Bridging the Gap: Insights & Innovations in Construction

Back again from Advancing Prefab comes Amr Raafat and Stuart Meurer. Each year, these two take a longitudinal look at how the field of prefab has changed over time. The big topic this year? AI, naturally. A unique angle came from our conversation because their company Windover Construction used AI to assist in projects and were able to verify that it was indeed accurate. Perhaps over the next year we will see other companies doing similar testing and adding their thoughts to the industry at large. Stuart Meurer is President and CEO of Windover Construction. He provides leadership for the firm and is integral to ensuring operational excellence across all project teams. Dedicated to service and collaboration, Stuart focuses Windover’s teams and resources on the needs of clients to deliver a tailored, thoughtful approach to every project.  Amr Raafat leads Windover’s virtual design and construction team and the Innovations for Design, Engineering, and Automation (IDEA™) platform, providing leading-edge technology services to optimize project delivery. He received his master’s degree in architecture from the Boston Architectural College and received global recognition as the Innovator of the Year award at the Autodesk AEC Excellence Awards in 2019.

How do you build something that's never been tried before? How do you model something that's never been modeled before? If you're looking for the answer to those questions, Alain Michalak is your guy. He brings the "there must be a way" mindset to every project - including the Las Vegas Sphere. This episode is rich with advice for challenging the way things have always been done and paving the way for projects of the future. Alain Michalak is a BIM Senior Specialist with passion for practicing early architectural techniques and concepts with modern innovative technology. His unique projects include the MSG Sphere at the Venetian, Allegiant Stadium, Resorts World Las Vegas and more.

Former Congressman and construction startup founder, Patrick Murphy, discusses the use of generative AI in construction, similarities between startups and politics, adaptability and potential of AI in the industry, communication challenges and Data Connect platform, AI-enhanced efficiency and automation in construction, and the impact of AI in the industry.

Perhaps we will soon find out. Workers who use smart powered suits like those made by German Bionics often have a better quality of life. People who once came home and iced their back for hours now have time to play with the kids or pursue hobbies. People even take fewer sick days from being in pain. From the company side, there is a reduction in worker's comp, those seasoned industry experts can stick around longer and pass their knowledge on. In this episode Meghan Kennelly will take us on a deep dive into our future of assistive technology. Meghan Kennelly is the head of marketing at leading European Robotics Firm German Bionic. She has an innate passion for introducing cutting-edge technology to businesses.

What does it take to become fully carbon-neutral in this industry? What are some practical steps we can take in that direction? Join host Todd and guest Ben Meyer as they discuss the current conversation around sustainable practices, common pitfalls and misconceptions about carbon neutrality, and how essential it is to take collaboration and partnerships into account when we’re planning for the future of our business. Ben Meyer serves as the Building Enclosure Business Director for Siplast. He also serves as the chair of the ASRAE 90.1 Envelope Committee, Director of the Air Barrier Association of America (ABAA), member at Large on the NIBS BETEC board, past LEED Technical Committee member, and past Technical Advisor of the LEED Materials (MR) TAG.

Is there a way to balance innovation and tradition? The answer is yes, but it takes mindfulness and strategy. Join host Todd and guest Chris Tatge as they discuss the “old guard” in the timber industry, reckoning with new tech and sustainable practices, the ever-changing field of the supply chain, and Chris’s journey in scaling a self-made business to the top of the market. Chris Tatge is a 25-year veteran framer and Founder, President of DC Materials. A Wisconsin construction company recognized as one of Inc. 5000’s fastest-growing companies in the US that specializing in providing turnkey framing solutions and supplying quality lumber materials for multi- family and commercial projects. He also believes in paying it forward by mentoring the next generation of construction professionals, addressing the skilled labor shortage and setting new standards in construction.

New cost management tech is taking the world by storm. How can you identify which software is best for you? Join host Todd and guest Brad Buckles as they discuss the most common misunderstandings in tech implementation, Autodesk Build’s popular Cost Management tool, ERP system integration challenges, and more. Brad Buckles is the VP of Technology and Innovation at Charles Perry Partners. Brad, a technologist at heart with an expedition into the construction industry, has been blending these two worlds for nearly 12 years. His background in technology laid the foundation for a career that has since evolved to focus on how technological innovations can revolutionize the construction sector. With almost three decades of experience in technology and a significant chapter in construction, Brad brings a unique perspective to the table, emphasizing the importance of integrating cutting-edge tech solutions into construction processes.

Is the future of construction mycelium-based? That’s what Thomas van Haren asks in sustainable building initiative. Join host Todd and guest Thomas as they discuss Thomas’ work on Project Phoenix, the essential nature of sustainable housing, cost benefits of mycelium-based building materials, and the collaborative partnerships that have helped Project Phoenix take flight. Thomas van Haren is the Chief Operating Officer of Ecovative, where he is responsible for the mycelium composites and raw materials business lines across the United States and Europe. Ecovative’s composite products are focused on replacing single use plastics, such as EPS and PU, for applications ranging from packaging to construction materials, while the raw materials business produces spawn and substates that are required for growing these products.

What does it mean to successfully rebrand a company? Why is it so essential to have a brand “story”? Join host Todd and guests John Lenker and Assaf Arie as they discuss best practices in attracting and retaining top talent, the role of brand perception in hiring, how behavioral science relates to marketing, and much more. John Lenker is the Founder and CVO at LENKER. He is a marketing strategist and communications artist who helps clients develop and promote products and services that attract, inform, and invoke. His prognostications regarding the future of marketing communication arts and technology are detailed in his book, Train of Thoughts: Designing the Effective Web Experience (New Riders, 2002). Assaf Arie is the Chief Executive Officer at LENKER. He is an entrepreneur, business strategist and growth hacker, as well as Partner and CEO of LENKER. He has successfully raised over 22M USD for business ventures from private investors and financial institutions, and has seen double-digit IRR on all investments under his management. In his time as CEO at LENKER, the company’s revenues have grown by 20x. Thanks for listening! Please be sure to leave a rating and/or review and follow up our social accounts.

Charlotte-Frances Garrett, Head of Industry Strategy at KOPE, discusses the product platform approach as a solution for standardizing construction. The podcast explores exciting developments in off-site and industrialized construction, addressing communication problems and data standardization, breaking down barriers and promoting new thinking, and the role of AI in the future of construction.