Bridging the Gap: Insights & Innovations in Construction

How do construction leaders make better decisions in a world overflowing with data? Recorded live at Autodesk University 2025, this conversation with Frank Phillips and Ashley Grassano from the University of Florida explores how curiosity, culture, and clear communication help teams turn raw information into meaningful action. Frank and Ashley share how the AEC industry can shift from reactive to proactive by embracing data literacy, asking better questions, and building trust between the field and the office. From forecasting risks to creating visibility across teams, this episode highlights how decision-making improves when people, process, and technology finally align. In this episode you’ll learn: Why curiosity (not dashboards) is the real driver of innovation How data transparency builds trust across construction teams Practical steps for improving decision-making in fast-paced environments MEET OUR GUESTS Frank Phillips is Director of Business Affairs Technical Services at University of Florida, where he has over two decades of career experience. Ashely Grassano is Space & GIS Manager at the University of Florida. She manages a team of BIM Coordinators, Space Planners, and GIS Administrators.    TODD TAKES Make Old Buildings Smarter, Not “Smart” A campus-wide push toward digital twins is turning legacy facilities into data-ready assets. The playbook: uplift Revit to a consistent minimum spec, link key MEP assets for location and maintenance, stream live data into Tandem, and anchor everything with GIS. It’s practical, phased modernization—form meets function. Data Is an Asset—Treat It Like One Ownership and flow matter. From ACC adoption to Cost rollout, success comes from redefining processes (not lift-and-shift), onboarding project-by-project, and measuring wins by outcomes (like contractors getting paid). The ethos: the owner funds the work, the owner owns the data—and partners help operationalize it. Scan, Map, Connect—and Then Automate LiDAR for utilities and interiors, geospatially aligned campus models, ACC + Tandem integration, and emerging AI/API upgrades (including easier auth) are building a true “smart campus” foundation. Pair top-down sponsorship with bottom-up field buy-in, and you get faster finds at 2 a.m., fewer “unknowns,” and clearer ROI.   MORE RESOURCES Thanks for listening! Please be sure to leave a rating and/or review and follow up our social accounts. Bridging the Gap Website Bridging the Gap LinkedIn Bridging the Gap Instagram Bridging the Gap YouTube Todd’s LinkedIn   Thank you to our sponsors! Graitec North America Graitec North America LinkedIn Autodesk’s Website   Other Relevant Links: Frank’s LinkedIn Ashley’s LinkedIn University of Florida

What does it take to scale construction innovation without losing the human touch? Recorded live at Autodesk University 2025, this conversation with Jason Waddell, Director of Construction Technology at Batson-Cook Construction, dives into how one of the Southeast’s leading builders is bridging the gap between field and office through connected technology, culture, and collaboration. Jason shares insights on implementing new workflows, training teams on emerging tools, and creating a culture where innovation sticks. From healthcare builds to cutting-edge VDC practices, learn how Batson-Cook is using data, AI, and collaboration to future-proof construction, one project at a time. 💡 You’ll learn: How to implement tech adoption that actually lasts The key to connecting innovation with real jobsite needs Why human-centered leadership is the foundation for digital transformation Practical steps for scaling VDC and data workflows MEET OUR GUEST Jason Waddell is Director of Construction Technology Development at Batson-Cook Construction. Jason has been an estimator for about 18 years and a BIM manager for about 12 years. He also has extensive IT experience, having worked as an IT Support Specialist for over 5 years. TODD TAKES Prefab Unlocks New Efficiencies Prefabrication isn’t just a buzzword—it’s proving itself in real-world projects. By standardizing processes like vertical shafts and pods, teams are speeding up schedules, reducing waste, and creating more predictable outcomes. What once felt experimental is now becoming the expectation. Change Management is the Hardest Innovation Technology alone doesn’t drive transformation—people do. Rolling out new tools requires building trust, meeting teams where they are, and addressing their real pain points. The lesson here is that one-on-one conversations, training champions, and gradual adoption win the day over flashy rollouts. AI and Robotics are Shaping the Next Horizon Artificial intelligence and robotics aren’t replacing people—they’re freeing them. From automatically generating reports to exploring autonomous equipment, these technologies are about reducing repetitive tasks so skilled professionals can focus on higher-value work. The future is less about hype and more about practical applications that genuinely save time and boost safety. MORE RESOURCES Thanks for listening! Please be sure to leave a rating and/or review and follow up our social accounts. Bridging the Gap Website Bridging the Gap LinkedIn Bridging the Gap Instagram Bridging the Gap YouTube Todd’s LinkedIn   Thank you to our sponsors! Graitec North America Graitec North America LinkedIn Autodesk’s Website   Other Relevant Links: Jason’s LinkedIn Batson-Cook Construction

