AEC Tech Journeys with Mayur Mistry

In this conversation, Jeff Echols, Chief Innovation Officer in the AEC industry, shares insights on his diverse career journey, the importance of innovation, and the challenges faced by architecture and construction firms in adopting new technologies. He emphasizes the need for a culture of growth and community building, while also discussing the competitive advantages that can be gained through understanding client needs and leveraging technology effectively. Jeff reflects on the human aspect of professional services and the importance of making life better for clients.   Takeaways Jeff Echols emphasizes the importance of a growth mindset in the AEC industry. Building community is crucial for personal and professional growth. Innovation in AEC requires understanding client needs and providing value. Technology adoption must be phased and project-based in the AEC industry. Cultural shifts are necessary for successful technology integration in firms. The hardest part of community work is often walking away from it. Competitive advantage comes from leveraging technology to improve client experiences. Startups in AEC must focus on emotional connections in their sales strategies. Understanding the economics of clients is vital for architects and engineers. The intersection of human and technology is where true innovation happens.   Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Jeff Echols 01:35 Career Highlights and Evolution 06:56 Navigating Difficult Career Choices 13:46 Building Competitive Advantage in AEC 16:56 Common Mistakes of Startups in AEC 20:32 Identifying Problems to Tackle in AEC 24:24 Technology Adoption Across Firm Sizes 29:37 Cultural Shifts for Technology Adoption 32:33 Final Thoughts and Reflections   📩 Don’t miss future episodes. Subscribe to the AEC Tech + AI Newsletter: https://aiaecdigest.substack.com/

In this conversation, Mayur Mistry hosts Joshua Schultz and Christian Stutzki, discussing their experiences and insights in lightweight architecture and structural design. They explore their career highlights, the influences of the Bauhaus movement, the collaborative nature of their work, and the challenges faced in the industry. The discussion also delves into the writing process of their upcoming book, which aims to share knowledge and experiences in a fun and engaging way. Key themes include the importance of integrated design, the need for historical documentation in engineering, and the value of collaboration in achieving innovative solutions.   Takeaways   The book is not a textbook but a fun exploration of lightweight structures. Integrated design involves collaboration among all stakeholders. Constraints in design can drive innovative solutions. Historical context is crucial for understanding structural innovations. Practical experience is essential for navigating the industry. Collaboration is key to successful lightweight architecture. Recording engineering history helps future generations. Understanding the design process is vital for problem-solving. Long-term thinking is necessary during project execution. Personal experiences shape professional development.    Chapters   00:00 Introduction to Lightweight Architecture 01:46 Career Journeys and Influences 04:26 The Essence of the Book 06:43 Challenges in Writing and Key Learnings 09:01 Interdisciplinary Approach to Design 11:37 Lessons from Practical Projects 13:53 Navigating Unknowns in Structural Design 16:16 The Importance of Collaboration 18:33 Rapid Fire Round and Personal Insights 26:06 Closing Thoughts and Takeaways   📩 Don’t miss future episodes. Subscribe to the AEC Tech + AI Newsletter: https://aiaecdigest.substack.com/

In this engaging conversation, Gwyllim Jahn, co-founder of Fologram and developer of RunChat, shares insights on balancing multiple ventures, leveraging generative AI for architecture, and building innovative tools for creative professionals. He discusses the importance of individualized software for competitive advantage, explores the challenges of fine-tuning AI models, and highlights how RunChat’s node-based automation editor is reshaping architectural workflows. Gwyllim also stresses the role of community building in scaling products and touches on pricing strategies to make AI tools accessible while sustaining growth.   Takeaways Gwyllim Jahn balances multiple ventures through effective time management. Generative AI is transforming architectural design processes. Building a second company involves leveraging past experiences from Fologram. AI design agents can automate repetitive tasks but not replace creative thinking. Fine-tuning AI models involves trade-offs between creativity and specificity. Developing individualized software can create a competitive edge for firms. RunChat offers a node-based editor for automating creative workflows. Integrating APIs significantly enhances tool functionality and interoperability. Community engagement drives adoption and accelerates product growth. Pricing AI services requires balancing accessibility, performance, and margins.   Chapters 00:00 – Introduction to Gwyllim Jahn and His Ventures 01:05 – Balancing Multiple Roles and Time Management 02:21 – Innovations in Architectural Education 04:45 – Transitioning from Architecture to Entrepreneurship 08:43 – Exploring RunChat and Its Unique Approach 11:08 – The Role of AI in Design and Creativity 14:36 – Developing Competitive Edge with AI Tools 17:27 – Demonstration of RunChat's Functionality 22:23 – Exploring Generative Models in RunChat 24:20 – Comparing RunChat with Other Automation Tools 26:04 – Integrating API Requests and Automation 27:39 – Creating and Managing Workflows 29:00 – Building Custom User Interfaces 31:05 – Future Aspirations for RunChat 36:21 – Lessons Learned in Product Development 38:57 – Balancing Cost and Performance in Generative AI 39:27 – Rapid Fire Round: Personal Insights   📩 Don’t miss future episodes. Subscribe to the AEC Tech + AI Newsletter: https://aiaecdigest.substack.com/

