Digital Builder: Recent Episodes
Autodesk
The Digital Builder podcast is for construction professionals working on the forefront of construction. If you are looking for conversations centered on where the industry is headed, this podcast is for you! Each episode features an interview with top construction professionals discussing themes related to connected construction and the future of the construction industry.
Construction has no shortage of technology, but the tools that succeed are the ones that help teams make better decisions with less friction. In this episode of Autodesk's Digital Builder Podcast, recorded live at DevCon in Amsterdam, host Eric Thomas sits down with Caner Dolas, CEO and co-founder of GAMMA AR, to explore how augmented reality is helping construction teams visualize work before it's built, reduce rework, and bring BIM data directly into the field.
Key topics include:
- What augmented reality is and why it's more than a tool for verifying completed work
- How AR gives field teams visibility into future work and potential coordination challenges
- Why GAMMA AR focused on tablets and mobile devices instead of headsets
- Common misconceptions about AR accuracy, drift, and alignment
- Real-world use cases for AR before concrete pours and during MEP installation
- The role of BIM and VDC teams in helping new workflows gain adoption on site
- How construction teams across different regions are approaching AR implementation and data sovereignty
- Why successful technology adoption ultimately comes down to people, not just software
Whether you're exploring augmented reality for the first time or looking for practical ways to connect BIM data with field operations, this conversation offers a grounded look at where AR delivers value today and what it takes to make new workflows stick.
Digital Builder is hosted by Eric Thomas of Autodesk.
Trust doesn't always take center stage in conversations about construction and technology, but it's foundational to how projects, teams, and businesses operate. At DevCon in Amsterdam, host Eric Thomas sat down with Autodesk’s Chief Trust Officer Sebastian Goodwin to discuss why trust matters more than ever in the age of AI, how organizations can build and measure it, and what leaders should do when trust is put to the test.
In this episode, we discuss:
- What a Chief Trust Officer does and why trust extends beyond cybersecurity, governance, and compliance
- Why trust is a key driver of innovation, performance, and stronger customer relationships
- The four factors of trust: capability, reliability, transparency, and humanity
- How Autodesk's AI transparency cards helped reduce hesitation around AI adoption
- Why construction leaders are increasingly focused on data longevity, stewardship, and responsible AI use
- How transparency and communication help organizations navigate uncertainty and build confidence in new technologies
- What leaders should do when mistakes happen and how trust is often built during challenging moments
- Why customer outcomes should remain the north star when making difficult decisions
In this episode of Digital Builder, host Eric Thomas sits down with Arnoud van der Heijden, Project Manager Digital at BAM Netherlands, and Jelle Schweigmann, BIM Manager at Royal Heijmans, to discuss the NL5, a coalition of the five largest construction companies in the Netherlands. Together, they share how the group is tackling industry-wide challenges around digital transformation, sustainability, standardization, and emerging technologies by focusing on problems that no single company can solve alone.
On this episode, we discuss:
- How the NL5 was formed after construction leaders realized they were facing many of the same challenges around technology adoption and digital transformation
- Why collaboration gives contractors a stronger collective voice when working with technology vendors and industry partners
- How the group prioritizes initiatives by identifying common challenges across thousands of employees and multiple organizations
- The role of sustainability, standardization, and data interoperability in the future of construction
- How the NL5 helped accelerate product improvements during the industry's transition from BIM 360 to Autodesk Construction Cloud
- Why emerging technologies like robotics may require industry-wide collaboration to address regulatory and adoption challenges
- How the group balances competition with collaboration by focusing on shared technical challenges instead of commercial interests
- Advice for organizations interested in building similar industry coalitions in their own regions or markets
Digital Builder is hosted by Eric Thomas of Autodesk.
Construction teams collect an enormous amount of information every day, but much of that data never makes its way into decisions that improve project outcomes. This is especially true for materials and waste data, which is often scattered across paper slips, photos, spreadsheets, and disconnected systems.
Recorded live at DevCon in Amsterdam, this episode of Digital Builder features Brittany Harris, CEO and Co-founder of Qualis Flow, also known as Qflow, and Marta Bouchard, Director of Sustainability Solutions at Autodesk. Together, they discuss how capturing jobsite data at the source can help teams reduce rework, improve accountability, support sustainability reporting, and create more valuable assets long after construction is complete.
The conversation explores why material data so often falls through the cracks, how owners can set clearer expectations around performance and documentation, and what becomes possible when trusted project data supports digital twins, circular economy initiatives, and more informed decision-making. Brittany and Marta also discuss the practical role of AI in helping teams access and evaluate information more efficiently, while still relying on human expertise, curiosity, and judgment.
Key Topics Covered
- Why materials and waste data often gets trapped in paper slips, photos, spreadsheets, and disconnected systems
- How Qflow helps teams capture jobsite data at the source and turn it into usable information
- Why better material tracking can reduce rework, improve compliance, and support invoice verification
- The growing burden of sustainability, safety, carbon, and regulatory reporting on project teams
- Why owners play a critical role in setting expectations for data, performance, sustainability, and handover
- How trusted materials data can support digital twins, adaptive reuse, circular economy efforts, and long-term asset value
Digital Builder is hosted by Eric Thomas from Autodesk.
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.
Extended reality (XR)—including Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR)—is no longer just a visualization tool. In this episode, Gary Cowan, Head of Digital Construction at Kane Group, explains how his team is using immersive technology to solve real problems across design, coordination, and field execution.
Gary shares how a dense, highly prefabricated project pushed his team to adopt VR for design reviews—and how that early experiment evolved into a full XR technology stack. Today, Kane Group uses immersive tools to improve collaboration, reduce rework, and connect the model to what’s happening on site in real time.
The conversation also explores what it actually feels like to step into a model, why detail and data quality matter, and how XR is changing the way teams make decisions before anything gets built.
In this episode:
- How XR helps teams catch missed details and close the gap between design intent and field reality
- What immersive design reviews look like in practice—and why they speed up coordination
- How Kane Group connects VR (design) and AR (field) to create a continuous model-to-field feedback loop
- Why XR adoption depends on workflows, data quality, and collaboration—not just the technology
Gary also looks ahead at where XR is going next, including how AI could transform immersive coordination and decision-making.
This episode offers a practical look at how XR is being used today—and what it could enable in the near future.
Digital Builder is hosted by Eric Thomas from Autodesk.
At Autodesk’s Digital Builder podcast, we often explore how technology is shaping construction—but this episode focuses just as much on the people and coordination behind the work.
In this episode, Eric Thomas sits down with Woody Benisek-Beal, Director of Construction at The Kraft Group, to talk about what it takes to build and renovate inside Gillette Stadium while it continues to host games, concerts, and events year-round. With no downtime, every project depends on constant communication across teams to keep operations running and the fan experience intact.
The conversation also touches on how The Kraft Group is evolving its use of technology—from model-based workflows to a growing digital twin—and how visualization tools are helping bridge the gap between design intent and real-world experience.
This episode offers a practical look at how construction teams keep projects moving while everything else around them keeps moving too.
On this episode:
- What it takes to manage construction in a venue that never shuts down
- How teams coordinate across operations, security, and events to avoid disruptions
- Why communication is critical when balancing construction and live experiences
- How models, visualization tools, and virtual reality help align stakeholders
- The role of centralized platforms and digital twins in improving access to information
Digital Builder is hosted by Eric Thomas from Autodesk.
Autodesk DevCon continues to bring together a global community of developers, builders, and technologists—and in 2026, the energy around what’s possible felt stronger than ever.
Live from Amsterdam, Eric Thomas sits down with Ben Cochran, Vice President of Engineering at Autodesk, to break down the biggest themes and announcements from this year’s event—and what they signal for the future of design and construction workflows.
They explore how DevCon has grown into a thriving ecosystem, why the developer community plays such a critical role, and how emerging technologies like agentic AI are opening up new ways for teams to connect data, streamline workflows, and make faster, more informed decisions.
On this episode, we cover:
- The evolution of DevCon and the role of the developer community
- Key announcements from DevCon 2026, including news about Autodesk Marketplace, Autodesk Assistant, and MCPs
- How agentic AI is reshaping workflows and accelerating experimentation
- Why the industry is moving from hesitation to active adoption of AI
- What it takes to navigate rapid change—and in Ben’s eyes, why curiosity and grit really matter
Digital Builder is hosted by Eric Thomas of Autodesk.
Construction innovation doesn’t happen in a vacuum—and neither does funding that innovation. In this episode, Eric sits down with Darren Bechtel, Founder and Managing Director of Brick & Mortar Ventures, to unpack how investors think about risk, what makes construction tech actually stick in the field, and where the market may be headed next.
Recorded live from San Francisco, this conversation connects the dots between founders, project teams, and capital—plus the practical realities that separate a polished demo from a solution people will use on a jobsite.
We discuss:
- What venture capital is (and isn’t) doing in construction—and why early-stage investing is such a high-risk, high-reward game
- Why the best construction tech succeeds by solving real field problems (not just looking good in a demo)
- The importance of founder credibility, user-focused design, and approaching the industry with humility
- AI, “vibe coding,” and the build-vs-buy tradeoffs—when DIY tools make sense and where teams should be cautious
- What’s happening beyond software: robotics, 3D printing, prefab, and how new fabrication methods can change what’s possible to design and build
- A look ahead: AI-driven preconstruction, connected jobsites, more standardization, and why automation is becoming less optional as labor constraints persist
Digital Builder is hosted by Eric Thomas of Autodesk.
Construction safety is often treated as a compliance exercise — forms to fill out, boxes to check, and requirements to satisfy. But compliance alone doesn’t keep people safe, and it doesn’t reflect the realities of working in the field.
On this episode of Digital Builder, host Eric Thomas is joined by Kaitlin Frank, CEO of eMOD, and Rob Lynch, CEO of Dome Construction, for a candid conversation about what it really takes to build a safety culture that works. Together, they explore why safety can’t be imposed from the top down — and what changes when ownership lives with the people doing the work.
On this episode, we discuss:* Why compliance-driven safety programs often fall short * Common myths around construction safety, including “no incidents means no problems” * The difference between checking a box and building real ownership in the field * How daily planning, visibility, and accountability shape safety outcomes * The connection between physical safety, mental health, and psychological safety * How proactive safety approaches impact EMR, insurance costs, and business performance
Digital Builder is hosted by Eric Thomas from Autodesk.
Every construction project starts with a set of big decisions—but for many owners, those decisions come without the benefit of repetition. Large projects like hospitals, campuses, and major developments may only happen once or twice in an entire career, yet the stakes are enormous.
On this episode of Digital Builder, host Eric Thomas is joined by Andrew Zukoski, CEO of Join.Build, for a wide‑ranging conversation about pre‑construction, decision‑making, and what Andrew calls the “eternal beginner” problem. Together, they explore why owners often struggle to make high‑impact decisions, how early trust and transparency shape project outcomes, and why investing more upfront can pay dividends long after construction begins.
The discussion also touches on evolving delivery models, shifting relationships between owners, designers, and builders, and why great projects are often remembered less for the buildings themselves—and more for the teams that delivered them.
On this episode, we discuss:
- Why owners are often “eternal beginners”—and how limited reps affect cost, schedule, and risk decisions
- The role trust, transparency, and early collaboration play in setting teams up for long‑term success
- Why under‑investing in pre‑construction can lead to downstream surprises on site
- How visibility and shared systems help teams stay aligned
- What’s changing in owner, architect, and contractor relationships as technology and delivery methods evolve
- Why great projects are remembered for team dynamics—not just the finished building
Digital Builder is hosted by Eric Thomas from Autodesk.
Construction has long prioritized getting the job done, often at the expense of the people doing the work. In this episode of Digital Builder, host Eric Thomas sits down with Henry Nutt III, a Preconstruction Executive at Southland Industries, to explore how leadership, empathy, and intentional people management can reshape jobsite culture—and why these shifts are critical as the industry confronts a growing mental health crisis.
Drawing on nearly four decades in construction, Henry shares lessons from his own leadership journey, including why managing people requires a fundamentally different skill set than managing projects, and how trust, vulnerability, and consistency can drive stronger teams, better retention, and healthier workplaces.
In this episode, you’ll hear about:
- Why construction has historically struggled with people management—and the cost of maintaining the status quo
- How empathy and vulnerability show up in real jobsite leadership, not just policy statements
- The connection between leadership behavior, mental health, and performance in construction
- Why saying “I don’t know” can be a strength, not a liability
- What leaders can do to create safer, more human workplaces where people want to stay
- How intentional mentorship and leadership development help rebuild trust across teams
Henry also reflects on difficult conversations, second chances, and how leaders set the tone—whether they realize it or not. The result is a candid conversation about responsibility, mindset, and what it takes to lead people well in one of the industry’s most demanding environments.
We talk a lot about AI in construction, but much of it still lives behind a screen. Robotics changes that. In this episode of Digital Builder, host Eric Thomas sits down with Tessa Lau, CEO of Dusty Robotics, to explore how robotic layout is helping construction teams bridge the gap between design intent and field execution. From creating a single shared truth on site to rethinking long‑standing workflows, Tessa shares how “physical AI” is changing how buildings get planned, coordinated, and built.
Drawing on her background in artificial intelligence and robotics, Tessa explains why the real value of robotics isn’t the robot itself—but the new ways of working it enables.
On this episode, we discuss:
- Why robotics represents “physical AI” and how it brings digital plans directly into the field
- How creating a single shared truth on site reduces rework, coordination risk, and uncertainty
- Why layout is a critical moment where digital design meets real‑world construction
- How robotic layout enables earlier multi‑trade coordination and shifts problem‑solving upstream
- The productivity gains unlocked by reordering work and parallelizing construction activities
- How layout precision supports prefabrication and paperless, model‑driven workflows
- Why many contractors adopt robotics using a crawl‑walk‑run approach to manage risk and build trust
Digital Builder is hosted by Eric Thomas from Autodesk.
It’s easy to throw around buzzwords like AI and innovation. But in construction, those ideas only matter if they change how work actually gets done—on the jobsite, not just in theory.
In this episode of Digital Builder, host Eric Thomas is joined by Steve Long, Director of Innovation and Learning at Dome Construction, for a grounded conversation on what innovation really means in construction and how artificial intelligence is beginning to reshape day‑to‑day work across the field and the office.
With nearly 30 years at Dome, Steve brings a long‑term perspective on how innovation in construction has evolved—from paper plans and manual workflows to mobile tools, BIM, and now AI. Rather than chasing shiny tools, he emphasizes innovation as a steady, intentional process focused on impact: improving outcomes, reducing friction, and giving people more time to focus on building.
The conversation explores how AI is already being applied in practical ways, from helping superintendents stay mobile and reduce administrative burden to supporting office teams with document analysis, scheduling insights, and faster coordination. Steve also shares why over‑automation can be risky, how Dome is creating guardrails for safe experimentation, and what it will take to develop the next generation of construction leaders in an AI‑enabled world.
At its core, this episode is about using technology to get back to building—and keeping people, judgment, and collaboration at the center of the work.
On this episode, we discuss:
- What innovation really means in construction—and why impact matters more than tools
- How AI is being used differently in the field versus the office
- Practical AI use cases for superintendents, project managers, and preconstruction teams
- Why over‑automating can backfire and how to preserve critical thinking
- Dome Construction’s long‑term innovation journey
- Creating safe guardrails for AI adoption and experimentation
- Using AI to reduce admin work and strengthen collaboration on projects
Digital Builder is hosted by Eric Thomas from Autodesk.
