Have you ever wondered how accumulated data from past projects can transform the future of construction? Join us in this fascinating episode of the Future Construct Podcast, where we promise you'll gain invaluable insights from our special guest, Steve Whitmer, Construction Technology Manager, VDC at ACCO Engineering Systems. Steve charts his inspiring path from an engineering student with hands-on skills to a pivotal figure in the BIM and VDC fields. He shares his journey of overcoming initial skepticism towards the HVAC industry and discovering a passion for making engineering truly constructible.

We dive deep into the potential of leveraging VDC workflows and data to maximize project efficiency. Steve provides a compelling look at the importance of unifying disparate data sources and how tools like Power BI can create dashboards that lead to actionable insights. He also emphasizes the critical role of leadership in VDC coordination, discussing the essential steps for setting effective metrics and the need for a blend of design and construction BIM understanding. This episode is packed with strategies to enhance productivity and manage costs effectively.

Wrapping up, we explore groundbreaking advancements in construction technology over the past 14 years, from the optimization of fabrication and installation to the use of total stations and the emerging role of robots. Steve shares his vision on the practical applications of AR and VR and the transformative potential of AI in automating tasks. We also delve into the importance of fostering a collaborative culture within teams to minimize rework and enhance overall efficiency. Don't miss this opportunity to learn from a leading expert about how BIM and VDC are revolutionizing the construction industry. Tune in and get ready to be inspired!

Contact the Future Construct Podcast Produced by BIM Designs, Inc!

• BIM Designs, Inc.: minority-owned, US-based, union-signatory preconstruction technology firm, offering turnkey BIM modeling, laser scanning, coordination management, and other VDC solutions to the AEC industry.
• Schedule a free consultation: [email protected].
• Subscribe to our weekly blog and our Future Construct Podcast
• Suggest a podcast guest

Can childhood hobbies really shape a successful career in construction technology? Join us as we sit down with Graham Condit, Director of Emerging Technology at Skanska USA, who shares his unique journey from building Dungeons and Dragons castles and playing with Legos to leading a cutting-edge construction tech team. Discover how these early creative activities spurred Graham's passion for architecture and engineering, laying the foundation for a career where creativity meets practical problem-solving. 

Transitioning from a fascination with architecture to hands-on construction management, Graham recounts the pivotal moments and family influences that guided his career choices. From learning artistic techniques and working with rubberized molds to the inspiring legacy of his electrical engineer grandfather, Graham’s story is a testament to how early experiences and strong mentorship can profoundly impact career trajectories. This episode sheds light on the rewarding shift from theoretical design to the tangible world of construction, where every blueprint becomes a reality.

Looking towards the future, Graham offers an insider's perspective on the evolving role of technology in construction. At Skanska, advanced tools and processes are revolutionizing workflows, with AI and other emerging technologies playing a significant role. Gain insights into Skanska’s strategic approach to tech integration, emphasizing sustainability, diversity, and inclusion. But it doesn’t stop there—Graham also shares his personal passions, from 3D printing to furniture building, and imagines a world where AI enhances both his professional and personal creative projects. This episode is a must-listen for anyone curious about the fusion of personal interests and cutting-edge technology in shaping the future of construction.

Contact the Future Construct Podcast Produced by BIM Designs, Inc!

• BIM Designs, Inc.: minority-owned, US-based, union-signatory preconstruction technology firm, offering turnkey BIM modeling, laser scanning, coordination management, and other VDC solutions to the AEC industry.
• Schedule a free consultation: [email protected].
• Subscribe to our weekly blog and our Future Construct Podcast
• Suggest a podcast guest

How can a background in sociology and criminology lead to groundbreaking innovations in home design? Today, we explore this fascinating journey with Jim Flaherty, the Director of Digital Product and Engineering at Marvin. Jim unveils how his unique career path has shaped his understanding of user behavior, leading to people-centric solutions in the realm of digital home technology. From the importance of end-to-end product development to the critical role of channel partners, Jim shares invaluable insights for aspiring professionals emphasizing adaptability and a holistic view of user interactions.

Get ready to discover Marvin's forward-thinking approach to modern home design, particularly with their exquisite new product line, Modern. Imagine homes graced with large glass panels and motorized windows that not only enhance aesthetic appeal but also bring the convenience of automation into everyday life. Jim takes us inside the Marvin Connected Home Lab, a pioneering space in the Twin Cities where new digital products undergo rigorous testing. Highlights include the Awaken Skylight, an innovative motorized skylight that promises to redefine how we think about natural light and ventilation in our homes.

