Digital Builder How Human-Centered Construction Helps Communities Heal and Thrive
Recorded live at the Autodesk Technology Center in Boston, this episode of Digital Builder explores how human‑centered construction can support resilience, recovery, and long‑term community impact.
Host Eric Thomas is joined by Joshua Dobbs, New England Patriots quarterback and aerospace engineer, and Gerard Georges, Director of Architecture at Build Health International, for a cross‑disciplinary conversation on empathy, leadership, and design.
In this episode, we discuss:
- What human‑centered design looks like in practice—and why putting people first leads to stronger, more resilient communities
- How collaboration and stakeholder engagement shape healthcare and community projects in high‑stakes environments
- Lessons from professional sports—preparation, composure, and teamwork—that translate directly to construction and design teams
- How technologies like VR and data‑driven design help teams visualize outcomes, align earlier, and make better decisions
- Why empathy and adaptability are essential leadership skills on the job site, in crisis response, and beyond
Dobbs shares how his experience as a quarterback—operating under pressure, leading diverse teams, and preparing for critical moments—parallels the demands faced by AEC professionals working on complex projects. Georges adds a global healthcare perspective, highlighting how thoughtful design can help communities heal and thrive over time.
This episode was recorded during the launch of Autodesk’s Make It Heal film series and the 2026 Design & Make It Real program.