Simon Whelan from FenestraPro returns to Bridging the Gap for another insightful conversation—this time live from Autodesk University! In this episode, Simon and Todd Weyandt dive into the evolving world of facade design, the critical role of sustainability in architecture, and how AI is transforming the design process. Simon shares why early design decisions matter more than ever, clears up common misconceptions about facade analysis, and explores the delicate balance between aesthetics, cost, and performance. This episode is a must-listen for architects, designers, and innovators looking to stay ahead of the curve in a rapidly changing industry. MEET OUR GUEST Simon Whelan is Co-Founder and COO of FenestraPro. He has worked with global firms like AECOM, Gensler, and Jacobs to integrate real-time energy modeling and facade performance directly into their workflows, inside Autodesk Revit and Forma. With a background in architecture and environmental systems (MSc, LEED GA), he bridges the gap between design intent and performance outcomes. TODD TAKES Shift the envelope decisions left Early-stage choices on glazing, shading, and orientation drive most of a building’s comfort, energy, and cost outcomes. With fast feedback loops in tools like Forma (and envelope extensions), teams can iterate on facades before documentation locks them in—letting designers be both creative and analytical where it matters most. AI should remove drudgery, not replace design The win isn’t “AI as auteur,” it’s automating the tedious stuff—option sweeps, target-finding, and heavy documentation—so architects and engineers can focus on judgment and intent. Treat AI like a power tool: useful, fast, and verifiable. Sustainability works when it hits the wallet—and the workflow Sustainability is past the hype and into everyday practice, especially when early envelope moves cut operational costs. The next unlock: stronger interoperability (ideally a common backbone) so insights flow cleanly from concept to detail without getting lost in translation.   MORE RESOURCES Thanks for listening! Please be sure to leave a rating and/or review and follow up our social accounts. Bridging the Gap Website Bridging the Gap LinkedIn Bridging the Gap Instagram Bridging the Gap YouTube Todd’s LinkedIn   Thank you to our sponsors! Graitec North America Graitec North America LinkedIn Autodesk’s Website   Other Relevant Links: Simon’s LinkedIn FenestraPro  