Across the United States, the housing crisis is no longer abstract. Wildfire rebuilds, rising costs, workforce shortages, and long permitting timelines are colliding at a moment when demand has never been higher. If the industry continues building the way it always has, the results will stay the same.
Recorded live from Greenbuild in Los Angeles, this episode of Digital Builder explores what it will take to deliver housing that is affordable, resilient, and scalable—without treating those goals as tradeoffs.
Host Eric Thomas is joined by Edie Dillman, CEO and Co‑Founder of B.Public Prefab, and Vamsi Kumar Kotla, Founder of ReMo Homes, for a candid conversation about what’s broken in residential construction and where meaningful progress is happening today.
Together, they examine how panelized and modular approaches can reduce soft costs, speed delivery, and improve long‑term performance—while still respecting the expertise of builders and the realities of the jobsite. The discussion also looks beyond construction itself, touching on workforce development, wildfire recovery, digital twins, and the role of building science in creating homes that perform over decades, not just at handover.
In this episode, you’ll hear:
- Why the housing crisis is driven by more than just build costs—and why operational costs, resilience, and long‑term ownership matter just as much
- How modular and panelized construction can help balance affordability, sustainability, and scalability without forcing a “pick two” compromise
- Where the biggest cost savings actually live in residential projects, and why soft costs are a critical lever for change
- How offsite construction succeeds when builders are treated as partners
- Different perspectives on technology in housing, from digital twins and IoT to passive building science and material‑first resilience
- Why solving the housing crisis will require multiple approaches—and broad collaboration across the industry
This episode offers a grounded, honest look at the future of housing, and why innovation paired with collaboration—and a little joy—matters more than ever.
As AI and cloud computing continue to scale, data centers are becoming some of the most important infrastructure of the digital age. With that growth comes increased attention on energy use, water consumption, and embodied carbon—but also a powerful opportunity to rethink how we design, build, and operate these facilities more sustainably.
In this episode of Digital Builder, host Eric Thomas is joined by Sara Neff, General Manager of Sustainability and ESG at Microsoft Cloud Operations and Innovation, for a live conversation from Greenbuild in Los Angeles. Together, they explore how rapid data center expansion and ambitious climate goals can move forward in parallel—and why the moment ahead is full of possibility.
In this episode, we discuss:
- How Microsoft is scaling data center development while staying firmly committed to its 2030 goals to be carbon negative, water positive, and zero waste
- Why cooling systems and HVAC equipment are a major opportunity for reducing embodied carbon—and how smarter design choices are already making a difference
- Practical, “right now” uses of AI to reduce carbon, water, and energy use, from leak detection to optimizing low‑carbon concrete mixes
- What radical collaboration across owners, designers, contractors, and suppliers looks like—and why it is essential for sustainability at scale
- How shared standards, policy, and better measurement can help accelerate progress across the industry
- Why growing AI fluency across the AECO ecosystem could unlock faster, more durable climate solutions
Rather than framing AI as a tradeoff, this conversation highlights how thoughtful planning, collaboration, and targeted use of technology can turn growth into a catalyst for positive change. The result is a clearer picture of how the built environment can support both digital innovation and long‑term sustainability.
Decarbonization is often discussed in abstract terms—net-zero targets, long-term commitments, and high-level goals. But for teams working in the built environment, progress ultimately comes down to everyday design, material, and supply chain decisions.
Recorded live at Greenbuild in Los Angeles, this episode of Digital Builder features Jack Rusk, CEO and co-founder of C.Scale, for a practical conversation on what decarbonization really means for AEC teams today—and how it shows up across design, construction, and operations.
Jack breaks down decarbonization as a lens for understanding how buildings move energy, materials, and labor through a global system. Together, Eric and Jack explore why early design decisions matter most, how carbon data can inform better tradeoffs, and where emerging technologies like AI are beginning to reshape carbon-informed workflows.
On this episode, we discuss:
- What decarbonization means in the context of the built environment—and why it looks different across industries
- How early design decisions, material choices, and supply chains directly influence a project’s carbon footprint
- The role of adaptive reuse and “building with less” as both a climate and cultural strategy
- Why lifecycle assessment needs to move earlier in the design process to support better outcomes
- How data, AI, and digital tools can help teams shift from carbon reporting to carbon-informed decision-making
- Practical advice for teams getting started on their decarbonization journey
Whether you’re an architect, contractor, owner, or sustainability leader, this episode offers a grounded, real-world look at how decarbonization connects to the decisions you’re already making—and where intentional design can have the greatest impact.
Digital Builder is hosted by Eric Thomas of Autodesk.
Recorded live at Greenbuild in Los Angeles, this episode of Digital Builder features a wide-ranging conversation with Ben Stapleton, Executive Director of USGBC California, on what it takes to rebuild communities after catastrophic wildfires — and how climate resilience, education, and coordination can shape better outcomes long term.
Using the 2025 Southern California wildfires as a starting point, host Eric Thomas and Ben explore the realities of recovery, from trauma and displacement to supply chain constraints, insurance challenges, and the opportunity to rebuild more sustainable, all-electric, and fire-resilient homes at scale. The discussion expands beyond wildfire to examine how climate change is reshaping communities — and what builders, owners, and local leaders can do now to prepare for what’s ahead.
On this episode, we discuss:
- Why rebuilding after large-scale natural disasters often takes 5 to 10 years, even in regions with strong resources
- How education, coordination, and shared standards can dramatically improve recovery outcomes
- The role of home hardening, landscape design, and material choices in reducing wildfire risk
- Where resilience and sustainability overlap — and why rebuilding is an opportunity to address both
- The challenges homeowners and contractors face, including supply chain limits, labor shortages, and rising costs
- Why insurance, electrification, and contractor education are critical — and where gaps remain
- How community-level tools like shared marketplaces and digital twins can support collaboration and cost reduction
- Why people, not technology alone, remain the most important tool in building climate resilience
This episode is especially relevant for professionals working in construction, sustainability, planning, and housing — as well as anyone navigating rebuilding, preparedness, or long-term climate risk in their own community.
Digital Builder is hosted by Eric Thomas from Autodesk.
In this episode of Digital Builder, host Eric Thomas sits down with Michael Baim, Vice President of Venue Infrastructure at the LA28 Olympic and Paralympic Games, and Allison Scott, Director of Sustainability Growth and Engagement at Autodesk, to explore what it takes to deliver the LA28 Games with fewer than 1,000 days to go. As Los Angeles prepares to host the Olympic Games for a third time, and one of the most ambitious Olympic and Paralympic Games in modern history, Michael and Allison's conversation highlights the scale, complexity, and collaboration behind LA28’s no-new-permanent venues plan, their ambitious commitment to build LA28’s footprint by adapting existing or building temporary infrastructure.
Michael and Allison discuss how Autodesk’s Design and Make platform, including Autodesk Construction Cloud will help teams coordinate logistics, data, and planning across an unprecedented program. They also touch on balancing historic venue preservation with modern upgrades, the long-term community legacy LA28 aims to create, and opportunities for contractors, designers, and builders to get involved in bringing the Olympic and Paralympic Games to life.
Get involved here today: https://www.rampla.org/s/
Recorded live at the Autodesk Technology Center in Boston, this episode of Digital Builder explores how human‑centered construction can support resilience, recovery, and long‑term community impact.
Host Eric Thomas is joined by Joshua Dobbs, New England Patriots quarterback and aerospace engineer, and Gerard Georges, Director of Architecture at Build Health International, for a cross‑disciplinary conversation on empathy, leadership, and design.
In this episode, we discuss:
- What human‑centered design looks like in practice—and why putting people first leads to stronger, more resilient communities
- How collaboration and stakeholder engagement shape healthcare and community projects in high‑stakes environments
- Lessons from professional sports—preparation, composure, and teamwork—that translate directly to construction and design teams
- How technologies like VR and data‑driven design help teams visualize outcomes, align earlier, and make better decisions
- Why empathy and adaptability are essential leadership skills on the job site, in crisis response, and beyond
Dobbs shares how his experience as a quarterback—operating under pressure, leading diverse teams, and preparing for critical moments—parallels the demands faced by AEC professionals working on complex projects. Georges adds a global healthcare perspective, highlighting how thoughtful design can help communities heal and thrive over time.
This episode was recorded during the launch of Autodesk’s Make It Heal film series and the 2026 Design & Make It Real program.
In this episode of Digital Builder, host Eric Thomas talks with Power Design CTO Raghu Kutty and Autodesk’s Sid Haksar about how one of the industry’s most innovative specialty contractors is reshaping construction through intentional structure, unified workflows, and forward‑looking tech adoption.
Key topics include:
- Power Design’s unified “one office, one culture” model
- Taking control of the supply chain (in‑house switchgear, trucking, warehousing)
- Field‑first, mobile‑first technology and connected data workflows
- Preparing for AI through clean data, platformization, and change‑ready culture
- How deliberate training + standards enable scale and rapid tech transformation
Digital Builder is hosted by Eric Thomas of Autodesk.
Research and development teams often work behind the scenes, but they play a major role in shaping where construction is headed next. In this episode, Eric Thomas sits down with Fope Bademosi, Circular Economy and Construction Researcher, and Lorenzo Villaggi, Principal Research Scientist at Autodesk, to explore how Autodesk Research is approaching the future of AI, sustainability, and material reuse.
Fope and Lorenzo walk through their latest work on assessing existing buildings, predicting what’s inside walls using multimodal data, and designing low‑carbon assemblies with the help of AI agents. They also explain how early insight into materials, carbon impacts, and code constraints can shift project culture toward circularity.
Topics we cover:
- How Autodesk Research operates 5–10 years ahead of industry needs
- The impact of material reuse on carbon reduction and waste
- What circularity and the circular economy mean in a construction context
- A prototype that predicts the materials and systems hidden behind walls
- How multimodal data improves AI’s accuracy on existing buildings
- Using AI agents to design low‑carbon assemblies that merge reclaimed and new materials
- The role of building codes, performance requirements, and safety considerations
- Where the Autodesk Research team is headed next with testing, customer collaborations, and expanded assembly types
The built environment contributes roughly 40% of global carbon emissions, and most construction waste still ends up in landfills. Fope and Lorenzo share how emerging technologies—combined with new workflows and industry collaboration—can help shift project teams toward reuse, lower‑carbon design, and more informed decision‑making from the start.
Digital Builder is hosted by Eric Thomas from Autodesk.
In this episode of Digital Builder, host Eric Thomas sits down with Dr. Sarah Buchner, founder and CEO of Trunk Tools, for a grounded, no-nonsense conversation about how construction teams can actually start using AI today. Recorded live at Autodesk University, the discussion moves past the high-level hype and into the real workflows where AI is already driving change—from automating white‑collar tasks to reducing rework and helping teams navigate labor shortages.
Drawing from her background as a carpenter, project leader, data scientist, and founder, Sarah breaks down what adoption looks like in the field, how to overcome resistance, and why embracing AI early is quickly becoming a competitive advantage.
We discuss:
- Why AI adoption struggles—and what actually helps teams get over the hump
- The biggest areas of ROI for AI today, especially in white‑collar construction workflows
- How autonomous AI agents differ from tools like ChatGPT
- The role of executives, legal, and IT in successful AI rollout
- Why vertical, construction‑trained AI models matter
- How AI can reduce rework, ease labor shortages, and let builders focus on building
Digital Builder is hosted by Eric Thomas of Autodesk.
In this episode of Digital Builder, host Eric Thomas sits down with Jeevan Kalanithi and Michael Fleischman, co-founders of OpenSpace, to explore how reality capture technology is transforming construction. Recorded live at Autodesk University in Nashville, the conversation traces the journey from early laser scanning to today’s AI-powered visual intelligence platforms—and what that means for builders on the ground.
From reducing disputes and project risk to unlocking new possibilities with spatial AI, Jeevan and Michael share insights on how technology is giving teams “superpowers” rather than replacing experience. They also look ahead to the future of AI agents and robotics in construction.
We discuss:
- The “three chapters” of reality capture—and why visual intelligence is the next frontier
- How reality capture builds trust, speeds decisions, and lowers risk
- Why today’s tech feels more Iron Man than Terminator
- The role of AI and spatial computing in shaping the job site
- What AI agents could mean for productivity and the labor shortage
Digital Builder is hosted by Eric Thomas of Autodesk.
In this episode of Digital Builder, host Eric Thomas sits down with Autodesk's Chief Marketing Officer Dara Treseder to unpack the latest insights from the annual State of Design & Make Report. Recorded live at Autodesk University in Nashville, the conversation explores what the data says about digital maturity across the Design and Make industries—and how construction teams can turn those findings into action.
From the industry’s ambition to go fully cloud-based to practical strategies for closing the skills gap, Dara shares how leaders are building resilient, efficient organizations that deliver faster, on budget, and with stronger stakeholder trust.
Download the Spotlight on Construction here: https://construction.autodesk.com/go/design-and-make-construction-spotlight-report
Download the full report here: https://www.autodesk.com/design-make/research/state-of-design-and-make-2025
We discuss:
- Key findings from the 2025 State of Design & Make Report
- The cloud adoption gap—and why it’s a massive opportunity for construction
- How improved data access and collaboration drive accuracy and efficiency
- Practical strategies for attracting, training, and upskilling talent
- Where sustainability gains are showing up across project lifecycles
Digital Builder is hosted by Eric Thomas of Autodesk.
Design-build is gaining momentum across the construction industry, and for good reason: it delivers projects faster, fosters collaboration, and reduces risk. But what really sets design-build apart from traditional delivery methods—and how does technology amplify its benefits?
In this episode of Digital Builder, host Eric Thomas sits down with Brian Skripac, Director of Virtual Design and Construction at the Design-Build Institute of America (DBIA), to unpack the fundamentals of design-build, bust common myths, and explore how digital tools are transforming project delivery. Recorded live at Autodesk University 2025 in Nashville, this conversation dives into why design-build is more than a contract—it’s a cultural shift toward transparency, trust, and innovation.
We discuss:
- What makes design-build different from design-bid-build (DBB) and construction manager at risk (CMAR)
- Common misconceptions about design-build—and the truth behind them
- How technology and shared models break down silos and improve coordination
- Why early collaboration leads to better outcomes and fewer surprises
- Practical advice for teams looking to adopt design-build successfully
Digital Builder is hosted by Eric Thomas of Autodesk.
The construction industry faces a growing talent shortage—but innovative partnerships are paving the way forward. In this episode of Digital Builder, host Eric Thomas sits down with Nick Otto, Chief Technology Officer at Kimley-Horn, and Beth Ihnatolya, Program Director of Civil Engineering and Geomatics Technology at Wake Technical Community College, to explore how collaboration between firms, educators, and technology providers is creating a job-ready pipeline.
Recorded live at Autodesk University 2025 in Nashville, this conversation dives into why these partnerships matter, how they’re reshaping education, and what it takes to prepare the next generation of construction professionals.
