Riskgaming What are the origins of efficiency?
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Jan 14, 2026 Brian Potter, a writer and construction industry expert, dives into the inefficiencies plaguing construction in his illuminating discussion. He reveals why the construction process often feels painfully slow, attributing it to regulatory burdens and unique site challenges. Potter critiques aesthetic uniformity in boosting efficiency and contrasts construction's struggles with other industries' innovations. He also shares insights from his research and offers thoughts on fostering experimentation through policy changes. His passion for improving the sector shines throughout!
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The Katerra Experience
- Brian Potter joined Katerra, a VC-backed prefab construction startup, expecting factories to transform building efficiency.
- The company burned through funding, laid off staff, and later went bankrupt, prompting Potter to investigate why factory-first theses failed.
Blocked Paths To Efficiency
- Paths to efficiency exist but can be blocked, making improvements extremely hard in construction.
- Increased regulation and local opposition have ratcheted up building difficulty, creating a one-two punch against productivity gains.
Why Sites Stall And Thrash
- Construction sequencing is often disjointed because many separate subcontractors each handle specialized tasks.
- Unique sites, surprises, inspections, and organizational fragmentation create waits and thrash that slow projects dramatically.
