Bridging the Gap: Insights & Innovations in Construction

We are revisiting a recent favorite episode this week…What are the “limits” of design software—and why push those limits? What makes Las Vegas, Nevada an untapped goldmine for BIM professionals? Join host Todd and guest Alain Michalak as they discuss recruitment of the next generation, the full rundown on StrucSoft, and striking a balance with being reactive, proactive, and responsive to industry demands. Alain Michalak is a BIM Senior Specialist at Performance Contracting, Inc. He is an Architectural and Construction Specialist with passion for practicing early architectural techniques and concepts to modern innovative technology. He has 17 years of experience in Architecture and Structural Design and 9 years of experience in the United States Army. Todd Takes Establishing Strong Rapport for Success Building a solid foundation with stakeholders and team members is crucial for the long-term success of any project. This involves taking the time to genuinely understand and connect with your team, listening attentively to their needs and concerns. Such efforts not only foster a positive working environment but also enhance efficiency and effectiveness, especially when navigating through change management processes. Establishing strong rapport lays the groundwork for a collaborative and supportive project atmosphere, where everyone feels valued and heard. Cultivating Curiosity and Innovation Embracing a mindset of continuous inquiry is key to driving innovation. Don't hesitate to question the status quo and explore new possibilities by asking "why" and experimenting with different approaches. This natural curiosity stimulates creative thinking, leading to the discovery of innovative solutions that might not be immediately apparent. Encouraging yourself and your team to remain curious and open-minded can significantly impact the project's ability to adapt and thrive in a constantly changing environment. Embracing Simplicity as Innovation Keeping things simple is often more challenging than it appears, yet it is a powerful strategy for innovation. In a world cluttered with complex solutions and processes, the ability to streamline and simplify can set your project apart. Simplicity leads to clearer understanding, easier implementation, and better user experience. By focusing on the essentials and removing unnecessary complications, you can achieve more efficient, effective, and innovative outcomes. Remember, simplicity is not just an objective; it's a mindset that can drive groundbreaking ideas and solutions.   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! Applied Software Applied Software LinkedIn   Other Relevant Links: Alain Michalak’s LinkedIn Performance Contracting, Inc. Website  

What does it take to build a lasting legacy in an industry that never sleeps? Peter Lehrer, a legendary name in construction, joins us in our latest episode to discuss. Tune in for Peter’s insights and experiences from decades spent in the industry, a conversation on the importance of the “human element” in every phase of a job, the current need for high-level professionals, Peter’s involvement in rebuilding the Statue of Liberty, and a closer look at what it means to consider your legacy and reputation in this line of work. Peter M. Lehrer is an internationally recognized and highly respected leader in managing large-scale, complex construction projects. He is currently the Chief Executive Officer of PML LLC. Throughout his career, Peter Lehrer has been at the forefront of managing construction for some of the world’s most iconic projects. On a pro-bono basis, he has chaired several government commissions focused on reducing costs and improving efficiency for multi-billion-dollar capital programs.   Todd Takes The Importance of Human Connection in Construction: The human element remains the central factor for success in the construction industry. Effective communication and the ability to understand different perspectives are crucial for achieving project goals. The Power of Empathy and Expression: Having the courage to care, showing empathy, and expressing your opinions effectively are undervalued skills. As Peter said, "It is too easy to let things just passively evolve. Stand up and take ownership." Ego-Free Decision Making: Keeping ego and emotion out of decision-making are key ingredients to developing a successful career and leaving a lasting legacy. Making objective decisions helps foster trust and respect in the industry.   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! Applied Software Applied Software LinkedIn   Other Relevant Links: Peter’s LinkedIn PML LLC

Danielle O’Connell, Sr. Director of Emerging Technology at Skanska USA, dives into the intersection of innovation and construction. She discusses how technology like BIM and robotics can enhance safety and productivity on job sites. Danielle emphasizes treating construction workers like professional athletes to promote well-being. She also shares insights on the importance of continuous education, the role of storytelling in innovation, and the need for strategic data management to effectively implement technology in the industry.

What’s the connection between STEM education and the trades? When it comes to recruiting the new generation, that connection may actually be crucial to the future of the industry. In this episode, Mike McCarthy of Design Communications, Ltd. joined the podcast and sparked an important discussion about the balance between creativity and practicality, the impact of experiential design in large-scale projects, and some surprising ways in which art, engineering, and construction all intersect. Mike McCarthy is Vice President of Design Communications Ltd (DCL), an internationally recognized custom manufacturer of architectural specialty products with locations in Boston, New York, Los Angeles, Seattle, Austin, and Orlando. Mike has been involved with thousands of projects over his 25 year career with DCL. This includes work for Walt Disney World, SoFi Stadium, TD Garden, Madison Square Garden, Gillette Stadium, Netflix, Linked In, Amazon, Facebook, Coca-Cola, Hasbro, Logan Airport and many others.   Todd Takes The Power of Clear Communication: Clear communication upfront is essential for creating alignment and ensuring success. Visual plans are particularly effective in cementing the vision. Long-Term Vision for Building Use: It’s important to have a long-term view of the building’s use case, considering how people will move and interact with the space while ensuring it remains relevant. Adaptation and Innovation for Success: Adaptation is crucial for innovation and long-term success. Attracting and retaining top talent, while making the industry attainable and relatable, can spark interest in construction. 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! Applied Software Applied Software LinkedIn   Other Relevant Links: Mike’s LinkedIn Design Communications, Ltd.

