer rep - seven, eight steps, 4%. That's why a million-dollar generator costs owners $1.7 million." - Mike Powers, BuildVision

In this episode of Bricks, Bucks & Bytes, our hosts dive into why China can build nuclear reactors at a fraction of Western costs while the US and Europe struggle with massive delays and budget overruns.

Key topics include:

• Why China can build nuclear reactors for $2.7B while Western projects balloon to $40B+

• The efficiency secrets behind China's massive infrastructure projects

• Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) as a potential solution to nuclear's problems

• Germany's trillion-dollar infrastructure investment plan

• How robotics is revolutionizing solar panel installation

• Why industry events might be useful for startups but painful for everyone else

"Nuclear is a cash machine when you operate it, but it ruins you when you build it, when you have to maintain it, when you have to repair it, and it completely ruins you once you have to decommission it." - Patric

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Chapters:

00:00 Introduction to Nuclear Energy and Global Context

06:06 Cost Disparities in Nuclear Energy Projects

12:02 China's Nuclear Ambitions and Infrastructure Efficiency

19:54 Understanding the Economics of Nuclear Energy

31:46 The Future of Small Modular Reactors (SMRs)

36:31 Energy Independence and Nuclear Power

39:44 Germany's Political Landscape and Infrastructure Spending

48:55 AI in Construction: Ownership of Workflows

54:23 Streamlining Construction Financing and Working Capital

01:08:52 Market Dynamics and Demand Aggregation

01:10:46 Introduction of James Emerick and Cosmic Robotics

01:11:52 Innovations in Construction Robotics

01:14:42 Expanding Robotics Applications Beyond Solar

01:18:05 Global Competition in Robotics and Solar Installation

01:19:50 Future Projections for Solar Demand

01:21:24 Business Models in Robotics

01:23:10 Path to Becoming a Robotics Engineer

01:24:20 The Role of Events in Networking and Business

01:31:52 Event Experiences and Startup Strategies