Bridging the Gap: Insights & Innovations in Construction

How can AI actually help construction teams make better decisions (without adding complexity or losing the human element)?

In this episode of Bridging the Gap, Todd Weyandt sits down with Shelley Copsey, CEO of FYLD, to explore how AI-driven insights are transforming safety and decision-making in construction. Shelley shares how FYLD helps teams move beyond lagging indicators and manual reporting by turning frontline data into actionable intelligence, right when it matters most.

The conversation dives into why predictive safety is the future of construction, how real-time insights empower workers instead of policing them, and what it takes to build trust when introducing AI on the jobsite.

Shelley Copsey is co-founder and CEO of FYLD. In her role, she leads a scaling company empowering major infrastructure companies to drive highly efficient field workforce operations, driven by data and enabling each and every day's operations to be safely delivered to plan. She has over 25 years of experience in the intersection of physical infrastructure and digital technologies, as well as the human transformation required to deliver on the promise of emerging technologies.

Technology isn’t just about automating tasks—it’s about creating smarter, safer, and more productive job sites. With real-time data, teams can anticipate risks, streamline workflows, and deliver higher quality outcomes without the traditional trade-off between speed, safety, and cost.

AI and digital platforms work best when they elevate the workforce, not replace it. Technology puts power in the hands of field teams, giving them visibility, communication, and support that strengthens trust and culture across the organization.

Construction has often defaulted to a blame game when delays or incidents happen. But the real transformation happens when mistakes become learning opportunities. By capturing and analyzing data, companies can reframe setbacks into insights that improve planning, execution, and safety for the future.

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As we wrap up 2025, Todd Weyandt takes a step back to reflect on what this year really taught the construction industry beyond the buzzwords. From the shift away from tech hype toward real-world application, to why culture and leadership matter more than ever, this solo episode connects the dots between the lessons of 2025 and the trends shaping 2026.

If you’re wondering what’s coming next and why it matters...this episode is for you.

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Technology was supposed to make construction faster, smarter, and more efficient but in many cases, it’s added friction instead of removing it. In this episode, we explore how the right technology, paired with the right culture, can eliminate inefficiencies and unlock real innovation across construction businesses.

The conversation dives into why technology should exist to serve people, not the other way around, and how contractors can rethink adoption to focus on problem-solving, creativity, and long-term impact. This episode challenges the idea that construction is “slow to innovate” and reframes what meaningful innovation actually looks like in the field and the back office.

Connor Watumull is a construction technology leader focused on improving how contractors operate by eliminating friction in the systems that support their teams. With a background in software and engineering, Connor brings a practical, people-first perspective to innovation—one rooted in solving real problems, not chasing shiny tools. His work centers on helping construction businesses build stronger teams, operate more efficiently, and create lasting impact in the communities they serve.

Technology isn’t the end goal—it’s the means to free people from repetitive, manual tasks. When tech removes barriers, it unlocks creativity and problem-solving, which is where construction teams thrive. The best technology makes life easier, not harder.

Adoption only sticks when the technology solves the right problem and is supported by the right culture. A shiny new tool without cultural alignment or clear purpose will just create friction. Success comes from pairing practical solutions with a culture that embraces innovation.

Construction is built on solving problems, but inefficiencies—especially in the back office can slow progress. The mindset should be to constantly seek out gaps, pain points, and bottlenecks, then apply technology to close them. That’s where true progress happens.

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Miter’s Website

What happens when a modular construction company leads with people first? Jon Scott of Creative Modular Construction joins the show to share how their motto—“We build people. We build buildings.”—is more than a slogan; it’s the engine behind their remarkable growth.

Jon walks through how CMC develops leaders on the shop floor, supports individuals from all backgrounds, and creates a culture where trust, purpose, and personal transformation translate directly into performance.

We also discuss how CMC’s people-first mindset has made it easier to adopt new processes and technologies (like Strucsoft) as they scale, blending craftsmanship, innovation, and culture into a resilient modular workflow.

A powerful episode for anyone interested in modular construction, leadership development, or building high-performing teams through culture.

Jonathan Scott serves as the Lead Draftsman at Creative Modular Construction, where he oversees the design and drafting behind a wide range of modular building projects. With a deep understanding of construction, engineering coordination, and practical field needs, Jonathan is the bridge between imagination and execution—translating concepts into clear, buildable plans that crews can trust. He’s passionate about improving processes, solving complex layout challenges, and helping push the modular industry forward through smarter design. Outside of work, Jonathan enjoys life with his family and doing outreach in his community, and brings a grounded, faith-driven perspective to both his personal and professional life.

CMC’s commitment to “building people” isn’t just a cultural slogan—it’s a strategic advantage. When you invest in purpose, stability, and real community, people show up differently. They’re engaged, they grow, and the work improves. Culture isn’t an add-on for them; it’s the engine behind everything they do.