Building Design & Development Consultant Chris Ryan emphasizes finding passion in construction and making your career your own. Trust is key in successful construction relationships, with narrative architecture driving impactful projects.

It’s a common misconception that precon is solely a numbers-and-computers industry. How do we get the word out that in reality, it’s far more complex and full of opportunities? Live from Advancing Preconstruction 2024, Ryan Diekemper of Poettker Construction joins the podcast to spark a conversation about the many different options you have in a precon career, how to tackle communication when the chain of command seems to be a mile long, and why refusing to evolve with the times means “you’ll always be a dinosaur.” Ryan Diekemper is Vice President of Preconstruction at Poettker Construction Company. He has additional experience in the Electrical field, in which he worked for over 15 years. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical and Electronics Engineering from Missouri University and Science and Technology.   TODD TAKES Adoption of AI in Preconstruction: Like in many other sectors, AI is increasingly being integrated into preconstruction. This technology is revolutionizing how we plan and execute projects, offering smarter ways to approach building design and management. Importance of Collaboration: Effective collaboration and continuous communication among all stakeholders are essential in preconstruction. Ensuring everyone is on the same page helps in managing the complexities of construction projects more efficiently. Efficiency and Planning in Preconstruction: Preconstruction is crucial for establishing efficiency and preparing for unforeseen challenges. It involves detailed planning and a deep understanding of where and how to streamline processes to ensure project success.   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! Applied Software Applied Software LinkedIn   Other Relevant Links: Ryan’s LinkedIn Poettker Construction  

Manasi Pitkar, a Senior Preconstruction Director at McCarthy with nearly a decade of experience in construction technology, shares invaluable insights. She discusses how embracing failure can lead to innovation and growth within teams. By acknowledging mistakes, leaders can build trust and foster collaboration. Manasi emphasizes the crucial need for integrating emerging technologies and standardization in construction, while addressing current challenges like labor shortages. Her perspective encourages a supportive culture that welcomes calculated risks and continuous learning.

What’s the key to achieving a relevant, active, and connected career in the industry? The answer lies in your own level of commitment. Live from Advancing Preconstruction 2024, Wes Mayes of The Brandt Companies joins the podcast to discuss the importance of networking, the ways we’re seeing prefabrication and preconstruction overlap with each other, whether AI will make it to the forefront of construction within the next decade, and one of the most interesting and overlooked trends in the industry recently. Wes Mayes is Director of Preconstruction at The Brandt Companies. He has worked at The Brandt Companies for over a decade. He has previous experience as an Estimator and Senior Estimator.   Todd Takes Critical Importance of Data Management in Preconstruction Effective data management and interoperability are essential in the preconstruction phase to streamline workflows and enhance project outcomes. These practices enable seamless sharing and utilization of data across different platforms, ensuring all team members are on the same page. The Promise of AI in Preconstruction Artificial Intelligence holds promising potential to revolutionize preconstruction by providing advanced analytics and predictive capabilities. This technology can lead to more accurate planning, cost estimation, and risk management, significantly improving project efficiency. Cultivating Early Collaboration Creating a culture of early and frequent collaboration is crucial for engaging all stakeholders in the construction process. This approach helps in building consensus and ensuring that every participant has a voice in critical decisions, thus enhancing project buy-in and satisfaction.   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! Applied Software Applied Software LinkedIn   Other Relevant Links: Wes’ LinkedIn The Brandt Companies  

Darrell Torres, Sr. Director of Preconstruction at Irvine Company, shares insights from his two decades of experience in the construction industry. He discusses the transformative effects of AI on project planning and risk assessment, emphasizing its potential to enhance accuracy. The importance of robust data management systems for interoperability and streamlined communication is highlighted. Darrell also stresses the need for a collaborative culture for successful project execution and effective buy-in when implementing new technologies.

What does it mean when a new tech sweeps the industry? Times are changing, but the way we interact with technology on a wider scale seems to be similar. Live from Advancing Preconstruction 2024, Devin Sherman joins the podcast to discuss the way AI is received in construction, the riskiness involved in preconstruction startups, and how to utilize networking to become stronger in our craft. Devin Sherman is VP of Preconstruction/BIM/VDC at Lee Lewis Construction, Inc. In his role, he handles and oversees all estimating and VDC operations including conceptual estimating, model based takeoffs, budgeting, bidding, drone operations, 4D scheduling, clash detections, and laser scanning.   TODD TAKES The Real Role of AI in Construction Artificial Intelligence is a powerful tool, but it's important to understand that it's not a magic solution that can solve all problems instantly. It requires strategic implementation and thoughtful integration into existing processes to truly enhance construction operations. Addressing Construction's Marketing Challenge As frequently discussed, construction faces a significant marketing problem that needs to be addressed to attract new talent and interest. It's essential to rebrand the industry as exciting and innovative, highlighting the vast opportunities available to potential workers. The Value of Networking in Construction Networking within the industry is crucial for personal and professional growth, allowing you to gain diverse perspectives that can challenge and improve your processes. Engaging with others not only broadens your understanding but also sparks new ideas and enhances your capabilities.   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! Applied Software Applied Software LinkedIn   Other Relevant Links: Devin’s LinkedIn Lee Lewis Construction, Inc.