We also delve into the technical intricacies of integrating smart technology seamlessly into existing home designs. Jim shares the challenges and triumphs of maintaining aesthetic consistency while embedding advanced features like automatic locking, rain sensors, and egress capabilities. He emphasizes the balance between innovation and practicality, ensuring that technology simplifies rather than complicates daily tasks. Looking ahead, Jim envisions a future where homeowners experience seamless connectivity, with smart windows that anticipate and respond to every need—reducing the necessity for manual intervention. Join us for an enlightening conversation with Jim Flaherty, and get a glimpse into the future of smart living spaces.

Contact the Future Construct Podcast Produced by BIM Designs, Inc!

• BIM Designs, Inc.: minority-owned, US-based, union-signatory preconstruction technology firm, offering turnkey BIM modeling, laser scanning, coordination management, and other VDC solutions to the AEC industry.
• Schedule a free consultation: [email protected].
• Subscribe to our weekly blog and our Future Construct Podcast
• Suggest a podcast guest

Imagine breaking new ground in a field that's ripe for innovation and brimming with opportunities. Sara Hedge, CDI Contractors' BIM VDC Coordinator and a trailblazer for women in construction, joins us to share her transformative journey from architecture and interior design to spearheading digital construction. Her story is not just about personal triumph but also about how she's leveraging her expertise to foster diversity and inspire a new generation through technology and engagement in organizations like NAWIC and WLI.

This episode isn't just about shattering glass ceilings; it's also about shattering old norms of construction practices. Sara takes us through the initial resistance her team faced while shifting to 3D modeling and how they overcame operational challenges, leading to project successes that set a new benchmark for innovation at CDI. We peer into the intricate process of reimagining an underground utility tunnel with cutting-edge scanning technology and discuss the necessity of internal buy-in for adopting such transformative tech. It's a candid look at the trials and triumphs of embracing change.

As we wrap up our conversation, Sara, who has managed projects worth over $1.5 billion, forecasts the exciting role of AI, AR, and VR in the construction industry's future. While acknowledging the hurdles of technology adoption, she highlights the importance of empathy and education in smoothing the transition. Join us as we explore the not-so-distant dream of teleportation devices and reflect on the significant time-saving and connectivity potential such innovations could offer. It's an episode packed with vision, expertise, and a glimpse into the future of construction technology.

Contact the Future Construct Podcast Produced by BIM Designs, Inc!

• BIM Designs, Inc.: minority-owned, US-based, union-signatory preconstruction technology firm, offering turnkey BIM modeling, laser scanning, coordination management, and other VDC solutions to the AEC industry.
• Schedule a free consultation: [email protected].
• Subscribe to our weekly blog and our Future Construct Podcast
• Suggest a podcast guest

To kickstart Season 4 of the Future Construct Podcast, Women in Construction Week, and Women's History Month, we highlight some of the industry's most influential women. Unlock the secrets to revolutionizing construction workflows and saving costs as we sit down with the trailblazing Kelli Lubeley from Cupertino Electric Inc. From her beginnings in drafting to her current role as a Construction Technology Manager, Kelli's insights are a goldmine for anyone keen on understanding the intersection of technology and construction. Her personal drive to optimize processes and mentorship in the field of BIM has not only reshaped her company’s standards but has also set a benchmark for the industry.

Journey with us through the unexpected lessons of tomato gardening and the steadfast pursuit of rock hunting, drawing parallels to architecture and construction. These narratives are more than just hobbies; they're a testament to the importance of innovation and sustainability in our industry. The stories of change management in the garden and the meticulous craft of turning rocks into jewelry mirror the precision and adaptability required in AEC. These reflections serve as a reminder that growth, whether in nature or technology, demands patience and a willingness to adapt.

Finally, we take a visionary leap into the future of construction design, where virtual reality and mind-to-display technologies are just around the corner. With Kelli Lubeley's expertise, we discuss the transformative potential these tools hold for architects, engineers, and construction professionals. Join us for this compelling exploration into the innovations that are set to redefine the way we conceive and construct the spaces of tomorrow.

Contact the Future Construct Podcast Produced by BIM Designs, Inc!

