The Art of Construction

Do you have a solution, idea, or dream that could help solve the housing crisis? Register for the HIA's competition in Charlotte, North Carolina by December 12th! “We’re working to bring the best ideas to life, as quickly as possible.” In this conversation, Devon Tilly and co-host Dennis Steigerwalt chats with Bobby Vance and Richard King about affordable housing, solar powered cars, and the Housing Innovation Challenge!  Our co-host Dennis is active in all things real estate with a specific focus on innovation in the residential development and homebuilding ecosystems. He is a ULI Residential Neighborhood Product Council member, a Professional Builder 40 under 40 recipient, and an active member of Geek Estate. In his spare time he enjoys big adventures with his wife and sons on the water and in the mountains. Dennis is the president of the Housing Innovation Alliance, a future oriented community for production homebuilding. The Housing Innovation Summit is the best place to get engaged + connected where you’ll gather insights + have a voice at each turn. During Richard King's thirty-year career at the U.S. Department of Energy he initiated solar car racing in the United States, was a member of International Solar Car Federation, and in 1999 created the Solar Decathlon, an award-winning international competition to design and build solar-powered, sustainable houses. Richard King established Creative Energy LLC to provide promotion, support and planning for design competitions that advance technology, increase sales and improve quality of life. As an architect, educator, and researcher, Bobby Vance bridges theory and practice, advancing design and construction innovation through academic and professional channels. He is an Assistant Professor in Building Design and a Fellow in the Center for Design Research at Virginia Tech. Through founding Vance Design Company, co-directing the Housing Innovation Challenge, and leading the award-winning FutureHAUS Dubai team, he has integrated interdisciplinary expertise, emerging technologies, and community-driven engagement. Vance’s research centers on industrialized off-site construction, with particular emphasis on modular and prefabricated systems that advance affordability, resiliency, and innovation. He fosters an inclusive learning environment where diverse perspectives are celebrated, students are empowered to take creative risks, and emerging technologies - modular construction, digital fabrication, and AI - serve as tools to prepare the next generation of designers to lead in an evolving profession. Keep up with the Art of Construction (AOC) podcast on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn! Subscribe to us and leave us a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify!

"So I think that across the board what we'd like to see is a more common sense approach to what we're doing and really analyzing the downstream effects." Join Devon Tilly as he chats with Travis Hendrix of KGA Studio Architects! Travis Hendrix is an Associate Principal at KGA Studio Architects.  Through the combination of traditional, modern, and contemporary ideals he is continually looking to create something new, yet familiar, while always beautiful.  He prides himself on his design versatility, sharing KGA’s belief that “the best design is the one that serves the client.”  In addition to high-end luxury custom homes and renovations; his portfolio of work includes restaurant tenant finish, townhomes, multi-family, historic preservation, clubhouses, and even a boutique hotel.  Travis holds a Master of Architecture from the University of Colorado and is a licensed architect in California, Colorado, Texas, Minnesota, New Mexico, Idaho, and Florida. He serves on the board of the Metro Housing Coalition, is the chair of the HBA of Metro Denver Permitting Committee, member of the Government Affairs Committee, and serves on the board of the Custom Builder and Remodeler Council. Further reading about projects mentioned in this episode can be found below on KGA's website: - Single Stair Apartment Buildings In Denver - Reviving A Forgotten Lot: Single Stairs Housing Prototype In Denver's Baker Neighborhood - 4-Story Single Stair Prototype: Affordable Housing For Denver's 3-Story Districts Follow Travis (@thendrix_architect) and KGA (@kga_studio) on Instagram! Keep up with the Art of Construction (AOC) podcast on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn! Subscribe to us and leave us a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify!

“Incorporating the golf simulator space really takes that luxury home to the next level."  Join Devon Tilly as he chats with Aaron Walz of Uneekor about indoor golf simulators! They discuss the essential factors for installing golf simulators, the importance of space, technology, and design. The conversation also touches on the pros and cons of DIY installations, budgeting for golf simulator setups, and the future of indoor golf. From the Uneekor website: "Uneekor uses technology + design to connect the world through golf, empowering every golfer to be the best version of themselves on and off the course." Follow Uneekor on Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, Youtube, and LinkedIn! Keep up with the Art of Construction (AOC) podcast on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn! Subscribe to us and leave us a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify!

