While AI continues to take the world by storm, most companies are still trying to figure out exactly how it fits within their operations and how it will impact their teams, workflows, and revenue.  

In this episode, Eric talks with Tonya Custis, Director of AI Research at Autodesk, all about AI’s proper place in the Construction ecosystem, how to make sure AI is the best solution to the problems you are trying to solve, and much more, including: 

• How AI can fill in the gaps when assessing risk and improving safety on project sites 
• How a focused data strategy can alleviate decision paralysis 
• The most important elements of data strategy for proper AI utilization 
• AI as a replacement versus acting as a collaborator with human workers 

Assets Mentioned: 

Digital Builder is hosted by Eric Thomas of Autodesk. 

Nick Hull is an Associate Director at Deloitte Access Economics, which was commissioned by Autodesk in 2023 to research data capabilities in construction. This effort revealed that 4 out of 5 construction companies have room to improve how they manage data. Deloitte surveyed about 1,275 global respondents to get a global view of data usage in construction and discover what defines data leadership. 

In this episode Eric talks with Nick to get a breakdown of the report’s major findings, what leaders can learn from it, and how the industry can move forward with data. 

We discuss: 

• How construction leaders are estimating their data capabilities 
• Retaining the human side of construction while integrating data and AI 
• How good data strategy maintains competitive advantage 
• How implementing data strategy impacts your bottom line 
• The ongoing issue of talent in construction and how data & AI can alleviate it 
• Balancing digital assistance with data-driven decision making. 

Assets Mentioned: 

The State of Data Capabilities in the Construction Industry Report 

Digital Builder is hosted by Eric Thomas of Autodesk. 

In another of our episodes recorded live at Autodesk University 2023, guests Amy Bunszel, EVP of AEC Design at Autodesk, and Aaron Perry, Head of Digital Design at Allford Hall Monaghan Morris, join the show to break down the original vision for BIM in the AEC industry, why equitable access to BIM data is the way forward for construction innovation, and share what excites them the most for the future of Construction. 

We discuss: 

• What current challenges they’re seeing with BIM data 
• Why equitable access to data enables wider engagement opportunities from both large and small firms 
• How technology adoption and data strategy are becoming competitive differentiators in the AEC industry 
• How access to data models at the granular level empowers more diverse participation in all phases of a construction project  

Digital Builder is hosted by Eric Thomas of Autodesk. 

Ever wonder what’s one tool every construction worker will bring on the jobsite?

In this Digital Builder podcast episode, various experts from the construction industry share their insights on the one tool they always bring to every job site.

Answers range from tangible tools like iPads, measuring tapes, and smartphones, to intangible ones such as empathy, a positive attitude, and a lean mindset. Experts emphasize the importance of these tools in improving efficiency, collaboration, and problem-solving on the job site.

Advancements in technology, particularly the rise of smartphones and digital tools, have revolutionized the construction industry, according to industry experts.

This episode is a special treat! Not only was it recorded live at Autodesk University in Las Vegas, we also brought back our first-ever Digital Builder guest, Cliff Cole, the Director of Virtual Design and Construction (VDC) at The PENTA Building Group. Throughout 2023, Cliff and his team were a part of the planning and construction for the raceway infrastructure of the 2023 F1 Las Vegas Grand Prix race that took place November 16-18 in 2023.  

In addition to breaking down the coordination for the F1 project, Eric and Cliff also talk about the increasing importance of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, and explore how things have evolved since Cliff was first on the show. 

 We discuss: 

• The complexities of preparing and hosting an F1 race on the Las Vegas Strip 
• How innovative tech, like drone mapping, was used to enable safer, more efficient preparation 
• How the DEI conversation has evolved over the last three years 
• The role of mentoring and support in promoting diversity and inclusion 
• The impact of inclusive practices on attracting and retaining talent in the industry 

 Digital Builder is hosted by Eric Thomas of Autodesk. 

In this special live LinkedIn Live episode streamed on December 7, Eric chats with Mat Poulos, Electrical Engineering Manager at Gaylor Electric, Inc., and Matt Edwards, Director of Digital Delivery at CRB, to break down how their organizations are approaching documentation management, field collaboration, and how they ensure new technologies are helping their teams instead of hindering them. 

 In this episode, you will learn: 

• How to make sure everybody in the field has access to relevant and correct information on-demand 
• When to consider new additions or changes to your tech stack or processes 
• How to determine if process or tech changes are helpful or harmful to teams out in the field 
• How Gaylor Electric and CRB are deploying field-based BIM modeling 
• How to successfully deploy large scopes of prefab work 
• The impact of better integrated communication strategies on overall workforce mental health 

Digital Builder is hosted by Eric Thomas of Autodesk. 

Talking about the difficult challenges facing construction is a vital part of raising awareness and driving change, but talk alone isn’t enough. That’s why we are sitting down with Amit Oberoi, Executive Chairman of the Considerate Constructors Scheme, a UK-based company that is taking many of those big challenges head on. 

One of the most important challenges facing our workforce today is psychological safety, which empowers team members to speak up, to disagree, and to surface concerns without fear of retaliation or consequences. 

Join Eric and Amit as they discuss: 

• The statistics on the mental health of our construction teams are alarming and much of the data indicates that the construction industry has one of the highest rates of suicide among all industries in the United States. 
• Psychological safety fosters creativity and better outcomes in construction projects. 
• The data on mental health in construction highlights the importance of providing a safe and healthy environment for your workforce and underscores the need for organizations to prioritize employee care and retention. 
• Guidance on how individuals can advocate for themselves and communicate their needs to their managers. 
• Why loneliness can be a significant issue, even in a crowded workplace. 
• Developing a culture of transparency and honesty requires deliberate effort and starting small. 
• Why a sense of pride and connection to the work can be a driving force in the industry. 

Digital Builder is hosted by Eric Thomas of Autodesk. 

Join us for this special episode of the Digital Builder Podcast, recorded live at AU 2023, the Design & Make conference!

In this recap of day 3, host Eric Thomas dives into the biggest themes encompassing the Design & Make Conference, such as Digital Transformation, the growing importance of AI in construction, the push for getting clean data and adopting cloud-based solutions, and why its vital for technology providers in the AEC industry to act as true partners to their customers and industry leaders as we all work together to make this industry better and safer.

Digital Builder is hosted by Eric Thomas of Autodesk. 

Join us for this special episode of the Digital Builder Podcast, recorded live at AU 2023, the Design & Make conference!

We sit down with Ross Wagner, Manager of Technical Solutions AEC at Autodesk, and Justin Lipsey, Technical Solutions Executive at Autodesk, to discuss their exciting experiences from the conference.

They dive into the hype of the newest announcements from AU, the executive and customer briefings taking place throughout the week, the impact that customer feedback is making on Autodesk's products, and their predictions for what the next decade will bring to the construction industry.

Digital Builder is hosted by Eric Thomas of Autodesk. 

Join us for this special episode of the Digital Builder Podcast, recorded live at AU 2023, the Design & Make conference!

We sit down with Jenna Pellegrino, Global Voice of the Customer & Customer Experience Strategy manager, and Mallory Adiego, Director North American Customer Success, to discuss their exciting experiences from the conference.

They dive into the excitement of AU being back in Vegas, discuss some exciting news from today’s keynote, highlight the importance of customer feedback, discuss their roles in the Voice of the Customer program, and provide a glimpse into the future of construction.

Digital Builder is hosted by Eric Thomas of Autodesk.