Building Stories

“We build the building twice: first digitally, and then for real” – Gary Cowan

In this episode of Building Stories, powered by Deep Space, we’re joined by Gary Cowan, Head of Digital Construction at Kane Group. With nearly 20 years in the industry, Gary has been at the forefront of integrating technologies like Revit, prefabrication, and reality capture to revolutionise how projects are delivered.

Gary shares how Kane Group’s early adoption of digital construction tools helped them stay ahead of the curve, the role of mixed reality in improving on-site safety and efficiency, and why early stakeholder engagement is critical for actionable data in construction.

From the lessons learned through trial and error to his predictions on AI and mixed reality’s future impact, Gary’s story is an inspiring look at innovation in a traditional industry.

Key Sections:

Gary’s Early Days in Construction – 02:04

From Paper Trails to Digital Models – 07:00

Reality Capture and Prefabrication – 12:48

The Potential of Mixed Reality on Site – 26:11

Advice for Aspiring Construction Professionals – 18:24

Quick Fire Round: Tools, Materials, and Tech Favourites – 45:27

Building Stories is powered by Deep Space – Mission Critical Construction AI.

“All of the tech and the digital stuff that we do, all helps us build faster, build under budget, build on time” – Sellwyn Dsouza

 

In this episode of Building Stories, powered by Deep Space, we sit down with Sellwyn Dsouza, a passionate engineering professional and self-proclaimed construction nerd. Sellwyn takes us on a journey through his career, from his early fascination with how things are built to becoming an expert in BIM and 360 Reality Capture.

 

We discuss the importance of practical solutions for digital transformation, the future of reality capture in replacing traditional BIM for operations, and the challenges of introducing innovation to a historically traditional industry. Sellwyn also shares his insights on why data simplicity and mentorship are crucial for the next generation of construction professionals.

 

Key Sections:

Sellwyn’s Early Fascination with Construction – 02:08

The Transition from BIM to Reality Capture – 12:01

Practical Solutions for Digital Transformation – 19:33

Challenges in Adopting New Technology – 24:00

Mentorship and Knowledge Transfer in Construction – 32:45

The Future of Sustainable Construction Materials – 36:43

Quick Fire Round: Sellwyn’s Thoughts on Tools and Tech – 43:03

Building Stories is Powered by Deep Space - Mission Critical Construction AI.

“Data is anything that I can use to make a decision.” – Brett Settles

 

In this episode of Building Stories, powered by Deep Space, we sit down with Brett Settles, Director of Customer Success at Allied BIM. Brett shares his journey from traditional construction methods to embracing real-time data and automation in construction. He discusses how data isn’t just numbers, but a tool for smarter, faster decision-making that transforms project outcomes.

 

We dive into the challenges of adopting new technology in construction, how data-driven insights are changing the way we approach labor productivity and prefabrication, and the importance of practical solutions that make a real impact on-site. Brett offers a fresh perspective on how data can drive meaningful change in the construction industry.

 

Key Sections:

 

1. Brett’s Early Career in Construction and Move into Tech – 00:00

2. Understanding Data as a Tool for Decision-Making – 08:30

3. The Role of Automation in Site Efficiency – 17:15

4. Overcoming Technology Adoption Challenges – 24:40

5. The Power of Real-Time Data in Prefabrication – 33:05

6. Advice for Construction Professionals Embracing Data – 42:20

7. Quick Fire Round: Future Tech and Industry Insights – 49:55

 

Building Stories is Powered by Deep Space - Mission Critical Construction AI.

“At the end of the day, AI doesn’t build anything—it just improves the data.” – Kristian Butcher

 

In this episode of Building Stories, powered by Deep Space, we sit down with Kristian Butcher, CEO and founder of BuildAI. Kristian takes us through his journey from traditional construction roles to becoming a leader in AI-driven construction technology. He shares how AI and technology aren’t replacing jobs but enhancing decision-making by improving the quality and accessibility of data.

 

We dive into the real-world challenges the construction industry faces, the slow adoption of technology, and how BuildAI helps teams optimize material movement and labor productivity. Kristian also discusses how data-driven decisions in the early stages of a project can have a transformative impact, unlocking major efficiency gains.

