Digital Builder

Reality capture technology is transforming what is possible on and off the construction site. Site scanning technologies and augmented and virtual reality are changing the game for construction pros by enabling teams to create a comprehensive view of physical structures and environments. 

In this episode recorded live at Autodesk University, Eric is sitting down with Lisa Kelly, VP of EarthCam, and Waleed Zafar, Mission Critical Projects Director at XYZ Reality, to talk about why this technology is so game-changing and how it is impacting the construction industry. 

We discuss: 

• What VR/AR technology brings to construction projects 
• The factors driving fast, widespread adoption 
• Best practices for adopting VR/AR technology into your organization 
• Why thorough project communication is vital to the success of any new technology 

Digital Builder is hosted by Eric Thomas of Autodesk. 

In the second half of our two-part episode with Autodesk colleagues Lisa Chen, Technical Sales Executive, and Ross Wagner, Manager of Technical Sales, we continue talking about the obstacles preventing the industry from digitization and why Legacy Non-Purpose-Built tools are holding companies back. 

If you haven't yet, catch the first half of our conversation with Lisa and Ross in Episode 41! 

We discuss: 

• Why contractors are rejecting digital tools 
• The difficult reality of using Legacy Non-Purpose-Built tools 
• The tools Lisa & Ross can’t do without on a job site 

Digital Builder is hosted by Eric Thomas of Autodesk. 

While remote work becomes more and more accessible and integrated in the workplace, it remains elusive for construction because the very nature of the work requires an onsite workforce. This nuance makes accessibility a difficult hurdle to improve workforce diversity across the industry. 

This week, Eric sits down with Camille Hardin, Project Manager at Flint Builders, Inc., to talk about innovative construction tech, the rise of prefab, and a candid look at the challenges facing women working in construction—especially for those out in the field. 

We discuss: 

• The gender & diversity imbalance in construction 
• How prefab can open up career possibilities for underrepresented groups 
• The need for increased flexibility in the workplace (and why!) 
• The best tech for coordinating the prefab process 

Digital Builder is hosted by Eric Thomas of Autodesk. 

We’ve all heard about the value Lean construction can offer our industry. But without robust communication practices, buy-in from all parts of a project, and a work culture that promotes innovation and good mental health practices—organizations are not able to truly maximize the value that’s possible. 

In this episode, Eric sits down with Ariana Alvear, Senior Production Manager at The Boldt Company, to deep dive into lean construction, how The Boldt Company is utilizing Integrated Project Delivery or IPD in its processes, and how to solve complex communication challenges that are all too common on construction projects. 

 We discuss: 

• Common communication problems and how to solve them 
• Increasing collaborative accountability at all stages of a project’s development 
• How Integrated Project Delivery (IPD) works 
• Embracing automation and minimizing manual processes 
• Creating positive work cultures in construction organizations 

Digital Builder is hosted by Eric Thomas of Autodesk. 

When construction projects are at risk and you know the existing processes work, it’s difficult to justify adopting new technologies or workflows. But just as there are risks with adopting something new, there are also risks in refusing to change.  

So how can your organization decide when it’s time to adopt new technologies, determine when the risks are too great to avoid implementing changes, and actually evaluate which new tech to adopt? 

In this episode, Eric sits down with Autodesk colleagues Lisa Chen, Technical Sales Executive, and Ross Wagner, Manager of Technical Sales, to discuss the risks and rewards of construction technology and how you can navigate digitization effectively. 

We discuss: 

• How Legacy Non-Purpose-Built tools are impacting construction project sites 
• How to approach digitization, why it matters, and how to win support from your organization for new tech 
• How digitization impacts revenue and unlocks a company’s competitive advantage 

Digital Builder is hosted by Eric Thomas of Autodesk. 

Many workers and leaders alike are feeling the pressure of so much exciting innovation happening across the different sectors of the construction industry. It’s easy to get overwhelmed by the possibilities, the expenses, and the fear of the unknown effects new technology and trends may bring.  

In today’s first-ever Digital Builder podcast hosted live on LinkedIn, we have invited three powerhouse leaders and our newest 40 Under 40 construction champions, Andrew Cooper, VDC Engineer at AECOM Hunt, Danielle O’Connell, Senior Director of Emerging Tech at Skanska, USA, and Suchayita (Sue) Bhattacharjee, Director of Preconstruction at Herrero Builders, to break down the latest trends in Construction and how you can navigate them.  

 We discuss: 

• Trends general contractors should look for in 2023 
• The future of data in construction 
• Trends in robotics and other advanced technology 

Digital Builder is hosted by Eric Thomas of Autodesk. 

Training is often one of the most complex and, sadly, often unappreciated programs that organizations provide for their employees, but it doesn’t have to be.

In this episode recorded live at the Autodesk Gallery, Jessica Pollack, Senior Manager of eLearning & Digital Services at Autodesk, shares her expertise in delivering digital learning experiences. Learn about how e-learning training programs enable deeper, more effective onsite training, provide personalized learning experiences for employees, and allow for higher-quality feedback to help improve training. 

We discuss:

• Why changing the approach to training in the construction industry is so important
• The need for on-demand, self-paced, digital learning
• How e-learning improves onsite training
• How the Autodesk Construction Cloud Learning Center empowers better digital learning
• How e-learning unlocks professional growth opportunities 

Assets Mentioned:

• The Autodesk Gallery
• Autodesk Construction Cloud Learning Center

Digital Builder is hosted by Eric Thomas of Autodesk.

Construction waste is a major problem that has gone unchecked for years. 

Until now. 

In this special episode, hear Shannon Goodman, Executive Director of the Lifecycle Building Center, share her expertise on utilizing construction waste for more sustainable and reusable building. Learn about the latest research and projects from the Lifecycle Building Center, and get practical tips and strategies for builders and contractors. Join us and discover how to reduce waste on the job site and find new uses for materials

We discuss:

• Shannon’s Autodesk Theater Talk on reusable construction waste
• The collective impact of the reuse industry
• The economic impact of reusing construction waste for sustainable materials
• The difference in European construction compared to the United States

Digital Builder is hosted by Eric Thomas of Autodesk.

Technology on job sites has become the standard in construction and it’s only growing by the day. Builders and construction companies need to utilize digitization to not only help plan projects but also when finding new talent to join your team! 

In a special episode recorded live at Autodesk University, we’re joined by Ron McGuire, Program Administrator at International Training Institute and Ken Schneider, Training Specialist at United Association, to discuss how trade workers in the construction industry are using technology not only to advance job sites but also to help attract and retain new talent to the AEC world! 

We discuss:

• The digitalization of constructions sites 
• Bringing the younger generation of workers to employers with tech 
• Meeting demand through technology
• The biggest trends in construction

Digital Builder is hosted by Eric Thomas of Autodesk.

Happy holidays from everyone at Digital Builder! We have some exciting plans ahead for 2023 and can’t wait to share them with you.

In the meantime, be sure to catch up with all our episodes on your favorite podcast platform and subscribe to our YouTube page as well where you can watch each episode as well!