How do we move AI from hype to helpful in civil and site design? Live from AU 2025, ISG’s Jason Douglas shares how connected workflows across Forma, Revit, Civil 3D, and ACC are becoming real; why fast, responsive partners matter; and how Dynamo scripts eliminated version ping-pong to save time in production. We dig into training at scale, automation wins, and what it takes to keep multidisciplinary teams in sync. You’ll learn: How connected workflows across Forma, Revit, Civil 3D, and ACC are breaking down data silos in AEC Why practical automation—like Dynamo scripting—creates real productivity gains for design teams What strong partnerships and responsive support mean for successful tech adoption How AI is shifting from hype to helpful through applied machine learning and predictive tools Ways to keep multidisciplinary teams aligned and trained as technology evolves Why communication and collaboration matter more than ever in achieving digital transformation   MEET OUR GUEST Jason Douglas is a CAD Manager at ISG, with roots in civil design and a passion for practical tech. After starting in architectural drafting, he shifted to civil, became a go-to champion for software adoption, and now leads standards, support, and training across platforms like Civil 3D and ACC—lately extending automation with Dynamo to boost team efficiency. TODD TAKES Connected Workflows Are Becoming Real For years we’ve talked about connected construction as a vision. Now, with tools like Forma and Revit integrating more tightly with Civil 3D and ACC, we’re seeing the walls between disciplines start to come down. This isn’t theory anymore—it’s the beginning of a truly unified way to design, build, and manage projects. Partnerships Drive Practical Innovation Innovation isn’t just about software features; it’s about the relationships and support that make technology adoption possible. The right partner listens, responds quickly, and helps translate tools into outcomes. That kind of support accelerates adoption and creates measurable productivity gains across teams. AI and Automation Need to Deliver Value AI has dominated headlines, but the real impact comes when it moves from hype to reality. Practical applications—whether through automation in ACC, Dynamo scripts in Civil 3D, or predictive insights—are what will change daily workflows. The key is building trust in the technology so it’s seen as a time-saver, not a risk.   More Resources  Thanks for listening! Please be sure to leave a rating and/or review and follow up our social accounts. Bridging the Gap Website Bridging the Gap LinkedIn Bridging the Gap Instagram Bridging the Gap YouTube Todd’s LinkedIn   Thank you to our sponsors! Graitec North America Graitec North America LinkedIn Autodesk’s Website   Other Relevant Links: Jason’s LinkedIn ISG Website

Cliff Cole, Director of Virtual Design and Construction at The PENTA Building Group, discusses how to foster a culture of innovation in construction. With over two decades of experience, he emphasizes the role of empathy and storytelling in driving adoption of new technologies. Cliff explains how to overcome generational barriers to change and highlights the importance of timing when introducing innovations. He advocates for viewing challenges as opportunities and creating psychological safety for teams to experiment with new ideas.

What does it take to build a data strategy that empowers people—rather than overwhelms them? Live from AU Nashville, BIM governance leader Kirsty Hogg unpacks how to build a useful data strategy (not a data swamp), keep feedback lightweight in ACC, and prepare your teams for AI, machine learning, and cloud-first workflows. We dig into lessons-learned capture, lakehouse fundamentals, picking low-friction tools (Ideate, File Sync), and why cultural safety (“it’s OK to learn fast”) turns skeptics into champions. Plus: what seamless interoperability should look like—and how to inch toward it today. You’ll learn: How to frame questions before filling your data lake Practical ways to capture “lessons learned” via ACC issues Change management that actually sticks (and who should be the messenger) Why fewer tools = faster wins—and where AI truly fits next A realistic path toward interoperability and Forma-era workflows MEET OUR GUEST Kirsty Hogg is a BIM Governance Lead based in London, overseeing software strategy, standards, and workflows for a global engineering consultancy. She focuses on practical data governance, cloud-first delivery, and scalable processes that make ACC, Ideate, and automation work for real project teams. Kirsty champions “data with intention,” helping organizations capture the right signals for analytics and AI—while building a culture where learning fast beats perfection. TODD TAKES Data With Intention, Not Accumulation Start with the questions, then collect the data. Keep data feedback capture lightweight (e.g., “lessons learned” via simple ACC issues), make it interoperable, and build your data lake to serve decisions—not to hoard. Machine learning comes after you’ve curated useful, consistent signals. Make It Safe to Learn Fast Change sticks when teams are allowed to “do it wrong” once to see why the better path matters. Spread champions beyond BIM—let others carry the message so the right people hear the “what’s in it for me.” The right messenger accelerates adoption. Fewer Tools, Faster Wins Choose tools with a low learning curve and broad utility to cut cognitive load and speed uptake. Automations and smart syncs free people from busywork so they can focus on value. Keep strategy horizons short, stay cloud-first, and design for interoperability as Forma and AI evolve.   More Resources  Thanks for listening! Please be sure to leave a rating and/or review and follow up our social accounts. Bridging the Gap Website Bridging the Gap LinkedIn Bridging the Gap Instagram Bridging the Gap YouTube Todd’s LinkedIn   Thank you to our sponsors! Graitec North America Graitec North America LinkedIn   Other Relevant Links: Kirsty’s LinkedIn Cundall’s Website

