Wired to Build

By Nick CaravellaBusiness Entrepreneurship

Wired to Build episodes

July 25, 2024 Covering Your Assets with Construction Insurance
In this episode of Wired to Build, we explore the intersection of technology and insurance in the construction industry. Join Nick and Christy of Avicado as we welcome our guests, Alexis Bradshaw (Lockton) and Chris Epps (Proactive) as we explore how Building Owner's should be thinking about a data-driven approach to reducing claims, operating more safely, and improving how they insure their portfolio.
Discover how innovations like telematics, water intrusion sensors, and job site cameras are enhancing safety and mitigating risks. Learn about the impact of the labor shortage and how technology, such as exoskeletons and automation, can supplement the workforce. We'll also discuss how insurance companies are using data analytics to assess risks more effectively and why partnering with tech-savvy insurers can provide valuable insights and tools. Join us as we delve into how data-driven practices, appropriate risk allocation, and technology investments can positively influence best practices and project outcomes in construction.
If you enjoyed today's episode and are looking for a podcast focused on the Insurance side of buildings. Be sure to tune into our friends over on The Building BITE!

Chapters
(0:00) Introduction and Recap of ENR FutureTech
(2:57) Episode and Guest Introduction
(5:08) What Does It Look Like to Be an Insuring Partner?
(9:53) How Has Technology Helped Teams Manage Risk?
(12:59) How Has Technology Changed the Landscape?
(15:52) From Avoiding Claims To Improving Outcomes
(16:55) The Impacts of Safety on Labor and Training
(23:48) How Should Safety Influence Your Project Delivery?
(30:25) The Benefits of Collaborating with Your Insurance Partners
(37:10) Insurance Trends and What to Keep an Eye On
(40:25) How Insurers Are Staying Wired To Build
(47:12) Episode Wrap and What's Next
50 min
June 27, 2024From Parts to Program: The Modular Approach to Building Better
Summary
In this episode of Wired to Build, Nick and Avi catch up on attending the recent Trimble Innovate Conference and bring on our latest guest to talk about modular construction. Ben McGhee, Director of Development at SideStreet shares insights on the benefits and challenges of modular building. They discuss the importance of prototyping, the role of technology in modular construction, and the need for a data-driven mindset in projects. Overall, the conversation highlights the potential of modular construction to improve efficiency, quality, and scalability in the industry.

Takeaways
Modular construction offers benefits such as improved efficiency, quality, and scalability.

Prototyping is crucial in modular construction to identify and address any issues before full-scale production.

Technology plays a critical role in managing and tracking modular projects, from design to construction to operations.

A data-driven mindset is essential in modular construction to optimize processes and improve project outcomes.

Modular construction is not limited to low-end or affordable housing; it can be used for high-end residential and other building types.

Chapters
(00:00) Introduction and Recap of Trimble Innovate Conference
(03:08) Exploring the Trends in Construction Technology
(08:40) The Benefits and Challenges of Modular Construction
(16:23) The Importance of Prototyping in Modular Building
(26:16) Embracing a Data-Driven Mindset in Modular Projects
(31:20) Modular Construction: Beyond Affordable Housing
49 min
May 23, 2024 The Proof is in the Progress
In this episode, Nick Caravella and Avi Levin interviews Andy Steele, the Chief Strategy Officer at Buildots, about the challenges and opportunity around progress tracking on projects. Throughout the conversation, we explore the importance of progress tracking, and the many ways to measure progress, to help teams stay on schedule. By leveraging technology solutions, Owners can avoid delays, mitigate risk, and help drive performance and accountability across their vendors. In addition, we explore the impacts of construction scheduling and how building a transparent approach for teams can ultimately improve outcomes and improve the mental health of the construction profession.
Chapters
(00:00) Introduction and Overview
(01:25) Driving Efficiency and Service Excellence in the Public Sector
(03:11) The Importance of Data Points in Project Delivery
(04:04) Introducing Andy and His Background in Construction
(08:46) The Role of Technology in Construction
(14:15) Buildots' Focus on Productivity in Construction
(19:04) The Impact of Progress Tracking on Project Timelines
(21:30) Understanding Productivity Rates in Construction
(24:24) The Integration of Progress Tracking with Digital Twin Technology
(27:12) The Importance of Data for Building Safety and Compliance
(28:12) The Need for Data Management and Accountability in Construction
(29:39) The Future of Progress Tracking and Accountability in Construction
(34:56) Technology as a Catalyst for Change in Construction
(45:36) Prioritizing Health and Safety in the Industry
(54:01) Collaboration and Cultural Change in Construction
1 hr 1 min
April 25, 2024Connected Construction for Asset Lifecycle Management
Welcome to another episode of Wired to Build! In today’s discussion, I’m joined by Christy Hunt, our expert in partnerships at Avicado, and Matthew Sprague, the Industry Strategy Director for Government at Trimble. We delve deep into the world of construction project management and explore the transition towards comprehensive asset lifecycle management.
In this episode:
Christy shares insights on the importance of integrating technology with team dynamics and how Avicado enhances these connections.