We discuss:
- Why firms, colleges, and tech providers must work together to close the skills gap
- How internships and apprenticeships go beyond “coffee runs” to deliver real-world experience
- The role of advisory boards in aligning curriculum with industry needs
- How Autodesk, Kimley-Horn, and Wake Tech are redesigning courses with hands-on tools
- Practical steps for attracting talent and changing construction’s perception
Digital Builder is hosted by Eric Thomas of Autodesk.
Artificial intelligence is transforming the way we work—but until recently, its capabilities were limited by context. Enter Model Context Protocol (MCP), a new standard that’s changing the game by enabling AI agents to connect directly with external tools and data sources.
In this episode of Digital Builder, host Eric Thomas sits down with Ben Cochran, Vice President of Engineering at Autodesk, to demystify MCPs and explore what they mean for construction workflows. Recorded live at Autodesk University 2025 in Nashville, this conversation dives into why MCPs are generating so much buzz and how they’re unlocking new levels of efficiency across the industry.
We discuss:
- What MCPs are and how they differ from traditional APIs
- Why MCPs are accelerating AI adoption across connected ecosystems
- Practical use cases for MCPs in construction, from BIM validation to design optimization
- How MCPs reduce repetitive tasks and enable outcome-based workflows
- Where to start if you’re curious about MCPs and agentic tools
Digital Builder is hosted by Eric Thomas of Autodesk.
Preconstruction is evolving faster than ever—and it’s changing what it means to plan and price projects. In this episode of Digital Builder, host Eric Thomas sits down with Jose Gudiño, Manager of Construction Technology at Swinerton, and Jeff Gerardi, Director of Preconstruction Strategy at Autodesk, to explore how technology, data, and AI are reshaping the preconstruction landscape.
Recorded live at Autodesk University 2025 in Nashville, this conversation dives into the challenges of fragmented workflows, the rise of connected platforms, and what the next generation of preconstruction professionals can expect.
We discuss:
- How preconstruction workflows have shifted from spreadsheets to integrated, data-driven systems
- Why tool overload is an industry-wide problem—and how to solve it
- The growing role of AI in takeoffs, cost analysis, and constructability reviews
- How mentorship and technology are redefining career paths in preconstruction
- What the estimator’s role will look like in 5–10 years
Digital Builder is hosted by Eric Thomas of Autodesk.
Sustainability in construction has long been a topic of discussion—but the nature of that conversation is changing. In this episode, host Eric Thomas sits down with Joe Speicher, Chief Sustainability Officer at Autodesk, and Allison Scott, Director of Sustainability Growth and Engagement, to explore how the industry is shifting from aspirational goals to operational strategies.
Recorded live at Autodesk University 2025 in Nashville, this conversation dives into how firms are turning sustainability promises into measurable outcomes, and the role technology plays in enabling that transformation.
We discuss:
- How sustainability has become a data problem—and why that’s a good thing
- The importance of connected construction and digital threads
- The environmental impact of AI and how to deploy it responsibly
- Why data centers are at the heart of the sustainability conversation
- How Autodesk is helping customers operationalize sustainability across the built environment
Assets mentioned during the episode:
- A Guide to Alignment in the Built Environment
Digital Builder is hosted by Eric Thomas of Autodesk.
Join our host Eric Thomas live from Nashville, Tennessee, as he reflects on hosting over 130 episodes of Autodesk's Digital Builder podcast. Eric covers 5 key takeaways from his discussions with industry leaders and reflects on some of the biggest announcements from Autodesk University this year.
Change orders have long been a necessary evil plaguing every construction project, but they often cause mountains of paperwork, hours of lost productivity, and millions in lost revenue. Cameron Page, Founder & CEO at Clearstory, believes that change orders may not be going anywhere, but the chaos around them can be fixed.
We sat down with Cameron in San Francisco to learn about his unconventional career journey, his perspective on innovation in the AEC space, advice to would-be founders, and how Clearstory is evolving the narrative around change orders.
We discuss:
- Common misconceptions with change orders
- How innovation is affecting change order frequency
- Types of change orders and where they go wrong
- How better change order processes strengthen subcontractor relationships
- The need for new approaches to change orders
Digital Builder is hosted by Eric Thomas of Autodesk.
Without a strong data management workflow bolstered by clean data, quick assessment and good decision making can quickly become a game of chance.This means potentially losing millions of dollars through inaccurate records, inconsistent data management, and data lost across multiple platforms.
That’s why we sat down with Tom Reno, the co-founder of Agave, a customizable platform helping AEC contractors integrate their project management data and accounting data.
We discuss:
- Misconceptions about integrations
- Best practices for cleaning data
- The risks of keeping unreliable data
- What to look for in data integrations vendors
- How to create a strong vendor partnership
Digital Builder is hosted by Eric Thomas of Autodesk.
Construction changes lives. It impacts the way we live, the way we interact with our peers, influences our education, and defines our personal relationships. Perhaps few have a more integral understanding than Ron Arana, Managing Partner at Arana Group, who we sat down with in San Francisco to explore how he has intentionally sought local partnerships and projects and those efforts transform not only his community, but his own life, too.
Arana Group is a San Francisco-based general building contractor specializing in public works, tenant improvements, and building upgrades that works with public agencies, nonprofits, and mission-driven organizations across the San Francisco Bay Area.
Here's what we cover:
- The importance of local partnerships for workforce development
- Protecting and preserving purpose-built, local projects once they’re complete
- Vetting and sourcing subcontractors to meet regulatory requirements
- The personal impact of a strong community-driven approach
Digital Builder is hosted by Eric Thomas of Autodesk.
From acquiring enough capital to finding the right customer, AEC startups have a number of obstacles standing in their way, but with an industry-wide explosion of new technology, there has also never been so much opportunity for those companies to flourish.
In this episode, we are talking all things VC funding in the AEC industry with Alice Leung, Principal at Brick & Mortar Ventures. With career experience in construction, Alice brings a fresh, blended perspective to the conversation to explore what VC firms look for in potential startups to invest in, how startups can differentiate themselves, and how to get involved yourself and help build the future of construction.
We discuss:
- The relationship between tech adoption and the culture of construction
- Current challenges facing AEC startups
- How to connect startups with the right potential customers
- How angel investing is impacting startups
- Where AEC startups should put their focus right now
Digital Builder is hosted by Eric Thomas of Autodesk.
The most important factors to successful construction projects often revolve around effective collaboration between project stakeholders, and as innovation is happening throughout the industry, our efforts to work together and communicate effectively need to evolve, as well. This collaboration commonly breaks down between architects and contractors, as questions are left unanswered, and construction can be brought to a standstill until the confusion is cleared up.
In this episode, we are diving into the world of executive architecture with Alma Jauregi, Principal at House & Robertson Architects - San Francisco, to more deeply explore the relationship between architects and general contractors, how to succeed at early collaboration efforts, and how to find success early in your career journey.
Here’s what we cover:
- What differentiates House & Robertson from other architecture firm types
- How to collaborate effectively with different project stakeholders before construction starts to influence planning and design choices
- How to build strong Contractor/Architect relationships
- Why self-advocacy is vital to securing new opportunities early in your career and how to do it effectively
Digital Builder is hosted by Eric Thomas of Autodesk.
Innovation, purpose-built tools, and the labor shortage have initiated an unexpected shift in roles across the construction industry, especially when it comes to superintendents. Traditionally, the majority of superintendents have a background in the trades and deeply engrained experience from the field. Now, more than ever, superintendents are entering the role from a variety of backgrounds, creating a unique mix of experiences, perspectives, and approaches to the role.
In this episode, we are sitting down with Erin Saiki, who pivoted from her career in Civil Engineering and now has fully embraced the superintendent role at DPR Construction. We explore her career journey and how she sees the superintendent role evolving alongside the construction industry.
Here’s what we cover:
- Erin’s unique career path from civil engineer to superintendent
- The growing variety of experiences and leadership styles among today’s superintendents
- The superintendent’s role in streamlining and shortening project schedules
- The rising importance of trade skills for future superintendents
- How purpose-built tools are bridging the gap for newer superintendents
- How superintendents can empower the field more effectively
Digital Builder is hosted by Eric Thomas of Autodesk.
A core goal of Digital Builder has always been to highlight innovative approaches to the way companies are designing and making our world, which involves so much more than workflow processes, RFPs, and the often-overhyped threat of AI taking all of our jobs. Some of these innovations are happening at a much more granular level, which is what our friends at BamCore are doing with sustainable building materials like eucalyptus and timber bamboo.
In this episode, we sit down with two leaders from BamCore, Kate Chilton, the Chief Sustainability Officer, and Zack Zimmerman, Co-founder & Chief Commercial Officer. BamCore is dedicated to developing building solutions that minimize waste and shorten construction timelines with the goal of achieving a “beyond-zero” carbon footprint.
We discuss:
- What makes BamCore unique as a green construction startup
- Common myths around alternative construction materials
- The advantages of timber bamboo and eucalyptus as construction materials
- Other, non-material factors that impact sustainability in construction projects
- Influencing a culture shift in North America that encourages builders and owners to consider new materials
- How BamCore’s emphasis on climate-smart practices and sustainability address a wide variety of objections
If you want to hear about more organizations doing work with sustainable building materials, go check out Episode 84 where we talk with Ariana Cohn about mass timber’s growing popularity, as well.
Digital Builder is hosted by Eric Thomas of Autodesk.
As more and more companies are adopting data strategies and AI into their processes, they are also starting to see other areas of the business that data can empower. Thiago Da Costa, Co-founder & CEO at Toric, believes one of those areas is monetization.
We sat down with Thiago at Autodesk University to pick his brain on all things data monetization: how proper data implementation can save companies money, how it can empower new revenue streams in project bids, and how that same approach also naturally leads to stronger relationships with project stakeholders.
Here’s what we cover:
- The gaps in data collection and curation in AEC
- Best practices for data monetization
- Why data monetization strategies also help companies stay competitive
- The risks of trying to adopt AI without a robust data strategy already in place
- How and where to deploy AI tools in your operations
Digital Builder is hosted by Eric Thomas of Autodesk.
When experiencing a period of rapid growth and fast-paced transformation, leaders can get caught up in optimizing processes and finding fast solutions to new problems. This means you may miss opportunities to build deeper connections between your teams and struggle to nurture a strong culture of trust that is ready to adapt to changes on the fly.
There are already so many important elements of the organization that need to be balanced, so how can leaders effectively navigate these high-growth periods without making their workforce feel like they’ve been left behind?
We sat down with Tomislav Zigo, Chief Technology Officer and Vice President at Clayco, during AU2023 to talk through these complex processes, how complex companies like Clayco are changing the way they handle tech deployment, and how leaders can properly invest in their teams now to navigate these periods of rapid growth, new technology, and massive workforce culture shifts.
We discuss:
- How tech adoption practices have evolved over the last 15 years
- How Tomislav evaluates new technology for potential adoption
- How to empower leaders in a fast-scaling model
- How broad workforce culture shifts are impacting the way organizations scale
- The need for companies to adopt a strong data strategy to remain competitive
Digital Builder is hosted by Eric Thomas of Autodesk.
Intentional investment in raising an organization's data quality, improving its access to information, and creating and implementing robust, purpose-built technology deployments in the field is already proving to be transformative for all stakeholders across construction projects.
For leaders like Christy Steffen, Assistant Director of Gaylor University at Gaylor Electric, and Brandon Floyd, Director of Quality at Rosendin, they are already seeing the major upside to upskilling their teams and implementing these tools on site. In this episode, we’ve invited them to share how their teams are approaching the implementation of data-driven tools, team training programs, and more.
We discuss:
- Ways to maintain a safe environment within a culture of continuous improvement
- How Gaylor Electric and Rosendin are approaching data training and implementation
- How project management technology has advanced over the last 10 years in the AEC industry
- The biggest challenges facing specialty contractors with project delivery and on-site safety
- How better data and on-demand access are already making field teams more efficient
Digital Builder is hosted by Eric Thomas of Autodesk.
As new AI tools enter the scene at a rapidly increasing rate, they will transform the way CAD or Computer Aided Design is integrated into our existing workflows. From managing data security and intellectual property to transforming the workflows of workers at all levels of involvement in a project, there is a lot of noise for organ?
That’s why we sat down with Autodesk’s Global VP for Product Management & Development, Marcus O’Brien. In this episode, Marcus shares the history behind CAD, how it originally revolutionized the industry, and cuts through the noise to share the tangible ways that new AI and ML tools are shaping the way we work.
We discuss:
- The history and purpose of both CAD and AutoCAD
- Which ML & AI tools are making a meaningful impact in AEC workflows
- How AI tools can avoid becoming another “Clippy”
- Organizational safety and data security when working with cloud-based AI tools
- How AI tools can empower better and wiser decision-making when utilized properly
- How AEC organizations are shifting from communication and documentation tools to collaborative tools
- How common data environments could affect the future of AEC
Digital Builder is hosted by Eric Thomas of Autodesk.
Contractors that are still opting for outdated payment management processes, like paper checks and double entry accounting, are starting to experience trouble in the form of higher subcontractor prices and potentially fewer options of partners to bring into projects. With these problems growing in frequency and severity, there is an urgent need to modernize our financial processes.
In this episode, we sit down with Mike Milligan, Chief Growth Officer GCPay, an Autodesk Company, to explore the ins and outs of payment systems throughout the AEC ecosystem and make a strong case for why the financial side of our operations should be included in our technology adoption roadmaps.
We discuss:
- How payment systems vary by region whether by culture or regulations
- The harmful mindset that is holding companies back from digitizing their payment systems
- How utilizing digital payment solutions builds stronger relationships with sub-contractors
- The first steps to modernize your company’s payment system
Digital Builder is hosted by Eric Thomas of Autodesk.
One of the most important contributors to meeting project deadlines accurately and safely is having access to the most updated and accurate project information. For many years, issues like distance, storage, and communication methods have been major obstacles to onsite decision-making, project adaptations, and even building trust between on-site and off-site teams.
Thanks to new technology, federal partnerships, and innovative approaches to these old problems, Departments of Transportation around the United States are seeing major improvements in how quickly they work, how much more they can accomplish, and how much more robust their team operations are.
During last year’s Autodesk University, we sat down with Andrew Pangallo, Construction Digital Delivery Lead Engineer at The Indiana Department of Transportation, and Kelly Barber, Division Chief for Systems Management at The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation to hear more about how they are seeing these innovations are transforming the way their organizations work.
We discuss:
- Core functions and goals of DOTs
- How INDOT and PennDOT are using technology to build trust between field and office workers, enable faster decision-making, and empower onsite leaders
- How INDOT and PennDOT are interfacing with the FHA’s Digital Construction Program
- How they are maintaining strict regulatory compliance while adopting new technologies
- How ongoing federal and industry partnerships are empowering innovation
Digital Builder is hosted by Eric Thomas of Autodesk.
Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB) programs are growing in their impact and importance across the entire AEC industry. When implemented correctly, DEIB improves profits, worker productivity and satisfaction, collaboration across business units, and makes companies more attractive to new and upcoming talent.
We had the chance to sit down with Randi Lucas, former Project Manager at CNY Group, and Reana Maglis, BIM VDC Manager at Hansen Yuncken, during Autodesk University to explore how you can create a high-impact, successful DEIB program in your organization.