“Don’t be afraid to reach out...be willing to get beyond the computer, Facebook and Instagram, go make real human connections.” Join Devon Tilly as he chats with Zeke Freeman of Root Architecture and Development! Zeke Freeman is a visionary architect and the creative force behind Root Architecture and Development. With over a decade of experience, Zeke has dedicated his career to crafting bespoke designs that seamlessly merge functionality, sustainability, and storytelling. Specializing in hospitality, residential, and mixed-use developments. Root Architecture has earned a reputation for bringing dream projects to life, whether it's boutique hotels, luxury residences, or community-driven spaces. Zeke's ability to understand his clients' aspirations and transform them into stunning realities sets him apart in the architectural world. In addition to his architectural achievements, Zeke is the host of The Radical Hospitality Show, a podcast dedicated to the art and impact of hospitality. Through candid conversations with industry leaders, designers, and developers, he explores how exceptional spaces foster unforgettable guest experiences and build meaningful connections. Find Zeke and Root Architecture on Youtube, and Instagram! Keep up with the Art of Construction (AOC) podcast on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn! Subscribe to us and leave us a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify!

"A few goals of what I'm trying to do is first and foremost, honor life stories of veterans." Join Devon Tilly as he chats with Adam Stark, the founder of Jet.Build! Adam Stark is the Founder of Jet.Build, a real estate development and construction management platform designed to help builders deliver projects more efficiently and shape the environments we live and work in. A Special Forces Veteran and NYU MBA, Adam draws on over a decade of experience in real estate development and construction, where he led complex ground-up and redevelopment projects across multiple asset classes. At Jet.Build, he combines that expertise with technology to empower developers and contractors with tools that streamline financials, operations, and collaboration at scale. Beyond Jet.Build, Adam hosts The Veterans Who Build Show, where he highlights the leadership and impact of Veteran professionals driving innovation across the built environment. Keep up with the Art of Construction (AOC) podcast on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn! Subscribe to us and leave us a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify!

“It’s not about the software, it’s always about your customers, your people, and your process.” Join Devon Tilly as he chats with Scott Avirett of Runding Corporation! Listen to Episode 83 and get your copy of 7 Pillars for Contractor Efficiency as mentioned in this episode!  Scott Avirett is a seasoned construction executive with deep roots in the specialty contracting industry. Scott is on a mission to disrupt the status quo of construction software tech through open, non-proprietary approaches to digital transformation. Leveraging his real-world experience, Scott helps make contractors more efficient through practical, field-tested approaches to operational excellence. His work empowers the industry to unify systems, streamline processes, and leverage data to increase enterprise value. Keep up with the Art of Construction (AOC) podcast on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn! Subscribe to us and leave us a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify!

“The first reaction of being too busy is to not be curious and {not} find things that will help your business… spending maybe an hour of doing just that for your business, I think, will compound and help you a great deal.” In this conversation, Devon Tilly chats with Paul Wurth of Assembli AI! Enjoy a blast from the past and listen to AOC Episode 136 from 2019 which featured Paul as well! Paul Wurth is the Founder and CEO of Assembli, bringing over 20 years of leadership experience in construction technology. At Assembli, Paul leads the charge in pioneering Al-driven solutions designed to transform the residential construction industry, delivering unparalleled quality, accuracy, and efficiency. Paul is deeply committed to leveraging innovative technology to redefine how construction professionals approach complex projects, driving significant improvements in productivity and client outcomes. At Assembli AI, Paul's team is pioneering AI-driven solutions to transform the construction industry. Their mission is to deliver unprecedented quality and efficiency through innovative technology. With his leadership, they are redefining how construction professionals tackle complex projects by automating processes and optimizing workflows. Prior to founding Assembli AI, his role as VP of Digital Sales & Integration at Paradigm honed his expertise in integrating technology within construction operations. His tenure there cultivated a deep understanding of how to enhance decision-making and operational efficiency for their clients, ensuring they remain at the industry's forefront. Keep up with the Art of Construction (AOC) podcast on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn! Subscribe to us and leave us a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify!

"We just fundamentally believe that we have to democratize scheduling without dumbing it down, which means, keep it powerful as well because construction scheduling is complicated." In this conversation, host Devon Tilly chats with Nitin Bhandari to discuss the complexities and challenges of construction scheduling. Nitin shares his journey founding Planera, a platform aimed at improving scheduling practices in the construction industry. They discuss how construction scheduling is often used as a compliance tool rather than a performance driver. The industry has unique challenges that require high-level and detailed scheduling perspectives. Nitin provides valuable advice for professionals on how to approach technology adoption effectively.  From Planera's website: "Planera provides the power of sophisticated project scheduling software, yet is as easy to use as a Whiteboard or Excel. Founded by a group of software entrepreneurs and construction executives focused on modernizing construction software with a vision to improve the lives of all construction professionals and the world we live in. Planera's greater mission is to build a world class global company that democratizes construction planning to improve project outcomes and worker safety." Keep up with the Art of Construction (AOC) podcast on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn! Subscribe to us and leave us a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify!