What does it take to make sustainability more than a buzzword? Recorded live at Autodesk University 2025 in Nashville, this conversation with Allison Scott, Director of Customer Experience & Industry Engagement at Autodesk, dives into how sustainability becomes real when it’s woven into the daily workflow. Allison shares how the AEC industry is entering a hockey-stick moment—where data, technology, and culture converge to turn good intentions into measurable impact. From integrating carbon with cost to building a culture of accountability, this episode explores how innovation, accessibility, and human leadership are reshaping the built world for people and planet alike. Highlights from the Conversation Why sustainability must be embedded into everyday workflows How connecting cost and carbon drives smarter business decisions The rise of digital culture and generational change in AEC Turning data into action: the role of tech in reducing emissions Why transformation happens top-down and bottom-up MEET OUR GUEST Allison Scott is Director of Customer Experience & Industry Engagement at Autodesk, leading sustainability initiatives that bridge technology and impact across the built environment. With over 20 years of experience spanning architecture, construction, and tech, Allison focuses on transforming sustainability from a concept into a core business advantage—helping firms design, build, and operate with purpose and performance in mind. TODD TAKES Sustainability Must Be Woven Into the Workflow Allison underscored that sustainability can’t be a side effort or a separate team in the corner—it has to become part of the everyday workflow. Just like BIM or digital field tools, the biggest gains happen when sustainable practices are integrated into decisions early and often. Practicality Turns Buzzwords Into Value Sustainability often feels overwhelming or abstract, but Allison reframed it as a practical, competitive advantage. By tying carbon data directly to cost, companies can ground big goals in everyday project choices—whether it’s reducing waste, reusing materials, or tracking embodied carbon. That shift moves sustainability from “good intentions” to measurable business impact. Transformation Happens Top-Down and Bottom-Up The industry is in a hockey-stick moment where both leadership mandates and grassroots champions are driving change. From superintendents using mobile tools to enterprise-level firms making sustainability part of their strategy, the cultural shift is accelerating. The future of innovation comes from aligning both forces to make sustainable, tech-enabled practices the norm.   More Resources  Thanks for listening! Please be sure to leave a rating and/or review and follow up our social accounts. Bridging the Gap Website Bridging the Gap LinkedIn Bridging the Gap Instagram Bridging the Gap YouTube Todd’s LinkedIn   Thank you to our sponsors! Graitec North America Graitec North America LinkedIn   Other Relevant Links: Allison’s LinkedIn Autodesk’s Website

Jessica Brams-Miller, Director of Design Technology at Hart Howerton, guides us through the complexities of AEC workflows. She explores how collaboration and data sharing can transform daunting challenges into innovations. Jessica highlights the importance of creativity in adapting tools like Revit and Ideate, turning obstacles into learning opportunities. She discusses the need for ongoing communication and upskilling, and dreams of a one-button design generator for hotel concepts. Join her quest to rewrite the rules of the AEC world!