In this episode, we explore:
- Why DEIB Matters in Construction
- How Diversity in multiple categories improves creative thinking and problem solving
- A closer look at how Hansen Yuncken and CNY Group are approaching DEIB
- Current “gaps” in DEIB across the industry
- Where to start when building a DEIB program
- How to scale your DEIB program
Digital Builder is hosted by Eric Thomas of Autodesk.
Construction is a balancing act from start to finish, that includes careful supervision of the finer details of each project like safety, budget, quality, while also managing multiple stakeholders, on and offsite teams, and staying on schedule.
That’s why improving predictability at all phases of a project is a top priority at companies like DPR Construction. At Autodesk University, we had the chance to sit down with DPR’s CTO Atul Khanzode and Tim Gaylord, DPR’s Corporate Director of Innovation to learn more about how DPR is approaching technology deployment across all levels of the organization, how IPD is transforming collaboration throughout the entire construction process, and how other organizations can benefit from their learnings.
In this episode, we cover
- Why consistent predictability is a challenge in construction
- How to maintain employee confidence when implementing new processes or technology
- How to win support for IPD
- DPR’s approach to technology deployment
- The advantages of specialization and how subject matter experts can bridge the gaps between various business units
Digital Builder is hosted by Eric Thomas of Autodesk.
Intuitive Machines aimed to be the first private, US commercial company to send a spacecraft to the moon. On February 22, 2024 they accomplished that goal. Helping Intuitive Machines realize their dreams was today’s guest, Stephen Brooke, a Digital Delivery Manager at Burns & McDonnell.
With the recent completion of the SuperBAB operations and testing facility in Houston, TX, Stephen joined us at Autodesk University to share how the project was brought to life, how Burns & McDonnell approaches value delivery and client success, and how data and AI will continue to impact the future of the AEC industry.
We also talk about:
- Stephen’s career journey through the industry
- Intuitive Machines’ testing facility
- How to encourage an innovative mindset in the next generation
- Collaborating with vendors to bring value to clients
Assets Mentioned:
- The Mural
Digital Builder is hosted by Eric Thomas of Autodesk.
One of the most exciting ways the AEC industry is continuing to find new ways to increase sustainability and safety is through mass timber construction. That’s why we’ve invited Ariana Cohn, a Digital Construction Engineer at Timberlab, an organization dedicated to advancing the mass timber’s mainstream adoption.
Whether it’s mass timber’s impact on the environment, or its ease of use in prefab and modular construction, there is so much potential for it to be a game changer for the industry.
Here are some of the topics you can look forward to in this episode:
- The top misconceptions about mass timber
- Timberlab’s approach to its mission
- A day in the life of a Digital Construction Engineer at Timberlab
- The biggest obstacles for mass timber’s mainstream adoption
Digital Builder is hosted by Eric Thomas of Autodesk.
This week, Autodesk’s Chief Marketing Officer Dara Treseder, joins Eric at Autodesk University to break down the 2023 State of Design & Make report, including the key focuses of the study, narrative shifts across the AEC industry, and the competitive difference between Digital Transformation and Digital Maturity.
In this episode, you will learn:
- How companies across the AEC industry are experiencing the benefits of converging technologies
- Why companies focusing on Digital Maturity are maintaining a statistically significant competitive advantage
- How to engage the next generation of talent
- Why the future of AEC innovation is going to focus on augmentation in our workforce
Assets Mentioned:
- The 2023 State of Design & Make Report
Digital Builder is hosted by Eric Thomas of Autodesk.
The rise of Gen AI has put organizations in a race to remain competitive. Those who are successfully integrating AI into their processes are seeing improvements in efficiency and output quality, but that rush to adopt AI carries some significant risks, ones that can spell disaster for companies if they are not careful about their approach to using AI.
We've invited May Winfield, Global Director of Commercial, Legal and Digital Risks, at Buro Happold, to reveal what some of the biggest risks are when using Gen AI, what questions organizations should be asking as they adopt AI, and why sometimes the best way to move quickly is to slow down.
We discuss:
- Identifying AI’s five biggest risk categories in AEC: reliance, confidentiality, copyright, personal data, and ethics
- Why copyright and content attribution are such tricky issues with AI
- The limitations of using in-house AI models trained on proprietary data
- Why client requests are becoming more informed and specific (and why this is good!)
Assets Mentioned:
- Joint Study from the Harvard Business School & Boston Consulting Group
Digital Builder is hosted by Eric Thomas of Autodesk.
One of the most exciting ways that innovation is taking construction to the next level is when companies like DPR Construction implement new and innovative strategies into their culture. We’ve invited Jacob Skrobarczyk, VDC Technology Lead at DPR Construction, to share his experience with data visualization and how he is using it to shift the narrative around Construction careers and changing the way the next generation is learning about Construction.
Listen to hear about:
- Construction’s perception problem
- Why data visualization is so impactful
- How DPR is approaching innovation and the adoption of new technology
- Keeping people as the center of the industry
- Improving benefits and apprenticeship programs for craft workers
- How to better highlight non-linear career paths in Construction
Assets Mentioned:
- Jacob's Presentation
- https://www.dpr.com/company/careers
Digital Builder is hosted by Eric Thomas of Autodesk.
The landscape of construction is changing, and technology is at the helm. How can your organization stay on top of that changing landscape to remain competitive throughout 2024?
Ariel Castillo, Innovation Director at Miller-Davis Company, and Brad Buckles, VP of Technology and Innovation at Charles Perry Partners, Inc., join the show this week to explore the latest trends in construction, from AI and data-driven insights to the importance of tech literacy and collaboration.
We discuss:
- Which trends are real and which are all hype?
- How 3D modeling, wearables, and robotics are increasing field safety
- How the latest trends are allowing the industry to move from reactive processes to becoming proactive decision makers.
- Why modern technology is enabling multigenerational knowledge sharing experiences, giving experienced and new workers opportunities to learn from each other
- How new technologies can reduce waste and increase sustainable construction practices
Digital Builder is hosted by Eric Thomas of Autodesk.
Content warning – this episode and description has some heavy conversation topics including a discussion on suicidal feelings and mental health struggles.
Construction has a mental health crisis. According to research from the US Bureau of Labor Statistics and the CDC, the rate of suicide among US construction professionals is five times higher than the number deaths caused by workplace and safety-related accidents. Across the industry, companies cannot afford to talk about safety, innovation, and growth without also addressing the need for real, practical, and immediate solutions to the mental health crisis facing our people.
Mark Dyke, Licensed Professional Counselor and Tenured Associate Professor at Ferris State University, joins Eric Thomas during Autodesk University for an intensely practical conversation about the mental health crisis, burnout, and how addressing the mental health crisis can help secure a bright future for the AEC industry. We will share not just why mental health needs to be addressed, but we will also give specific, practical advice for workers to identify and address mental health issues early and effectively.
We discuss:
- How to identify internal and external symptoms of burnout
- How the leadership culture sets the tone for organization-wide mental health
- How managers at all levels of an organization can support their team members
- How Millennials have changed the way we talk about mental health
- Why mental health and emotional wellbeing need to be top priorities to convince the upcoming generation to join Construction.
If you or someone you know are having trouble coping with work-related stress, talk with someone who can help: In the United States, call 988 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Hotline or visit https://988lifeline.org/.
For those living outside the United States, you can find local resources here: https://blog.opencounseling.com/suicide-hotlines/.
Digital Builder is hosted by Eric Thomas of Autodesk.
As more BIM mandates are being put in place around the world, impacted organizations are working to ensure they are BIM compliant—while many in the construction industry are still trying to figure out not just if BIM and other digital tools are right for them, but how to begin even implementing them in their business operations.
Digital tools are transforming the way construction companies are operating, demonstrating countless benefits to adopting them, but there are still many unanswered questions for companies and contractors who are trying to find the most cost-effective strategies for managing all these new innovations and requirements.
That’s where our guests come in. David Purdon, Technical Director at Diatec, and Marek Suchocki, Head of Industry Associations Strategy at Autodesk, are two industry veterans who have seen first-hand the rollout of Europe’s BIM mandates and how companies are responding. In this episode, they will break down some of the myths around BIM mandates, what the true intent of the mandates are, and much more.
We discuss:
- The rollout of BIM mandates in the UK faced challenges in managing the information exchange process
- The complex intersection of BIM modeling and the production supply chain
- How BIM modeling and technology integration ensures the longevity of construction organizations
- The difficulty many organizations face in balancing the long-term vision of digital tools with their immediate needs
- Why BIM allows organizations to derive better value from public construction investments
- How to get started on your BIM journey if you’re impacted by a BIM mandate.
Digital Builder is hosted by Eric Thomas of Autodesk.
While AI continues to take the world by storm, most companies are still trying to figure out exactly how it fits within their operations and how it will impact their teams, workflows, and revenue.
In this episode, Eric talks with Tonya Custis, Director of AI Research at Autodesk, all about AI’s proper place in the Construction ecosystem, how to make sure AI is the best solution to the problems you are trying to solve, and much more, including:
- How AI can fill in the gaps when assessing risk and improving safety on project sites
- How a focused data strategy can alleviate decision paralysis
- The most important elements of data strategy for proper AI utilization
- AI as a replacement versus acting as a collaborator with human workers
Assets Mentioned:
Digital Builder is hosted by Eric Thomas of Autodesk.
Nick Hull is an Associate Director at Deloitte Access Economics, which was commissioned by Autodesk in 2023 to research data capabilities in construction. This effort revealed that 4 out of 5 construction companies have room to improve how they manage data. Deloitte surveyed about 1,275 global respondents to get a global view of data usage in construction and discover what defines data leadership.
In this episode Eric talks with Nick to get a breakdown of the report’s major findings, what leaders can learn from it, and how the industry can move forward with data.
We discuss:
- How construction leaders are estimating their data capabilities
- Retaining the human side of construction while integrating data and AI
- How good data strategy maintains competitive advantage
- How implementing data strategy impacts your bottom line
- The ongoing issue of talent in construction and how data & AI can alleviate it
- Balancing digital assistance with data-driven decision making.
Assets Mentioned:
The State of Data Capabilities in the Construction Industry Report
Digital Builder is hosted by Eric Thomas of Autodesk.
In another of our episodes recorded live at Autodesk University 2023, guests Amy Bunszel, EVP of AEC Design at Autodesk, and Aaron Perry, Head of Digital Design at Allford Hall Monaghan Morris, join the show to break down the original vision for BIM in the AEC industry, why equitable access to BIM data is the way forward for construction innovation, and share what excites them the most for the future of Construction.
We discuss:
- What current challenges they’re seeing with BIM data
- Why equitable access to data enables wider engagement opportunities from both large and small firms
- How technology adoption and data strategy are becoming competitive differentiators in the AEC industry
- How access to data models at the granular level empowers more diverse participation in all phases of a construction project
Digital Builder is hosted by Eric Thomas of Autodesk.
Ever wonder what’s one tool every construction worker will bring on the jobsite?
In this Digital Builder podcast episode, various experts from the construction industry share their insights on the one tool they always bring to every job site.
Answers range from tangible tools like iPads, measuring tapes, and smartphones, to intangible ones such as empathy, a positive attitude, and a lean mindset. Experts emphasize the importance of these tools in improving efficiency, collaboration, and problem-solving on the job site.
Advancements in technology, particularly the rise of smartphones and digital tools, have revolutionized the construction industry, according to industry experts.
This episode is a special treat! Not only was it recorded live at Autodesk University in Las Vegas, we also brought back our first-ever Digital Builder guest, Cliff Cole, the Director of Virtual Design and Construction (VDC) at The PENTA Building Group. Throughout 2023, Cliff and his team were a part of the planning and construction for the raceway infrastructure of the 2023 F1 Las Vegas Grand Prix race that took place November 16-18 in 2023.
In addition to breaking down the coordination for the F1 project, Eric and Cliff also talk about the increasing importance of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, and explore how things have evolved since Cliff was first on the show.
We discuss:
- The complexities of preparing and hosting an F1 race on the Las Vegas Strip
- How innovative tech, like drone mapping, was used to enable safer, more efficient preparation
- How the DEI conversation has evolved over the last three years
- The role of mentoring and support in promoting diversity and inclusion
- The impact of inclusive practices on attracting and retaining talent in the industry
Digital Builder is hosted by Eric Thomas of Autodesk.
In this special live LinkedIn Live episode streamed on December 7, Eric chats with Mat Poulos, Electrical Engineering Manager at Gaylor Electric, Inc., and Matt Edwards, Director of Digital Delivery at CRB, to break down how their organizations are approaching documentation management, field collaboration, and how they ensure new technologies are helping their teams instead of hindering them.
In this episode, you will learn:
- How to make sure everybody in the field has access to relevant and correct information on-demand
- When to consider new additions or changes to your tech stack or processes
- How to determine if process or tech changes are helpful or harmful to teams out in the field
- How Gaylor Electric and CRB are deploying field-based BIM modeling
- How to successfully deploy large scopes of prefab work
- The impact of better integrated communication strategies on overall workforce mental health
Digital Builder is hosted by Eric Thomas of Autodesk.
Talking about the difficult challenges facing construction is a vital part of raising awareness and driving change, but talk alone isn’t enough. That’s why we are sitting down with Amit Oberoi, Executive Chairman of the Considerate Constructors Scheme, a UK-based company that is taking many of those big challenges head on.
One of the most important challenges facing our workforce today is psychological safety, which empowers team members to speak up, to disagree, and to surface concerns without fear of retaliation or consequences.
Join Eric and Amit as they discuss:
- The statistics on the mental health of our construction teams are alarming and much of the data indicates that the construction industry has one of the highest rates of suicide among all industries in the United States.
- Psychological safety fosters creativity and better outcomes in construction projects.
- The data on mental health in construction highlights the importance of providing a safe and healthy environment for your workforce and underscores the need for organizations to prioritize employee care and retention.
- Guidance on how individuals can advocate for themselves and communicate their needs to their managers.
- Why loneliness can be a significant issue, even in a crowded workplace.
- Developing a culture of transparency and honesty requires deliberate effort and starting small.
- Why a sense of pride and connection to the work can be a driving force in the industry.
Digital Builder is hosted by Eric Thomas of Autodesk.
Join us for this special episode of the Digital Builder Podcast, recorded live at AU 2023, the Design & Make conference!
In this recap of day 3, host Eric Thomas dives into the biggest themes encompassing the Design & Make Conference, such as Digital Transformation, the growing importance of AI in construction, the push for getting clean data and adopting cloud-based solutions, and why its vital for technology providers in the AEC industry to act as true partners to their customers and industry leaders as we all work together to make this industry better and safer.
Digital Builder is hosted by Eric Thomas of Autodesk.
Join us for this special episode of the Digital Builder Podcast, recorded live at AU 2023, the Design & Make conference!
We sit down with Ross Wagner, Manager of Technical Solutions AEC at Autodesk, and Justin Lipsey, Technical Solutions Executive at Autodesk, to discuss their exciting experiences from the conference.
They dive into the hype of the newest announcements from AU, the executive and customer briefings taking place throughout the week, the impact that customer feedback is making on Autodesk's products, and their predictions for what the next decade will bring to the construction industry.
Digital Builder is hosted by Eric Thomas of Autodesk.
Join us for this special episode of the Digital Builder Podcast, recorded live at AU 2023, the Design & Make conference!
We sit down with Jenna Pellegrino, Global Voice of the Customer & Customer Experience Strategy manager, and Mallory Adiego, Director North American Customer Success, to discuss their exciting experiences from the conference.
