Sponsors
Architectural Glass & Aluminum (AGA)
Website: https://aga-ca.com
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/agaengineered

Guest
Steven Gaynor of Pivoth Corp
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stevenedwardgaynor/
Pivoth: https://www.linkedin.com/company/pivoth/

Host
Tom Caldicott, CEO of Unity Search
Website: www.unitysearchltd.com
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/tom-unitysearch

Chapters
00:00 – Introduction to Steven Gaynor and Pivoth
02:07 – The Formation of Raina and Its Purpose
03:53 – Challenges in the Exterior Wall Assembly Industry
09:59 – Collaboration and Communication in Construction
17:58 – Real-Life Examples of Market Entry Success
25:51 – The Future of Collaboration in the Industry
27:22 – Performance and Cost: The Core Concerns
30:04 – The Value Proposition of Quality Over Cost
33:42 – Marketing Strategies: Fear vs. Advantage
39:41 – Collaboration and Industry Improvement
40:09 – Getting Involved: A Call to Action
42:41 – Quick Fire Questions: Personal Insights

Intro
Hey guys, and welcome to another episode of the Facade Focus podcast, where I aim to connect the global facade industry by sharing knowledge and experience for others to learn from. Over the coming weeks, I'll be interviewing leaders and industry experts across the globe to discuss common problems people are facing and explore the innovative solutions that will help you in your learning journey.

This week, I’m joined by Steven Gaynor — founder of Pivoth and one of the key voices behind the Rain Screen Association of North America. Steven’s work is all about helping building product manufacturers break into — or scale within — the commercial facade market.

Steven spent the last two decades working in the cladding and rainscreen industry. From his early days in waterproofing to advising global companies on market entry and compliance, Steven’s passionate about helping businesses reduce friction and bring real value across the supply chain.

In this episode, we talk about why exterior wall assemblies still suffer from siloed thinking, how better collaboration can unlock performance and cost savings, and what we can learn from how Europe approaches facade integration. We also dig into the reality of bringing new products to market — what works, what doesn’t, and why brute force and persistence still matter.

So if you’re building products, launching systems, or just trying to improve how the industry communicates, this one’s full of insights to help you move in the right direction.

Sponsors:Architectural Glass & Aluminum (AGA)Visit: https://www.aga-ca.com/your-trusted-partner/LinkedIn: linkedin.com/agaengineered Guest:Jason Paget of Gutmann SE AsiaLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jason-paget-86383630/ Gutmann: https://www.linkedin.com/company/gutmann.me/Host:Tom Caldicott CEO of Unity SearchWebsite: www.unitysearchltd.comLinkedIn: linkedin.com/tom-unitysearchChapters00:00 Introduction to Jason Paget's Journey02:53 The Facade Industry's Challenges in Southeast Asia05:53 The Importance of Thermally Broken Systems08:53 Government Incentives and Developer Motivation11:57 The Retrofit Market Potential15:02 Gutmann's Role in Southeast Asia18:10 Education and Collaboration with Local Fabricators20:51 Feedback and Challenges in Implementation24:09 The Positive Impact of Embracing New Systems26:59 Future Prospects and Market Recovery29:55 Quick Fire Questions with Jason PagetHey guys, and welcome to another episode of the Facade Focus podcast, where I aim to connect the global facade industry by sharing knowledge and experience for others to learn from. Over the coming weeks, I'll be interviewing leaders and industry experts across the globe to discuss common problems people are facing and explore the innovative solutions that will help you in your learning journey. This week, I’m joined by Jason Paget, Southeast Asia Manager at Gutmann and a true global veteran of the facade world.Jason’s journey spans over 35 years and four continents—starting as an apprentice in the UK before building a dynamic international career across Hong Kong, Dubai, China, and Southeast Asia. From consultant roles at Arup, Meinhardt, and Inhabit to now spearheading Gutmann’s expansion in Asia, his experience runs deep.What’s fascinating is Jason’s unique perspective—he’s seen the industry from every angle: design, engineering, manufacturing, and supply.

