Brian Potter

Brian Potter, an engineer and author of *The Origins of Efficiency*, dives deep into the reasons why building homes remains prohibitively expensive in America. He discusses the stagnation of housing productivity since the 1970s and the failed ambition of prefab housing startups like Katerra. Potter explains the complexities of modular construction, emphasizing how customization and varied regulations drive costs up. He also considers the potential for future automation in construction to mitigate these challenges, offering a glimpse of hope for more efficient homebuilding.

Brian Potter, a structural engineer and writer at the Institute for Progress, dives into America's aircraft production during WWII. He shares how the U.S. became a manufacturing powerhouse, producing B-24 bombers in under an hour. Potter discusses the challenges of ramping up production, the balance of precision and improvisation, and the critical role of women in factories. He reflects on lessons from this era for today’s supply chain debates and defense readiness, highlighting the importance of preparation and proactive decision-making for future mobilization efforts.

Brian Potter, author of the insightful blog and newsletter Construction Physics, shares his profound understanding of the complexities in building and infrastructure. He emphasizes that ‘things are always more complicated than they seem,’ discussing topics like prefab construction, jet engines, and the evolution of energy technologies. With humility, he addresses misconceptions in shipbuilding and skyscraper speed, revealing intriguing contrasts in historical efficiency. Potter’s passion for detail enriches our appreciation of construction’s challenging yet fascinating nature.

Join Brian Potter, author of 'Construction Physics,' as he unpacks the escalating costs of building in America. He reveals how construction times have dramatically increased due to complex regulations, particularly in urban settings like New York City. The conversation dives into the decline of mobile homes and innovations like 'super trees' that could transform lumber quality. Potter also discusses the challenges facing drywall production and the potential of factory-built homes to reshape the housing landscape.

Brian Potter, a structural engineer and author of "Construction Physics," dives into the stagnation of construction productivity in America, despite advances in technology. He discusses the hurdles faced by modular construction and the pitfalls of relying on outdated methods. Potter also compares America’s efficiency in fracking to its struggles in building infrastructure, highlighting regulatory barriers and the complexities of urban projects. The conversation touches on the legacy of innovation at Bell Labs and the need for fresh strategies to overcome systemic inefficiencies.

Andrew Ross Sorkin, a renowned financial journalist, shares insights from his book "1929," linking past market crashes to today's economic landscape. Brian Potter discusses industrial efficiency, detailing lessons learned from the construction startup Katerra. Henri Stern, co-founder of Privy, reveals the exciting merger with Stripe, aiming to simplify crypto use for mainstream users. Harry Singh talks about his innovative platform, Flow, designed for collaborative hardware development, ushering a new era in aerospace technology. Their engaging conversations illuminate crucial intersections of finance, technology, and industry.

Brian Potter, an engineer and author of the Construction Physics blog, dives into the pressing issues of the construction industry. He explains the challenges and stagnation of construction innovation compared to other industries. The conversation touches on the impracticality of Saudi Arabia's ambitious Line project, the impact of regulations on costs, and the fascination with prefabrication. Potter also imagines the future of skyscraper design and discusses how AI and modern technologies could transform construction efficiency.

In this captivating discussion, Brian Potter, a Senior Infrastructure Fellow at the Institute for Progress, dives into the pressing challenges of the U.S. shipbuilding industry. He explores economic hurdles compared to competitive shipyards in Japan and Korea, emphasizing the drastic decline since WWII. The conversation highlights necessary modernization, the implications of the Jones Act, and the importance of international partnerships. Potter also discusses the evolution of ship design, stressing the need for skilled engineers and strategic planning to ensure naval superiority.

In this engaging conversation, Brian Potter, a structural engineer and author of The Origins of Efficiency, delves into the transformative power of efficiency in production. He describes how improved penicillin production revolutionized healthcare and outlines five key factors driving production efficiency. The discussion also touches on the historical stagnation of technology, the challenges with adopting new processes, and the intriguing Jevons Paradox. Potter provides insights into why promising technologies fail and shares thoughts on the future of housing and construction.

Brian Potter, an infrastructure analyst and author of The Origins of Efficiency, dives into the crucial role of efficiency in shaping human civilization. He discusses how advances in production methods transformed industries, from the mass production of penicillin to innovations by Toyota and Tesla. Potter explains strategies to enhance efficiency, such as reducing waste and mechanization, while exploring the impact of AI on sectors like healthcare and education. His insights reveal the intricate connection between production efficiency and societal advancement.