They dive into the excitement of AU being back in Vegas, discuss some exciting news from today’s keynote, highlight the importance of customer feedback, discuss their roles in the Voice of the Customer program, and provide a glimpse into the future of construction.
Digital Builder is hosted by Eric Thomas of Autodesk.
Click here to watch this episode on YouTube!
Technology on job sites has become the standard in construction and it’s only growing by the day. Builders and construction companies need to utilize digitization to not only help plan projects but also when finding new talent to join your team!
In a special episode recorded live at Autodesk University, we’re joined by Ro n McGuire, Program Administrator at International Training Institute and Ken Schneider, Training Specialist at United Association, to discuss how trade workers in the construction industry are using technology not only to advance job sites but also to help attract and retain new talent to the AEC world!
We discuss:
- The digitalization of constructions sites
- Bringing the younger generation of workers to employers with tech
- Meeting demand through technology
- The biggest trends in construction
Digital Builder is hosted by Eric Thomas of Autodesk.
What do the cloud and trust have in common? A lot, actually. Autodesk CEO Andrew Anagnost is on a mission to create a high-trust ecosystem in construction building on today’s cloud technology. And the benefits extend far beyond improving efficiency and transparency – it’s about solving construction’s capacity problem.
Recorded live from Autodesk University 2022, we had the incredible opportunity to chat with Andrew about his vision for the future of construction, the legacy he hopes to leave the industry, the value of working in the cloud, and a whole lot more!
This in-person episode was filmed and you can watch the conversation unfold right from our YouTube channel.
Digital Builder is hosted by Eric Thomas of Autodesk.
Even the largest organizations are not immune to the supply chain and labor shortage issues facing the construction industry around the globe, so we’ve invited Vanayak Pai, CEO & Managing Director at Tata Projects, and Rahul Sharma, CIO at Tata Projects, to explore how one of India’s leading engineering, procurement, and construction companies is navigating those challenges, their approach to tech deployment, and why increasing predictability is at the heart of their company operations.
We discuss:
- Tata Projects’ approach to becoming a technology-led EPC delivery organization
- The increasing role of women in India’s construction ecosystem
- Strategies for tackling global supply chain and labor shortage issues
- How technology and connectivity driving safer and more efficient prefabrication
- The importance of improving predictability in project delivery
- Why Digital Twins and BIM are becoming must-have tools
Digital Builder is hosted by Eric Thomas of Autodesk.
RFIs are often considered a necessary evil in construction, where, on average, 10 RFIs get issued for every million dollars' worth of construction put in place. This can easily result in negative impacts to a project’s budget and schedule.
But what if there was a way to eliminate the burden RFIs place on construction projects? What if we could take the hours, money, and effort that is currently devoted to RFIs and invest them elsewhere to complete projects faster, more efficiently, and more safely?
Sidharth Haksar, Autodesk’s Senior Director & Head of Strategy and Industry Partnerships, believes just that, and in this episode, he shares his vision for how we can get there.
Here's what we cover:
- Why RFIs exist and continue to impact projects
- The common results of RFI generation
- The impact automation can offer to reduce wasteful processes
- The lack of needed innovation in the pre-construction and planning phases and why organizations should invest more heavily in improving those phases
- Why automating pre-construction processes can reduce safety incidents and bring faster risk assessment
Assets Mentioned:
- Blog: The End of RFIs: It’s Time to Stop Automating Wasteful Construction Processes
Digital Builder is hosted by Eric Thomas of Autodesk.
The core purpose that drives any impactful customer success program is understanding needs and desired outcomes. Without a foundational understanding of a client’s needs, achieving success can be like trying to find a needle in a haystack.
In this way, Autodesk’s customer success team mirrors the exact way construction projects are brought to life: building strong relationships, identifying core needs and desired outcomes, collaborating with everyone involved to plan and execute, and utilizing all available resources and technology to achieve those desired outcomes and meet those core needs.
And because of that process, the customer success team can often be the first to know how trends are changing in the industry and how organizations can and should adapt their strategies to remain competitive in this rapidly evolving industry—which is exactly what we are breaking down for you in this week’s episode.
Guests:
Brandon LeCourciere, Senior Director of Global Customer Success at Autodesk
Allison Scott, Director of Customer Experience & Industry Advocacy at Autodesk
We discuss:
- How to find data-centric solutions for process optimization
- How a younger workforce and accessible technology are pushing the construction industry to evolve
- Why construction companies that embrace technology have a better chance of attracting younger talent and remaining competitive
- How technology is helping to fill skills gaps in the construction industry
Assets Mentioned:
Autodesk Construction Cloud Learning Center
Digital Builder is hosted by Eric Thomas of Autodesk.
Construction in motion can be a sight to see, with so many workers on site completing their work alongside each other and so many moving parts working together.
But that marvel doesn't happen on its own. To be successful, these construction projects take careful planning, collaboration, and coordination to execute, and it takes motivated individuals with a passion for their work to do it right.
Without those motivated trades workers and general contractors, there wouldn’t be a construction project to marvel at, leaving our construction sites empty. That's why we are diving into the realities of trades careers, how to help young people generate interest in construction careers, and how efforts like Autodesk’s Make it Real program are empowering young people to build successful careers for themselves.
Guests this episode:
- Savy Francis, Pipefitter at E.M. Duggan
- Kelsey Gauger, National Director for Operational Excellence at Suffolk Construction
We discuss:
- How new technology adoption naturally creates opportunities for knowledge transfer between older and younger generations of skilled workers
- How seeing the results of their work empowers, motivates, and inspires workers and brings meaning to their contribution
- The myth about construction and trades being antiquated and dirty
- Why both collaboration and transparency are needed for successful innovation
- Savy’s involvement in Building Pathways, a pre-apprenticeship program in Boston, MA that empowers people to secure a trades careers in Boston
- Autodesk’s Make it Real program that encourages young people to engage in their communities through construction
Assets Mentioned:
- Autodesk’s Make it Real Program
Digital Builder is hosted by Eric Thomas of Autodesk.
Hear more episodes like this one by subscribing to Digital Builder on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Play, YouTube, or wherever you listen to podcasts.
Watch the video version of this episode on YouTube!
Many think of career growth as a set path one must take where they hit specific milestones to get to the next level. But in today’s connected world, the paths to career growth and success have widened, and some may even surprise you.
In this episode, Eric sits down with Natalya Cappellini, CEO of CURATO Design Build, and Kaitlin Frank, CEO of eMOD, two powerhouse leaders who have found success by embracing their own unexpected career journeys.
Throughout the episode, we discuss:
- How to identify and take smart risks to grow your experience and career
- The importance of stepping out of one’s comfort zone
- The challenges facing women in construction
- Transitioning from hands-on work to leadership in construction
- How to build confidence in your skills and knowledge
Digital Builder is hosted by Eric Thomas of Autodesk.
Hear more episodes like this one by subscribing to Digital Builder on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Play, YouTube, or wherever you listen to podcasts.
Watch the video version of this episode on YouTube!
The Massachusetts Port Authority connects Massachusetts with the world through airports, cruise ports, container terminals, and more, and with so many complex operations going simultaneously, Massport is where technology and innovation intersect to keep everything running smoothly. What’s even more impressive is they do this with a relentless focus on improving the passenger and customer experience.
Dr. Lucianna Burdi is the Director of Capital Programs and Environmental Affairs at the Massachusetts Port Authority. Her team is responsible for delivering projects safely, efficiently, and sustainably, while keeping the overall experience as high-quality as possible. In this episode, Eric and Dr. Burdi talk about how a passion for customer service drives her approach to infrastructure development, how large organizations should think about tech adoption, and why sharing our learnings is key to the long-term growth and success of the AEC industry.
We explore:
- How to innovate while navigating highly regulated industries
- How clarity and navigational efficiency drive infrastructure design decisions
- Why interconnected digital twins and collaborative design are the future of infrastructure management
- How Massport trials new initiatives and acquires fast feedback for improvement and iteration
Digital Builder is hosted by Eric Thomas of Autodesk.
Hear more episodes like this one by subscribing to Digital Builder on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Play, YouTube, or wherever you listen to podcasts.
Watch the video version of this episode recorded live at the Autodesk Technology Center!
New technology, processes, and data standardization is great, but what happens when new processes aren’t well-maintained? Or when your team isn’t properly trained in the handover process on how to utilize these new processes to keep accurate records of construction projects?
Amr Raafat, the Chief Innovation Officer at Windover Construction, is leading his team to innovate with BIM and digital twins to ensure problems like that become a relic of the past. Alongside the increasing adoption of new tech, Eric talks with Amr about the ways that BIM and digital twins are transforming the level of accessibility project stakeholders have and how Windover is leading the way in developing future-proof handover processes that minimize new skills training and maximize efficiency.
We discuss:
- How prefab is helping to reduce waste and emissions, and why AI has even more potential to do the same
- How digital twin technology is enabling more effective and impactful facility management
- Why new innovations in BIM and digital twins are transforming the handover process for clients
- Establishing cultures of trust and honest two-way conversation are essential when introducing new tools and technologies.
Digital Builder is hosted by Eric Thomas of Autodesk.
Hear more episodes like this one by subscribing to Digital Builder on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Play, YouTube, or wherever you listen to podcasts.
Behind every successful project is a slew of operations processes and team members that ensure project stakeholders have everything they need to complete the job on time with consistency and high quality. Without robust operations practices in place, projects can be doomed before they even begin.
With that in mind, we’ve invited Giana Morini, Operations Technology Leader at DPR Construction, to share how operations thrives at DPR Construction and how their operational success can be replicated at any organization.
We discuss:
- Why operations technology is the foundation for innovation and design in construction
- Critical differences between office and project site environments
- Listening, understanding business goals, and building relationships with vendors are key in building a world-class technology stack
- How to successfully capture and utilize data
- How self-perform work can alleviate some labor shortage issues
Digital Builder is hosted by Eric Thomas of Autodesk.
Hear more episodes like this one by subscribing to Digital Builder on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Play, YouTube, or wherever you listen to podcasts.
Digital Builder is hosted by Eric Thomas of Autodesk.
Hear more episodes like this one by subscribing to Digital Builder on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Play, YouTube, or wherever you listen to podcasts.
As digital adoption in construction continues to accelerate, companies face new challenges around data. Collection, verification, standardization, and utilization are all vital data processes for every company to implement properly—but where to start?
During Autodesk University, Eric sat down with Jit Kee Chin, Executive Vice President and Chief Data Officer at Suffolk Construction, to discuss how companies can properly implement data standardization, how data transformation brings value to every level of an organization, and more.
We discuss:
- Contributing factors to the acceleration of construction technology and digital adoption
- How technology has made transparency easier to achieve
- Why building trust in data is so important
- The risks and rewards of data standardization
- Why organizations need to build trust in the data they collect
- How Data Democratization empowers workers at every level of an organization
Digital Builder is hosted by Eric Thomas of Autodesk.
Hear more episodes like this one by subscribing to Digital Builder on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Play, YouTube, or wherever you listen to podcasts.
Younger generation involvement in construction is essential to continue industry-wide expansion and innovation. And today, construction is truly a dynamic industry with more career options to choose from where anyone can apply their individual skillsets and passions.
In this episode, Eric sits down with Fopefoluwa (Fope) Bademosi, Circular Economy and Construction Researcher at Autodesk, and Evan Reilly, Senior Emerging Technology Engineer at Skanska, inside the Autodesk Technology Center in Boston, MA, to break down the most effective methods for inspiring the next generation, educating them about the opportunities available to them, and some of the biggest industry problems that need innovative thinkers with unique perspectives to solve.
We explore:
- How to resonate with college and pre-college students when presenting about construction
- How better data capture and purpose-built technology has increased the need for a diverse array of skillsets beyond construction-specific expertise
- How to promote new ideas through establishing a culture of innovation
Digital Builder is hosted by Eric Thomas of Autodesk.
Hear more episodes like this one by subscribing to Digital Builder on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Play, YouTube, or wherever you listen to podcasts.
In another one of our incredible live interviews from Autodesk University, Eric sits down with Matt Abeles, Vice President of Construction Technology and Innovation at Associated Builders and Contractors, to talk about the work the ABC Tech Alliance is doing, strategic principles for leaders looking to adopt new and innovative technologies, and more.
We explore:
- The ABC Tech Alliance’s mission, values, and how it helps members use technology to be safer, increase revenue, and secure new opportunities
- Highlights from this year’s ABC Technology Report Why many organizations are missing solutions that will solve 90% of the problem at a fraction of the cost
- The trend of increasing collaboration between construction technology companies to innovate and solve more complex problems
Digital Builder is hosted by Eric Thomas of Autodesk.
Hear more episodes like this one by subscribing to Digital Builder on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Play, YouTube, or wherever you listen to podcasts.
Construction often involves complex logistical planning and coordination, but what happens when you add building in one of the harshest environments on earth to the mix?
In this episode, Eric sits down with David Brand, the Senior Project Manager from the British Antarctic Survey, and Neil Irving, Digital Project Solutions Business Partner at BAM Nuttall, to talk about their work on the British Antarctic Survey Project, how they overcome their project’s unique challenges, and what they’ve learned so far.
We discuss:
- How the project brings together digital construction and sustainability while enabling more advanced scientific research in the future
- Why all project stakeholders need to collaborate thoroughly to ensure no details are missed
- How prefabrication enables construction in Antarctica’s harsh climate
- How they are using digital tools to enable successful project management
- How the onsite team builds community and fosters connection
Digital Builder is hosted by Eric Thomas of Autodesk.
Hear more episodes like this one by subscribing to Digital Builder on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Play, YouTube, or wherever you listen to podcasts.
In construction, the decisions leaders make now will largely determine what our industry will look like in a decade. How organizations embrace new technologies has never been more important, because technology and the success of the next generation comes hand in hand.
Eric sits down with John Fish, Chairman and CEO of Suffolk Construction, and Jim Lynch, Senior Vice President & General Manager of Autodesk Construction Solutions for an honest, no-holds barred look at the state of construction today and where the industry is headed tomorrow.
We discuss:
- The need for increased collaboration and alignment across all contributing members of a project
- How AI is unlocking new opportunities for workers and companies to innovate and refine their focus
- How leaders should invest in recruiting more blue-collar talent and upskilling them with unfamiliar technology and why it’s so important
- Can data sharing become the most transformative form of collaboration across the industry?
- How should organizations approach engaging the next generation in construction
Digital Builder is hosted by Eric Thomas of Autodesk.
Hear more episodes like this one by subscribing to Digital Builder on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Play, YouTube, or wherever you listen to podcasts.
People are the important thing for any company to remember as they replace legacy technology with innovative, purpose-built tools and processes. That’s why Eric is sitting down with Jon Marks, Former CTO at Swinerton and Principal CEO at Corvus Star Consulting.
In this episode Jon breaks down the key tactics leaders can implement to ensure they are keeping their people first.
We discuss:
- Change management in construction is challenging to lead because there are limited opportunities to deliver change
- Effective delivery of change involves bite-sized learning and intentional engagement with project teams
- Flexibility is important for retaining talent and finding the best people for the organization
- The use of technology and processes is interconnected with the need for mentorship and coaching.