Introducing new tools like Strucsoft can be uncomfortable, but CMC’s people leaned in because they trust the leadership guiding those decisions. That trust removes friction and accelerates adoption. When your team believes you’re making choices that truly help them, change becomes something they embrace—not resist.

The jump from producing two buildings in three days to three buildings in a single day is incredible. It’s what happens when a clear mission, a supportive culture, and the right digital tools align. CMC shows that innovation isn’t just about software—it’s about creating a system where people and technology elevate each other.

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What happens when product data finally becomes as smart as the models it lives in? This week’s episode features Ben Glunz of Anguleris and BIMsmith in an explorative conversation about how connected product data, structured specs, and intelligent digital content are reshaping design workflows from the ground up.

Ben breaks down why architects and engineers still struggle to access trustworthy, build-ready manufacturer data, and what’s changing as AI, cloud platforms, and digital twins bring real-time information into the design process. This episode is a must-listen for architects, spec writers, BIM managers, manufacturers, and anyone curious about the future of product data, interoperability, and AI-driven design.

Benjamin Glunz, Assoc. AIA, is an architect-turned-technologist and the Founder and CEO of Anguleris, a global leader in construction technology. With a passion for bridging the gap between building product manufacturers and AEC professionals, Ben spearheaded the development of BIMsmith®, an industry-leading product research and specification platform, and Swatchbox®, the leading material sample platform for architects and designers. Under his leadership, Anguleris has expanded its reach internationally, establishing European headquarters in London and offices in Milan and acquiring platforms like Modlar® and Concora to further enhance its offerings.

Deep roots in construction don’t have to lock us into old ways—they can be the spark for new ideas. When experience meets curiosity, it creates the foundation to reimagine how the industry works and to move it forward in bold ways.

Sustainability goes beyond recycling. A circular approach prevents waste before it starts by keeping resources in use and extending their life cycle. It’s about building smarter systems that maximize value while minimizing impact.

The best technology doesn’t replace people—it empowers them. Innovation should remove the drudgery, free up creativity, and accelerate progress. When disruption feels like a jetpack instead of a threat, that’s when real transformation happens.

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How do construction leaders make better decisions in a world overflowing with data?

Frank and Ashley share how the AEC industry can shift from reactive to proactive by embracing data literacy, asking better questions, and building trust between the field and the office. From forecasting risks to creating visibility across teams, this episode highlights how decision-making improves when people, process, and technology finally align.

Frank Phillips is Director of Business Affairs Technical Services at University of Florida, where he has over two decades of career experience.

Ashely Grassano is Space & GIS Manager at the University of Florida. She manages a team of BIM Coordinators, Space Planners, and GIS Administrators. 

Make Old Buildings Smarter, Not “Smart”

A campus-wide push toward digital twins is turning legacy facilities into data-ready assets. The playbook: uplift Revit to a consistent minimum spec, link key MEP assets for location and maintenance, stream live data into Tandem, and anchor everything with GIS. It’s practical, phased modernization—form meets function.

Data Is an Asset—Treat It Like One

Ownership and flow matter. From ACC adoption to Cost rollout, success comes from redefining processes (not lift-and-shift), onboarding project-by-project, and measuring wins by outcomes (like contractors getting paid). The ethos: the owner funds the work, the owner owns the data—and partners help operationalize it.

Scan, Map, Connect—and Then Automate

LiDAR for utilities and interiors, geospatially aligned campus models, ACC + Tandem integration, and emerging AI/API upgrades (including easier auth) are building a true “smart campus” foundation. Pair top-down sponsorship with bottom-up field buy-in, and you get faster finds at 2 a.m., fewer “unknowns,” and clearer ROI.

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What does it take to scale construction innovation without losing the human touch?

Jason shares insights on implementing new workflows, training teams on emerging tools, and creating a culture where innovation sticks. From healthcare builds to cutting-edge VDC practices, learn how Batson-Cook is using data, AI, and collaboration to future-proof construction, one project at a time.

Jason Waddell is Director of Construction Technology Development at Batson-Cook Construction. Jason has been an estimator for about 18 years and a BIM manager for about 12 years. He also has extensive IT experience, having worked as an IT Support Specialist for over 5 years.

Prefabrication isn’t just a buzzword—it’s proving itself in real-world projects. By standardizing processes like vertical shafts and pods, teams are speeding up schedules, reducing waste, and creating more predictable outcomes. What once felt experimental is now becoming the expectation.

Technology alone doesn’t drive transformation—people do. Rolling out new tools requires building trust, meeting teams where they are, and addressing their real pain points. The lesson here is that one-on-one conversations, training champions, and gradual adoption win the day over flashy rollouts.