In this conversation, Josh Dorfman shares his journey from teaching in China to becoming a climate entrepreneur with his companies Plantd and Supercool. He discusses the lessons learned from his early career, the challenges faced in the construction industry, and the importance of media in promoting climate innovation. Josh also provides valuable advice for aspiring climate tech entrepreneurs, emphasizing the need for collaboration, understanding the market, and developing effective adoption strategies. Takeaways   Josh's career began in China, teaching English and working in a factory. He learned the importance of having a strong co-founding team. Books have played a significant role in shaping his worldview. Plantd was born out of a desire to find sustainable materials. The construction industry faces challenges in adopting new materials. Media plays a crucial role in promoting climate innovation. Building relationships with larger companies can ease market entry. Vertical integration is essential for scaling a climate tech business. Adoption strategies are as important as product development. Entrepreneurs should focus on their interests and market funding opportunities. Chapters   00:00 Journey to Entrepreneurship: From Teaching to Business 01:49 Lessons Learned: The Hard Way of Entrepreneurship 04:20 The Birth of Plantd: Innovating with Sustainable Materials 11:00 Overcoming Challenges: Adoption and Certification in Homebuilding 18:02 Building a Vertical Supply Chain: The Path to Scale 22:14 Leadership Transition: From Founder to Advisor 27:45 Supercool: Bridging Innovation and Climate Solutions 31:27 Advice for Aspiring Climate Entrepreneurs   📩 Don’t miss future episodes. Subscribe to the AEC Tech + AI Newsletter: 👉 https://aiaecdigest.substack.com/

 In this conversation, Kevin Watters, Head of Growth at Koncurent, shares his journey from an architectural background to growth leadership. He dives into the challenges of shifting career paths, the influence of AI on design processes, and the need for innovative solutions within the AEC sector. Kevin also highlights why business acumen is critical for architects, contrasts construction firms' operational efficiency with architects’ approach, and breaks down effective growth strategies from maximizing ROI at conferences to leveraging cold calling for client engagement.   Key Takeaways Transitioned from architecture into a growth leadership role, navigating significant career challenges. Advocates for innovative solutions to retain architectural talent and modernize workflows. Believes AI can revolutionize architectural design and redefine project timelines. Pushes for a more efficient architecture licensure path to attract and retain top talent. Observes that construction firms often outperform architecture firms in business execution and decision-making. Highlights the importance of ROI-driven conference strategies instead of vanity branding. Endorses cold calling as a still-relevant and powerful tool in the construction industry. Stresses the role of business skills in growing successful AEC practices. Encourages architects to adapt, upskill, and embrace innovation to remain competitive.   Chapters 00:00 — Kevin’s Journey from Architecture to Growth 02:11 — Navigating Career Decisions and Challenges 04:30 — The Impact of AI on Architecture 07:14 — Innovative Ideas for Architectural Products 09:19 — Business Skills Beyond Architecture 11:47 — Growth Strategies in Architecture and Construction 14:07 — The Role of Conferences in Business Development 16:10 — Effective Marketing Strategies in AEC 18:46 — Cold Calling and Client Engagement 21:15 — Rapid Fire Insights with Kevin Watters 📩 Don’t miss future episodes. Subscribe to the AEC Tech + AI Newsletter: https://aiaecdigest.substack.com/