Today, he’s on a mission to drive higher-performing facade systems across Asia, bringing thermally broken solutions into a region where they’ve long been overlooked.We talk about how improving face system performance isn’t just a sustainability goal, it’s a practical business opportunity for developers, architects, and asset owners.We also explore:- The overlooked retrofit opportunity across Southeast Asia- What international standards can teach emerging markets- Why thermal performance matters more in hot climates than we think- And what it really takes to change an industry mindsetWhether you're working in Southeast Asia or just interested in how facade standards evolve globally, there's a lot to take away from this conversation.

Sponsors:Architectural Glass & Aluminum (AGA)Website: https://aga-ca.comLinkedIn: linkedin.com/agaengineered Guest:Ilja Aljoskin of LUHA – Façade Solutions:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ilja-aljoskin-pmp-leed-ap-bd-c-a471a252/LUHA – Façade Solutions: https://www.linkedin.com/company/luha-facadesolutions/Host:Tom Caldicott CEO of Unity SearchWebsite: www.unitysearchltd.comLinkedIn: linkedin.com/tom-unitysearchChapters00:00 Introduction to Ilya Alyoshkin03:07 Ilya's Journey into the Facade Industry05:58 Transitioning to Entrepreneurship08:54 Understanding the Facade Ecosystem12:05 Identifying Problems in Construction Communication15:08 Challenges in Bid Preparation18:01 The Need for Improved Communication Tools20:49 The Role of Technology in Construction24:03 The Importance of Accurate Information26:54 Architects and the Need for 3D Models30:00 Benefits of Collaboration in Construction34:44 Quality Data and Project Outcomes36:21 The Importance of Design Assist39:10 Building Relationships with Architects41:35 Productivity Tools and Focus45:40 Open Communication in Construction51:40 Innovative Solutions for Project Management53:07 Quickfire Questions with Ilja AljoskinHey guys, and welcome to another episode of the Facade Focus podcast, where I aim to connect the global facade industry by sharing knowledge and experience for others to learn from. Over the coming weeks, I'll be interviewing leaders and industry experts across the globe to discuss common problems people are facing and explore the innovative solutions that will help you in your learning journey. This week I’m joined by Ilja Aljoskin - founder of Luha Build and a true connector in the North American facade world.With over 12 years of experience across terracotta, stone, and metal systems, Ilja’s journey spans project management, regional leadership and now, growing a facade business built on trust, speed, and collaboration.At Luha Build, he’s rethinking what it means to support installers, delivering not just materials, but full systems, drawings, and a partner mindset from design through delivery.In this conversation, Ilja shines a light on how better communication across architects, GCs, and suppliers can unlock smarter bids, reduce risk, and keep premium facade design intact.He shares practical ways teams can work together earlier, communicate more clearly, and ultimately deliver better buildings, without adding complexity.If you’re passionate about great design, smoother procurement, and elevating how our industry collaborates, this one's for you.Ilja is very active on LinkedIn and produces some really educational and valuable content so go and give him a follow.Now, quick shout out to our sponsors of the podcast, which is Architectural Glass and Aluminum, otherwise known as AGA. They're a leader in custom curtain wall systems and have been providing tailored glazing solutions for over 55 years. More impressively, they are one of the largest employee-owned businesses in the glazing industry across the US and have a phenomenal team that buys into their ethos of collaboration and craftmanship. I’m delighted to have them as a partner of the Pod, So a big shout out to the team over there. In the meantime, let's get into this week’s episode of the Façade Focus podcast with Ilja Aljoskin.