 

Key Sections:

1. Kristian’s Early Career and Move into Construction – 00:00

2. The Origins of Build AI and Embracing Technology – 13:20

3. AI’s Role in Improving Labor and Material Efficiency – 21:45

4. Why Early Adoption of AI and Data Matters – 34:50

5. Kristian’s Advice to the Next Generation of Builders – 44:08

6. The Future of AI in Construction – 37:18

7. Quick Fire Round: Tools and Technology – 49:05

 

Building Stories is Powered by Deep Space - Mission Critical Construction AI

“Why create information if we’re not able to use it?” – Chris Pynn

In this episode of Building Stories, powered by Deep Space, we sit down with Chris Pynn, a leader with over 30 years of experience in engineering and digital construction. Chris takes us through his fascinating journey from a chance entry into the world of construction to his leadership roles in some of the world’s most iconic projects. We explore his thoughts on the evolution of BIM, data-driven design, and the ongoing challenge of improving project delivery through digital transformation. Chris also shares key insights on overcoming industry barriers, the importance of quality over quantity in engineering, and the power of collaboration in major infrastructure projects.

 

Key Sections:

1. Chris Pynn’s Early Journey in Construction – 00:00

2. The Role of Data in Modern Construction – 06:38

3. Managing Large Projects and the Evolution of BIM – 11:54

4. Challenges of Digital Engineering and Adoption – 18:40

5. Advice for Engineers and Consultants in the AEC Industry – 19:17

6. Future Opportunities in Data and Digital Workflows – 30:49

7. Quick Fire Round: Chris’s Thoughts on Tools and Technology – 49:52

Building Stories is Powered by Deep Space - Mission Critical Construction AI

In this episode of Building Stories, Luke Johnson interviews Stjepan Mikulić, founder of AI in AEC. Stjepan discusses his journey from working at prominent firms like Sweco and BIG to starting his own venture, which focuses on educating architects, engineers, and construction professionals about the transformative power of AI.

Menno emphasizes the importance of balancing technology, processes, and people in driving digital transformation in organizations. He highlights the challenges of implementing change and the need for change management strategies. Menno also shares his pride in working on projects like NEOM and the Museum of the Future in Dubai.

Mustafa Alishmawy, a senior BIM and digital delivery consultant, shares his journey in the construction industry and his passion for digital engineering. He discovered his interest in engineering at a young age and pursued a career in civil engineering. He became fascinated with digital modeling and BIM during his university years and continued to explore and master these technologies after graduation. Mustafa emphasizes the importance of flexibility and continuous learning in finding the right career path. He also highlights the value of data-driven decision-making and the potential of modular construction and standardization in the future of the industry.

David Foley, director of digital delivery and founder at IIMBE, shares his journey in the construction industry. David discusses the need for collaboration and empathy between different disciplines and the value of sharing knowledge and workflows. The discussion also touches on the challenges of adopting new technologies and the potential of AI and data in improving efficiency and decision-making.

Summary

Adam Crouch, a BIM expert, shares his journey in the construction industry and the challenges he faced in implementing digital transformation. From a young age, Adam showed an interest in building and design, creating scale models and comics. He pursued a career in 3D animation before transitioning to civil engineering and BIM. Adam highlights the importance of changing people's mindset and overcoming resistance to change in the industry. He also discusses the satisfaction of seeing projects come to life and the long-lasting impact of civil infrastructure. In this conversation, Adam Crouch discusses the importance of learning from mistakes and pushing ideas further. He emphasizes the need for innovation and taking risks in order to achieve success. Adam also highlights the potential impact of robotics and automation in the construction industry, particularly in improving efficiency and reducing safety incidents. He suggests that construction companies should invest in data management systems and promote collaboration among project stakeholders. Additionally, Adam shares his interest in both electric vehicles and V8 engines, as well as his preference for timber in construction.

 

Watch the full video here: https://youtu.be/Eq93suECza0

 

Takeaways

Early interest in building and design led Adam Crouch to pursue a career in 3D animation and later civil engineering and BIM.

Implementing digital transformation in the construction industry requires changing people's mindset and overcoming resistance to change.

Seeing projects come to life and interacting with the built infrastructure is a rewarding aspect of working in the industry.

Civil infrastructure has a long-lasting impact and can shape cities and communities for generations. Learn from mistakes and push ideas further to achieve success.

Embrace innovation and take risks in order to drive progress.

Robotics and automation have the potential to improve efficiency and reduce safety incidents in the construction industry.

Invest in data management systems and promote collaboration among project stakeholders.

Chapters

00:00Introduction and Casual Conversation

00:38Adam's Early Interest in Building and Design

03:18Transitioning to Civil Engineering and BIM

10:10Challenges and Resistance to Change in Implementing Digital Processes

15:37Proud Moments: Cross River Rail and Building Critical Infrastructure

26:44Advice for Those Interested in the Construction Industry

29:32Embracing Innovation and Learning from Mistakes

33:57The Impact of Technology on the Construction Industry

40:32The Importance of Data and Collaboration in Construction

51:25Preference for Timber in Construction