"Go out there and ask why...if they say no, ask why, and if they say yes, ask why." In this conversation, Devon Tilly chats with Mike Cisar of Trimble! This podcast is a part of series recorded at or after the AEC Summit in Austin! Our episode photo cover was taken during this conference of Devon, Mike, and Nathan! Mike believes that success—in any endeavor—requires a healthy cohesion of empathy, conviction, and vision. Empathy for the customer, his colleagues, and even those who ignore him (for now). The conviction to make the world around him a better place. The vision to understand how his daily activities correlate to the long-term goals of his team. He learned this working alongside some incredible leaders from INFUZ, OneSpace, Mentor Spaces, and Ryvit (acquired by Trimble in 2023!). He provides long-term value by approaching key issues with a fresh, creative twist. He specializes in brand strategy, growth marketing, and customer experience. He has done a little bit of everything—from daily sales prospecting, to content marketing strategy, to customer success planning. Currently, Mike works at Trimble as a Technology Partnership Senior Manager. His passion is captivated by telling brand stories; his heart is devoted to helping others. Visit Trimble's Marketplace: marketplace.trimble.com Keep up with the Art of Construction (AOC) podcast on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn! Subscribe to us and leave us a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify!

“There’s room and space in our industry for us to improve each other…networking, sharing and trying to build each other up in the industry is just going to help move the whole industry forward.”  In this conversation, Devon Tilly chats with Rachael Ferrera of Zachery Construction Corporation! This podcast is a part of series recorded at or after the AEC Summit in Austin! Our episode photo cover was taken during this conference of Rachael and Devon!  Rachael Ferrera is a dedicated professional with a robust background in civil engineering and over 17 years of experience with Zachry Construction Corporation. She earned both her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Civil Engineering from Texas A&M University and has since established herself as a versatile leader in the construction industry. Currently serving as the Manager of Investments & Ideation, she leverages her meticulous problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and ability to thrive under pressure to drive innovative solutions and strategic investments for the organization. Rachael is also deeply committed to advancing opportunities for women in construction. She is a founding member of Zachry Women Breaking Ground, an Employee Resource Group dedicated to recruiting, retaining, and developing women in the construction industry. Through this initiative, Rachael plays a pivotal role in fostering a more inclusive and supportive environment within the organization and the broader industry. Her passion extends beyond her professional career into community service. For 14 years she served on the Zachry Corporation Volunteer Council, 6 of which she served as Chair and Co-chair. With a career rooted in innovation, leadership, and service, Rachael Ferrera exemplifies the power of combining technical expertise with a profound commitment to creating meaningful change. Keep up with the Art of Construction (AOC) podcast on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn! Subscribe to us and leave us a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify!

"Don't be too busy being busy. It's always good to engage in events, associations, and larger industry ideas and attack the problems from the root." In this conversation, Devon Tilly chats with Travis Voss from SMACNA! If you hear any background noise, that's because this episode was recorded LIVE at the AEC Integration Summit in Austin! As the Director of Innovative Technology and Fabrication at the Sheet Metal and Air Conditioning Contractors' National Association (SMACNA), Travis leverages his background in the tech field to explore, adapt, and potentially develop technologies and workflows for the construction industry, particularly as it undergoes its digital transformation. This role allows him to contribute to the cutting edge of the industry while assisting member contractors in staying ahead of the curve. Beyond his professional endeavors, he also prioritizes being a devoted husband and father. Additionally, he actively pursues his passion for powerlifting, continuously striving to improve and compete in this sport. He is dedicated to serving the community through his involvement in volunteer organizations, always seeking to make a positive impact to the best of his abilities. Check out the Construction Dorks Podcast! Keep up with the Art of Construction (AOC) podcast on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn! Subscribe to us and leave us a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify!

