Digital Builder

May Winfield, Global Director of Commercial, Legal and Digital Risks at Buro Happold, discusses the risks of using AI in construction, including reliance, confidentiality, copyright, data ethics, and the limitations of in-house AI models. They explore the importance of data standards, legal considerations, and the need for detailed client requests to enhance project outcomes.

One of the most exciting ways that innovation is taking construction to the next level is when companies like DPR Construction implement new and innovative strategies into their culture. We’ve invited Jacob Skrobarczyk, VDC Technology Lead at DPR Construction, to share his experience with data visualization and how he is using it to shift the narrative around Construction careers and changing the way the next generation is learning about Construction.  Listen to hear about: Construction’s perception problem  Why data visualization is so impactful How DPR is approaching innovation and the adoption of new technology Keeping people as the center of the industry Improving benefits and apprenticeship programs for craft workers How to better highlight non-linear career paths in Construction Assets Mentioned: Jacob's Presentationhttps://www.dpr.com/company/careers Digital Builder is hosted by Eric Thomas of Autodesk. 

The landscape of construction is changing, and technology is at the helm. How can your organization stay on top of that changing landscape to remain competitive throughout 2024? Ariel Castillo, Innovation Director at Miller-Davis Company, and Brad Buckles, VP of Technology and Innovation at Charles Perry Partners, Inc., join the show this week to explore the latest trends in construction, from AI and data-driven insights to the importance of tech literacy and collaboration.  We discuss: Which trends are real and which are all hype? How 3D modeling, wearables, and robotics are increasing field safety How the latest trends are allowing the industry to move from reactive processes to becoming proactive decision makers. Why modern technology is enabling multigenerational knowledge sharing experiences, giving experienced and new workers opportunities to learn from each other How new technologies can reduce waste and increase sustainable construction practices Digital Builder is hosted by Eric Thomas of Autodesk. 

Content warning – this episode and description has some heavy conversation topics including a discussion on suicidal feelings and mental health struggles. Construction has a mental health crisis. According to research from the US Bureau of Labor Statistics and the CDC, the rate of suicide among US construction professionals is five times higher than the number deaths caused by workplace and safety-related accidents. Across the industry, companies cannot afford to talk about safety, innovation, and growth without also addressing the need for real, practical, and immediate solutions to the mental health crisis facing our people.  Mark Dyke, Licensed Professional Counselor and Tenured Associate Professor at Ferris State University, joins Eric Thomas during Autodesk University for an intensely practical conversation about the mental health crisis, burnout, and how addressing the mental health crisis can help secure a bright future for the AEC industry. We will share not just why mental health needs to be addressed, but we will also give specific, practical advice for workers to identify and address mental health issues early and effectively. We discuss: How to identify internal and external symptoms of burnout How the leadership culture sets the tone for organization-wide mental health How managers at all levels of an organization can support their team members How Millennials have changed the way we talk about mental health Why mental health and emotional wellbeing need to be top priorities to convince the upcoming generation to join Construction.  If you or someone you know are having trouble coping with work-related stress, talk with someone who can help: In the United States, call 988 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Hotline or visit https://988lifeline.org/.  For those living outside the United States, you can find local resources here: https://blog.opencounseling.com/suicide-hotlines/.  Digital Builder is hosted by Eric Thomas of Autodesk. 

As more BIM mandates are being put in place around the world, impacted organizations are working to ensure they are BIM compliant—while many in the construction industry are still trying to figure out not just if BIM and other digital tools are right for them, but how to begin even implementing them in their business operations.   Digital tools are transforming the way construction companies are operating, demonstrating countless benefits to adopting them, but there are still many unanswered questions for companies and contractors who are trying to find the most cost-effective strategies for managing all these new innovations and requirements. That’s where our guests come in. David Purdon, Technical Director at Diatec, and Marek Suchocki, Head of Industry Associations Strategy at Autodesk, are two industry veterans who have seen first-hand the rollout of Europe’s BIM mandates and how companies are responding. In this episode, they will break down some of the myths around BIM mandates, what the true intent of the mandates are, and much more. We discuss: The rollout of BIM mandates in the UK faced challenges in managing the information exchange process The complex intersection of BIM modeling and the production supply chain How BIM modeling and technology integration ensures the longevity of construction organizations The difficulty many organizations face in balancing the long-term vision of digital tools with their immediate needs Why BIM allows organizations to derive better value from public construction investments How to get started on your BIM journey if you’re impacted by a BIM mandate.  Digital Builder is hosted by Eric Thomas of Autodesk. 

Tonya Custis, Director of AI Research at Autodesk, discusses AI's role in construction, focusing on risk assessment, safety improvement, and decision paralysis. They explore AI as a collaborator with human workers, emphasizing the importance of data strategy and transparent algorithms.

Nick Hull is an Associate Director at Deloitte Access Economics, which was commissioned by Autodesk in 2023 to research data capabilities in construction. This effort revealed that 4 out of 5 construction companies have room to improve how they manage data. Deloitte surveyed about 1,275 global respondents to get a global view of data usage in construction and discover what defines data leadership. In this episode Eric talks with Nick to get a breakdown of the report’s major findings, what leaders can learn from it, and how the industry can move forward with data. We discuss: How construction leaders are estimating their data capabilities Retaining the human side of construction while integrating data and AI How good data strategy maintains competitive advantage How implementing data strategy impacts your bottom line The ongoing issue of talent in construction and how data & AI can alleviate it Balancing digital assistance with data-driven decision making. Assets Mentioned: The State of Data Capabilities in the Construction Industry Report Digital Builder is hosted by Eric Thomas of Autodesk. 

Discussion on the original vision for BIM in the AEC industry, importance of equitable data access for construction innovation, technology adoption as a competitive differentiator, and empowering diverse participation in construction projects through data models.

Ever wonder what’s one tool every construction worker will bring on the jobsite? In this Digital Builder podcast episode, various experts from the construction industry share their insights on the one tool they always bring to every job site. Answers range from tangible tools like iPads, measuring tapes, and smartphones, to intangible ones such as empathy, a positive attitude, and a lean mindset. Experts emphasize the importance of these tools in improving efficiency, collaboration, and problem-solving on the job site. Advancements in technology, particularly the rise of smartphones and digital tools, have revolutionized the construction industry, according to industry experts.

This episode is a special treat! Not only was it recorded live at Autodesk University in Las Vegas, we also brought back our first-ever Digital Builder guest, Cliff Cole, the Director of Virtual Design and Construction (VDC) at The PENTA Building Group. Throughout 2023, Cliff and his team were a part of the planning and construction for the raceway infrastructure of the 2023 F1 Las Vegas Grand Prix race that took place November 16-18 in 2023.  In addition to breaking down the coordination for the F1 project, Eric and Cliff also talk about the increasing importance of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, and explore how things have evolved since Cliff was first on the show.  We discuss: The complexities of preparing and hosting an F1 race on the Las Vegas Strip How innovative tech, like drone mapping, was used to enable safer, more efficient preparation How the DEI conversation has evolved over the last three years The role of mentoring and support in promoting diversity and inclusion The impact of inclusive practices on attracting and retaining talent in the industry  Digital Builder is hosted by Eric Thomas of Autodesk.