

Digital Builder
Autodesk
The Digital Builder podcast is for construction professionals working on the forefront of construction. If you are looking for conversations centered on where the industry is headed, this podcast is for you!
Each episode features an interview with top construction professionals discussing themes related to connected construction and the future of the construction industry.
Each episode features an interview with top construction professionals discussing themes related to connected construction and the future of the construction industry.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Sep 28, 2022 • 16min
Live Coverage from Day 1 of Autodesk University in New Orleans
Live from Autodesk University, this special episode of Digital Builder highlights our exciting return to an in-person event after 3 years apart. Our host, Eric Thomas, is joined by Esteban Corrales, the Global Leader of Technical Sales at Autodesk.They discuss his experience moving from working as a Project Manager in construction, his current role leading the Technical Sales team at Autodesk, the most exciting things about this year’s event, and his favorite trends and predictions for construction in the coming years.

Sep 12, 2022 • 44min
How On-Demand Training Transforms Productivity in Construction
The typical approaches to training can sometimes feel unengaging, uninteresting, or disconnected. A miss with your training approach can mean new team members are underprepared to take on their new responsibilities.Most of us know the pain of sitting through hours long training sessions that seem to cover everything except what we actually need to know to do our jobs effectively. But it doesn’t have to be this way.This week, we sat down with Brian Popis, Senior Transformation Engineer, and Nick Bobbitt, Business Transformation Manager at Barton Malow to distill their strategy for onboarding and training for new software that prioritize flexibility, skill building, increased efficiency, and staff retention.In this episode, we discuss:How Barton Malow utilizes on-demand training to rapidly (and successfully) integrate and expand new software systemsHow successful training programs lead to increased job satisfaction, effective preparation, and drives better business outcomesHow to organize your content so that it is accessible and easy to navigateHow to develop a training program and create an actionable feedback loopA sneak preview of Brian and Nick’s upcoming presentation at Autodesk University Mentioned during the show:Register for Autodesk University! Autodesk University is the design and make conference for innovators everywhere happening September 27-29, 2022, in New Orleans, LA. We are hosting thousands of industry professionals like you so that you can grow your network, find inspiration, and connect with industry experts who are leading the way in architecture, engineering, construction, design, manufacturing, media, and entertainment.Digital Builder is hosted by Eric Thomas of Autodesk.

Aug 15, 2022 • 49min
Learn, Connect, and Discover at Autodesk University in New Orleans
In this special episode of Digital Builder, we are unpacking everything you need to know as you prepare for Autodesk University this September in New Orleans, LA. To do that, we have brought on three brilliant guests that know the ins and outs of this year’s conference.First, Eric sits down with Autodesk’s Director of Experiential Programs and Global Brand & Communications, Adam Sopko, to talk about how his team has been preparing to make this year’s live event unforgettable, the revitalization of networking opportunities, and the insights he has gained from hosting digital-only events over the last 2 years.Next, Eric sits down with Autodesk’s Director of Customer Experience & Industry Advocacy, Allison Scott, and Autodesk’s Experiential Manager of Construction, Zet Norman. They share how Autodesk University has impacted their careers, look at what’s in store for attendees, unpack some of the can’t-miss construction sessions, and uncover how to make the most of your time at Autodesk University.Autodesk University is the design and make conference for innovators everywhere happening September 27-29, 2022, in New Orleans, LA. We are hosting thousands of industry professionals like you so that you can grow your network, find inspiration, and connect with industry experts who are leading the way in architecture, engineering, construction, design, manufacturing, media, and entertainment.Mentioned during the show:Register for Autodesk University!Join The Big Room – Autodesk’s Construction CommunityVisit the Autodesk Construction Cloud Learning CenterDigital Builder is hosted by Eric Thomas of Autodesk.

May 9, 2022 • 1h 7min
Optimizing Outcomes in Construction During Times of Uncertainty
For as long as we’ve been building things, the construction industry has successfully found ways to navigate tough times. In recent years the industry once again has adapted to rapidly changing conditions in ways that will impact how construction businesses operate moving forward. Two leaders from CRB , Greg Casper , Director of Estimating, and Marc Hanson , Senior Director of Construction Operation – Midwest Region, join the show to share the lessons they’ve learned while navigating these recent challenges. We discuss:The biggest areas of risk3 strategies for navigating uncertainty and riskNew approaches to prefabricationExamples of technology improving project delivery Mentioned during the show:Worried about construction cost inflation? EP 22 - Construction Contracts & Payments: Tips for Subcontractors & GCs w/ Karalynn Cromeens Harnessing the Data Advantage in Construction After the Revolution: Understanding a Decade of Change in Project Delivery Systems and Their Impact on Project Performance Digital Builder is hosted by Eric Thomas of Autodesk.

