Digital Builder

Recorded live at Greenbuild in Los Angeles, this episode of Digital Builder features a wide-ranging conversation with Ben Stapleton, Executive Director of USGBC California, on what it takes to rebuild communities after catastrophic wildfires — and how climate resilience, education, and coordination can shape better outcomes long term.Using the 2025 Southern California wildfires as a starting point, host Eric Thomas and Ben explore the realities of recovery, from trauma and displacement to supply chain constraints, insurance challenges, and the opportunity to rebuild more sustainable, all-electric, and fire-resilient homes at scale. The discussion expands beyond wildfire to examine how climate change is reshaping communities — and what builders, owners, and local leaders can do now to prepare for what’s ahead.On this episode, we discuss:Why rebuilding after large-scale natural disasters often takes 5 to 10 years, even in regions with strong resourcesHow education, coordination, and shared standards can dramatically improve recovery outcomesThe role of home hardening, landscape design, and material choices in reducing wildfire riskWhere resilience and sustainability overlap — and why rebuilding is an opportunity to address bothThe challenges homeowners and contractors face, including supply chain limits, labor shortages, and rising costsWhy insurance, electrification, and contractor education are critical — and where gaps remainHow community-level tools like shared marketplaces and digital twins can support collaboration and cost reductionWhy people, not technology alone, remain the most important tool in building climate resilienceThis episode is especially relevant for professionals working in construction, sustainability, planning, and housing — as well as anyone navigating rebuilding, preparedness, or long-term climate risk in their own community.Digital Builder is hosted by Eric Thomas from Autodesk.

In this episode of Digital Builder, host Eric Thomas sits down with Michael Baim, Vice President of Venue Infrastructure at the LA28 Olympic and Paralympic Games, and Allison Scott, Director of Sustainability Growth and Engagement at Autodesk, to explore what it takes to deliver the LA28 Games with fewer than 1,000 days to go. As Los Angeles prepares to host the Olympic Games for a third time, and one of the most ambitious Olympic and Paralympic Games in modern history, Michael and Allison's conversation highlights the scale, complexity, and collaboration behind LA28’s no-new-permanent venues plan, their ambitious commitment to build LA28’s footprint by adapting existing or building temporary infrastructure.Michael and Allison discuss how Autodesk’s Design and Make platform, including Autodesk Construction Cloud will help teams coordinate logistics, data, and planning across an unprecedented program. They also touch on balancing historic venue preservation with modern upgrades, the long-term community legacy LA28 aims to create, and opportunities for contractors, designers, and builders to get involved in bringing the Olympic and Paralympic Games to life.Get involved here today: https://www.rampla.org/s/

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 communitiesHow collaboration and stakeholder engagement shape healthcare and community projects in high‑stakes environmentsLessons from professional sports—preparation, composure, and teamwork—that translate directly to construction and design teamsHow technologies like VR and data‑driven design help teams visualize outcomes, align earlier, and make better decisionsWhy empathy and adaptability are essential leadership skills on the job site, in crisis response, and beyondDobbs 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.

In this episode of Digital Builder, host Eric Thomas talks with Power Design CTO Raghu Kutty and Autodesk’s Sid Haksar about how one of the industry’s most innovative specialty contractors is reshaping construction through intentional structure, unified workflows, and forward‑looking tech adoption.Key topics include:Power Design’s unified “one office, one culture” modelTaking control of the supply chain (in‑house switchgear, trucking, warehousing)Field‑first, mobile‑first technology and connected data workflowsPreparing for AI through clean data, platformization, and change‑ready cultureHow deliberate training + standards enable scale and rapid tech transformationDigital Builder is hosted by Eric Thomas of Autodesk.