In this conversation, Ben Rudin, Co-founder and CRO of Kamai, discusses the inception of his company, the challenges faced in the construction tech industry, and the transformative impact of their AI-driven platform on users. He shares insights on navigating customer adoption, the importance of innovation, and lessons learned from his entrepreneurial journey. The discussion also highlights the unique features of Kamai's technology and its future aspirations in the construction sector. Takeaways   Kamai was founded to address the lack of technology in the construction industry. The construction industry has a low adoption rate for new technologies. Raising initial funding was particularly challenging due to industry economics. User feedback is crucial for refining technology and gaining traction. Kamai's platform significantly reduces the time and cost of quantity surveying. The technology allows users to extract data from blueprints using AI. Kamai focuses on selling technology to software companies rather than end users. Understanding the readiness for innovation among potential customers is key. Research and recognizing signals are important for future ventures. Entrepreneurs should pursue their ideas passionately and without fear. Chapters   00:00 The Genesis of Kamai 02:32 Navigating Challenges in Construction Tech 05:12 Transformative Impact on Users 07:56 Innovative Technology and Product Features 09:27 Lessons Learned and Future Aspirations 10:38 Final Thoughts and Motivational Insights   📩 Don’t miss future episodes. Subscribe to the AEC Tech + AI Newsletter: https://aiaecdigest.substack.com/

In this conversation, Håvard Vasshaug Founder & CEO of AnkerDB, Founder of Reope, and Founder of Bad Monkeys shares his journey from being an engineer to becoming one of the most influential figures in the AEC tech space. He reflects on the evolution of computational design, startup struggles, personal branding, and sales strategies. Håvard highlights the importance of authenticity, timing, and company culture while offering insights into surviving and thriving in a fast-changing industry.   Takeaways: Håvard’s journey began with a passion for building and technology. Transitioned from engineer to tech entrepreneur and community builder. BIM and computational design transformed the AEC landscape. Startups face unique adoption and competition challenges. Sales in AEC tech require personal engagement and timing. Cold calling remains a powerful, underrated strategy. Personal branding is a growth lever for thought leadership. Strong company culture thrives on balancing freedom and responsibility. Authenticity resonates more than polished marketing.   Chapters: 00:00 — Intro to Håvard Vasshaug’s Journey 01:30 — From Engineering to Tech: The Snowhatta Experience 04:06 — Evolution of Computational Design & Predictions 06:09 — Survival of the Fittest: Plugins & Startups in AEC 08:25 — The AEC Tech Mafia: Influential Figures & Networks 10:05 — Balancing Multiple Companies: Secrets to Success 13:13 — Go-to-Market Strategies in AEC: Challenges & Insights 18:36 — Sales Techniques: Cold Calling & Outbound Strategies 22:36 — Hiring Practices: Finding the Right Talent 26:17 — Branding: Personal & Company Strategies 29:59 — Company Culture: Freedom, Responsibility & Performance 33:19 — Rapid Fire Round: Insights & Reflections   📩 Don’t miss future episodes. Subscribe to the AEC Tech + AI Newsletter: https://aiaecdigest.substack.com/

In this conversation, Talha Faiz, co-founder of Candid Intelligence, discusses the journey of building a platform that compresses months of pre-construction engineering into hours. He shares insights on the challenges faced in the EPC industry, the importance of understanding user needs, and the technical hurdles in developing AI-driven solutions. Talha emphasizes the need for companies to be AI curious and highlights the potential for technology to transform the energy sector. The discussion also touches on personal experiences, lessons learned as a founder, and the future vision for Candid Intelligence.   Takeaways Candid Intelligence compresses months of engineering into hours. Understanding user needs is crucial for software adoption. The construction industry faces significant inefficiencies in software. AI can help bridge the gap between engineering and technology. Validating ideas with real users is essential for product development. Technical challenges include reading complex diagrams and documents. AI curiosity is more important than being AI native. The energy sector is ripe for technological transformation. Founders must focus on solving real problems for users. Passion and deep knowledge in a field can lead to unexpected opportunities.   Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Candid Intelligence 00:54 Founders' Background and Early Discoveries 02:47 Identifying Industry Problems 05:32 Building the Prototype and Validating Ideas 07:39 Target Audience and Project Stages 10:16 Proudest Moments and Technical Challenges 11:48 Computer Vision and AI in Engineering 20:23 Becoming AI Native: Best Practices 23:17 Lessons Learned as a Founder 24:49 Opportunities in Engineering 27:59 Vision for Candid and Future of Energy 31:18 Rapid Fire Round and Closing Thoughts   📩 Don’t miss future episodes. Subscribe to the AEC Tech + AI Newsletter: https://aiaecdigest.substack.com/ 

