Bridging the Gap: Insights & Innovations in Construction
Applied Software
Join the innovation adventure that spotlights MEP and the construction industry – advancements in technology, distinctive perspectives, the soft skills required for successful digital transformation, and stories about the problem-solving mindset that continues to shape this great industry and propel it forward. The Bridging the Gap Podcast gives voice to the incredible things happening in and around construction while championing the fact that this is a great industry to be in.
The host, Todd Weyandt, seeks out enlightening conversations with industry experts who are changing the technological landscape. Engaging a full spectrum of voices, he champions an industry dialogue that supports companies as they try new things, advance and thrive.
He is on a mission to embrace and share the innovations transforming the AEC, MEP and manufacturing industries.
The Bridging the Gap Podcast is brought to you by Applied Software. With solutions for the modern project, Applied is on a mission to transform industries by empowering clients and championing innovation with real-world expert consultants.
Bringing you a comprehensive array of solutions for AEC, MEP and manufacturing, the experts of Applied have a singular focus – helping you achieve higher performance. Visit asti.com today.
The host, Todd Weyandt, seeks out enlightening conversations with industry experts who are changing the technological landscape. Engaging a full spectrum of voices, he champions an industry dialogue that supports companies as they try new things, advance and thrive.
He is on a mission to embrace and share the innovations transforming the AEC, MEP and manufacturing industries.
The Bridging the Gap Podcast is brought to you by Applied Software. With solutions for the modern project, Applied is on a mission to transform industries by empowering clients and championing innovation with real-world expert consultants.
Bringing you a comprehensive array of solutions for AEC, MEP and manufacturing, the experts of Applied have a singular focus – helping you achieve higher performance. Visit asti.com today.
Episodes
Mentioned books
Jan 17, 2024 • 37min
Implementing Tech The Right Way
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.
Jan 10, 2024 • 31min
Mycelium Paves the Way for 2030
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.
Jan 3, 2024 • 40min
Your Brand is a Hiring Make or Break
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.
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Dec 27, 2023 • 32min
The Product Platform Approach
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.
Dec 20, 2023 • 26min
Experience Fuels Our Organizations
Why is experience and wisdom a key for organizations? The wise fuel knowledge. We have to leverage experience so we avoid repeating the past and avoid making mistakes that come with time. Many organizations are asking the same question: how do we unlock and leverage the wealth of information that lies with seasoned veterans and how do we combine this with new technology hitting the market? Technology Consultant Catherine Walmsley dove into these questions during AU 2023.
Catherine Walmsley has her own firm where she reimagines what's possible with connected platforms. Her digital transformation leadership has been accelerating the design to delivery process in western Canada by working with builders using Autodesk products - connecting data from Inventor, Vault, Revit and the Autodesk Construction Cloud.
Dec 18, 2023 • 31min
Function Over Flash
What if saving an hour a day could revolutionize the construction industry? DPR's Kyle Knauer explores this provocative idea. Discover how simple tech solutions are more than just time-savers; they're life-changers. Knauer delves into the challenges of integrating new technologies in construction, balancing flashy features with functional simplicity. This episode offers a deep dive into understanding user needs and adapting to varying project requirements, highlighting the transformative impact of technology in construction.
Kyle is an Integration Manager at DPR Construction servicing Phoenix and San Diego business units, along with national efforts related to construction technology. Kyle is coming up on his seventh year at DPR, where he started on the project management side until he switched roles to become an integration manager.
Dec 13, 2023 • 29min
The Changing Purpose of Construction Sites
Has traditional construction changed for good? Industrialized construction and productization are creeping in. We're moving away from the old ways and stepping into a new realm of streamlined, efficient, and innovative building processes.
This episode takes us through the seismic shift towards a productization mindset in construction. This change isn't just a trend; it's a necessity, offering significant gains in efficiency and sustainability. Our guest Bertrand de Peufeilhoux also explores how this evolution demands greater accountability and fosters enhanced communication among stakeholders. Tune in to understand how transparent communication is becoming the cornerstone of modern construction practices.
Bertrand de Peufeilhoux is a project manager at Bouygues Construction. He has a depth of experience in both structural engineering and software management, working on a number of high profile projects across France.
Dec 11, 2023 • 17min
The Rapid Adoption of Industrialized Construction
Is the future of construction being built in the cloud? Listen in to find out. Brandon Ionata, a senior solution director at Graitec StrucSoft, discusses the evolving landscape of off-site construction and its integration with technology. He emphasizes the growing importance of cloud data connectivity, data sharing, and the convergence of construction and manufacturing. He highlights the shift towards more integrated and efficient construction processes, breaking down traditional industry silos. Ionata also touches on the role of software in enhancing coordination and collaboration, and the potential impact of AI and machine learning in optimizing manufacturing efficiency.
Brandon Ionata is the Solution Line Senior Director for StrucSoft, a market leading wood and light gauge steel framing software. He has over two decades of industry experience and takes a solutions-based approach to customer challenges.
Dec 6, 2023 • 22min
The Critical Role of GIS in Construction
Could deeper GIS integration simplify or complicate your projects? Are you overlooking potential efficiencies by not incorporating GIS data? Mortenson VDC Director Brian Nahas addresses these key questions.
Brian's conversation raises important questions about AI, deep learning, GIS, and their role in the future of construction. He suggests how evolving technologies, such as image recognition, might transform productivity tracking and project planning. Is the construction industry approaching a new era of data-driven, interconnected workflows? This episode goes beyond current technology, offering a glimpse into a future where construction could see significant advances in efficiency and project management.
Brian Nahas is an experienced Virtual Design & Construction leader with a demonstrated history of working in the construction industry across the U.S. on high-profile, complex sports venues, and an internal DfMA incubator, focused on rewriting the approach and enabling vertical integration.
Dec 4, 2023 • 31min
AI Needs to Solve Practical Pain Points
The phrase "walk before you run" echoes throughout the industry right now. Autodesk's Senior Director of Global Customer Success Brandon LaCourciere says that with an influx of new tools hitting the market, we must solve practical problems. Adoption won't come from solving every problem all at once.
AI needs to solve practical pain points before it solves the big hairy challenges we often describe. These everyday life improvements will be the ones that convince the masses to adopt.
Brandon LaCourciere is Autodesk's Senior Director of Global Customer Success. He is responsible for overseeing the development and execution of ACS global customer success strategy to drive long-term customer retention and subscriber growth in a scalable manner.
