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

Can you imagine a world where automation and efficiency form the backbone of architectural practices? Let's explore this exciting intersection of tech and architecture with our guest, Brian Stridam, the Digital Practice Manager and Senior Associate at FX Collaborative. Brian's passion for data and technology and his unique perspective on teaching will guide us on a journey through his career, from tech-enthusiast to a leader in digital practice.

But we're not stopping there. We're also hosting Micah Kahlo, the AEC Technical Director at Esri, who's ready to share his insights on the role of GIS in digital transformation. From his humble beginnings as a GIS Technician to leading digital transformations at Arcadis and now Esri, Micah's journey is filled with lessons to inspire us all. Prepare for a deep dive into how location forms the core of design and construction and the critical role it plays in integrating data and executing new projects.

Hang on, there's more! We're wrapping up the episode with Mike Kahlo, also an AEC Technical Director at Esri, who's going to unveil the fascinating world of graph databases and their revolutionary impact on digital twins. Here's a chance to grasp the power of location in digital transformation and understand the immense potential of GIS and BIM integration. So, sit back, tune in, and get ready to be inspired, informed, and intrigued by the captivating world of digital transformation.

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

In this week's captivating episode of our highly anticipated Geo Week 2023 series, we had the privilege of interviewing two industry experts who are at the forefront of innovation. Joining Mark Oden, Carla Lauter, Content Manager and Conference Chair at Geo Week, and Shawana Johnson, the President at Global Marketing Insights, engaged in enlightening discussions on a wide range of topics, including the challenges in finding presenters/topics for conference sessions, what attendees learned from the conference's keynote, how technologies covered at Global Marketing Insights tie into BIM, and research reports. This is a conversation you definitely don't want to miss!

About Carla Lauter
Carla Lauter is co-Conference Chair for Geo Week and the editor of Geo Week News. As editor, she creates and curates content and newsletters in support of Geo Week. Before joining Diversified Communications, Carla spent 10 years on NASA and National Science Foundation funded projects focusing on Earth science and communication. She has worked on web-based outreach and online interactives for NASA Earth Science, including products for satellite missions measuring sea level, salinity and hyperspectral ocean color.

About Shawana Johnson
Dr. Shawana P. Johnson, GISP, is a global commercial remote sensing subject matter expert providing Geospatial Business Intelligence Expertise™ assisting government clients with the vast range of data available from open source intelligence and commercial spaceborne, airborne and terrestrial based sensors and their interoperability with the government and global business community focused on AI/ML usage of sensors for 5G and communications, national security, climate, energy resources, global food security and water sustainability; and logistics and supply chain.

In these interviews, our guest host, Mark Oden, delved into a diverse range of topics with Carla and Shawana. Some of the captivating topics they discussed include:

• The many challenges in finding presenters and developing topics for conference sessions
• Details on what attendees specifically learned from the conference's keynote
• Different types of technologies covered at Global Marketing Insights and some examples of how can we tie those into the BIM world
• Shawana highlighting two specialized research reports that are highly related to Geo Week

SHOW NOTES

0:12  - Mark Oden introduces Carla Lauter, Content Manager and Conference Chair at Geo Week.

2:00  - Mark: "I'm very impressed with the speakers and topics. What are some of the challenges in finding presenters and developing topics?"

3:59  - Mark: "So you spoke a little bit about the core topics at the keynotes. I'd love to hear a little bit more about what we learned from the specific keynote?"

8:57  - Mark Oden introduces Shawana Johnson, President at Global 
Marketing Insights.

12:32  - Mark: "In terms of your per view on technologies, it looks like you personal and your company covers many different types of technologies. What are some examples of those and how can we tie those into the BIM world?"

18:50  - Mark: "To bring Global Marketing Insights and Geo Week together, you work on very specialized and commissioned research reports. Is there one or two reports that you'd like to highlight that are highly related to Geo Week?"

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

In this week's exciting episode of our highly anticipated Geo Week 2023 series, we interviewed two industry experts, Marc Goldman, the AEC Industry Solutions Director at Esri, and Colin Romberger, the Solutions Engineering Manager at Skydio. Joining Mark Oden, these two senior leaders engaged in captivating discussions on a wide range of topics, including Esri's recent toolsets and Marc's thoughts on GIS, practical use cases, and training opportunities in [GIS and BIM] intersection for BIM managers and BIM detailers, Skydio's history, and Colin's presentation at Geo Week. Get ready for an enlightening and thought-provoking conversation that you won't want to miss!

About Marc Goldman

Marc Goldman is the Director of AEC Industry Solutions at Esri. He works with a global team to define and deliver the strategy for Esri’s products and solutions serving architecture, engineering, and construction users. Mr. Goldman is a leading expert in Building Information Modeling (BIM), Geographic Information Systems (GIS), and their impact on the processes and business of the planning, design, and construction industry.

About Colin Romberger

Prior to joining the Solutions Engineering team at Skydio, Colin served as Chief Pilot and Senior sUAS Operations Consultant for DARTdrones Inc., where he was responsible for the development and delivery of sUAS training and consultative services for the company’s enterprise clients across a variety of industries including energy, utilities, engineering, communications, security, and public works. Colin began his professional career with unmanned aircraft in 2015 under the terms of a Section 333 Exemption from the FAA for approved operations in south-central Pennsylvania, where his company, Precision Aerial UAS, LLC, provided a range of aerial imaging services to clients in the construction and engineering industries.

During these two engaging interviews, our guest host, Mark Oden delved into a wide range of compelling topics with Marc and Colin. Some of the intriguing subjects they explored together include:

• Esri's recent toolsets and Marc's thoughts on GIS
• Practical use cases and training opportunities in [GIS and BIM] intersection for BIM managers and BIM detailers
• Skydio's history and what they've accomplished lately, their scale, and some of the products and solutions they offer
• Colin's presentation at Geo Week and some of his takeaways from the conference

SHOW NOTES

2:28  Mark: "I've been personally so impressed with what I've seen of Esri and their toolsets. They've had some recent toolsets that they've released and there's some combination of GIS and BIM that are blending together. I'd love to hear about those new toolkits and your thoughts on GIS."

5:18  Mark: "If we were to address the BIM managers and BIM detailers of the world, what would be some practical use cases in GIS and BIM intersection, and what kind of training would you point them to?"

11:33  Mark Oden introduces Colin Romberger, Solutions Engineering Manager
at Skydio.

17:29  Mark: "Tell us a little bit more about Skydio, what they've accomplished lately, and at scale how large they are, and maybe we can dive into some of the products and solutions."

22:44  Mark: "So as we transition into Geo Week, I understand you have a presentation. Could you tell us a little bit about it and some of your takeaways?"

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