"The enormity of the challenges we have in front of us right now, in terms of the deficit of housing, just requires all of us to work together." This episode revisits the National Housing Supply Summit in March 2025! In this conversation, Devon Tilly and co-host Dennis Steigerwalt chats with Matt Hoffman and Stephen O'Conner about affordable housing, the new administration, and the White Paper: Federal Policy Opportunities to Expand Housing Supply. Request a copy of the White Paper here: https://housingsupply.us/ Our co-host Dennis is active in all things real estate with a specific focus on innovation in the residential development and homebuilding ecosystems. He is a ULI Residential Neighborhood Product Council member, a Professional Builder 40 under 40 recipient, and an active member of Geek Estate. In his spare time he enjoys big adventures with his wife and sons on the water and in the mountains. Dennis is the president of the Housing Innovation Alliance, a future oriented community for production homebuilding. The Housing Innovation Summit is the best place to get engaged + connected where you’ll gather insights + have a voice at each turn. The 2025 Summit is co-hosted by the Mascaro Center for Sustainable Innovation at the University of Pittsburgh. We’ll be at Phipps Conservatory in the Oakland neighborhood and hosting Innovation in Action tours around Pittsburgh. Matt Hoffman has spent his career applying his strategy, business development, and innovation skills to solving problems that create growth and opportunity in the public, private, and non-profit sectors. With over 20 years’ experience building businesses in the housing and technology sectors, in February 2024 he completed a two-year assignment as the Senior Advisor to the Commissioner of the Public Buildings Service at the General Services Administration (GSA), which oversees the U.S. government’s civilian real estate portfolio of more than 365 million square feet. His core focus was the implications of “the future of work” on the office portfolio and transitioning federal buildings to net zero emissions. He helped launch the federal government’s Workplace Innovation Lab (WIL) and federal coworking offering (think WeWork just for federal employees). He represented GSA on the White House’s housing supply interagency policy council. Based in the Washington, DC area, Matt has a passion for finding housing solutions for the Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (I/DD) community and currently chairs the real estate finance committee of Benedictine Programs & Services, which helps I/DD children and adults achieve their greatest potential. He is a graduate of Harvard’s Kennedy School of Government (MPP) and Brown University (BA). Throughout his distinguished career, Dr. O’Connor has been deeply involved in addressing the multifaceted challenges surrounding the crisis in affordable housing. His long and effective history of advocacy focuses on the promotion of equitable housing opportunities through the development of inclusive communities to enhance the quality of life for diverse populations. With a Ph.D. in Planning and Public Policy, Dr. O’Connor’s expertise extends across various sectors within the housing spectrum, including affordable housing finance, housing policy analysis, and land use planning. He is often called upon by governmental agencies, political campaigns, and non-profit organizations to help develop effective policy frameworks and practical interventions to address housing disparities. As an educator, Dr. O’Connor is committed to developing the next generation of housing advocates, developers, and policymakers. He serves as a mentor and a teacher, inspiring students to explore the intersection of housing, social equity, and public policy. His dynamic teaching style and hands-on approach are informed by more than thirty years of housing industry experience. Personally, Dr. O’Connor and his wife, Sandy, have served long tenures with several medical mission charities. In addition, they have founded two 501(c)(3) organizations to raise money for cure-focused medical research. They have two children and two beautiful grandsons.   Read James Rouse's book: https://a.co/d/4cVwaKN Read the "Abundance" book:  https://a.co/d/1N0kr4e Keep up with the Art of Construction (AOC) podcast on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn! Subscribe to us and leave us a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify!

This episode is dedicated to honor the memory of Barb Ziegler, the founder of The Trailhead Community. "We are here to celebrate tonight, the opening of this building...we are not at the end of the trail. We are still working on making the trail longer, stronger, and more connected for more people to help solve the greater problem in this community {independent living for IDD adults}." This episode revisits The Trailhead Community at their building opening and ribbon cutting ceremony. If you hear any background noise or laughter, that's because this episode was recorded LIVE in the lobby of The Trailhead Community building in April 2025! In this conversation, Devon Tilly and co-host Matt McMullen chat with various partners at The Trailhead Community! Featured Guests: At 17, James Harper’s stepfather told him, “James, you should find a sales job—you could sell anything!” Fast forward 17 years, and sales became his calling. Over the last 10 years, he has sold over $30 million in B2B marketing services and successfully exited two bootstrapped companies. His expertise and passion lie in helping B2B companies scale through effective outbound sales strategies that deliver results. He believes small businesses are the backbone of the economy, and entrepreneurship is its driving force. His mission is simple: to create opportunities that convert. He helps companies scale by blending sales, marketing, and operational strategy. He doesn’t just focus on growth—he makes it sustainable by refining operations, improving team performance, and creating scalable systems. If you're looking to grow smarter, not just harder, he’s someone worth connecting with. Jeans Mobley worked as an Office Manager for an accounting firm for several years after college. She realized the accounting world was not the best fit and she decided to leap into the nonprofit world with Trailhead Community. Her degree is in Communication with a minor in Leadership Studies. Communication makes the world go 'round! She is passionate about making Trailhead the model for neuro-inclusive housing and building a community that supports one another’s ability to thrive. Jim Shipton was born in the Midwest and raised in Story City, Iowa, the heartland as they call it. He loves being from a small town where you have an opportunity to participate in all aspects of life. Jim played football, basketball, golf and learned to work hard in the farming community. He completed one year of undergraduate civil engineering at Iowa State University before transferring to Colorado State University where he met his future wife and received a Bachelor of Science degree in Landscape Architecture. Upon graduation he and his wife, Denise, moved to the San Diego area for several years, gained valuable experience and his first license in 1992, before moving back to the Denver Metro area. He has been delivering his exceptional services to owners and developers in the western region of the US for the last 35 years. Currently he and his wife live in Littleton where they are trying to figure out how to become empty nesters. Jim enjoys outdoor activities, skiing, golfing, camping and all things Ford Bronco. Halie Behr of Behr Benefits is a force of nature in the auction industry, bringing forth the high energy and electricity to fire up a room and keep everyone engaged all night long. As the proud founder and lead auctioneer of Behr Benefits, Halie has spent the last decade raising millions of dollars for charities all over the U.S. Behr is a three-time champion auctioneer, becoming the first and only in history to win both the International Junior Auctioneering Championship in 2013 and the women’s division of the International Auctioneering Championship in 2023, competing against the very best in the industry on the world’s largest stage. Halie holds the title of Denver’s favorite Fundaneer, bringing an unparalleled sense of enthusiasm and passion to maximize fundraising results at benefit auction events. Click this link to see previous episodes over The Trailhead Community. Keep up with the Art of Construction (AOC) podcast on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn! Subscribe to us and leave us a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify!