Sponsors:Architectural Glass & Aluminum (AGA)Website: https://aga-ca.comLinkedIn: linkedin.com/agaengineered Guest:Ilja Aljoskin of LUHA – Façade Solutions:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ilja-aljoskin-pmp-leed-ap-bd-c-a471a252/LUHA – Façade Solutions: https://www.linkedin.com/company/luha-facadesolutions/Host:Tom Caldicott CEO of Unity SearchWebsite: www.unitysearchltd.comLinkedIn: linkedin.com/tom-unitysearchChapters00:00 Introduction to Ilya Alyoshkin03:07 Ilya's Journey into the Facade Industry05:58 Transitioning to Entrepreneurship08:54 Understanding the Facade Ecosystem12:05 Identifying Problems in Construction Communication15:08 Challenges in Bid Preparation18:01 The Need for Improved Communication Tools20:49 The Role of Technology in Construction24:03 The Importance of Accurate Information26:54 Architects and the Need for 3D Models30:00 Benefits of Collaboration in Construction34:44 Quality Data and Project Outcomes36:21 The Importance of Design Assist39:10 Building Relationships with Architects41:35 Productivity Tools and Focus45:40 Open Communication in Construction51:40 Innovative Solutions for Project Management53:07 Quickfire Questions with Ilja AljoskinHey guys, and welcome to another episode of the Facade Focus podcast, where I aim to connect the global facade industry by sharing knowledge and experience for others to learn from. Over the coming weeks, I'll be interviewing leaders and industry experts across the globe to discuss common problems people are facing and explore the innovative solutions that will help you in your learning journey. This week I’m joined by Ilja Aljoskin - founder of Luha Build and a true connector in the North American facade world.With over 12 years of experience across terracotta, stone, and metal systems, Ilja’s journey spans project management, regional leadership and now, growing a facade business built on trust, speed, and collaboration.At Luha Build, he’s rethinking what it means to support installers, delivering not just materials, but full systems, drawings, and a partner mindset from design through delivery.In this conversation, Ilja shines a light on how better communication across architects, GCs, and suppliers can unlock smarter bids, reduce risk, and keep premium facade design intact.He shares practical ways teams can work together earlier, communicate more clearly, and ultimately deliver better buildings, without adding complexity.If you’re passionate about great design, smoother procurement, and elevating how our industry collaborates, this one's for you.Ilja is very active on LinkedIn and produces some really educational and valuable content so go and give him a follow.Now, quick shout out to our sponsors of the podcast, which is Architectural Glass and Aluminum, otherwise known as AGA. They're a leader in custom curtain wall systems and have been providing tailored glazing solutions for over 55 years. More impressively, they are one of the largest employee-owned businesses in the glazing industry across the US and have a phenomenal team that buys into their ethos of collaboration and craftmanship. I’m delighted to have them as a partner of the Pod, So a big shout out to the team over there. In the meantime, let's get into this week’s episode of the Façade Focus podcast with Ilja Aljoskin.

Sponsors:

Architectural Glass & Aluminum (AGA)

Website: https://aga-ca.com

LinkedIn:   / agaengineered  

Guest:

Andrea Zani of Bologna Business School:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrea-zani-84511674/

Host:

Tom Caldicott CEO of Unity Search

Website: www.unitysearchltd.com

LinkedIn:   / tom-unitysearch  

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Sustainability in Facades

02:59 The Transition from Consulting to Contracting

06:02 Decarbonization and Client Demands

08:58 The Value of Sustainability for Contractors

11:48 Regulatory Landscape and Compliance

15:07 Understanding Carbon Types: Embodied vs Operational

18:00 Life Cycle Assessment and EPDs

21:03 Optimizing Material Selection and Supply Chain

23:56 Driving Change Through Transparency

26:48 The Future of the Facade Industry

30:07 Circular Economy and Waste Reduction

33:17 The Role of Circularity in Decarbonization

36:10 Misconceptions About Embodied Carbon

38:14 Tracking Carbon Impact

40:33 Life Cycle Assessment as a Tool

42:06 Identifying Sustainability Champions

44:00 Impact on Different Project Sizes

45:31 Innovations in Facade Sustainability

46:39 Quickfire Questions: Personal Insights

Hey guys, and welcome to another episode of the Facade Focus podcast, where I aim to connect the global facade industry by sharing knowledge and experience for others to learn from. 