In this engaging conversation, Bibhrajit Halder, founder of SafeAI, shares his journey from Calcutta to Silicon Valley, reflecting on his early education, career transitions, and the evolution of autonomy in heavy industries. He emphasizes the importance of mentorship, customer discovery, and building high-performing teams to succeed in the startup landscape. Bibhrajit explains how AI has transformed autonomous vehicle systems, discusses the challenges in robotics adoption, and explores the vast opportunities within industrial automation. He also offers a forward-looking perspective on the potential rise of humanoid robots in mainstream applications. His insights deliver valuable lessons for aspiring entrepreneurs and innovators in AI, robotics, and autonomy.   Takeaways Bibhrajit Halder's journey from Calcutta to Silicon Valley highlights the power of mentorship in shaping careers. His shift from mechanical engineering to autonomy was fueled by a deep passion for math and physics. Autonomy in heavy industries has been in production since 2014, debunking common myths. AI is transforming decision-making and perception systems in autonomous vehicles. Building a strong, visionary team is critical to the success of any startup. Customer discovery is essential to refine products and meet real market needs. The autonomous industry is vast, with significant applications in defense, mining, and heavy machinery. SafeAI’s mission is to modernize autonomy for heavy industries by leveraging cutting-edge AI. Robotics adoption faces high costs and automation challenges for complex, real-world tasks. The future of robotics could include widespread humanoid robots in consumer and industrial spaces.   📩 Don’t miss future episodes. Subscribe to the AEC Tech + AI Newsletter: https://aiaecdigest.substack.com/ 📩Here is the LinkedIn profile of Bibhrajit Halder: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bibhrajit/#:~:text=Premium%20for%20PHP0-,Bibhrajit%20Halder,-Founder%20at%20SafeAI 

Summary In this conversation, Kitae Kim, co-founder of Foveate, shares his inspiring journey from a background in art and architecture to creating a startup focused on revolutionizing design proposals. He discusses the importance of mentorship, the challenges of transitioning from designer to product developer, and the significance of understanding user needs and feedback. Kitae also highlights the innovative features of Foveate that aim to streamline the proposal process for architects, emphasizing the need for interactive and engaging presentations. Throughout the discussion, he provides valuable insights into sales strategies, networking, and the future of architecture proposals.   Takeaways Kitae Kim's diverse background in art and architecture shaped his approach to design. Mentorship played a crucial role in Kitae's career development. Foveate was inspired by the need for better design communication tools. Transitioning from designer to product developer requires understanding user needs. User feedback is essential for refining product features. Sales strategies must address the unique challenges of the architecture industry. Foveate aims to streamline the proposal process for architects. Networking is key to building partnerships and client relationships. The future of proposals lies in interactive and engaging presentations. Understanding the client's perspective is vital for successful sales.   Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Kitae Kim and Foveate 02:38 Kitae Kim's Diverse Background and Career Journey 05:24 Mentorship and Influences in Kitae's Career 08:02 The Inspiration Behind Foveate 11:07 Transitioning from Designer to Product Developer 13:31 Building the MVP and Understanding User Needs 16:18 Navigating Sales and Marketing in Architecture 18:50 Enhancing Proposal Processes with Foveate 20:38 Empathy in Architecture and Sales 21:03 Introducing Foveate: Revolutionizing Proposals 24:05 Enhancing Client Understanding Through Interactive Proposals 26:53 The Luxury Experience in Client Proposals 29:52 Reframing Language for Better Client Perception 32:46 Client Feedback and Relationship Management 36:02 Building Networks and Partnerships 38:57 Effective Client Acquisition Strategies   📩 Don’t miss future episodes. Subscribe to the AEC Tech + AI Newsletter: https://aiaecdigest.substack.com/