“This isn’t like a conference you go to and just listen to people give presentations, this is interactive. You’re actually solving real world problems and working together to come up with those solutions. {You} have everyone at the table, really why you want to join is so you can be at the table and direct the future of our industry.” In this conversation, Devon Tilly and co-host Nathan Wood chat with Todd Sutton from Zachry Corporation! This podcast is a part of a series of episodes that will be coming out from now until Spring 2025 covering the AEC Summit in Austin, Texas April 23rd – 25th 2025. We encourage our listeners and partners to share and engage with us during this conference coverage! With over 35 years of construction industry service with Zachry Corporation, Todd has supported various business units and industry markets in finding user-inspired, process-based solutions through the implementation of technologies or construction methods to assist in project execution. He is an enthusiastic advocate for workforce initiatives, participating in Zachry's Career Exploration Program internship for high school students. At Zachry Corporation, he works on R&D to improve processes, as well as on the technologies that enable these improvements. He is currently involved in several industry data exchange standards, primarily focused on openBIM IFC efforts and FHWA, AASHTO, and State DOT-led digital delivery efforts. Co-host Nathan Wood understands how rewarding the design and construction process can be when technology and culture embrace a new era of innovation. Nathan first earned his reputation as an industry thought leader in 2011, sharing his award-winning implementation of virtual design and construction (VDC) while working on integrated project delivery (IPD) healthcare projects. Nathan strives to share the best practices and lessons learned he’s gathered from over 100 project teams spanning the US, Europe, and the Middle East. These experiences have taught him that when it comes to adopting technology in construction, it’s not one size fits all. For that reason, Nathan founded SpectrumAEC with a clear goal — solving the human barriers to new process and technology adoption. As SpectrumAEC’s founder and chief enabling officer, Nathan helps organizations and project teams successfully adopt change through executive strategy sessions and end user workshops. Nathan continues to support industry progression through conference presentations, academic papers, and as President of the Construction Progress Coalition. Additional Resources mentioned in this episode: What is Digital Delivery? National BIM Standards BuildingSMART BIM for Infrastructure Keep up with the Art of Construction (AOC) podcast on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn! Subscribe to us and leave us a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify!

"Take that step back and look at how the fabric that we exist in with our industries can change...I think there is so much room to embrace the opportunities, a challenge generally means there is money to be made as soon as you figure out how to do it." This podcast is a part of a series of episodes that will be coming out from now until Spring 2025 covering the AEC Summit in Austin, Texas April 23rd – 25th 2025. We encourage our listeners and partners to share and engage with us during this conference coverage! Use the promo code “AOCMFER” that will take $250 off registration. In this conversation, Devon Tilly and co-host Nathan Wood chat withNick Caravella in preparation for the  AEC Summit in Austin, Texas in April 2025! With over a decade of experience in the industry, Nick Caravella has a unique outlook by starting his career as an architect. His passion for using new technology on projects led him to a career in construction technology, where he worked in a series of product and community focused initiatives which further highlighted how companies could be enabling growth through optimizing their technology approach. Through this journey, Nick joined Avicado Construction Technology Services, where he currently works as the Director of Growth and Industry Strategy, as well as the Host/Producer of the company’s construction technology podcast, Wired to Build. His background in architecture and expertise with technology provides a unique background that understands the needs of the AEC-O industry and how to apply the solutions being created to the problems we’re trying to solve today. Nick holds a Bachelor of Architecture degree from the New Jersey Institute of Technology and is a registered Architect. Co-host Nathan Wood understands how rewarding the design and construction process can be when technology and culture embrace a new era of innovation. Nathan first earned his reputation as an industry thought leader in 2011, sharing his award-winning implementation of virtual design and construction (VDC) while working on integrated project delivery (IPD) healthcare projects. Nathan strives to share the best practices and lessons learned he’s gathered from over 100 project teams spanning the US, Europe, and the Middle East. These experiences have taught him that when it comes to adopting technology in construction, it’s not one size fits all. For that reason, Nathan founded SpectrumAEC with a clear goal — solving the human barriers to new process and technology adoption. As SpectrumAEC’s founder and chief enabling officer, Nathan helps organizations and project teams successfully adopt change through executive strategy sessions and end user workshops. Nathan continues to support industry progression through conference presentations, academic papers, and as President of the Construction Progress Coalition. Additional listening to Bill Allen Episode! Listen to Nick on the ConTech Roadshow as a guest! Listen to Nick on the Building Bite as a guest! Listen to Nick on last year's WTB Epsiode on AECiS with Nathan! Avicado Research on how Owner's are Using Technology: Optimizing Construction Technology for Owners Keep up with the Art of Construction (AOC) podcast on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn! Subscribe to us and leave us a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify!