- Technology and automation in buildings can improve comfort, reduce costs, and benefit the environment.
Digital Builder is hosted by Eric Thomas of Autodesk.
Hear more episodes like this one by subscribing to Digital Builder on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Play, YouTube, or wherever you listen to podcasts.
With the growing conversation about how construction is changing because of purpose-built technology like AI, AR technology, and robotics, it’s important to nurture those who will have their careers be the most influenced by it: the next generation of workers.
That’s why we’ve invited Alan Dillon, Senior Superintendent at Truebeck Construction, for a conversation about leadership, effective mentorship, and why successful relationships are the key to successful projects.
We discuss:
- Properly balancing technology and human contributions
- Why collaboration and providing new opportunities are key to successful mentorship
- How successful construction projects are built from successful relationships
- Why curiosity and asking questions help leaders and team members grow, feel valued, and lead to new opportunities
Digital Builder is hosted by Eric Thomas of Autodesk.
Hear more episodes like this one by subscribing to Digital Builder on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Play, YouTube, or wherever you listen to podcasts.
The benefits and challenges of digitization are shared by construction companies globally. Construction leaders located around the world are all discovering the best ways to scale digital adoption at their organizations so that processes can become safer, faster, and more efficient. Today we're taking a closer look at how digital adoption is quickly gaining traction in APAC, or the Asia-Pacific region.
During Autodesk University, Eric sat down with Muhd Khalil Shaiful Bahari, Deputy Director for the Group Technology Office at Boustead Projects Limited, and William Low, Asia-Pacific Regional Sales Manager at Autodesk, to discuss the state of digital adoption in APAC, the main obstacles to scaling digitization, and why it is so necessary for the success of future projects.
We discuss:
- The challenges of scaling digital adoption
- How virtual collaboration has transformed the construction ecosystem in APAC
- Main obstacles preventing digital adoption
- How a value-focused digitization strategy prevents “Shiny New Toy Syndrome”
- The state of data collection, creation, visualization, and implementation in APAC
- Upcoming technology trends to be excited about
Digital Builder is hosted by Eric Thomas of Autodesk.
Hear more episodes like this one by subscribing to Digital Builder on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Play, YouTube, or wherever you listen to podcasts.
The adoption of robotics and augmented reality tools at scale is making projects more efficient, workers live safer & easier—all while reducing errors that can cause major problems.
This and a whole lot more was discussed when Eric sat down with Andrew Cameron, Project Manager at Hensel Phelps. In this episode, we are talking effective technology pilots, tech deployment at scale, and how these tools and new processes are turning Construction into a more attractive industry.
We discuss:
- Effective technology pilot strategies
- Aligning new tech with a company’s core goals and a team’s specific pain points
- How augmentation improves worker experience & safety
- Agile software tools versus legacy technology and processes
- The ROI of robotics deployment at scale
Digital Builder is hosted by Eric Thomas of Autodesk.
Hear more episodes like this one by subscribing to Digital Builder on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Play, YouTube, or wherever you listen to podcasts.
It’s no secret that manual labor in construction can take a significant toll on the human body, and high-strain activities can have a long-term health impact for workers.
That’s where Robotics comes in: By augmenting how workers do their jobs today, robots are helping to relieve them of the burden of many high-strain tasks, freeing workers to do their jobs faster, safer, and more efficiently.
In this episode recorded live at Autodesk University, Eric sits down with Brooke Gemmell, Emerging Technology Partner at Skanska, to break down the current state of robotics in construction and how it will impact the industry in the coming years.
We discuss:
- How robots make manual labor and redundant activities easier
- The biggest myths about robotics in construction
- Benefits for adopting robotics & technology
- Biggest obstacles to widespread adoption and how to mitigate them
- Best practices for successful adoption
Digital Builder is hosted by Eric Thomas of Autodesk.
Hear more episodes like this one by subscribing to Digital Builder on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Play, YouTube, or wherever you listen to podcasts.
As the construction industry continues to digitize, companies are faced with endless possibilities thanks to access to exponentially more and better data, truly digitized workflows, technology like augmented reality, and communication tools that improve speed and efficiency.
To dive into all of these and more, Matthew Cordova, Director of Construction Technology at Hermanson Company, Matt Lamb, the Chief Information Officer at Rosendin Electric, join Eric Thomas in another live episode of Digital Builder hosted on LinkedIn Live!
We discuss:
- Ensuring a balanced workload when integrating new tech into existing processes
- Properly implementing new tech with different teams in the same organization
- Security considerations and best practices with new technology and AI tools like ChatGPT
- How AI and better data availability open new revenue lines
- How to begin the digitization process in a way that teams can manage
Digital Builder is hosted by Eric Thomas of Autodesk.
Hear more episodes like this one by subscribing to Digital Builder on Ap
Reality capture technology is transforming what is possible on and off the construction site. Site scanning technologies and augmented and virtual reality are changing the game for construction pros by enabling teams to create a comprehensive view of physical structures and environments.
In this episode recorded live at Autodesk University, Eric is sitting down with Lisa Kelly, VP of EarthCam, and Waleed Zafar, Mission Critical Projects Director at XYZ Reality, to talk about why this technology is so game-changing and how it is impacting the construction industry.
We discuss:
- What VR/AR technology brings to construction projects
- The factors driving fast, widespread adoption
- Best practices for adopting VR/AR technology into your organization
- Why thorough project communication is vital to the success of any new technology
Digital Builder is hosted by Eric Thomas of Autodesk.
Hear more episodes like this one by subscribing to Digital Builder on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Play, YouTube, or wherever you listen to podcasts.
In the second half of our two-part episode with Autodesk colleagues Lisa Chen, Technical Sales Executive, and Ross Wagner, Manager of Technical Sales, we continue talking about the obstacles preventing the industry from digitization and why Legacy Non-Purpose-Built tools are holding companies back.
If you haven't yet, catch the first half of our conversation with Lisa and Ross in Episode 41!
We discuss:
- Why contractors are rejecting digital tools
- The difficult reality of using Legacy Non-Purpose-Built tools
- The tools Lisa & Ross can’t do without on a job site
Digital Builder is hosted by Eric Thomas of Autodesk.
Hear more episodes like this one by subscribing to Digital Builder on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Play, YouTube, or wherever you listen to podcasts.
While remote work becomes more and more accessible and integrated in the workplace, it remains elusive for construction because the very nature of the work requires an onsite workforce. This nuance makes accessibility a difficult hurdle to improve workforce diversity across the industry.
This week, Eric sits down with Camille Hardin, Project Manager at Flint Builders, Inc., to talk about innovative construction tech, the rise of prefab, and a candid look at the challenges facing women working in construction—especially for those out in the field.
We discuss:
- The gender & diversity imbalance in construction
- How prefab can open up career possibilities for underrepresented groups
- The need for increased flexibility in the workplace (and why!)
- The best tech for coordinating the prefab process
Digital Builder is hosted by Eric Thomas of Autodesk.
Hear more episodes like this one by subscribing to Digital Builder on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Play, YouTube, or wherever you listen to podcasts.
We’ve all heard about the value Lean construction can offer our industry. But without robust communication practices, buy-in from all parts of a project, and a work culture that promotes innovation and good mental health practices—organizations are not able to truly maximize the value that’s possible.
In this episode, Eric sits down with Ariana Alvear, Senior Production Manager at The Boldt Company, to deep dive into lean construction, how The Boldt Company is utilizing Integrated Project Delivery or IPD in its processes, and how to solve complex communication challenges that are all too common on construction projects.
We discuss:
- Common communication problems and how to solve them
- Increasing collaborative accountability at all stages of a project’s development
- How Integrated Project Delivery (IPD) works
- Embracing automation and minimizing manual processes
- Creating positive work cultures in construction organizations
Digital Builder is hosted by Eric Thomas of Autodesk.
Hear more episodes like this one by subscribing to Digital Builder on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Play, YouTube, or wherever you listen to podcasts.
When construction projects are at risk and you know the existing processes work, it’s difficult to justify adopting new technologies or workflows. But just as there are risks with adopting something new, there are also risks in refusing to change.
So how can your organization decide when it’s time to adopt new technologies, determine when the risks are too great to avoid implementing changes, and actually evaluate which new tech to adopt?
In this episode, Eric sits down with Autodesk colleagues Lisa Chen, Technical Sales Executive, and Ross Wagner, Manager of Technical Sales, to discuss the risks and rewards of construction technology and how you can navigate digitization effectively.
We discuss:
- How Legacy Non-Purpose-Built tools are impacting construction project sites
- How to approach digitization, why it matters, and how to win support from your organization for new tech
- How digitization impacts revenue and unlocks a company’s competitive advantage
Digital Builder is hosted by Eric Thomas of Autodesk.
Hear more episodes like this one by subscribing to Digital Builder on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Play, YouTube, or wherever you listen to podcasts.
Many workers and leaders alike are feeling the pressure of so much exciting innovation happening across the different sectors of the construction industry. It’s easy to get overwhelmed by the possibilities, the expenses, and the fear of the unknown effects new technology and trends may bring.
In today’s first-ever Digital Builder podcast hosted live on LinkedIn, we have invited three powerhouse leaders and our newest 40 Under 40 construction champions, Andrew Cooper, VDC Engineer at AECOM Hunt, Danielle O’Connell, Senior Director of Emerging Tech at Skanska, USA, and Suchayita (Sue) Bhattacharjee, Director of Preconstruction at Herrero Builders, to break down the latest trends in Construction and how you can navigate them.
We discuss:
- Trends general contractors should look for in 2023
- The future of data in construction
- Trends in robotics and other advanced technology
Digital Builder is hosted by Eric Thomas of Autodesk.
Hear more episodes like this one by subscribing to Digital Builder on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Play, YouTube, or wherever you listen to podcasts.
Training is often one of the most complex and, sadly, often unappreciated programs that organizations provide for their employees, but it doesn’t have to be.
In this episode recorded live at the Autodesk Gallery, Jessica Pollack, Senior Manager of eLearning & Digital Services at Autodesk, shares her expertise in delivering digital learning experiences. Learn about how e-learning training programs enable deeper, more effective onsite training, provide personalized learning experiences for employees, and allow for higher-quality feedback to help improve training.
We discuss:
· Why changing the approach to training in the construction industry is so important
· The need for on-demand, self-paced, digital learning
· How e-learning improves onsite training
· How the Autodesk Construction Cloud Learning Center empowers better digital learning
· How e-learning unlocks professional growth opportunities
Assets Mentioned:
· The Autodesk Gallery
· Autodesk Construction Cloud Learning Center
Digital Builder is hosted by Eric Thomas of Autodesk.
Hear more episodes like this one by subscribing to Digital Builder on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Play, YouTube, or wherever you listen to podcasts.
Construction waste is a major problem that has gone unchecked for years.
Until now.
In this special episode, hear Shannon Goodman, Executive Director of the Lifecycle Building Center, share her expertise on utilizing construction waste for more sustainable and reusable building. Learn about the latest research and projects from the Lifecycle Building Center, and get practical tips and strategies for builders and contractors. Join us and discover how to reduce waste on the job site and find new uses for materials
We discuss:
- Shannon’s Autodesk Theater Talk on reusable construction waste
- The collective impact of the reuse industry
- The economic impact of reusing construction waste for sustainable materials
- The difference in European construction compared to the United States
Digital Builder is hosted by Eric Thomas of Autodesk.
Hear more episodes like this one by subscribing to Digital Builder on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Play, YouTube, or wherever you listen to podcasts.
Technology on job sites has become the standard in construction and it’s only growing by the day. Builders and construction companies need to utilize digitization to not only help plan projects but also when finding new talent to join your team!
In a special episode recorded live at Autodesk University, we’re joined by Ron McGuire, Program Administrator at International Training Institute and Ken Schneider, Training Specialist at United Association, to discuss how trade workers in the construction industry are using technology not only to advance job sites but also to help attract and retain new talent to the AEC world!
We discuss:
- The digitalization of constructions sites
- Bringing the younger generation of workers to employers with tech
- Meeting demand through technology
- The biggest trends in construction
Digital Builder is hosted by Eric Thomas of Autodesk.
Hear more episodes like this one by subscribing to Digital Builder on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Play, YouTube, or wherever you listen to podcasts.
Happy holidays from everyone at Digital Builder! We have some exciting plans ahead for 2023 and can’t wait to share them with you.
In the meantime, be sure to catch up with all our episodes on your favorite podcast platform and subscribe to our YouTube page as well where you can watch each episode as well!”
When working in the construction industry, it can be a tall task to keep every contractor, engineer, and project manager on the same page. With the help of Building Information Modeling (BIM), keeping everyone on the same page can go a long way to achieving that goal. But there’s much more to the technology that impacts both your field teams and those working from the office.
Kelli Lubeley, BIM Program Manager at Cupertino Electric, and Jeremy Thibodeau, Senior Manager of Customer Success at Autodesk, join the show to discuss how BIM implementation has developed over the years, how using the technology from start to finish in the construction industry is improving the overall process, ultimately reaching every aspect of how we build.
We discuss:
- The applications of BIM for all types of stakeholders in their day-to-day jobs
- Busting common BIM myths and misconceptions
- The ideal state of BIM implementation vs. what’s actually happening today
- Guidance for implementing BIM at your own company
Digital Builder is hosted by Eric Thomas of Autodesk.
Hear more episodes like this one by subscribing to Digital Builder on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Play, YouTube, or wherever you listen to podcasts.
Can’t see the links? Just search for Digital Builder in your favorite podcast player.
While making several job transitions throughout one’s career has become a more common occurrence, it wasn’t always that way, and there are still hugely impactful benefits to spending a longer time working in a company you love. That’s why we were excited to sit down with Jim Lynch, Senior Vice President of Autodesk Construction Solutions, who is celebrating his 25th year as a part of the Autodesk organization.
Throughout those 25 years, Jim has held strategic leadership roles in AEC product development, product management, and marketing, and led his team in the development of cutting edge solutions to meet construction customers’ needs.
In this episode, we discuss:
- Jim’s top lessons from 25 years of experience working at Autodesk
- What it takes to be a partner to customers rather than just another software vendor
- The importance of planning, innovating, and executing quickly to stay ahead of the competition
- Why in-person connection is so powerful.
Digital Builder is hosted by Eric Thomas of Autodesk.
Hear more episodes like this one by subscribing to Digital Builder on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Play, YouTube, or wherever you listen to podcasts.
Can’t see the links? Just search for Digital Builder in your favorite podcast player.
What do the cloud and trust have in common? A lot, actually. Autodesk CEO Andrew Anagnost is on a mission to create a high-trust ecosystem in construction building on today’s cloud technology. And the benefits extend far beyond improving efficiency and transparency – it’s about solving construction’s capacity problem.
Recorded live from Autodesk University 2022, we had the incredible opportunity to chat with Andrew about his vision for the future of construction, the legacy he hopes to leave the industry, the value of working in the cloud, and a whole lot more!
This in-person episode was filmed and you can watch the conversation unfold right from our YouTube channel.
Digital Builder is hosted by Eric Thomas of Autodesk.
Hear more episodes like this one by subscribing to Digital Builder on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Play, YouTube, or wherever you listen to podcasts.
Can’t see the links? Just search for Digital Builder in your favorite podcast player.
Live from Autodesk University, this final special episode of Digital Builder brings even more highlights from our exciting return to in-person after 3 years apart.