Research and development teams often work behind the scenes, but they play a major role in shaping where construction is headed next. In this episode, Eric Thomas sits down with Fope Bademosi, Circular Economy and Construction Researcher, and Lorenzo Villaggi, Principal Research Scientist at Autodesk, to explore how Autodesk Research is approaching the future of AI, sustainability, and material reuse.Fope and Lorenzo walk through their latest work on assessing existing buildings, predicting what’s inside walls using multimodal data, and designing low‑carbon assemblies with the help of AI agents. They also explain how early insight into materials, carbon impacts, and code constraints can shift project culture toward circularity.Topics we cover:How Autodesk Research operates 5–10 years ahead of industry needsThe impact of material reuse on carbon reduction and wasteWhat circularity and the circular economy mean in a construction contextA prototype that predicts the materials and systems hidden behind wallsHow multimodal data improves AI’s accuracy on existing buildingsUsing AI agents to design low‑carbon assemblies that merge reclaimed and new materialsThe role of building codes, performance requirements, and safety considerationsWhere the Autodesk Research team is headed next with testing, customer collaborations, and expanded assembly typesThe built environment contributes roughly 40% of global carbon emissions, and most construction waste still ends up in landfills. Fope and Lorenzo share how emerging technologies—combined with new workflows and industry collaboration—can help shift project teams toward reuse, lower‑carbon design, and more informed decision‑making from the start.Digital Builder is hosted by Eric Thomas from Autodesk.

In this episode of Digital Builder, host Eric Thomas sits down with Dr. Sarah Buchner, founder and CEO of Trunk Tools, for a grounded, no-nonsense conversation about how construction teams can actually start using AI today. Recorded live at Autodesk University, the discussion moves past the high-level hype and into the real workflows where AI is already driving change—from automating white‑collar tasks to reducing rework and helping teams navigate labor shortages.Drawing from her background as a carpenter, project leader, data scientist, and founder, Sarah breaks down what adoption looks like in the field, how to overcome resistance, and why embracing AI early is quickly becoming a competitive advantage.We discuss:Why AI adoption struggles—and what actually helps teams get over the humpThe biggest areas of ROI for AI today, especially in white‑collar construction workflowsHow autonomous AI agents differ from tools like ChatGPTThe role of executives, legal, and IT in successful AI rolloutWhy vertical, construction‑trained AI models matterHow AI can reduce rework, ease labor shortages, and let builders focus on buildingDigital Builder is hosted by Eric Thomas of Autodesk.

In this episode of Digital Builder, host Eric Thomas sits down with Jeevan Kalanithi and Michael Fleischman, co-founders of OpenSpace, to explore how reality capture technology is transforming construction. Recorded live at Autodesk University in Nashville, the conversation traces the journey from early laser scanning to today’s AI-powered visual intelligence platforms—and what that means for builders on the ground.From reducing disputes and project risk to unlocking new possibilities with spatial AI, Jeevan and Michael share insights on how technology is giving teams “superpowers” rather than replacing experience. They also look ahead to the future of AI agents and robotics in construction.We discuss:The “three chapters” of reality capture—and why visual intelligence is the next frontierHow reality capture builds trust, speeds decisions, and lowers riskWhy today’s tech feels more Iron Man than TerminatorThe role of AI and spatial computing in shaping the job siteWhat AI agents could mean for productivity and the labor shortageDigital Builder is hosted by Eric Thomas of Autodesk.

In this episode of Digital Builder, host Eric Thomas sits down with Autodesk's Chief Marketing Officer Dara Treseder to unpack the latest insights from the annual State of Design & Make Report. Recorded live at Autodesk University in Nashville, the conversation explores what the data says about digital maturity across the Design and Make industries—and how construction teams can turn those findings into action.From the industry’s ambition to go fully cloud-based to practical strategies for closing the skills gap, Dara shares how leaders are building resilient, efficient organizations that deliver faster, on budget, and with stronger stakeholder trust.Download the Spotlight on Construction here: https://construction.autodesk.com/go/design-and-make-construction-spotlight-reportDownload the full report here: https://www.autodesk.com/design-make/research/state-of-design-and-make-2025We discuss:Key findings from the 2025 State of Design & Make ReportThe cloud adoption gap—and why it’s a massive opportunity for constructionHow improved data access and collaboration drive accuracy and efficiencyPractical strategies for attracting, training, and upskilling talentWhere sustainability gains are showing up across project lifecyclesDigital Builder is hosted by Eric Thomas of Autodesk.