"In the spirit of getting the right people to Austin… Nathan...if 70 people are registered, then we will be a go for Coffee & Chaos at the Museum of Illusions in Austin...that event was mind bending, and opened my eyes to how our position impacts our perspective." Help Nathan register 70 people so the mind bending trip to the Museum of Illusions will be a go! Register here! Use the promo code “AOCMFER” that will take $250 off registration. In this conversation, Devon Tilly and co-host Nathan Wood chat with Chad Pearson and Charlie Dunn in preparation for the  AEC Summit in Austin, Texas in April 2025! This podcast is a part of a series of episodes that will be coming out from now until Spring 2025 covering the AEC Summit in Austin, Texas April 23rd – 25th 2025. We encourage our listeners and partners to share and engage with us during this conference coverage! Charlie tells a good story. From lightning fast development on the Las Vegas strip, to oil fueled expansion in Edmonton, Alberta, to once in a generation energy plant upgrades throughout the Southeast, to global mission critical and life science construction for enterprise owners, he thrives in the challenging delivery gap between “as is” conditions and the “to be” designed state. His career highlights include the on-site project management of over 2.5 million square feet of new distribution space across North America with zero recordable injuries, and WANO (World Association of Nuclear Operators) recognition for the use of 4D technology in project delivery. He knows that projects succeed because of people—what they believe, strategy—as it supports creativity and innovation, and tools—to deliver value, drive out waste, and improve safety. Charlie’s current working definition of a project storyteller is this: imagine that which is not, and take others there with you. He believes that construction may be the highest form of storytelling, for it transports humanity in a permanent way. Chad is a partner at Plexxis Software, where he helps deliver software to the ‘trades’ while coaching teammates on performance under pressure. Outside of Plexxis, Chad is a Mixed Martial Arts and Wrestling coach. Prior to ConTech, Chad worked in Law Enforcement in Emergency Response, CIB (Criminal Investigation Bureau) and as an Outlaw Motorcycle Gang Liaison Officer. His formal training includes a Bachelor of Arts from University of Guelph, Crisis Resolution & tactical communication, CBRN (Chemical, Biological, Radiological & Nuclear Response), Police Defensive Tactics and Use of Force. Co-host Nathan Wood understands how rewarding the design and construction process can be when technology and culture embrace a new era of innovation. Nathan first earned his reputation as an industry thought leader in 2011, sharing his award-winning implementation of virtual design and construction (VDC) while working on integrated project delivery (IPD) healthcare projects. Nathan strives to share the best practices and lessons learned he’s gathered from over 100 project teams spanning the US, Europe, and the Middle East. These experiences have taught him that when it comes to adopting technology in construction, it’s not one size fits all. For that reason, Nathan founded SpectrumAEC with a clear goal — solving the human barriers to new process and technology adoption. As SpectrumAEC’s founder and chief enabling officer, Nathan helps organizations and project teams successfully adopt change through executive strategy sessions and end user workshops. Nathan continues to support industry progression through conference presentations, academic papers, and as President of the Construction Progress Coalition. Keep up with the Art of Construction (AOC) podcast on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn! Subscribe to us and leave us a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify!