Matthew discusses his journey from a full-time soccer coach to influencing digital transformation in the public sector through asset lifecycle management.

We discuss the significant shifts in managing construction projects to considering the full lifecycle of assets, highlighting how technology can be leveraged to optimize this process.

Learn about the challenges and strategies of implementing technology across various stages of asset management and the potential impact of recent infrastructure investments.
Key Moments:
[00:00:11] Introduction to the episode

[02:13:16] Christy’s introduction and her role at Avocado

[06:27:69] Matt talks about his career shift and the importance of asset lifecycle management

[24:13:67] Deep dive into asset-centric approaches in the public sector

[42:57:42] Discussion on the integration of technology and its benefits to asset management

[50:44:14] Closing thoughts and the impact of new technologies on future projects
Don’t forget to subscribe to stay updated on how technology is revolutionizing the building industry and to gain valuable insights from leaders in the field!

Interested in Trimble Innovate? Register Here!
54 min
March 28, 2024Driving Construction Progress With Common Data
Episode Summary
In this episode, Nick Caravella and Avi Levin celebrates Avicado Construction Technology Services' ninth birthday and discusses the milestones achieved over the years. They are joined by Nathan Wood, the Executive Director of the Construction Progress Coalition, who shares his journey and the formation of the coalition.
The conversation delves into the importance of real-time data and the need for a common data exchange framework. Listeners will learn about the challenges of data standards and the value of tagging and categorizing information.
The conversation covers subjects such as project health, sustainability, design thinking, asset life cycle management, DEI, ESG, resource problems, the cost of inexperience, vulnerability, data culture, collaborative decision-making, measurement, and empathy for owners. The conversation concludes with a discussion of upcoming events and the importance of staying Wired to Build.
Key Terms
CDX - Common Data Exchange
AECO - Architect, Engineer, Contractor, Owner
RCA - Root Cause Analysis
DEI - Diversity, Equity, Inclusion
ESG - Environmental, Social, Governance
RFI - Request For Information
Takeaways
Avicado Construction Technology Services celebrates its ninth birthday and reflects on its milestones.

Real-time data and integrated project delivery are crucial for driving change in the construction industry.

The Construction Progress Coalition aims to facilitate collaboration and connectivity in the industry through the common data exchange framework.

Tagging and categorizing RFIs can improve data quality and streamline communication among stakeholders. Interoperability and data-driven decision making are crucial in the AEC industry.

Project health should be measured holistically, considering factors such as sustainability and mental health.

Understanding the motivations and perspectives of stakeholders is essential in promoting DEI and driving change.

ESG metrics can provide valuable insights into program and portfolio health.

Data culture and transparency are key indicators of organizational maturity.

Collaborative decision-making and a focus on measurement can lead to improved project outcomes.