Apr 18, 2022 • 49min
Understanding and Preparing for the Infrastructure Investment & Jobs Act
The Infrastructure Investment & Jobs Act was recently signed into law in the United States and it’s poised to have a big impact on the construction industry. We’re delving into the nuances of the bill to uncover what’s included, how it will influence future work, and how contractors can prepare for the opportunity. Our panel of experts include:Alex Etchen, Senior Director of Government Relations at Associated General Contractors of America Jimmy Christianson , Vice President of Government Relations at Associated General Contractors of America Ryan Walker , Senior Vice President of Federal Affairs at Shumaker Advisors We discuss:What’s included in the bill (and what’s not!)How contractors can prepare now for upcoming project fundingHow to choose what types of federal work to bid onHow to manage changing costs and material supply during market uncertainty Have questions about anything discussed in the episode?Alex: alex.etchen@agc.org Jimmy: jimmy.christianson@agc.org Ryan: rwalker@shumakeradvisors.com Digital Builder is hosted by Eric Thomas of Autodesk.

Mar 14, 2022 • 46min
Dressed for Success: Using Wearable Technology in Construction Projects
Wearable technology increases worker safety, efficiency, and improves access to construction jobsites. Needless to say, it’s revolutionizing the construction industry as we know it. In this episode, we’re going to discover what wearables are, how they work, and how to implement them into your construction workflows. To do that, we’ve invited three guests:Dr. Lorenz Lachauer , Head of Solution at NavVis Ken Lustig , Co-Founder, SVP of Corporate and Legal Affairs at RealWear Niran Shrestha , Co-Founder of Kwant We discuss:What qualifies as a wearable in constructionWearable tech benefits and mythsHow to determine the right wearable tech for your projectWhich data to collect and how to analyze it Mentioned during the podcast:Harnessing the Data Advantage in Construction Have an idea for the show? Reach out on Twitter or on LinkedIn Digital Builder is hosted by Eric Thomas of Autodesk.

Feb 14, 2022 • 1h 1min
Reality Capture & Site Scanning: The Real World in a Digital Space
Imagine having an accurate digital version of the real environment on your construction project.That’s exactly what reality capture and site scanning provide. But the potential impact and scope from capturing this data is much bigger than that.Kipp Ivey , National Key Account Manager at Faro , and Adam Settino , Solutions Engineer Manager at Openspace , join the show to break down what it is, why it’s useful, and how it works.We discuss:The purpose of reality capture and site scanning and the hardware involvedCommon myths around reality captureHow to decide on the appropriate tool to use on a projectHow to navigate the implementation processMentioned during the podcast:Harnessing the Data Advantage in Construction Waypoint 2021 Powered by Openspace Digital Builder is hosted by Eric Thomas of Autodesk.

Jan 17, 2022 • 44min
Actionable Insights on the Economic Outlook for Construction
As we leave 2021 behind, it’s time to look at the economic outlook for the construction industry in 2022.For that, we turn to Richard Branch, Chief Economist at Dodge Data & Analytics and anchorman for the prestigious and widely-circulated Dodge Construction Outlook. In this episode, he highlights some of the challenges and opportunities the industry will face in the coming year.We discuss:Which construction sectors can expect the most growth and opportunity in the United StatesGuidance on how to tackle the biggest challenges facing the construction industryHow the newly passed infrastructure bill will impact the industry outlook Mentioned during the podcast:Episode 22 of Digital Builder w/ Karalynn CromeensEpisode 23 of Digital Builder w/ Stephan Mansour Digital Builder is hosted by Eric Thomas of Autodesk.

Dec 27, 2021 • 2min
A Look at What’s Ahead for Digital Builder
From Eric & the Digital Builder team: We’re taking a break for the holidays, but we’ll be back with a brand new episode on January 11th!Until then, listen to five of the must-hear episodes from 2021, covering topics such as Autodesk University, diversity in construction, construction’s industrial revolution, and how trust impacts the construction industry.Thanks for tuning into the show, and we wish you all a safe and restful holiday break.Digital Builder is hosted by Eric Thomas of Autodesk.

Dec 13, 2021 • 39min
Harnessing the Power of 3D Printing in Construction
Many industry leaders have heard of 3D printing, usually in the context of concrete or small-scale homebuilding. But that’s just the tip of the iceberg! When leveraged successfully, 3D printing can play a key role in structural components (big and small), spare parts, fixtures (like faucets and door knobs), and even the furniture that inhabits a space.Our guest, Stephan Mansour, 3D Printing & Emerging Technology Advisor at MaRiTama Ltd., is leading the international team that is developing global 3D printing standards from the ground up, and in this episode, he takes us on a journey into the world of 3D printing in construction.We discuss:Common misconceptions about 3D printingHow supply chain issues have increased interest in 3D printing for constructionHow to implement 3D printing into your organizationHow upcoming standards will enable mass adoption Mentioned during the podcast:Episode 15 - “Why Global Data Standards & ISO 19650 are the Future of Collaboration w/ Frederico Ramos & Marek Suchocki”Reach out to Stephan on LinkedIn or at stephan.mansour@gmail.com Digital Builder is hosted by Eric Thomas of Autodesk.