Our host, Eric Thomas, does his final recap of the week covering what’s been happening while we’re still here in New Orleans.
Live from Autodesk University, this special episode of Digital Builder brings even more highlights from our exciting return to in-person after 3 years apart.
Today, our host Eric Thomas is joined by Cara Wilczynski, Construction Subject Matter Expert Manager at Autodesk.
They discuss the growing excitement as Day 2 of AU kicked off, the biggest takeaways and surprises from the customer community meetups she’s been leading, the most common challenges in AEC that customers are managing, and wrap up by discussing her favorite trends happening in construction today.
Tune in tomorrow for another recap LIVE from New Orleans!
Live from Autodesk University, this special episode of Digital Builder highlights our exciting return to an in-person event after 3 years apart. Our host, Eric Thomas, is joined by Esteban Corrales, the Global Leader of Technical Sales at Autodesk.They discuss his experience moving from working as a Project Manager in construction, his current role leading the Technical Sales team at Autodesk, the most exciting things about this year’s event, and his favorite trends and predictions for construction in the coming years.
The typical approaches to training can sometimes feel unengaging, uninteresting, or disconnected. A miss with your training approach can mean new team members are underprepared to take on their new responsibilities.
Most of us know the pain of sitting through hours long training sessions that seem to cover everything except what we actually need to know to do our jobs effectively. But it doesn’t have to be this way.
This week, we sat down with Brian Popis, Senior Transformation Engineer, and Nick Bobbitt, Business Transformation Manager at Barton Malow to distill their strategy for onboarding and training for new software that prioritize flexibility, skill building, increased efficiency, and staff retention.
In this episode, we discuss:
- How Barton Malow utilizes on-demand training to rapidly (and successfully) integrate and expand new software systems
- How successful training programs lead to increased job satisfaction, effective preparation, and drives better business outcomes
- How to organize your content so that it is accessible and easy to navigate
- How to develop a training program and create an actionable feedback loop
- A sneak preview of Brian and Nick’s upcoming presentation at Autodesk University
Mentioned during the show:
- Register for Autodesk University!
Autodesk University is the design and make conference for innovators everywhere happening September 27-29, 2022, in New Orleans, LA. We are hosting thousands of industry professionals like you so that you can grow your network, find inspiration, and connect with industry experts who are leading the way in architecture, engineering, construction, design, manufacturing, media, and entertainment.
Digital Builder is hosted by Eric Thomas of Autodesk.
Hear more episodes like this one by subscribing to Digital Builder on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Play, YouTube, or wherever you listen to podcasts.
Can’t see the links? Just search for Digital Builder in your favorite podcast player.
In this special episode of Digital Builder, we are unpacking everything you need to know as you prepare for Autodesk University this September in New Orleans, LA. To do that, we have brought on three brilliant guests that know the ins and outs of this year’s conference.First, Eric sits down with Autodesk’s Director of Experiential Programs and Global Brand & Communications, Adam Sopko, to talk about how his team has been preparing to make this year’s live event unforgettable, the revitalization of networking opportunities, and the insights he has gained from hosting digital-only events over the last 2 years.
Next, Eric sits down with Autodesk’s Director of Customer Experience & Industry Advocacy, Allison Scott, and Autodesk’s Experiential Manager of Construction, Zet Norman. They share how Autodesk University has impacted their careers, look at what’s in store for attendees, unpack some of the can’t-miss construction sessions, and uncover how to make the most of your time at Autodesk University.
Autodesk University is the design and make conference for innovators everywhere happening September 27-29, 2022, in New Orleans, LA. We are hosting thousands of industry professionals like you so that you can grow your network, find inspiration, and connect with industry experts who are leading the way in architecture, engineering, construction, design, manufacturing, media, and entertainment.
Mentioned during the show:
- Register for Autodesk University!
- Join The Big Room – Autodesk’s Construction Community
- Visit the Autodesk Construction Cloud Learning Center
Digital Builder is hosted by Eric Thomas of Autodesk.
Hear more episodes like this one by subscribing to Digital Builder on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Play, YouTube, or wherever you listen to podcasts.
Can’t see the links? Just search for Digital Builder in your favorite podcast player.
For as long as we’ve been building things, the construction industry has successfully found ways to navigate tough times.
In recent years the industry once again has adapted to rapidly changing conditions in ways that will impact how construction businesses operate moving forward.
Two leaders from CRB , Greg Casper , Director of Estimating, and Marc Hanson , Senior Director of Construction Operation – Midwest Region, join the show to share the lessons they’ve learned while navigating these recent challenges.
We discuss:
- The biggest areas of risk
- 3 strategies for navigating uncertainty and risk
- New approaches to prefabrication
- Examples of technology improving project delivery
Mentioned during the show:
- Worried about construction cost inflation?
- EP 22 - Construction Contracts & Payments: Tips for Subcontractors & GCs w/ Karalynn Cromeens
- Harnessing the Data Advantage in Construction
- After the Revolution: Understanding a Decade of Change in Project Delivery Systems and Their Impact on Project Performance
Digital Builder is hosted by Eric Thomas of Autodesk .
Hear more episodes like this one by subscribing to Digital Builder on Apple Podcasts , Spotify , Google Play , YouTube , or wherever you listen to podcasts.
Can’t see the links? Just search for Digital Builder in your favorite podcast player.
The Infrastructure Investment & Jobs Act was recently signed into law in the United States and it’s poised to have a big impact on the construction industry.
We’re delving into the nuances of the bill to uncover what’s included, how it will influence future work, and how contractors can prepare for the opportunity.
Our panel of experts include:
- Alex Etchen, Senior Director of Government Relations at Associated General Contractors of America
- Jimmy Christianson , Vice President of Government Relations at Associated General Contractors of America
- Ryan Walker , Senior Vice President of Federal Affairs at Shumaker Advisors
We discuss:
- What’s included in the bill (and what’s not!)
- How contractors can prepare now for upcoming project funding
- How to choose what types of federal work to bid on
- How to manage changing costs and material supply during market uncertainty
Have questions about anything discussed in the episode?
- Alex: alex.etchen@agc.org
- Jimmy: jimmy.christianson@agc.org
- Ryan: rwalker@shumakeradvisors.com
Digital Builder is hosted by Eric Thomas of Autodesk.
Hear more episodes like this one by subscribing to Digital Builder on Apple Podcasts , Spotify , Google Play , YouTube or wherever you listen to podcasts.
Can’t see the links? Just search for Digital Builder in your favorite podcast player.
Wearable technology increases worker safety, efficiency, and improves access to construction jobsites.
Needless to say, it’s revolutionizing the construction industry as we know it.
In this episode, we’re going to discover what wearables are, how they work, and how to implement them into your construction workflows.
To do that, we’ve invited three guests:
-
Dr. Lorenz Lachauer , Head of Solution at NavVis
-
Ken Lustig , Co-Founder, SVP of Corporate and Legal Affairs at RealWear
-
Niran Shrestha , Co-Founder of Kwant
We discuss:
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What qualifies as a wearable in construction
-
Wearable tech benefits and myths
-
How to determine the right wearable tech for your project
-
Which data to collect and how to analyze it
Mentioned during the podcast:
-
Harnessing the Data Advantage in Construction
-
Have an idea for the show? Reach out on Twitter or on LinkedIn
Digital Builder is hosted by Eric Thomas of Autodesk.
Hear more episodes like this one by subscribing to Digital Builder on Apple Podcasts , Spotify , Google Play , or wherever you listen to podcasts.
Can’t see the links? Just search for Digital Builder in your favorite podcast player.
Imagine having an accurate digital version of the real environment on your construction project.
That’s exactly what reality capture and site scanning provide. But the potential impact and scope from capturing this data is much bigger than that.
Kipp Ivey , National Key Account Manager at Faro , and Adam Settino , Solutions Engineer Manager at Openspace , join the show to break down what it is, why it’s useful, and how it works.
We discuss:
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The purpose of reality capture and site scanning and the hardware involved
-
Common myths around reality capture
-
How to decide on the appropriate tool to use on a project
-
How to navigate the implementation process
Mentioned during the podcast:
-
Harnessing the Data Advantage in Construction
-
Waypoint 2021 Powered by Openspace
Digital Builder is hosted by Eric Thomas of Autodesk .
Hear more episodes like this one by subscribing to Digital Builder on Apple Podcasts , Spotify,Google Play , or wherever you listen to podcasts.
Can’t see the links? Just search for Digital Builder in your favorite podcast player.
As we leave 2021 behind, it’s time to look at the economic outlook for the construction industry in 2022.
For that, we turn to Richard Branch, Chief Economist at Dodge Data & Analytics and anchorman for the prestigious and widely-circulated Dodge Construction Outlook. In this episode, he highlights some of the challenges and opportunities the industry will face in the coming year.
We discuss:
- Which construction sectors can expect the most growth and opportunity in the United States
- Guidance on how to tackle the biggest challenges facing the construction industry
- How the newly passed infrastructure bill will impact the industry outlook
Mentioned during the podcast:
- Episode 22 of Digital Builder w/ Karalynn Cromeens
- Episode 23 of Digital Builder w/ Stephan Mansour
Digital Builder is hosted by Eric Thomas of Autodesk.
Hear more episodes like this one by subscribing to Digital Builder on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Play, or wherever you listen to podcasts.
Can’t see the links? Just search for Digital Builder in your favorite podcast player.
From Eric & the Digital Builder team: We’re taking a break for the holidays, but we’ll be back with a brand new episode on January 11th!
Until then, listen to five of the must-hear episodes from 2021, covering topics such as Autodesk University, diversity in construction, construction’s industrial revolution, and how trust impacts the construction industry.
Thanks for tuning into the show, and we wish you all a safe and restful holiday break.
Digital Builder is hosted by Eric Thomas of Autodesk.
Hear more episodes like this one by subscribing to Digital Builder on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Play, or wherever you listen to podcasts.
Can’t see the links? Just search for Digital Builder in your favorite podcast player.
Many industry leaders have heard of 3D printing, usually in the context of concrete or small-scale homebuilding. But that’s just the tip of the iceberg! When leveraged successfully, 3D printing can play a key role in structural components (big and small), spare parts, fixtures (like faucets and door knobs), and even the furniture that inhabits a space.
Our guest, Stephan Mansour, 3D Printing & Emerging Technology Advisor at MaRiTama Ltd., is leading the international team that is developing global 3D printing standards from the ground up, and in this episode, he takes us on a journey into the world of 3D printing in construction.
We discuss:
- Common misconceptions about 3D printing
- How supply chain issues have increased interest in 3D printing for construction
- How to implement 3D printing into your organization
- How upcoming standards will enable mass adoption
Mentioned during the podcast:
- Episode 15 - “Why Global Data Standards & ISO 19650 are the Future of Collaboration w/ Frederico Ramos & Marek Suchocki”
- Reach out to Stephan on LinkedIn or at stephan.mansour@gmail.com
Digital Builder is hosted by Eric Thomas of Autodesk.
Hear more episodes like this one by subscribing to Digital Builder on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Play, or wherever you listen to podcasts.
Can’t see the links? Just search for Digital Builder in your favorite podcast player.
In a perfect world, a contract should include a clear set of instructions that conveys well-defined expectations to all parties concerned. In reality, it’s often a monster document packed full of legalese that no one really understands.
It doesn’t have to be this way.
Today’s guest, Karalynn Cromeens, Owner & Managing Partner at The Cromeens Law Firm, joins the show to share the steps everyone can take to make contracts more straightforward and less contentious.
We discuss:
- The current state of construction contracts
- The difference between secured and unsecured debts
- How to protect yourself when it comes to contracting and payment terms
- Best practices for handling change orders
- Construction technology and the future of contracting and payments
Check out these resources we mentioned during the podcast:
- Quit Getting Screwed
- Subcontractor Institute
- Episode 20 of Digital Builder
Digital Builder is hosted by Eric Thomas of Autodesk.
Hear more episodes like this one by subscribing to Digital Builder on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Play, or wherever you listen to podcasts.
Can’t see the links? Just search for Digital Builder in your favorite podcast player.
Incredible opportunities exist for those who build a strong strategy for managing their data.
As the speed of decision-making in our industry continues to increase, data can help make not only faster decisions, but better decisions too.
Plus, if you build a strong data strategy, you’ll be setting yourself up to leverage more advanced technologies further down the line.
Jay Bowman, Managing Director of Research & Analytics at FMI, and Andy Leek, Vice President - Technology & Innovation at PARIC Corporation, join the show to discuss the many benefits of having a strong data strategy in construction.
We discuss:
- The state of construction data today
- How to make sure you’re capturing useful data
- How a baseline of data strategy leads to more advanced technologies
- Improving data literacy in construction
- The future of data in construction
Check out these resources we mentioned during the podcast:
- Harnessing the Data Advantage in Construction
- Harnessing the Data Advantage in Construction (Audiobook Version)
Digital Builder is hosted by Eric Thomas of Autodesk.
Hear more episodes like this one by subscribing to Digital Builder on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Play, or wherever you listen to podcasts.
Can’t see the links? Just search for Digital Builder in your favorite podcast player.
A true platform is more than just a list of APIs connected to a SaaS solution. It provides a single experience where designers, engineers, and builders can harness the data and tools they need whenever and wherever they need them.
So, how can you ensure you’re getting a true platform experience?
Jim Lynch, Senior Vice President & General Manager, and Sid Haksar, Head of Construction Strategy, both with Autodesk, join the show to answer that question. Plus, they share pivotal moments from Autodesk University and their thoughts on where construction is heading.
Topics covered:
- Highlights from Autodesk University
- The definition and benefits of a true platform approach
- Which questions to ask while evaluating platforms and construction technology
- Big themes surfacing about the future of construction
Resources mentioned during the podcast:
- Harnessing the Data Advantage in Construction
- Watch everything released during Autodesk University 2021 for FREE
Digital Builder is hosted by Eric Thomas of Autodesk.
Hear more episodes like this one by subscribing to Digital Builder on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Play, or wherever you listen to podcasts.
Can’t see the links? Just search for Digital Builder in your favorite podcast player.
Augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) have come a long way in a short amount of time. In fact, you might not even be aware of the wide range of potential applications they have in the construction industry.
Broadly speaking, these tools can assist builders and owners alike at every stage of the project life cycle and ensure that the final product matches the initial vision.
Want to know more?
Angel Say, CEO and Co-Founder of Resolve, and Dr. Mani Golparvar, CTO and Co-Founder of Reconstruct Inc., join the show to explain what is possible with AR and VR in construction.
Topics covered:
How AR and VR have evolved and the technology has improved
Where these tools fit in to the project lifecycle
Getting started with AR and VR yourself
Potential advances in the technology coming in the next five years
Digital Builder is hosted by Eric Thomas of Autodesk.
Hear more episodes like this one by subscribing to Digital Builder on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Play, or wherever you listen to podcasts.
Can’t see the links? Just search for Digital Builder in your favorite podcast player.
There’s a common misconception around prefabrication — that it amounts to bland, cookie-cutter boxes rolling off an assembly line. But the truth is that prefabrication techniques can allow design teams to produce beautiful, innovative designs that meet the distinct needs of individual clients.
So what exactly is prefabrication and how can it benefit you?