In this conversation, Yashasvini Gopalan, co-founder of Smortr, shares her journey from aspiring architect to entrepreneur in the construction tech space. She discusses her early inspirations, challenges during architecture school, and the transition to the U.S., where she explored B2B marketing and product development. Yashasvini explains the inception of Smortr, highlighting the urgent need for better data management in the construction industry. She dives into product validation, overcoming PDF-heavy workflows, and how customer feedback shapes product iterations. The episode closes with insights on the future of construction tech and advice for young entrepreneurs.   Takeaways Yashasvini’s early inspiration came from observing how architecture impacts people’s lives. Architecture school built her foundation for understanding complex systems. Transitioning to B2B marketing unlocked new perspectives on data fragmentation. Smortr was born from the need for better construction data management. Problem discovery required deep engagement with industry professionals for validation. Product building is iterative — constant learning and adaptation are critical. Managing large PDF-based workflows is a major pain point in construction tech. Her advice for aspiring founders: embrace software and technology early. Networking is invaluable; many are willing to help if approached. The future of construction tech is promising with innovative startups emerging.   Chapters 00:00 – Journey to Architecture and Early Influences 03:04 – Challenges in Architecture School 04:43 – First Company and Industry Exposure 05:21 – Transition to the U.S. and Marketing Insights 06:42 – UI/UX Skills from Architecture 07:38 – The Birth of Smortr 09:32 – Customer Discovery and Validation 10:45 – Learning from Challenges 12:10 – Innovations in Construction Tech 15:30 – Product Walkthrough and Vision 17:02 – Challenges in Product Development 17:55 – Inspirations and Role Models 18:56 – Advice to Younger Self 19:53 – Mentorship and Support 21:25 – Starting a New Venture 22:19 – Rapid Fire Round 23:53 – Future of Construction Tech 📩 Don’t miss future episodes. Subscribe to the AEC Tech + AI Newsletter: https://aiaecdigest.substack.com/  

In this conversation, Dan Shaw, CEO and co-founder of Bridgeline, shares insights into his journey in the construction tech industry, the challenges faced during product development, and the importance of understanding customer needs. He discusses the evolution of Bridgeline, its ideal customer profile, and strategies for customer acquisition. Dan also emphasizes the significance of building relationships in the construction industry while leveraging modern technology to enhance efficiency. The conversation concludes with reflections on the startup journey and advice for aspiring founders.   Takeaways The hardest part of product release is crossing the finish line. Construction is a fascinating and complex industry. B2B sales in construction differs significantly from tech sales. Understanding customer needs is crucial for product development. Building relationships is key in the construction industry. AI can transform how construction professionals work. Cold calling is essential for market validation. The ideal customer profile for Bridgeline includes smaller firms with overworked estimators. Learning from successful startups can provide valuable insights. Taking risks is part of the entrepreneurial journey. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Background of Dan Shaw 02:10 Challenges in Product Development 04:33 Transitioning from Construction to Tech 07:06 Lessons Learned in Customer Discovery 09:38 Understanding Bridgeline's Value Proposition 12:12 Navigating Customer Acquisition in Construction 14:18 Insights from Successful Construction Tech Startups 16:38 Cold Calling Strategies for Startups 19:17 Reflections and Rapid Fire Questions

In this conversation, Tania Madah, founder and CEO of Lean Architect LLC, shares her unconventional journey into architecture and her vision for the future of the AEC industry. She emphasizes the growing role of technology, user-centric design, and collaboration in shaping smarter, more sustainable built environments. Tania discusses the challenges architects face in adopting new tools, the importance of internal innovation, and the responsible use of generative AI. She advocates for a future where architects, technologists, and stakeholders work together to bridge workflow gaps and drive digital transformation in the industry.   Key Takeaways Diverse background, unique path — Tania’s journey from food science to architecture demonstrates the value of cross-disciplinary thinking. Outdated workflows persist — Despite advances, much of the architecture industry still relies on inefficient, legacy processes. Events open doors — Showing up at industry meetups and conferences can lead to unexpected opportunities. Adopt, don’t fear tech — Architects shouldn’t let fear of technology hold them back from exploring new tools. User needs come first — A deep understanding of end-user pain points is critical for successful tech adoption. Collaboration is non-negotiable — Innovation happens when architects, engineers, and contractors break silos. Enhance, not replace — Technology should support creativity and artistry, not diminish it. Generative AI responsibly — AI has huge potential but requires clean data and clear objectives to add value. The future is collective — The best solutions in AEC will come from ecosystem-wide collaboration. Opportunity lies in the gaps — Identifying inefficiencies and “white spaces” across AEC workflows presents major innovation potential.   Chapters 00:00 — Tania Madah’s Journey in Architecture 02:30 — The Role of Technology in Architecture 05:05 — Overcoming Barriers to Tech Adoption 07:11 — The Importance of User-Centric Design 09:40 — Internal Innovation vs. Startups 12:19 — Breaking Silos: Collaboration in the AEC Industry 14:43 — Lessons Learned in Product Development 16:45 — Balancing Art and Technology in Architecture 18:35 — The Mindset Behind Productivity 20:31 — Generative AI’s Role in Architecture 22:43 — Unlocking Opportunities for Tech in AEC 25:08 — Rapid Fire Round & Final Insights   📩 Don’t miss future episodes. Subscribe to the AEC Tech + AI Newsletter: https://aiaecdigest.substack.com/

