Construction teams have more technology options than ever, but making those tools useful in day-to-day project work is still a major challenge.

In this episode of Digital Builder, recorded live at DevCon in the Netherlands, host Eric Thomas speaks with Josha van Reij, Product Manager of Data & AI at Arcadis, about how his team connects emerging technology with real project needs.

Josha shares how Arcadis approaches AI, standardization, automation, and software decisions by starting with business challenges rather than tools. He explains why effective AI assistants depend on quality data, project context, and connected systems—and why project teams are more open to change when new technology solves problems they already understand.

The conversation also explores how standardization can reduce rework, support better data, and create a stronger foundation for AI, as well as how Arcadis evaluates whether to buy, customize, or build software.

In this episode, we discuss:

• Why AI and automation efforts should start with real project challenges, not technology trends
• How Arcadis builds AI assistants using connected data, project context, and internal standards
• Why standardization is essential for better data, stronger workflows, and more useful AI
• How listening to project teams can reduce resistance and improve technology adoption
• What to consider when deciding whether to buy, customize, or build software

Digital Builder is hosted by Eric Thomas of Autodesk.