Artificial intelligence and robotics aren’t replacing people—they’re freeing them. From automatically generating reports to exploring autonomous equipment, these technologies are about reducing repetitive tasks so skilled professionals can focus on higher-value work. The future is less about hype and more about practical applications that genuinely save time and boost safety.

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Simon Whelan from FenestraPro returns to Bridging the Gap for another insightful conversation—this time live from Autodesk University! In this episode, Simon and Todd Weyandt dive into the evolving world of facade design, the critical role of sustainability in architecture, and how AI is transforming the design process.

Simon shares why early design decisions matter more than ever, clears up common misconceptions about facade analysis, and explores the delicate balance between aesthetics, cost, and performance. This episode is a must-listen for architects, designers, and innovators looking to stay ahead of the curve in a rapidly changing industry.

Simon Whelan is Co-Founder and COO of FenestraPro. He has worked with global firms like AECOM, Gensler, and Jacobs to integrate real-time energy modeling and facade performance directly into their workflows, inside Autodesk Revit and Forma. With a background in architecture and environmental systems (MSc, LEED GA), he bridges the gap between design intent and performance outcomes.

Early-stage choices on glazing, shading, and orientation drive most of a building’s comfort, energy, and cost outcomes. With fast feedback loops in tools like Forma (and envelope extensions), teams can iterate on facades before documentation locks them in—letting designers be both creative and analytical where it matters most.

The win isn’t “AI as auteur,” it’s automating the tedious stuff—option sweeps, target-finding, and heavy documentation—so architects and engineers can focus on judgment and intent. Treat AI like a power tool: useful, fast, and verifiable.

Sustainability is past the hype and into everyday practice, especially when early envelope moves cut operational costs. The next unlock: stronger interoperability (ideally a common backbone) so insights flow cleanly from concept to detail without getting lost in translation.

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How do we move AI from hype to helpful in civil and site design?

Live from AU 2025, ISG’s Jason Douglas shares how connected workflows across Forma, Revit, Civil 3D, and ACC are becoming real; why fast, responsive partners matter; and how Dynamo scripts eliminated version ping-pong to save time in production. We dig into training at scale, automation wins, and what it takes to keep multidisciplinary teams in sync.

Jason Douglas is a CAD Manager at ISG, with roots in civil design and a passion for practical tech. After starting in architectural drafting, he shifted to civil, became a go-to champion for software adoption, and now leads standards, support, and training across platforms like Civil 3D and ACC—lately extending automation with Dynamo to boost team efficiency.

For years we’ve talked about connected construction as a vision. Now, with tools like Forma and Revit integrating more tightly with Civil 3D and ACC, we’re seeing the walls between disciplines start to come down. This isn’t theory anymore—it’s the beginning of a truly unified way to design, build, and manage projects.

Innovation isn’t just about software features; it’s about the relationships and support that make technology adoption possible. The right partner listens, responds quickly, and helps translate tools into outcomes. That kind of support accelerates adoption and creates measurable productivity gains across teams.

AI has dominated headlines, but the real impact comes when it moves from hype to reality. Practical applications—whether through automation in ACC, Dynamo scripts in Civil 3D, or predictive insights—are what will change daily workflows. The key is building trust in the technology so it’s seen as a time-saver, not a risk.

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How do you build a culture where innovation thrives instead of being feared?

Recorded live at Autodesk University in Nashville, this conversation with Cliff Cole, Director of Virtual Design and Construction at The PENTA Building Group, dives into what it really takes to embed innovation into the DNA of a construction company. Cliff shares how storytelling, timing, and empathy create trust and drive adoption—turning change management into a shared mission instead of a mandate.

Cliff Cole is the Director of Virtual Design and Construction at The PENTA Building Group, a Las Vegas–based general contractor known for projects across healthcare, education, gaming, and tribal sectors. With over two decades in the industry, Cliff has built a reputation for fostering innovation through empathy, collaboration, and storytelling. He’s a passionate advocate for redefining construction’s culture—helping teams see that every challenge is an opportunity to innovate, communicate, and grow.

Innovation in construction isn’t just about adopting new tools—it’s about creating a culture where people feel empowered to solve problems creatively. Every project brings unknowns, and teams already innovate daily to adapt and deliver. Recognizing that mindset helps shift the narrative: construction is, at its core, an innovative industry.

Problem-solving alone isn’t enough—innovation needs to be communicated. Too often, teams do the hard work but don’t showcase how it’s transforming outcomes. Building the muscle of storytelling, meeting people where they are, and delivering the right message at the right time is what turns technical solutions into cultural movements.

Rolling out new technology or processes requires more than good ideas—it requires timing, trust, and empathy. People resist change not because they can’t use technology, but because they need to see the value in their own context. Walking in their shoes, asking the right questions, and introducing solutions at the right moment makes adoption stick.

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