Design-build is gaining momentum across the construction industry, and for good reason: it delivers projects faster, fosters collaboration, and reduces risk. But what really sets design-build apart from traditional delivery methods—and how does technology amplify its benefits?In this episode of Digital Builder, host Eric Thomas sits down with Brian Skripac, Director of Virtual Design and Construction at the Design-Build Institute of America (DBIA), to unpack the fundamentals of design-build, bust common myths, and explore how digital tools are transforming project delivery. Recorded live at Autodesk University 2025 in Nashville, this conversation dives into why design-build is more than a contract—it’s a cultural shift toward transparency, trust, and innovation.We discuss:What makes design-build different from design-bid-build (DBB) and construction manager at risk (CMAR)Common misconceptions about design-build—and the truth behind themHow technology and shared models break down silos and improve coordinationWhy early collaboration leads to better outcomes and fewer surprisesPractical advice for teams looking to adopt design-build successfullyDigital Builder is hosted by Eric Thomas of Autodesk.

The construction industry faces a growing talent shortage—but innovative partnerships are paving the way forward. In this episode of Digital Builder, host Eric Thomas sits down with Nick Otto, Chief Technology Officer at Kimley-Horn, and Beth Ihnatolya, Program Director of Civil Engineering and Geomatics Technology at Wake Technical Community College, to explore how collaboration between firms, educators, and technology providers is creating a job-ready pipeline.Recorded live at Autodesk University 2025 in Nashville, this conversation dives into why these partnerships matter, how they’re reshaping education, and what it takes to prepare the next generation of construction professionals.We discuss:Why firms, colleges, and tech providers must work together to close the skills gapHow internships and apprenticeships go beyond “coffee runs” to deliver real-world experienceThe role of advisory boards in aligning curriculum with industry needsHow Autodesk, Kimley-Horn, and Wake Tech are redesigning courses with hands-on toolsPractical steps for attracting talent and changing construction’s perceptionDigital Builder is hosted by Eric Thomas of Autodesk.

Artificial intelligence is transforming the way we work—but until recently, its capabilities were limited by context. Enter Model Context Protocol (MCP), a new standard that’s changing the game by enabling AI agents to connect directly with external tools and data sources.In this episode of Digital Builder, host Eric Thomas sits down with Ben Cochran, Vice President of Engineering at Autodesk, to demystify MCPs and explore what they mean for construction workflows. Recorded live at Autodesk University 2025 in Nashville, this conversation dives into why MCPs are generating so much buzz and how they’re unlocking new levels of efficiency across the industry.We discuss:What MCPs are and how they differ from traditional APIsWhy MCPs are accelerating AI adoption across connected ecosystemsPractical use cases for MCPs in construction, from BIM validation to design optimizationHow MCPs reduce repetitive tasks and enable outcome-based workflowsWhere to start if you’re curious about MCPs and agentic toolsDigital Builder is hosted by Eric Thomas of Autodesk.

Preconstruction is evolving faster than ever—and it’s changing what it means to plan and price projects. In this episode of Digital Builder, host Eric Thomas sits down with Jose Gudiño, Manager of Construction Technology at Swinerton, and Jeff Gerardi, Director of Preconstruction Strategy at Autodesk, to explore how technology, data, and AI are reshaping the preconstruction landscape.Recorded live at Autodesk University 2025 in Nashville, this conversation dives into the challenges of fragmented workflows, the rise of connected platforms, and what the next generation of preconstruction professionals can expect.We discuss:How preconstruction workflows have shifted from spreadsheets to integrated, data-driven systemsWhy tool overload is an industry-wide problem—and how to solve itThe growing role of AI in takeoffs, cost analysis, and constructability reviewsHow mentorship and technology are redefining career paths in preconstructionWhat the estimator’s role will look like in 5–10 yearsDigital Builder is hosted by Eric Thomas of Autodesk.

Sustainability in construction has long been a topic of discussion—but the nature of that conversation is changing. In this episode, host Eric Thomas sits down with Joe Speicher, Chief Sustainability Officer at Autodesk, and Allison Scott, Director of Sustainability Growth and Engagement, to explore how the industry is shifting from aspirational goals to operational strategies.Recorded live at Autodesk University 2025 in Nashville, this conversation dives into how firms are turning sustainability promises into measurable outcomes, and the role technology plays in enabling that transformation.We discuss:How sustainability has become a data problem—and why that’s a good thingThe importance of connected construction and digital threadsThe environmental impact of AI and how to deploy it responsiblyWhy data centers are at the heart of the sustainability conversationHow Autodesk is helping customers operationalize sustainability across the built environmentAssets mentioned during the episode:A Guide to Alignment in the Built EnvironmentDigital Builder is hosted by Eric Thomas of Autodesk.