• BIM Designs, Inc.: minority-owned, US-based, union-signatory preconstruction technology firm, offering turnkey BIM modeling, laser scanning, coordination management, and other VDC solutions to the AEC industry.
• Schedule a free consultation: [email protected].
• Subscribe to our weekly blog and our Future Construct Podcast
• Suggest a podcast guest

Discover the blueprint for the future as we sit down with Mostafa ElAshmawy, WSP Middle East’s visionary in BIM and GIS, to unravel the evolution of digital transformation within the construction industry. Witness Mostafa's riveting transition from an enthusiastic engineering student to an influential force in digital engineering, sharing the ins and outs of his career trajectory and the expansive role digital models play in enhancing data-driven decision-making. Learn how these advancements are changing the game in project estimation and coordination, and get a peek into Mostafa's pioneering strategies and his aspirations for seamless project management that could revolutionize how we build our world.

Embrace the excitement of managing colossal construction marvels as Mostafa gives us a front-row seat to the cutting edge of mega project management in the Middle East's AGC industry. From the sustainability-focused ambitions of the Future Ready program to the digital wizardry of Digital Twins and the promising efficiencies of modular construction, we dissect how these technologies are crafting a new era of design. Get an exclusive look into the grandeur and complexities of Saudi Arabia's giga projects like the Red Sea project and NEOM, while also delving into the sustainability practices that are setting new standards in construction. Mostafa's personal vision for health-enhancing technologies that connect generations offers a stirring close to our far-reaching discussion, all of which points to an industry at the cusp of a monumental leap forward.

Contact the Future Construct Podcast Produced by BIM Designs, Inc!

• BIM Designs, Inc.: minority-owned, US-based, union-signatory preconstruction technology firm, offering turnkey BIM modeling, laser scanning, coordination management, and other VDC solutions to the AEC industry.
• Schedule a free consultation: [email protected].
• Subscribe to our weekly blog and our Future Construct Podcast
• Suggest a podcast guest

Discover the remarkable transformation of Dr. Carrie Sturts Dossick, who went from an undecided college major to an esteemed figure in construction management and technology. In a candid conversation, Carrie recounts the pivotal moments of her career, from her early intrigue with materials in architecture to the invaluable guidance of her mentor, Bud Griffiths. Her story is an ode to the profound impact mentorship can have and a celebration of the innovative spirit that defines her path, offering listeners a unique perspective on the evolution of construction management education.

Join us for a deep dive into the complexities and triumphs of creating the National BIM Standard as Carrie opens up about her experiences merging teaching, research, and administrative duties at the University of Washington. She navigates through the challenges of harmonizing disparate industry groups into a cohesive framework and offers a glimpse into the future of digital construction. Her insights are a guiding light for those interested in the synergy of policy, project management, and the progression of industry standards.

In our episode, technology and personal passions intersect, revealing how Carrie's lab tackles the intricacies of IoT, digital twins, and the evolution of BIM. She discusses the symbiotic relationship between technology and human interaction within building operations and the necessity of cybersecurity in today's connected world. Listen as Carrie shares how her love for dance mirrors the creative processes in construction innovation, and don't miss her insights into the collaborative approach to education that's fostering the next wave of industry change.

Contact the Future Construct Podcast Produced by BIM Designs, Inc!

• BIM Designs, Inc.: minority-owned, US-based, union-signatory preconstruction technology firm, offering turnkey BIM modeling, laser scanning, coordination management, and other VDC solutions to the AEC industry.
• Schedule a free consultation: [email protected].
• Subscribe to our weekly blog and our Future Construct Podcast
• Suggest a podcast guest

Have you ever wondered how the confluence of technology and construction is reshaping our built environment? Brian Skripac, a luminary in the BIM and VDC domains, stops by to enlighten us on the revolution within the building industry. His journey from architect to tech evangelist showcases the transformative potential when architects, engineers, and construction managers unite under the banner of innovation. Brian dives into his experiences of promoting a model-centric approach to project delivery, highlighting how smoother workflows are achieved through close-knit collaboration and technological integration.

The episode takes an intriguing turn as we examine the fusion of modular construction with Building Information Modeling. Brian provides a behind-the-scenes look at a recent project where this synergy played a pivotal role, enhancing transparency and efficiency from conception to realization. The conversation unveils the evolution of project documentation, emphasizing the shift towards fabrication-ready models and the intricacies involved, from legalities to risk management. We also peer into the future, speculating on the continued growth of modular construction and its burgeoning relationship with BIM as a staple in contractual deliverables.