Nick Coubray, CEO at Howick Ltd., and Amr Raafat, VP of VDC & Technology at Windover Construction, join the show to break it all down.
We discuss:
-The benefits behind the technology
-The common myths associated with it
-Some successful real world examples
-Getting started with prefabrication
Learn How Windover shed 3 month off schedule by utilizing Modular, Offsite Construction and BIM Technologies
https://constructionblog.autodesk.com/windover-construction-modular-construction/
IDEA ™ Innovations for Design, Engineering and Automation
https://www.windover.com/how-we-build/the-idea-platform/
Windover’s Historic Restoration Project: Collaboration between Windover and Howick – Leading-edge Telescopic manufacturing, BIM and Laser scan Technologies.
https://vimeo.com/comptondc/review/507417440/f8e855e0a2
Digital Builder is hosted by Eric Thomas of Autodesk.
Hear more episodes like this one by subscribing to Digital Builder on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Play, or wherever you listen to podcasts.
Can’t see the links? Just search for Digital Builder in your favorite podcast player.
Collaboration and communication are crucial in the AEC industry. When everyone involved in a project is on the same page, it makes the entire process run that much smoother.
Because of where they sit in the life of a project, today’s guests have a unique perspective on the AEC industry and on enhancing cooperation within the construction process.
Eddie Campbell, COO, and Tyler Campbell, VP of ABSI (Accelerated Building Solutions, Inc.) and co-hosts of the Construction Brothers Podcast, share their insight into how collaboration can be improved throughout the project life cycle.
Topics covered:
-Ways to improve the bidding process
-Effective management styles
-Where subcontractors are empowered to improve collaboration
-Tips for successfully navigating contract disputes
Digital Builder is hosted by Eric Thomas of Autodesk.
Hear more episodes like this one by subscribing to Digital Builder on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Play, or wherever you listen to podcasts.
Can’t see the links? Just search for Digital Builder in your favorite podcast player.
A digital twin is a living, breathing, real-time reflection of a built asset that helps you holistically understand the performance of that asset.
Bob Bray, Senior Director & General Manager at Autodesk, and Tim Kelly, Senior Product Manager at Autodesk, join us to uncover the world of digital twin technology.
Topics covered:
-What is a digital twin, and how is it created?
-The benefits of adopting a digital twin
-Tips and avoidable challenges when implementing a digital twin
-Maintaining digital assets and the future of digital twin technology
-The incubator process at Autodesk
Interested in learning more about Autodesk Tandem? Check it out here.
Digital Builder is hosted by Eric Thomas of Autodesk.
Hear more episodes like this one by subscribing to Digital Builder on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Play, or wherever you listen to podcasts.
Can’t see the links? Just search for Digital Builder in your favorite podcast player.
As the volume of project data increases, and the AEC industry collaborates across ever larger regions of the globe, it’s important to ensure that the processes we use every day remain scalable and sustainable.
Marek Suchocki, Infrastructure Industry Engagement Lead at Autodesk, and Frederico Ramos, Principal at Aedas, join Eric to discuss global data standards and collaboration tips for global construction teams.
Topics discussed:
-The importance of global data standards in AEC
-What exactly is ISO 19650?
-How data standards are created and implemented
-The challenge when teams leverage conflicting data standards
-Tips for implementation when scaling into new regions
-The future of common data standards
Digital Builder is hosted by Eric Thomas of Autodesk.
Hear more episodes like this one by subscribing to Digital Builder on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Play, or wherever you listen to podcasts.
Can’t see the links? Just search for Digital Builder in your favorite podcast player.
Our modern, digitized construction industry collects a massive amount of data. With the help of AI and machine learning, the industry has reached a tipping point where — rather than drowning in the data — we can leverage it to predict risks and guide where we should focus our resources.
This week, I’m joined by Josh Kanner, Founder and CEO of Smartvid.io and Pat Keaney, Director of Product Management, Intelligence in Autodesk Construction R&D.
What we talked about:
-What exactly Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence really are
-Common misconceptions about this type of technology
-How Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning are used today in construction, including real-world examples
-What we can expect in the future (surprise—the future is already here!)
Digital Builder is hosted by Eric Thomas of Autodesk.
Hear more episodes like this one by subscribing to Digital Builder on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Play, or wherever you listen to podcasts.
Can’t see the links? Just search for Digital Builder in your favorite podcast player.
Building 40,000 economically and environmentally sustainable housing units by 2030 is certainly an ambitious goal. It’s also an important one.
Randy Norton, Founder and Chairman of the Board at MultiGreen Properties, and Levi Naas, Director of Real Estate Development, also with MultiGreen, share how they plan to tackle the global affordable housing crisis through innovative, sustainable, owner-driven building strategies.
Topics we covered:
-MultiGreen’s goal of building 40,000 sustainable housing units by 2030
-The difference between sustainable construction and green building
-First steps a company can take to start building sustainable construction projects
-Evaluating construction technology and collaboration tools from an owner’s perspective
-Making the right decisions about managing your data before starting a project
Digital Builder is hosted by Eric Thomas of Autodesk.
Hear more episodes like this one by subscribing to Digital Builder on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Play, or wherever you listen to podcasts.
Can’t see the links? Just search for Digital Builder in your favorite podcast player.
Safety is always top of mind for construction leaders across the globe and this mentality has grown even further due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. With that being said, what newly implemented changes to safety on the jobsite are here to stay?
Joining Eric to discuss construction safety week and how to create an impactful safety culture at your company are Lee Evans, Co-Founder & Chief Growth Officer of myComply, and Stan Singh, Director of Product Management at Raken. They also discuss:
-How has the pandemic impacted safety and construction environments?
-What will the ‘new normal’ in construction safety look like in the future?
-When is the best time to implement safety measures and a culture of safety?
-Creating a robust safety culture at your company that explores new technology
-Choosing a tech stack with a clear focus on safety
To find more information about Safety Week, visit https://www.constructionsafetyweek.com/.
The Digital Builder podcast can be found on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or by visiting our website!
While countries in EMEA (Europe, Middle East, Africa) are in different phases of digitizing their construction industries, there’s one thing at the front of everyone’s mind:
New technology is expensive. But the costs of resisting change can be even higher.
UK-based design and technology enthusiasts Ivana Tudja (BIM and Digital Engineering Lead at Mace) and Matt Keen (Sr. Industry Strategist at Autodesk) join Eric to discuss…
-How digital transformations are unfolding in EMEA
-How to create positive measurable outcomes for construction groups
-Why formerly disparate solutions are now interconnecting
-The challenges correlated with digitizing construction workflows
-Which KPIs you should consider when improving project delivery
Resources mentioned:
Matt Keen’s AU class, Behind the Numbers: How We Can Improve Construction KPIs
Autodesk’s Workflow Benchmarking Tool
From Construction to Production initiative
Digital Builder is hosted by Eric Thomas of Autodesk.
Hear more episodes like this one by subscribing to Digital Builder on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Play, or wherever you listen to podcasts.
Can’t see the links? Just search for Digital Builder in your favorite podcast player.
There are a lot of challenges surrounding the adoption of BIM, even on a national level. Will we ever reach a global standard for Building Information Modeling?
To discuss the future of BIM adoption and standardization across the world is Ariel Castillo — Strategic Process & VDC Specialist at Miller-Davis Company — and Steve Rollo — National BIM/VDC Manager at Graham.
In this episode, they cover…
-
Understanding what Building Information Modeling (BIM) and VDC (Virtual Design & Construction) really mean
-
The biggest challenges with rolling out new construction technologies
-
What BIM adoption & standardization have looked like in Latin America & Canada
-
Predictions for BIM globally in 5-10 years
Digital Builder is hosted by Eric Thomas of Autodesk.
Hear more episodes like this one by subscribing to Digital Builder on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Play, or wherever you listen to podcasts.
Can’t see the links? Just search for Digital Builder in your favorite podcast player.
The influx of jobs for construction groups can be tricky to handle. To move forward in 2021 and manage the sudden boost in work, construction leaders need to leverage what we learned in 2020.
Joining Eric to discuss Autodesk’s 2021 Construction Outlook Report and how to manage the current spike in project bidding activity are Gregg Schoppman, Principal at FMI, and Matt Steere, Construction Industry Strategist at Autodesk.
They also discuss…
-Key insights from the 2021 Autodesk Construction Outlook report
-How to use the Outlook report to initiate a recovery from the pandemic
-Why expecting a full transition back to “normal” shouldn’t be our focus
-What the future of work looks like for construction in a post-Covid-19 world
-The pandemic’s impact on work culture for the construction industry
Digital Builder is hosted by Eric Thomas of Autodesk.
Hear more episodes like this one by subscribing to Digital Builder on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Play, or wherever you listen to podcasts.
Can’t see the links? Just search for Digital Builder in your favorite podcast player.
When you think about innovation on the job site, technology is probably the first thing that comes to mind. But innovation — especially in the construction industry — is so much more than new technology. It’s about collaboration and supporting diversity with events like Women in Construction Week.
In this episode, Eric speaks with Jennifer Suerth (VP of Technical Services at Pepper Construction) and Cara Wilczynski (Construction Customer Outcome Exec at Autodesk) about…
-How to execute innovation in construction as an industry leader
-The significance of Women in Construction Week
-Tips for fostering a culture of innovation at your organization
-Ways to promote diversity at your company
-Advice for newcomers in the construction industry
Check out the ACE Mentor Program here.
Digital Builder is hosted by Eric Thomas of Autodesk.
Hear more episodes like this one by subscribing to Digital Builder on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Play, or wherever you listen to podcasts.
Can’t see the links? Just search for Digital Builder in your favorite podcast player.
2020 was a hard year for everybody — personally and professionally. As we get deeper into 2021, we wanted to honor and learn from the construction leaders who remained resilient not just for themselves, but for their teams.
Samiha Shakil, Sr. VDC Engineer at Skanska, and Carolina Alvarez, President & Founder of J&S Building Maintenance, are both nominees of Autodesk’s 40 Under 40: Champions of Construction 2020. They join Eric to discuss…
-How they kept their teams operating through the pandemic
-The silver linings coming out of 2020
-Their predictions for the construction industry in 2021
Digital Builder is hosted by Eric Thomas of Autodesk.
Hear more episodes like this one by subscribing to Digital Builder on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Play, or wherever you listen to podcasts.
Unification of your team and your technology will drive productivity and predictability on the jobsite — two things we all need more of.
The awesome thing about a unified construction management solution is that it actually helps your team work better together. It’s a little like knocking out two birds with one stone.
Jim Lynch, Sr. VP & General Manager at Autodesk, joins Eric in this episode to share how a unified approach helps construction teams get more done faster and safer.
Plus, the two talk about…
-The Why behind new product announcements at Autodesk University
-How a unified construction management platform helps data flow more freely
-The current state of the construction industry
-Predictions for the future of construction and industrialization
Digital Builder is hosted by Eric Thomas of Autodesk.
Hear more episodes like this one by subscribing to Digital Builder on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Play, or wherever you listen to podcasts.
The antidote for fear is knowledge. The construction firms that are open to exploring new technologies and solutions are growing the fastest and moving the construction industry forward.
In this episode of Digital Builder, Eric catches up with Brandon LaCourciere, Director of Customer Success at Autodesk, and Mark Decker, a Senior Manager at CDM Smith. The group discusses…
-How the right APIs can help construction technology ecosystems
-Best practices for evaluating technology vendors
-Common misconceptions about APIs
Digital Builder is hosted by Eric Thomas of Autodesk.
Hear more episodes like this one by subscribing to Digital Builder on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Play, or wherever you listen to podcasts.
From Eric & the Digital Builder team: Wishing our listeners a very Happy Holidays!
We will resume with fresh new episodes in January.
Stay safe, healthy, and enjoy your time off!
Digital Builder is hosted by Eric Thomas of Autodesk.
Hear more episodes like this one by subscribing to Digital Builder on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Play, or wherever you listen to podcasts.
Across many construction sites, trust is just assumed. No one really prioritizes it or thinks about how it could improve performance.
What if safety were viewed the same way on a job site? We’d be in big trouble. At the same time, trust leads to improved safety.
Jay Bowman, Managing Director of Research & Analytics at FMI, and Nathan Wood, Founder & Chief Enabling Officer at SpectrumAEC, join Eric to discuss…
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Steps you can take to elevate trust in your company
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Incentives for prioritizing trust across the job site
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How the pandemic has impacted trust in construction
Resources mentioned:
The High Cost of Low Trust research report
Autodesk Construction Meet Ups
WorkLife w/ Adam Grant
The Big Room from Autodesk
constructionprogress.org
Connect w/ Nathan on LinkedIn or Twitter @nathancwood
Connect w/ Jay on LinkedIn or email at jbowman@fminet.com
Digital Builder is hosted by Eric Thomas of Autodesk.
Hear more episodes like this one by subscribing to Digital Builder on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Play, or wherever you listen to podcasts.
What if workforce management was as easy as drafting for your fantasy football league? Simply identify the background and location of the professional you need–spreadsheets no longer required.
Lauren Lake and Mallorie Brodie founded Bridgit to do just that and more. Plus, they used input from interviewing numerous GCs out on the job to help build products the construction industry needed. In this episode, the two ConTech experts talk to Eric about…
-“Crane hunting” and their process for uncovering industry pain points
-Why advancing technology in construction is so challenging
-How they proved to investors that the industry needed their products
-How to come up with solid business ideas
Follow Bridgit on Linkedin @https://www.linkedin.com/company/bridgit/
Digital Builder is hosted by Eric Thomas of Autodesk.
Hear more episodes like this one by subscribing to Digital Builder on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Play, or wherever you listen to podcasts.
Sometimes you need a little push to get the ball rolling on something big.
That’s why one of the most challenging times in the construction industry has us on the verge of our very own industrial revolution.
Director of Industry Innovation at NECA, Josh Bone, joins Eric to share how perceptions of construction are changing because of the fast adoption of new technology. Plus, the two chat about…
-What contractors are doing with the data compiled from job sites
-Why construction leaders need to change their mindsets toward the industry
-How and why contractors are engaging more with tradespeople
-The value data can bring to construction
For more information, visit https://www.necanet.org/
Digital Builder is hosted by Eric Thomas of Autodesk.
Hear more episodes like this one by subscribing to Digital Builder on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Play, or wherever you listen to podcasts.
The construction industry relies on architecture, engineering, and construction leaders to lift up workers with diverse backgrounds.
It’s our responsibility - and a critical topic that we need to address today, in order to ensure the long-term success and innovation of this thriving industry.
In this episode of Digital Builder you will hear from Cliff Cole, VDC Director at The PENTA Building Group and Allison Scott, Director of Construction Thought Leadership & Customer Marketing at Autodesk.
Some of the key topics discussed will focus on...
-Roadblocks the industry is facing when it comes to diversity and inclusion
-How to create a safe environment to discuss diversity in the workplace
-How you can access the session from Cliff Cole and what else is in store for the first Autodesk University Virtual event - emerging technologies and trends to help you achieve your new possible
Register for AU 2020 (it’s free!!) at autodesk.com/autodesk-university/.
Digital Builder is hosted by Eric Thomas of Autodesk.
Hear more episodes like this one by subscribing to Digital Builder on Apple Podcasts , Spotify , Google Podcast , or wherever you listen to podcasts.