In this conversation, Adam discusses his journey from civil engineering to Co-founding Nonlinear, an AI-driven workflow automation tool for the construction industry. He shares insights on the challenges of technology adoption in construction, the importance of mentorship, and the defining moments in his startup journey. Adam also provides an overview of Nonlinear's features, the technical challenges faced during development, and offers valuable advice for aspiring engineers and entrepreneurs.   Takeaways Nonlinear is an AI workflow tool for construction projects. The construction industry is slow to adopt new technologies. Mentorship played a crucial role in Adam's career development. Feedback from customers is vital for product success. The importance of having goals outside of work for personal growth. The need for automation in tedious engineering tasks. Building a product requires flexibility and willingness to pivot. The significance of understanding the 'why now' for a startup idea. Iterating on a product is essential for scalability and success. Starting a company requires hard work and dedication.    Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Nonlinear and Its Vision 02:40 Adam's Career Journey and Inspirations 06:00 Challenges in the Construction Industry 09:03 Defining Moments in Nonlinear's Journey 11:55 Product Features and Innovations 20:51 Technical Challenges and Solutions 24:51 Proudest Moments and Personal Achievements 28:00 Advice for Aspiring Engineers and Founders 34:10 Final Thoughts and Encouragement   📩 Don’t miss future episodes. Subscribe to the AEC Tech + AI Newsletter: https://aiaecdigest.substack.com/

In this conversation, Mayur Mistry interviews Mohamed Adil, the founder of Awatif, discussing his journey from structural engineering to software development. They explore the complexities of finite element analysis, the importance of understanding fundamentals in engineering, and the evolution of Awatif as a parametric modeling platform. Mohamed emphasizes the value of open source contributions and collaboration in the engineering community, sharing insights on how to approach software development in structural engineering.   Takeaways Mohamed Adil is the founder of Awatif, a parametric modeling platform. His career highlights include a focus on finite element analysis and software development. Understanding the fundamentals of engineering is crucial for effective problem-solving. The transition from structural engineering to software development can enhance one's skills. Asking 'why' is essential in learning and understanding engineering concepts. The complexities of finite element analysis stem from various edge cases and scenarios. Awatif started with the idea of interactive simulation but pivoted to focus on parametric modeling. Real-time analysis in structural engineering can aid architects in decision-making. Open source contributions are vital for community-driven development in engineering. Collaboration and delegation can significantly enhance productivity and innovation.   Chapters 00:00 From College to Career: The Journey Begins 02:23 The Leap to Software Development 04:47 Understanding the Complexity of Structural Analysis 07:06 Building a New FEM Solver 09:44 The Evolution of Awatif 12:03 Interactive Parametric Modeling 14:14 The Future of Structural Engineering 16:42 Open Source and Community Collaboration 19:25 Rapid Fire: Insights and Reflections   📩 Don’t miss future episodes. Subscribe to the AEC Tech + AI Newsletter: https://aiaecdigest.substack.com/