“The call to action  is to start looking at the neurodiverse community and recognize that there is this incredible group of people…and they need to be invested in.” In this conversation, Devon Tilly and co-host Matt McMullen chat with Danny Combs about the construction workforce, the trades, and the autistic community in Colorado!  Keep up with the Art of Construction (AOC) podcast on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn! Danny is a leading voice in creating equitable futures for neurodistinct individuals in business and equality of opportunity for the entire disability community. Mr. Combs is the inaugural Director of the Colorado Disability Opportunity Office, Colorado’s senior strategic and policy agency housed in the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment, working with the Governor and Lieutenant Governor to help make Colorado the best state in the country for people with disabilities. He is the founder of TACT (Teaching the Autism Community Trades), the state of Colorado’s leading transition to employment and training organization, and the co-founder of the Colorado Neurodiversity Chamber of Commerce, the first neurodiverse chamber in the country. Danny has brought together over 100 businesses to build better opportunities, pay, and career advancement for neurodistinct individuals. His organizations have raised tens of millions in funding to create scholarships to serve all socioeconomic classes. In addition to being a leader in the community, Danny has worked with multiple Grammy and Oscar-winning artists, and the music program he developed in Nashville won a Grammy Enterprise Award. Mr. Combs is also an Air Force Reservist who serves his country in the 4th Space Warning Squadron and the 42nd Combat Training Squadron in the 310th Space Wing. His leadership, community development, and social innovation have been recognized in the White House and Pentagon on NBC, ABC, PBS, CBS, Fox, the Denver Business Journal, Epoch Times, News Nation, Classy, and more. In 2024, he was awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor Society Citizen Honor Award. With his dedication to the community, Danny is also a Senior Fellow at the Community Impact Policy Institute in New York, a board member of Florida-based HAAPE, a Co-Chair of the NeurodiverseAF, a committee member for the Diversity Equity and Inclusion Council on Buckley Space Force Base, an Advisory Member for Career and Technical (CTE) Education, and part of the Employment Taskforce for the Autism Society of America. Finally, he has been published multiple times on his thoughts, practices, and leadership about community development, social innovation, transition, autism, and employment. His book “Supporting Neurodivergent and Autistic People for Their Transition into Adulthood, Blueprints for Education, Training, and Employment” reached number 1 on Amazon.com. Most importantly, he’s a father of two amazing kids. Read Danny's book: Supporting Neurodivergent and Autistic People for Their Transition into Adulthood: Blueprints for Education, Training, and Employment! Purchase at Barnes and Noble or Amazon. Danny Combs in the press:  Colorado Sun - Autism trade school  Biz Journals - Executive voice Danny Combs  AFRC - Spotlight on Air Force reservist community leader  ISSUU  Biz Journals - Neurodiversity Chamber of Commerce Colorado  Denver Gazette - TACT award winner Additional videos on neurodiversity in the workforce: T.A.C.T.: Changing the Zeitgeist Around Autism in Employment T.A.C.T News Nation Now - Musician turned veteran works to uplift people with autism  Danny Combs, 2024 Citizen Honors Service Act Awardee Additional reading on neurodiversity in the workforce: Neurodiversity in the workplace  Values driven culture business success  5 ways to embrace universal design in your communication department  7 reasons to embrace national disability employment awareness month  The great resignations: Untapped talent in the autism community Embracing Neurodiversity in the skilled trades Neurodivergent workplaces inclusivity innovation ADHD Neurodiversity in employment  Subscribe to us and leave us a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify!

"A lot of people probably try to sell you software, and you probably already have a lot of software. So, part of why I like integration...is using your own software, the software you already have, more efficiently." In this conversation, Devon Tilly chats with Andrew Madonna of Aquifer! This podcast is a part of a series of episodes that will be coming out from now until Spring 2025 covering the AEC Summit in Austin, Texas April 23rd – 25th 2025. We encourage our listeners and partners to share and engage with us during this conference coverage! Andrew Madonna has been working in software for close to 15 years. Growing up in the Philadelphia suburb of West Chester, Pennsylvania, his father was a construction Project Manager, and he has family ties to construction and real estate going back a couple of generations. His software career started in healthcare, then a data integration company Stitch, where he learned first hand what it takes to integrate data for thousands of companies. He then went on to consult for local government, finance, technology, and other industries on integration before starting Aquifer in 2021. At Aquifer he combines years of experience across industries and technologies to deliver a better integration experience for customers in AECO and related industries. Keep up with the Art of Construction (AOC) podcast on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn! Subscribe to us and leave us a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify!

