Digital Builder

 Watch the video version of this episode on YouTube! The Massachusetts Port Authority connects Massachusetts with the world through airports, cruise ports, container terminals, and more, and with so many complex operations going simultaneously, Massport is where technology and innovation intersect to keep everything running smoothly. What’s even more impressive is they do this with a relentless focus on improving the passenger and customer experience.  Dr. Lucianna Burdi is the Director of Capital Programs and Environmental Affairs at the Massachusetts Port Authority. Her team is responsible for delivering projects safely, efficiently, and sustainably, while keeping the overall experience as high-quality as possible. In this episode, Eric and Dr. Burdi talk about how a passion for customer service drives her approach to infrastructure development, how large organizations should think about tech adoption, and why sharing our learnings is key to the long-term growth and success of the AEC industry.  We explore: How to innovate while navigating highly regulated industries How clarity and navigational efficiency drive infrastructure design decisions Why interconnected digital twins and collaborative design are the future of infrastructure management How Massport trials new initiatives and acquires fast feedback for improvement and iteration Digital Builder is hosted by Eric Thomas of Autodesk. 

Watch the video version of this episode recorded live at the Autodesk Technology Center! New technology, processes, and data standardization is great, but what happens when new processes aren’t well-maintained? Or when your team isn’t properly trained in the handover process on how to utilize these new processes to keep accurate records of construction projects?  Amr Raafat, the Chief Innovation Officer at Windover Construction, is leading his team to innovate with BIM and digital twins to ensure problems like that become a relic of the past. Alongside the increasing adoption of new tech, Eric talks with Amr about the ways that BIM and digital twins are transforming the level of accessibility project stakeholders have and how Windover is leading the way in developing future-proof handover processes that minimize new skills training and maximize efficiency. We discuss: How prefab is helping to reduce waste and emissions, and why AI has even more potential to do the same How digital twin technology is enabling more effective and impactful facility management Why new innovations in BIM and digital twins are transforming the handover process for clients Establishing cultures of trust and honest two-way conversation are essential when introducing new tools and technologies. Digital Builder is hosted by Eric Thomas of Autodesk. 

Behind every successful project is a slew of operations processes and team members that ensure project stakeholders have everything they need to complete the job on time with consistency and high quality. Without robust operations practices in place, projects can be doomed before they even begin. With that in mind, we’ve invited Giana Morini, Operations Technology Leader at DPR Construction, to share how operations thrives at DPR Construction and how their operational success can be replicated at any organization. We discuss: Why operations technology is the foundation for innovation and design in construction Critical differences between office and project site environments Listening, understanding business goals, and building relationships with vendors are key in building a world-class technology stack How to successfully capture and utilize data How self-perform work can alleviate some labor shortage issues Digital Builder is hosted by Eric Thomas of Autodesk. 

Construction continues to face ongoing challenges like labor shortages, supply chain limitations, and logistics complications. Strategic firms are looking for ways to proactively protect their margins in 2023 so they can not only withstand these issues, but so they can stay ahead and remain innovative and competitive. In this special round-up episode recorded throughout the last several months, Eric asked several of our recent podcast guests to share what companies should be focusing on in 2023 to protect their profit margins so they can continue to expand and innovate.  Digital Builder is hosted by Eric Thomas of Autodesk. 

As digital adoption in construction continues to accelerate, companies face new challenges around data. Collection, verification, standardization, and utilization are all vital data processes for every company to implement properly—but where to start? During Autodesk University, Eric sat down with Jit Kee Chin, Executive Vice President and Chief Data Officer at Suffolk Construction, to discuss how companies can properly implement data standardization, how data transformation brings value to every level of an organization, and more.  We discuss: Contributing factors to the acceleration of construction technology and digital adoption How technology has made transparency easier to achieve Why building trust in data is so important The risks and rewards of data standardization Why organizations need to build trust in the data they collect How Data Democratization empowers workers at every level of an organization Digital Builder is hosted by Eric Thomas of Autodesk. 