How can construction finally break free from silos and unlock the full power of connected data? Recorded live at Autodesk University 2025 in Nashville, this conversation with Lalith Subramanian, Global VP of Product & Engineering, explores the future of an end-to-end industry cloud — where design, preconstruction, and operations all work from the same living data. Lalith shares insights on creating trust in AI, practical collaboration frameworks, and how selective data sharing is redefining what’s possible for teams across the built environment. 💡 Highlights from the conversation Breaking down data silos with connected workflows Practical ways to “trust but verify” AI in construction Why culture and contracts matter more than code Selective sharing: collaboration without losing control The next evolution of intelligent design feedback loops MEET OUR GUEST Lalith Subramanian is the Global Vice President of Product and Engineering, driving innovation across cloud, data, and AI solutions that connect the full project lifecycle. With over two decades of SaaS and product leadership experience spanning cybersecurity, document management, and digital transformation, Lalith brings a systems-level view to construction’s modernization journey. His focus on practical collaboration, cultural alignment, and trustworthy AI reflects a mission to help teams move from fragmented processes to connected, insight-driven workflows that elevate performance across the built world. TODD TAKES Unify the Lifecycle to Remove Friction Bringing ACC into Forma isn’t a feature drop—it’s the foundation for an end-to-end industry cloud where design, precon, construction, and operations share the same living data. Less handoff friction means fewer early-stage errors and better schedule and margin outcomes. This is the starting line for true lifecycle transformation. Share Data, Keep Control Silos won’t disappear with software alone—trust and contracts matter. The play is selective sharing: let each party keep a full-fidelity copy while securely syncing the right, current data at the right time (think “bridge,” not “dump”). That’s how collaboration grows without sacrificing accountability or IP. AI That Assists—With Sources AI expectations are maturing from “magic button” to “trust but verify.” The wins come from assistive AI that cites sources, accelerates answers, and leaves final judgment with people. Leaders should tailor ROI by stakeholder, pair AI with clear guardrails, and build the culture and workflows that make adoption stick.   More Resources  Thanks for listening! Please be sure to leave a rating and/or review and follow up our social accounts. Bridging the Gap Website Bridging the Gap LinkedIn Bridging the Gap Instagram Bridging the Gap YouTube Todd’s LinkedIn   Thank you to our sponsors! Graitec North America Graitec North America LinkedIn   Other Relevant Links: Lalith’s LinkedIn Autodesk’s Website

What does it take to turn skeptics into champions of innovation? Recorded live at Autodesk University 2025, this conversation with Mark Dinius of Satterfield & Pontikes dives into how one of Texas’s most forward-thinking builders is shaping a “bleeding-edge” culture where technology, trust, and field-first innovation thrive. From leading a major Procore → ACC migration to redefining risk management with data-driven tools, Mark shares practical lessons in change management, intentional tech adoption, and empowering teams to see value in new ways. Highlights from the Conversation How culture turns skeptics into tech champions Why new tools demand new processes—not old habits Building trust through early wins and people-first support Why interoperability beats tool overload every time The future of AI and object-driven data in construction MEET OUR GUEST Mark Dinius is Vice President of Innovation & Technology at Satterfield & Pontikes, where he leads IT, VDC, systems integration, and analytics across commercial, industrial, K–12, and healthcare projects. A BIM pioneer and Purdue alum, Mark has evolved from virtual construction within academia into driving digital transformation in the field—advancing object-driven data, process modernization, and intentional tech adoption to help his teams work smarter, not harder. TODD TAKES Culture Turns Skeptics into Champions SatPon’s “bleeding edge” mindset starts at the top and spreads by proving value on real jobs. Once teams see tech remove risk and save time, the boulder rolls downhill—your hardest skeptics become your loudest advocates. Trust is earned by solving their problems first. Be Intentional: New Tech, New Process Their Procore → ACC migration worked because they didn’t cram old habits into new tools. Clear ownership, phased rollout, and people-first support (training, ticketing, KPIs) kept overwhelm down and adoption up. The same discipline guides AI: avoid point-solution sprawl, prioritize impact. Make the Field’s Job Easier (Object-Driven Data) The win isn’t “more apps”—it’s faster answers where supers already live: the plans. An object-driven approach that ties RFIs, submittals, schedule, costs, and vendor info to the element on screen beats tool-switching every time. Interoperability (and smart tools) should serve that simple goal.   More Resources  Thanks for listening! Please be sure to leave a rating and/or review and follow up our social accounts. Bridging the Gap Website Bridging the Gap LinkedIn Bridging the Gap Instagram Bridging the Gap YouTube Todd’s LinkedIn   Thank you to our sponsors! Graitec North America Graitec North America LinkedIn   Other Relevant Links: Mark’s LinkedIn SatPon’s Website