In this conversation, Igor Starkov shares his journey from immigrating to the United States to becoming a successful entrepreneur in the construction technology sector. He discusses the challenges and opportunities within the industry, emphasizing the importance of relationships and strategic decision-making. Igor also highlights the significance of customer feedback in product development and the technical challenges faced in creating innovative solutions like Teleworker AI. He offers valuable insights for aspiring entrepreneurs, including the necessity of mentorship and learning from past experiences.   Takeaways   Igor Starkov's entrepreneurial journey began after immigrating to the U.S. The construction industry presents unique challenges that require careful navigation. Building strong relationships is crucial for success in business. Simplicity in product design can lead to greater financial success. Startups should focus on customer feedback to refine their products. There is no room for failure in the early stages of a startup. Understanding various business functions is essential for startup founders. Teleworker AI aims to enhance remote work in the construction industry. Technical challenges in hardware development can be significant. Mentorship and learning from others' experiences are vital for growth.   Chapters 00:00 Igor Starkov's Journey: From Immigrant to Entrepreneur 08:52 Lessons Learned: The Hard Truths of Running a Startup 15:52 Building Teleworker AI: Innovations in Construction Tech 23:17 Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs: Navigating the Startup Landscape   📩 Don’t miss future episodes. Subscribe to the AEC Tech + AI Newsletter: https://aiaecdigest.substack.com/

In this conversation, Aakash Prasad, CEO and co-founder of InspectMind AI, shares his journey from growing up in a family of engineers to becoming an entrepreneur in the tech-enabled engineering space. He discusses the importance of a beginner mindset, learning through experience, and the significance of perseverance in the face of challenges. Aakash also highlights the role of technology in engineering, the birth of InspectMind AI, and insights gained from participating in Y Combinator and AI Grant. He emphasizes the value of building relationships in the construction tech industry and shares strategies for customer acquisition.   Takeaways Aakash grew up at the intersection of construction and software. Learning by doing is crucial for personal and professional growth. Every company is unique; a beginner mindset is essential. Perseverance is key; the greatest killer of startups is giving up. Building relationships is vital in the construction tech industry. Technology can significantly enhance engineering processes. Customer feedback is essential for product development. Y Combinator provides a strong community for founders. Networking and introductions are more effective than cold outreach. Not every business needs to aim for billion-dollar valuations.   Chapters 00:00 From College to CEO: A Journey Begins 02:33 Learning by Doing: The Importance of Experience 04:53 Skills Development: From College to Entrepreneurship 07:17 The Long Game: Mindset and Perseverance 09:56 Navigating Challenges: The Importance of Taking Steps 12:20 Lessons from Past Ventures: Embracing the Beginner Mindset 15:07 Overcoming Low Points: The Power of Persistence 17:31 Building a Tech-Enabled Engineering Firm 20:00 Different Business Models: Lifestyle vs. Bold Vision 21:17 Understanding the VC vs. Private Equity Mindset 22:37 The Birth of InspectMind AI: From Idea to Execution 25:54 The Importance of Customer Feedback in Product Development 27:28 The Value of Community in Startup Ecosystems 31:17 Navigating Early Customer Acquisition 34:13 Go-to-Market Strategies and Experimentation 35:40 Building Trust in Traditional Industries 37:21 Personal Insights and Recommendations for Founders   Don’t miss future episodes. Subscribe to the AEC Tech + AI Newsletter: https://aiaecdigest.substack.com/

In this conversation, Dennis Dixon, CEO & Co-founder of OQULi, shares his journey from a passionate tech enthusiast to leading a company reimagining compliance in architecture through AI. He walks us through the emotional and strategic challenges of pivoting business models, how CODiii came to life, and why understanding real market needs is essential to long-term success. Dennis emphasizes the importance of mentorship, authenticity, and continuous learning in both personal growth and product development. He also unpacks insights on user experience, fundraising, and how AI can empower—not replace—creative professionals. The episode concludes with his vision for CODiii and advice for emerging architects and founders.   Takeaways Dennis Dixon’s early passion for technology shaped the foundation of his career. Mentorship played a critical role in his personal and entrepreneurial development. Pivoting business models is not just a strategic shift—it's an emotional one too. A deep understanding of compliance challenges in architecture inspired CODiii. Asking questions and staying curious is key for new graduates. Fundraising should be a tool, not the end goal, for startups. Building authentic relationships and trust leads to real traction. Constant iteration and feedback loops fuel product improvement. AI should serve as a creative amplifier—not a replacement. Community feedback drives meaningful innovation in architecture tech.     Chapters 00:00 – Introduction to Dennis Dixon and OQULi 02:26 – Career Journey and Mentorship 04:09 – Founding Stories of OQULi 05:16 – Starting a Company in Today's Landscape 06:30 – Advice for Recent Graduates in Architecture 07:52 – Finding Customers and Market Fit 08:51 – Deep Dive into CODiii 11:31 – Challenges in Building CODiii 12:59 – The Future of the Industry and AI 14:12 – Developing UI/UX for AI Tools 16:38 – Examples of Successful AI Implementations 17:52 – Fundraising vs Bootstrapping 19:09 – Preparing for Go-to-Market   Don’t miss future episodes. Subscribe to the AEC Tech + AI Newsletter: https://aiaecdigest.substack.com/  