Younger generation involvement in construction is essential to continue industry-wide expansion and innovation. And today, construction is truly a dynamic industry with more career options to choose from where anyone can apply their individual skillsets and passions.  In this episode, Eric sits down with Fopefoluwa (Fope) Bademosi, Circular Economy and Construction Researcher at Autodesk, and Evan Reilly, Senior Emerging Technology Engineer at Skanska, inside the Autodesk Technology Center in Boston, MA, to break down the most effective methods for inspiring the next generation, educating them about the opportunities available to them, and some of the biggest industry problems that need innovative thinkers with unique perspectives to solve.  We explore: How to resonate with college and pre-college students when presenting about construction How better data capture and purpose-built technology has increased the need for a diverse array of skillsets beyond construction-specific expertise How to promote new ideas through establishing a culture of innovation Digital Builder is hosted by Eric Thomas of Autodesk. 

In another one of our incredible live interviews from Autodesk University, Eric sits down with Matt Abeles, Vice President of Construction Technology and Innovation at Associated Builders and Contractors, to talk about the work the ABC Tech Alliance is doing, strategic principles for  leaders looking to adopt new and innovative technologies, and more.  We explore: The ABC Tech Alliance’s mission, values, and how it helps members use technology to be safer, increase revenue, and secure new opportunities Highlights from this year’s ABC Technology Report Why many organizations are missing solutions that will solve 90% of the problem at a fraction of the cost The trend of increasing collaboration between construction technology companies to innovate and solve more complex problems Digital Builder is hosted by Eric Thomas of Autodesk. 

Construction often involves complex logistical planning and coordination, but what happens when you add building in one of the harshest environments on earth to the mix? In this episode, Eric sits down with David Brand, the Senior Project Manager from the British Antarctic Survey, and Neil Irving, Digital Project Solutions Business Partner at BAM Nuttall, to talk about their work on the British Antarctic Survey Project, how they overcome their project’s unique challenges, and what they’ve learned so far.  We discuss: How the project brings together digital construction and sustainability while enabling more advanced scientific research in the future Why all project stakeholders need to collaborate thoroughly to ensure no details are missed How prefabrication enables construction in Antarctica’s harsh climate How they are using digital tools to enable successful project management How the onsite team builds community and fosters connection  Digital Builder is hosted by Eric Thomas of Autodesk. 

In construction, the decisions leaders make now will largely determine what our industry will look like in a decade. How organizations embrace new technologies has never been more important, because technology and the success of the next generation comes hand in hand. Eric sits down with John Fish, Chairman and CEO of Suffolk Construction, and Jim Lynch, Senior Vice President & General Manager of Autodesk Construction Solutions for an honest, no-holds barred look at the state of construction today and where the industry is headed tomorrow.  We discuss: The need for increased collaboration and alignment across all contributing members of a project How AI is unlocking new opportunities for workers and companies to innovate and refine their focus How leaders should invest in recruiting more blue-collar talent and upskilling them with unfamiliar technology and why it’s so important Can data sharing become the most transformative form of collaboration across the industry? How should organizations approach engaging the next generation in construction Digital Builder is hosted by Eric Thomas of Autodesk. 

People are the important thing for any company to remember as they replace legacy technology with innovative, purpose-built tools and processes. That’s why Eric is sitting down with Jon Marks, Former CTO at Swinerton and Principal CEO at Corvus Star Consulting. In this episode Jon breaks down the key tactics leaders can implement to ensure they are keeping their people first. We discuss: Change management in construction is challenging to lead because there are limited opportunities to deliver change Effective delivery of change involves bite-sized learning and intentional engagement with project teams Flexibility is important for retaining talent and finding the best people for the organization The use of technology and processes is interconnected with the need for mentorship and coaching. Technology and automation in buildings can improve comfort, reduce costs, and benefit the environment. Digital Builder is hosted by Eric Thomas of Autodesk.