Join our host Eric Thomas live from Nashville, Tennessee, as he reflects on hosting over 130 episodes of Autodesk's Digital Builder podcast. Eric covers 5 key takeaways from his discussions with industry leaders and reflects on some of the biggest announcements from Autodesk University this year.

Change orders have long been a necessary evil plaguing every construction project, but they often cause mountains of paperwork, hours of lost productivity, and millions in lost revenue. Cameron Page, Founder & CEO at Clearstory, believes that change orders may not be going anywhere, but the chaos around them can be fixed.  We sat down with Cameron in San Francisco to learn about his unconventional career journey, his perspective on innovation in the AEC space, advice to would-be founders, and how Clearstory is evolving the narrative around change orders. We discuss: Common misconceptions with change orders How innovation is affecting change order frequency Types of change orders and where they go wrong How better change order processes strengthen subcontractor relationships The need for new approaches to change orders Digital Builder is hosted by Eric Thomas of Autodesk. 

Without a strong data management workflow bolstered by clean data, quick assessment and good decision making can quickly become a game of chance.This means potentially losing millions of dollars through inaccurate records, inconsistent data management, and data lost across multiple platforms.  That’s why we sat down with Tom Reno, the co-founder of Agave, a customizable platform helping AEC contractors integrate their project management data and accounting data.  We discuss: Misconceptions about integrations Best practices for cleaning data The risks of keeping unreliable data What to look for in data integrations vendors How to create a strong vendor partnership Digital Builder is hosted by Eric Thomas of Autodesk. 

Construction changes lives. It impacts the way we live, the way we interact with our peers, influences our education, and defines our personal relationships. Perhaps few have a more integral understanding than Ron Arana, Managing Partner at Arana Group, who we sat down with in San Francisco to explore how he has intentionally sought local partnerships and projects and those efforts transform not only his community, but his own life, too.  Arana Group is a San Francisco-based general building contractor specializing in public works, tenant improvements, and building upgrades that works with public agencies, nonprofits, and mission-driven organizations across the San Francisco Bay Area. Here's what we cover: The importance of local partnerships for workforce development Protecting and preserving purpose-built, local projects once they’re complete Vetting and sourcing subcontractors to meet regulatory requirements The personal impact of a strong community-driven approach Digital Builder is hosted by Eric Thomas of Autodesk. 

From acquiring enough capital to finding the right customer, AEC startups have a number of obstacles standing in their way, but with an industry-wide explosion of new technology, there has also never been so much opportunity for those companies to flourish. In this episode, we are talking all things VC funding in the AEC industry with Alice Leung, Principal at Brick & Mortar Ventures. With career experience in construction, Alice brings a fresh, blended perspective to the conversation to explore what VC firms look for in potential startups to invest in, how startups can differentiate themselves, and how to get involved yourself and help build the future of construction. We discuss: The relationship between tech adoption and the culture of construction Current challenges facing AEC startups  How to connect startups with the right potential customers How angel investing is impacting startups Where AEC startups should put their focus right now Digital Builder is hosted by Eric Thomas of Autodesk. 

This episode was originally published on March 26, 2024.The rise of Gen AI has put organizations in a race to remain competitive. Those who are successfully integrating AI into their processes are seeing improvements in efficiency and output quality, but that rush to adopt AI carries some significant risks, ones that can spell disaster for companies if they are not careful about their approach to using AI.  We've invited May Winfield, Global Director of Commercial, Legal and Digital Risks, at Buro Happold, to reveal what some of the biggest risks are when using Gen AI, what questions organizations should be asking as they adopt AI, and why sometimes the best way to move quickly is to slow down. We discuss: Identifying AI’s five biggest risk categories in AEC: reliance, confidentiality, copyright, personal data, and ethics Why copyright and content attribution are such tricky issues with AI The limitations of using in-house AI models trained on proprietary data Why client requests are becoming more informed and specific (and why this is good!) Assets Mentioned: Joint Study from the Harvard Business School & Boston Consulting Group Digital Builder is hosted by Eric Thomas of Autodesk.

This episode was originally released on March 5, 2024.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.