In this conversation, Or Lakritz, CEO and Co-founder of StructShare, shares his journey from Israel to the forefront of construction technology. He opens up about the challenges of building a startup in one of the most complex and slow-moving industries, and how resilience, strategic thinking, and deep customer understanding helped him navigate those obstacles. Or discusses the importance of building an MVP tailored to real industry pain points, hiring talent that thrives in startup environments, and adjusting sales strategies for a traditionally offline sector. He also offers practical insights into early fundraising and preparing for acquisition—highlighting both the tough lessons and unique opportunities in construction tech.   Takeaways Or Lakritz's path began in Israel, evolving from military service into tech entrepreneurship. The lack of standard practices in construction made it difficult to design scalable solutions. MVP development required isolating procurement and supply chain pain points. Customer acquisition was tough early on due to resistance toward digital adoption. Resilience and belief in the team were crucial during challenging periods like the COVID-19 crisis. In the beginning, startups must often do unscalable things like manual data handling. Construction tech, while tough, offers immense opportunities for impactful innovation. Hiring must align with both startup dynamics and construction-specific knowledge. Sales strategies need to reflect how construction professionals actually work and buy. Fundraising success depends on building a compelling story and deeply knowing your market.    Chapters 00:00 – Introduction and Background 01:40 – Journey into Entrepreneurship 04:49 – Challenges in the Construction Tech Industry 07:04 – Proudest Moments and Strategic Partnerships 08:21 – Lessons from Early-Stage Startups 09:56 – Hiring and Team Distribution Strategies 15:23 – Sales Strategies in Construction Tech 20:53 – Fundraising Insights and Strategies 24:09 – Opportunities in Construction Tech 26:59 – Acquisition Insights and Future Considerations 28:13 – Rapid Fire Round and Closing Thoughts Don’t miss future episodes. Subscribe to the AEC Tech + AI Newsletter: https://aiaecdigest.substack.com/

In this conversation, Mayur Mistry hosts Zhihao Zhao and Robin Li, the Co-Founders of Genia, a generative AI platform for structural engineering. They discuss their backgrounds, the challenges faced in the structural engineering industry, and the need for innovative solutions like AI to streamline design processes. The conversation delves into the barriers to technology adoption in the AEC industry, the importance of accurate design and communication, and the proud moments in their journey. They also provide a demo of their product, highlighting its value proposition and future developments.   Takeaways Genia AI aims to revolutionize structural engineering with generative design. The traditional design process is tedious and relies heavily on Excel. AI can enhance creativity in structural design. Adoption of new technology in the AEC industry is slow due to high accuracy requirements. Communication of design calculations is crucial for engineers. The MVP concept does not apply well in the AEC space. Genia AI can generate designs significantly faster than traditional methods. Understanding local building codes is essential for structural design. The founders emphasize the importance of patience in the industry. Future developments include expanding support for different materials and international markets.   Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Genia AI and Founders' Background 01:50 The Challenges in Structural Engineering 03:40 Identifying Pain Points and Market Validation 05:56 Adoption Challenges in the AEC Industry 07:49 The Journey of Genia AI: Milestones and Achievements 09:44 Advice for Innovators in Structural Engineering 11:30 Product Development and Communication with Engineers 13:04 Demonstration of the Genia AI Platform 19:52 Future Developments and Market Expansion  📩 Don’t miss future episodes. Subscribe to the AEC Tech + AI Newsletter: https://aiaecdigest.substack.com/