Context and good RCA processes are necessary for effective data-driven decision making.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Avicado's Milestones
03:12 The Evolution of Avicado and the Future
04:32 Introduction to Nate and the Construction Progress Coalition
06:13 Nate's Journey and the Formation of the Construction Progress Coalition
08:01 Integrated Project Delivery and Lessons Learned
09:43 Real-Time Data and Process Improvement
12:23 The Common Data Exchange Framework
14:13 Standards and the CDX Framework
20:17 The Value of CDX and Reporting
22:40 RFI Management and Data Standards
25:02 Tagging and Categorizing RFIs
26:24 Measuring RFIs and Data Quality
28:42 Topics at the AEC Integrations Summit
29:29 Project Health and Sustainability
30:20 Design Thinking and Innovation
31:28 Asset Life Cycle Management
32:16 The Importance of DEI and Motivators
32:57 ESG and Program/Portfolio Health
33:52 Resource Problems and Data
35:02 The Cost of Inexperience
36:14 Learning from Mistakes and Knowledge Gap
37:30 Vulnerability and Maturity in Construction
38:20 The Importance of Data Culture
39:05 The Role of the Owner Project Manager
39:56 Lessons Learned and Building Intelligence
40:33 Being Vulnerable and Fear of Lawsuits
41:23 Collaborative Decision-Making and Expertise
42:34 Good Project Health and Public Dashboards
43:47 Measurement and Critical Success Factors
45:09 Context and RCA in Data-Driven Decision Making
46:22 Creating Measurements and Refining Them
47:47 Understanding Objectives and Integration
49:13 Empathy for Owners and Decision-Making
50:39 Passion for Building and Making an Impact
53:42 Closing Thoughts and Future Events
55 min
February 22, 2024From Projects to People
Summary
In this conversation, Nick and Avi interview Chelsea Cohen, a senior consultant at Avicado, about her journey from industry professional to tech innovator. The conversation follows Chelsea and her journey from Client to Consultant and how a passion for innovation took her from helping improve how projects are managed to enhancing how people manage projects.
Takeaways
How to move from "this is how it's always been done" to "this is the way we can do it"

How creating data culture in your organization can streamline administrative tasks and improve reporting.

How collaboration and communication are key to successfully implementing technology and ensuring buy-in from all stakeholders.

How administrators can build partnerships with consultants to deliver on special projects and create value in their organization.
How to convince others in your organization for the need to improve processes and adopt new technology.

Chapters
00:00 - Introduction To The Episode
04:00 - Welcoming Chelsea Cohen
05:26 - Improving Your Business With Assessments
07:16 - Convincing Project Managers To Adopt Technology
11:38 - How Have We Changed How We Respond To Change
15:36 - The Daunting-ness Of Data In Construction
17:20 - Moving From Administration To Collaboration
19:03 - The Shift To A Data Culture
21:55 - Moving From Projects To People
26:16 - The A-ha Moment For Project Managers
29:16 - Working with Administrative Teams
33:32 - From Administration To Team Support
37:30 - How Do You Advocate For Improving Technology
39:12 - What Helps You Stay Wired To Build?
41:09 - Closing Remarks and What's Next?
44 min
January 25, 2024 How Purpose, Belonging, and Curiosity Drive Innovation
Join the team at Avicado as we welcome our first guest of the New Year, Kristina Henkai.

Kristina and her team at the Society for Built Experiences (SoBuilt) is focused on helping the industry reflect and act on how people fit within how we deliver the built world.

Join us as we learn how gamification and play has a role in construction and innovation and what people need to succeed in the AECO industry.

1 hr 6 min
June 20, 2023 BONUS: Dodge Data Report: How Large Owners are Optimizing Construction Technology - Avi and Steve
This episode's speakers include:
Avidahn Levin, CEO of Avicado
Steve Jones, Snr. Dir. of Industry Research of Dodge Construction Network

For our inaugural episode of Wired to Build we kick things off with the conversation that started it all. After 8 years of serving owners in the construction industry, Avicado partnered with Dodge Construction Network to conduct a survey to learn more about how Owner's are taking a focus on their technology stack. Avi and Steve got together at the 2023 Spring Conference to discuss how Owner's are using technology across business processes, the challenges and opportunities they face with technology adoption, and where they feel the industry is heading in the near-term.

Learn more about the survey by reading our SmartMarket Brief here
Learn more about Avicado here
41 min

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