Building Stories

Stewart Caldwell, an architect and digital engineer, shares his journey in the architecture and design industry. He talks about the challenges of implementing new technologies like Revit and the importance of collaboration and overcoming fear in the industry.

He emphasizes the need to love what you do and not let other people’s opinions dictate your path. Stewart reflects on the importance of embracing failure and learning from mistakes. He emphasizes the value of humility and honesty in the face of failure.

In this conversation, Anthony Habashy, Group DE Manager at Mirvac, shares his journey in the construction industry and the challenges he has faced. He initially wanted to be a soccer player but ended up studying architectural technology and structural engineering. His career took a turn when he became proficient in Revit and started working as a BIM manager. He highlights the importance of embracing technology and being innovative in the industry. Anthony also discusses the challenges of implementing new technologies and the need for buy-in from stakeholders. He emphasises the value of learning from failures and continuously improving processes. Lastly, he advises newcomers to embrace technology and always look for new ways of doing things. In this conversation, Anthony Habashy discusses the practical ways in which Mirvac implements digital engineering (DE) strategies. He explains that they start by assessing the current state of DE in the company and gathering input from stakeholders. They then create a three-year strategy based on this input and communicate it to the rest of the organisation. Habashy emphasises the importance of getting buy-in from key stakeholders and presenting the strategy to various groups within the company. He also discusses the unique opportunity Mirvac has as a fully integrated business model to drive innovation at a large scale.

 

Watch Video here: https://youtu.be/fdqHnyrJ3rc

 

takeaways

Embrace technology and be innovative in the construction industry.

Implementing new technologies can be challenging, but it is important to get buy-in from stakeholders and demonstrate the value.

Failures are opportunities for learning and improvement.

Continuous improvement and refining processes are essential in the industry.

Communication, education, and stakeholder engagement are crucial for successful implementation of new technologies.

Think about the bigger picture and involve all relevant parties in the decision-making process. Assess the current state of digital engineering in the company and gather input from stakeholders to create a three-year strategy.

Get buy-in from key stakeholders by presenting the strategy and communicating the value it will add to the business.

Utilize various communication channels, such as presentations and meetings, to spread the message and gain support.

As a fully integrated business model, Mirvac has a unique opportunity to drive innovation at a large scale.

 

 

 

 

Chapters

00:00Introduction and Background

01:16Career Journey and Transition to Digital Transformation

08:15Key Moments and Transformative Experiences

13:38Pride in Career Progression and Project Implementations

19:22Implementing Change and Overcoming Challenges

21:19Timeframe for Commercial Benefits in Large Organizations

23:25Education and Awareness

29:12Getting the Message Out

34:38Efficiency and Adapting to New Technologies

39:35Centralizing Digital Engineering

41:59Testing and Research

44:36Working with Timber and Living in Steel

Wesley Benn, architect and founder of the Digital Built Environment Institute, shares his journey in the architecture and construction industry. From a young age, Wesley had a passion for architecture and design, which led him to pursue a career in the field. He started his own architectural practice and later became an early adopter of Revit, which eventually led him to start the Revit Technology Conference (now known as BILT).

Ronan Collins, a pioneer in digital engineering and BIM, shares his journey in the construction industry and the challenges he has faced. He grew up in a family of builders and was exposed to CAD at a young age. He joined Arup’s in 1996 and witnessed the rapid changes in technology. In 2003, he started his own company in Hong Kong, focusing on technology solutions for engineers and contractors. Ronan emphasizes the importance of understanding the value of technology and the need for proper training and education in the industry. Ronan shares his personal mistakes and lessons learned in the construction industry, including the importance of not getting too big too fast and the need to set up the right infrastructure before taking on international projects. He also discusses the future of the industry, highlighting the impact of cloud technology, remote working, offshore business models, reality capture, and data analytics. Ronan emphasizes the need for contractors and consultants to focus on solving specific problems and adding value to their projects, rather than chasing after shiny new technologies.

Travis Althouse, a construction technologist, shares his journey in the construction industry and his passion for driving digital transformation. From his childhood love for Legos and SimCity to his experience with Revit and other construction software, Travis has always been drawn to building and problem-solving.

Andrew Hannell, a digital design, construction, and engineering expert, shares his journey in the industry. From a young age, Andrew showed an interest in building and designing, which eventually led him to study architecture. However, he realized that his passion lay in the technology side of things, and he transitioned into working with BIM and digital models.

Andrew discusses the challenges of implementing new technology in a traditional industry and emphasizes the importance of focusing on people and processes. He shares his pride in working on projects like the Sydney Opera House and offers advice to those interested in the design and construction space. In this conversation, Andrew Hannell discusses the importance of working with the right people and shares his insights on mistakes and lessons learned.

He also talks about the exciting opportunities for the future of construction, particularly in the field of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning. Andrew emphasizes the need for a cultural shift in the industry, where contractors and designers are willing to challenge the status quo and embrace change. He also highlights the value of freeing up highly qualified professionals to focus on higher-value work by leveraging technology and improving processes.

 

Takeaways

Follow your passion and do what you love in the design and construction industry.

Implementing new technology in a traditional industry requires a focus on people and processes.

Don't be afraid to pursue your own path and explore different opportunities within the industry.

The people you work with are just as important as the work itself.

Mistakes are a valuable learning opportunity and can lead to personal growth.

The future of construction lies in leveraging artificial intelligence and machine learning to make incremental improvements.

Contractors and designers need to be open to change and challenge the status quo.

Technology can free up highly qualified professionals to focus on higher-value work.

Quotes

"The people you work with are just as important as the work itself.""Mistakes are a valuable learning opportunity and can lead to personal growth.""The future of construction lies in leveraging artificial intelligence and machine learning to make incremental improvements."

Chapters

00:00 Andrew's Background and Early Interest in Building03:38 Architecture05:36 Challenges and Successes in Implementing Technology07:56 The Importance of People and Processes10:57 Advice for Those Interested in the Industry15:37 Mistakes and Lessons Learned19:32 AI in Construction29:59 Cultural Shift in Construction33:14 Future of Design38:58 Freeing Up Professionals with Technology40:46 Mentoring42:06 Quickfire

Dave ”Broadie” Broadhurst, a safety guru in the construction industry, shares his journey and insights on safety, leadership, and mental health.

In the first episode of 'Building Stories,' hosts Michael and Luke dive into the essence of their new podcast, discussing their backgrounds and their journey from youthful aspirations to impactful careers in 3D modeling, architecture and structural engineering. They share personal stories—from Michael's early dreams of becoming a car designer to working for General Motors Holden, to Luke’s hands-on experiences and family influences. The discussion explores the evolution of tools like AutoCAD and Revit, their experiences with digital transformation in the industry, and the ongoing challenges and innovations within the architectural and construction fields. They reflect on key projects, including Adelaide Oval and the Royal Adelaide Hospital, and confront the significance of human interaction versus technological advancements in modern construction practices.