Wrapping things up, we reflect on BIM's broader impact on the construction industry, from driving cost avoidance to optimizing resource utilization. Brian shares insights from the successes at Ohio State University and muses on the hypothetical technology that could streamline decision-making in project management. As we express our gratitude for the rich dialogue and Brian's insightful contributions, we look forward to the innovative strides that await us on the horizon of construction and technology.

Contact the Future Construct Podcast Produced by BIM Designs, Inc!

• BIM Designs, Inc.: minority-owned, US-based, union-signatory preconstruction technology firm, offering turnkey BIM modeling, laser scanning, coordination management, and other VDC solutions to the AEC industry.
• Schedule a free consultation: [email protected].
• Subscribe to our weekly blog and our Future Construct Podcast
• Suggest a podcast guest

Embark on a transformative exploration of architecture and technology with Paul Doherty, the visionary at the helm of the Digit Group. Our latest episode of Future Construct showcases Paul's fascinating shift from an architecture enthusiast to a tech entrepreneur, illuminating the untold stories behind the evolution of smart cities. As we converse, Paul unveils the intricate dance between brick-and-mortar structures and digital innovation, from the early use of modems on construction sites to the creation of interconnected urban landscapes.

Woven throughout this episode is the narrative of digital tools reshaping the architectural world, with Paul Doherty as our guide. The journey begins with the birth of parametric CAD and continues through the rise of Building Information Modeling, the foretelling of the metaverse, and the implementation of smart city technologies. Paul regales us with tales of software pioneering that led to the realization of futuristic cities in China, reminding us that at the core of urban design lies a deep, humanistic intent. His experiences serve as a testament to how embracing technological advancements can transform not just the skyline but the very fabric of urban living.

As the episode unfolds, Paul and I turn our gaze to the horizon, pondering the future of technology and its potential to enhance the human experience. In this thought-provoking exchange, we discuss the importance of attracting new talent to industries poised for innovation, the role of AI in bridging generational knowledge gaps, and the ways in which technology could enrich our collective intellect. Paul's forward-thinking vision suggests a world where technology serves as a catalyst for societal growth, and his voice is an inspiring call to action for those ready to build the smart cities of tomorrow. Join us for this compelling narrative and envision the boundless opportunities that technology holds for us all.

Contact the Future Construct Podcast Produced by BIM Designs, Inc!

• BIM Designs, Inc.: minority-owned, US-based, union-signatory preconstruction technology firm, offering turnkey BIM modeling, laser scanning, coordination management, and other VDC solutions to the AEC industry.
• Schedule a free consultation: [email protected].
• Subscribe to our weekly blog and our Future Construct Podcast
• Suggest a podcast guest

Picture this: you're an apprentice with a knack for tools and building, and one day, you find yourself being a director at a company that's revolutionizing the construction industry. Welcome to the world of Andy Lambert, director of Product for One Key and Construction Technology at Milwaukee Tool. Lambert's remarkable journey is not just a testament to his tenacity and passion, but it's also a peek into the heart of Milwaukee Tool and its determination to reshape the construction landscape. 

Ever wondered what it would be like if your tools could communicate with each other? OneKey, Milwaukee Tool's innovative solution, has made this a reality. Its robust Bluetooth tracking network, featuring asset ID tags and geo-fencing capabilities, is turning heads in the industry. But what's even more astonishing is how the company is harnessing the power of data and AI. From utilizing machine learning algorithms that enhance safety measures to optimizing resource use, Milwaukee Tool is truly at the forefront of construction technology. 

But what does the future hold for the construction industry? According to Lambert, it's all about collaboration. Whether it's unions, trade associations, recruiters, or government agencies, everyone has a part to play in tackling workforce challenges and creating safer environments through the use of tools, drones, sensors, and wearables. And let's not forget about the profound impact of AI. With its potential to improve construction automation and predict maintenance and quality issues, AI is a force to be reckoned with. Tune in for an exhilarating exploration of technology's role in construction, seen through the lens of Lambert's experiences and Milwaukee Tool's innovations.

Contact the Future Construct Podcast Produced by BIM Designs, Inc!

• BIM Designs, Inc.: minority-owned, US-based, union-signatory preconstruction technology firm, offering turnkey BIM modeling, laser scanning, coordination management, and other VDC solutions to the AEC industry.
• Schedule a free consultation: [email protected].
• Subscribe to our weekly blog and our Future Construct Podcast
• Suggest a podcast guest