Over the coming weeks, I'll be interviewing leaders and industry experts across the globe to discuss common problems people are facing and explore the innovative solutions that will help you in your learning journey. 

This week, I’m joined by Andrea Zani, R&D Innovation Manager and Sustainability Lead at Permasteelisa North America.

Now, Andrea has a unique lens on the facade industry.

With a background in building engineering and a PhD from Milan, he’s worked with top consultancies like Arup, before moving into the contractor side at Permasteelisa.

And today, he’s leading their efforts to decarbonize facade systems developing high-performance, low-carbon designs that can actually be built and scaled.

In this episode, we explore:

What embodied carbon really means (without the jargon)

Why lifecycle assessments are becoming essential tools not just for compliance, but for better business

And how circular economy practices are starting to shape facade design across global markets

Andrea also shares how he's helping project teams make smarter material and supply chain choices—without sacrificing cost or performance.

So, if you're trying to figure out what sustainability really means for your business or how to get ahead of upcoming regulations this episode is packed with practical insights.

Sponsors: Architectural Glass & Aluminum (AGA

Website: https://aga-ca.com

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/agaengineered

Guest:Ausra Vankeviciute of STATICUS

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ausra-vankeviciute-a8286a20/

STATICUS: https://www.linkedin.com/company/staticus/

Host:Tom Caldicott CEO of Unity Search

Website: www.unitysearchltd.comLinkedIn: linkedin.com/tom-unitysearch

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Aushra Vankeviciute

03:44 Becoming CEO: Challenges and Responsibilities

07:05 Focus on Profitability and Team Dynamics

08:58 Implementing Agile Methodologies

11:11 Resistance and Adoption of New Practices

13:30 Overview of Statikus: Services and Operations

15:24 New Team Structures and Collaboration

19:35 OKRs and Planning for Success

22:01 Client Feedback and Continuous Improvement

24:19 Transparency and Profitability in Construction

26:32 Industry Challenges and Collaborative Solutions

28:01 Expectations vs. Reality in Project Management

29:43 Understanding Project Delays and Realistic Planning

32:47 Navigating Project Challenges and Solutions

34:39 Strategic Project Selection and Internal Reorganization

36:37 The Importance of Valuing Professionals

38:28 Long-Term Benefits of Collaboration in the Industry

40:12 Learning from Other Industries

43:06 A Call for Industry Collaboration

45:02 Quickfire Questions and Personal Insights

Hey guys, and welcome to another episode of the Facade Focus podcast, where I aim to connect the global facade industry by sharing knowledge and experience for others to learn from.

Over the coming weeks, I'll be interviewing leaders and industry experts across the globe to discuss common problems people are facing and explore the innovative solutions that will help you in your learning journey.

This week, I'm joined by Ausra Vankeviciute, CEO of Statikus Group. Ausra leads one of Europe's most forward-thinking facade contractors, headquartered in Vilnius, Lithuania, with operations spanning across Scandinavia and the UK.

Her journey into the business is a fascinating one, starting on the factory floor and progressing through marketing, sales and huge international expansion before taking the reins as CEO in 2019.

What's particularly inspiring is how she steered staticus through some of the toughest market conditions in recent memory. Think COVID, the energy crisis, and huge material cost inflation. She did all of this whilst driving a bold transformation in the way their teams collaborate and deliver projects.

Now we discuss everything from agile-inspired project structures to improving profitability through better team dynamics. The role of transparency in client relationships and why she believes the facade industry must work together, not against each other, if it's going to thrive long-term.

She's sharp, honest, and refreshingly practical in her leadership approach. And there's a ton to learn from this conversation!

Sponsors:Architectural Glass & Aluminum (AGA)Website: https://aga-ca.comLinkedIn: linkedin.com/agaengineered Guest:Anthony Sertorio of Autodesk:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anthony-sertorio/ Autodesk: https://www.autodesk.com/solutions/autodesk-aiHost:Tom Caldicott CEO of Unity SearchWebsite: www.unitysearchltd.comLinkedIn: linkedin.com/tom-unitysearchChapters00:00 Introduction to Anthony Sertorio02:01 Career Journey and Transition to Autodesk09:54 Data Strategy in Construction12:43 Autodesk Tools for Digitization16:52 Low-Code Solutions and Accessibility22:01 Automation of Repetitive Tasks26:42 Investment in Digitization and AI30:39 Governance and Experimentation in Data Management32:14 Structured Approaches to AI Integration39:01 AI as a New Interface for Project Management43:03 Leveraging Data for Smarter Decision-Making47:06 The Future of AI in Construction52:40 Quickfire Q&A with AnthonyHey Guys, and welcome to another episode of the Facade Focus podcast, where I aim to connect the global facade industry by sharing knowledge and experience for others to learn from. Over the coming weeks, I'll be interviewing leaders and industry experts across the globe to discuss common problems people are facing and explore the innovative solutions that will help you in your learning journey. This week, I'm joined by Anthony Sertorio, technical solutions executive at Autodesk. Now, Anthony brings a really unique blend of construction experience and digital innovation. Having worked on major projects in Australia and the US, he's now helping leading engineering and construction firms unlock the full value of their data. From his early days on site to shaping digital strategies at Autodesk, Anthony's passionate about bridging the gap between traditional construction and emerging tech.In this episode, we dig into why most construction data goes unused, how better data strategies can drive smarter decisions, and how AI and automation are changing the way the industry works faster than ever. We also discuss how companies can start small, experiment without overwhelm, and get directionally correct without turning into a tech company overnight. So if you're thinking about digitization, automation, or how to use your project data more effectively, this one's packed with ideas to help you take that first step.

Sponsors:Architectural Glass & Aluminum (AGA)- Website: https://aga-ca.com- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/agaengineeredGuest:Todd Kimmel of Sole Rockwool North America:- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/todd-kimmel-78976411/- RAiNA: https://rainscreenassociation.org/Host:Tom Caldicott CEO of Unity Search- Website: www.unitysearchltd.com- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tom-unitysearch/Chapters00:00 Introduction to Todd Kimmel and His Journey03:12 The Rise of Rain Screen Technology05:59 The Role of the Rain Screen Association08:59 Challenges in the Facade Industry11:53 Moisture Management in Facade Systems15:02 Training and Education for Contractors17:49 Future Changes in Building Codes21:05 Decarbonization and Local Law 9724:00 Learning from New York's Approach32:54 Emerging Opportunities in the Construction Industry34:42 The Importance of Education in Construction36:59 Global Perspectives on Rain Screen Technology38:42 Inspiring the Next Generation of Tradespeople41:27 The Value of Craftsmanship in Modern Architecture42:38 Quickfire Insights and Personal ReflectionsHey Guys, and welcome to another episode of the Facade Focus podcast, where I aim to connect the global facade industry by sharing knowledge and experience for others to learn from. Over the coming weeks, I'll be interviewing leaders and industry experts across the globe to discuss common problems people are facing and explore the innovative solutions that will help you in your learning journey. This week, I'm joined by Todd Kimmel. Chairman of the Rainscreen Association in North America and Senior Manager of Sustainable Solutions at Rockwall. Now Todd has spent over 20 years at the forefront of the facade industry with a strong focus on sustainability and industry education. Todd has worked in both technical and business development leadership positions for multiple leading product manufacturers. He's a certified Passive House designer and sits on the board of New York Passive House. In this episode, we dive into how RAiNA is setting industry standards for better Rainscreen design, the growing need for collaboration across the industry and how changing codes such as New York's local law 97 are driving a new wave of retrofit opportunities. If you're working in facades and want to understand where the industry is headed, this one's packed with insights.

Sponsors:Architectural Glass & Aluminum (AGA)- Website: https://aga-ca.com- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/agaengineeredGuest:Max Perilstein of Sole Source Consultants:- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/max-perilstein-409ba111/Host:Tom Caldicott CEO of Unity Search- Website: www.unitysearchltd.com- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tom-unitysearch/Chapters00:00 Max Perilstein's Journey in the Glass Industry02:58 Reflections on the BEC Event05:48 Challenges of Tradition in the Glass Industry08:59 The Need for Education and Adaptation12:04 The Importance of Community and Collaboration15:04 Overcoming Resistance to Change17:53 The Role of Technology in the Future20:54 Marketing the Glass Industry23:49 Attracting the Next Generation to the Industry28:23 The Importance of Company Culture31:25 Empowering Employees and Building Accountability33:35 Practical Steps for Industry Improvement37:30 Personal Insights and Quickfire QuestionsHey guys, and welcome to another episode of the facade focus podcast where I aim to connect the Global Facade Industry by sharing knowledge and experience for others to learn from.Over the coming weeks I’ll be interviewing leaders and industry experts across the globe to discuss common problems people are facing and explore the innovative solutions that will help you in your learning journey.This week, I'm joined by Max Perlstein, Managing Partner at SoulSource Consultants. Max has been a key figure in the glass and glazing industry since the early 90s, holding senior marketing roles before founding his own firm in 2011. He's also the voice behind From the Fabricator, a popular blog and podcast and plays a major role in BEC and GlassBuild. We talk about the adoption of new products and tech in the glass industry, the power of better marketing and why Max believes glass still has untapped potential when it comes to performance, safety and energy efficiency. Max is also really active on LinkedIn, so go and check him out, follow his work and join in the conversation.

Sponsors:

Architectural Glass & Aluminum (AGA)

- Website: https://aga-ca.com

- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/agaengineered

Guest:

Conley Oster Co-Founder of Raise Robotics:

- Website: https://raiserobotics.ai/

- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/conley-oster/

Host:

Tom Caldicott CEO of Unity Search

- Website: www.unitysearchltd.com

- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tom-unitysearch/

Chapters

00:00 - Introduction to Raise Robotics and Conley Oster

04:54 - The Mission and Vision of Raise Robotics

08:19 - Challenges in the Construction Industry

11:10 - Automation in Construction: Opportunities and Solutions

13:57 - Field Deployments and Real-World Applications

17:04 - Overcoming Pushback and Gaining Trust

20:05 - Training and Integration of Robotics on Site

23:14 - The Value Proposition of Robotics in Construction

26:04 - Future Opportunities and Market Expansion

28:41 - Expanding Horizons: International Market Opportunities

35:40 - Innovating for Sustainability: The Retrofit Revolution

37:21 - Social Impact: Transforming Construction Through Automation

40:13 - Future Roadmap: Upcoming Projects and Innovations

43:55 - Quickfire Round: Personal Insights and Fun Facts

50:40 - Introduction to the Fassad Focus Podcast

51:11 - Mission and Vision for the Facade Community

Hey guys, and welcome to another episode of the facade focus podcast where I aim to connect the Global Facade Industry by sharing knowledge and experience for others to learn from.

Over the coming weeks I’ll be interviewing leaders and industry experts across the globe to discuss common problems people are facing and explore the innovative solutions that will help you in your learning journey.

This week I'm interviewing the co-Founder of Raise Robotics, Mr. Conley Oster. He’s a structural engineer by trade, a former crane and rigging specialist, and once worked on iPad manufacturing lines for Apple.

Now, he’s building field-deployed robots that are changing how we install façades on buildings, focusing on safety, speed and quality.

His company, Raise Robotics, is already working with industry leaders in Construction, bringing real automation to one of the riskiest parts of the job site.

We get into the problems he’s trying to solve in the façade industry, what sparked the idea for Raise Robotics, and how they’re already having an impact on job sites across the U.S.

Conley’s also active on LinkedIn, so go check him out, follow his work, and join the conversation.