"There are different approaches that can be used to make sure we are on the right path for different sorts of {climate} goals." This podcast focuses on the Housing Innovation Summit this coming May 2025. We encourage our listeners and partners to share and engage with us during this conference coverage! In this conversation, Devon Tilly and co-host Dennis Steigerwalt chats with Dr. Eric Holt of the University of Denver, and Dr. Melissa Bilec of the University of Pittsburgh. They discuss the history of the HIA Summit at the University of Denver and talk about the summit's new home this spring 2025 at the University of Pittsburgh. Keep up with the Art of Construction (AOC) podcast on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn! Our co-host Dennis is active in all things real estate with a specific focus on innovation in the residential development and homebuilding ecosystems. He is a ULI Residential Neighborhood Product Council member, a Professional Builder 40 under 40 recipient, and an active member of Geek Estate. In his spare time he enjoys big adventures with his wife and sons on the water and in the mountains. Dennis is the president of the Housing Innovation Alliance, a future oriented community for production homebuilding. The Housing Innovation Summit is the best place to get engaged + connected where you’ll gather insights + have a voice at each turn. The 2025 Summit is co-hosted by the Mascaro Center for Sustainable Innovation at the University of Pittsburgh. We’ll be at Phipps Conservatory in the Oakland neighborhood and hosting Innovation in Action tours around Pittsburgh. Dr. Melissa Bilec is a prominent voice in sustainable engineering, climate change solutions, and environmental justice. She co-directs the Mascaro Center for Sustainable Innovation, a University-wide center promoting sustainable research and education. She serves as the Special Assistant to the Provost for Sustainability. Dr. Bilec's research is dedicated to developing sustainable solutions for buildings and healthcare to tackle climate change. Her work aims to mitigate climate change and address global waste challenges by advancing circular economy principles in the built environment. At the University of Pittsburgh, Dr. Bilec has led greenhouse gas inventories since 2008 and serves on the Chancellor’s Sustainability Council to guide the University's climate strategy. She has published over 150 peer-reviewed articles and secured over $20 million in funding. Her earlier work focused on community-based infrastructure projects, including transforming a century-old hot metal bridge into a pedestrian bridge. Dr. Bilec led Civil and Environmental Engineering’s inaugural Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Access Committee and serves as the co-faculty advisor for the Pitt Society for Women Engineers.  Dr. Eric Holt is a Professor of the Practice in the Burns School of Real Estate and Construction Management at the University of Denver (DU). He teaches Construction Building Systems, Introduction to Architecture & Design Management, and Construction Estimating.  He has 30 years of experience in the construction industry. His career includes construction material sales and marketing, plan reviewer and building inspector, custom/production home project manager, and small business owner and architectural designer for new homes and remodeling projects. Eric earned his Ph.D. from Purdue University in Construction Management. He serves on the NAHB Student Chapter Advisory Board at the national level and as the DU NAHB Student Chapter Faculty Advisor. His research focuses on the housing industry around alternative building methods, workforce development, affordability, and the technology utilized in homebuilding construction. Read more about the Burns School of Real Estate at the University of Denver! Subscribe to us and leave us a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify!

"The more you put into people and keep them long term, the more they’re going to return on helping you grow your business." In this conversation, Devon Tilly and co-host Nathan Wood chats with Jackson Hoggard of Double Hung! Keep up with the Art of Construction (AOC) podcast on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn! This podcast is a part of a series of episodes that will be coming out from now until Spring 2025 covering the AEC Summit in Austin, Texas April 23rd - 25th 2025. We encourage our listeners and partners to share and engage with us during this conference coverage!  In this episode Jackson discusses project health metrics, personal stories from the construction industry, and challenges of navigating family business dynamics. He emphasizes the need for innovation in small businesses, the significance of mental health in succession planning, and the human element in business transitions. The conversation highlights the importance of external connections and the role of technology in driving change within the construction industry. The group discusses the challenges and dynamics of leadership in the construction industry, particularly focusing on mental health, the importance of AEC integration summits, and the need for a cultural shift towards valuing artisanship alongside productivity. They explore the development of mental health metrics and the CARES rating, emphasizing the significance of investing in people to foster a healthier work environment and improve overall productivity. From the Double Hung website:  With a passion for sustainability and a commitment to quality and performance, Double Hung is dedicated to perfecting the art and craft of historic window restoration. Their work reflects a deep appreciation for craftsmanship, authenticity, community, and affordability. The original windows found in residential, commercial, and institutional historic buildings range from simple, single-pane double-hungs to elaborate multi-paned showpiece fenestration designed by architects to give structures distinction and appeal. Some historic buildings feature a variety of window types, each distinct and important as historic elements deserving retention, restoration, and improvement to preserve the building's appeal and authenticity for future generations. All processes and products fully conform to the Secretary of the Interior's Standards for Historic Rehabilitation. The team understands the requirements of working under the guidelines of the National Park Service and State Historic Preservation Offices to ensure that valuable tax credits are secured for their projects. With extensive experience in handling window restoration projects of all sizes across residential, commercial, and institutional settings throughout the Southeast and beyond, the organization excels in delivering exceptional results. For buildings where original windows are missing, their 20,000-square-foot facility specializes in replicating entire window systems to meet even the most demanding architectural specifications. Read more about Jackson's orgin story! Subscribe to us and leave us a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify!