Bricks And Bytes

The UFC arrives in AEC. And we’re live from the AEC Octagon.In the very first episode of our brand-new Bricks & Bytes Debates series, we are trading PR statements for sparring gloves. We’re putting two industry heavyweights head-to-head to battle out one of the hottest topics in construction: Has AI actually solved estimating?In this no-holds-barred contester series, our contenders took the gloves off to represent the extreme Bull and Bear cases for Artificial Intelligence:• In the Red Corner: Mike "Mighty" Powers (Co-Founder, BuildVision), arguing that LLMs have solved the extraction problem and the industry needs to embrace the "Waymo" era of automation.• In the Blue Corner: Luigi "The Stinger" La Corte (Co-Founder, Provision), arguing that estimating is more than just counting symbols - and that without 100% accuracy, AI is still just a student driver.Moderated by the referee of reason, Patric "Praying For Exits" Hellermann, this debate moves through three grueling rounds: - Round 1: The Tech. Can LLMs actually count and measure complex drawings, or are they just guessing? - Round 2: The Accuracy Gap. Is 80% accuracy "good enough" to change the industry, or is "trust but verify" just a nice way of saying "do it yourself"? - Round 3: The Liability. In a world of design-bid-build, who takes the fall when the AI misses a scope gap? Tune in to uncover:• The "Waymo" Strategy: Why waiting for perfect AI is a mistake, and how to leverage the "self-driving" mindset to reduce takeoff times by 90% today.• The Hidden Liability Loophole: Why architects and engineers could solve the estimating crisis instantly by sharing models—and the legal reason they never will.• Symbols vs. Language: Learn the fundamental technical limitation preventing LLMs from reading 2D drawings like a human, and when we can expect "Visual Language Models" to catch up.• The Subcontractor’s Dilemma: Why "Design Intent" matters more than counting linear feet, and why subs might actually be wasting time on granular takeoffs.• A "Bribe" for Better Data: One listener’s hilarious (but practical) suggestion for how to finally get the Revit model from the design team.Who will deliver the knockout punch? Tune in to decide for yourself.Chapters 00:00 Intro01:48 Introduction to Bricks and Bytes Debates 04:07 Opening Statements and Context Setting 06:51 Technical Feasibility of AI in Estimating 09:57 Practical Applications and Limitations of AI 12:59 Customer Expectations and Accuracy in AI Solutions 15:57 The Role of Human Oversight in AI Estimation 18:43 Future of AI in Construction Estimation 38:23 Navigating the Self-Driving Debate 41:19 The Evolution of AI in Estimating 43:32 Trust and Liability in Construction 46:13 The Role of Liability in AI Adoption 49:22 The Future of Estimators in AI 53:34 Rebuttals and Admissions: A Critical Discussion 59:39 The Current State of AI in Estimating

"I got employee of the year in 2016 for introducing Excel as a project management tool for the construction department in my company."That's the state of technology in the $300 billion store development industry.In today's episode of Bricks & Bytes, we sat down with Genevieve Davis and Alim Uderbekov from Surfaice. These two met on a beach in California (yes, really) and decided to tackle one of the most analog industries out there with AI agents.Here's what we covered:✅ Why companies building hundreds of stores aren't using Procore (hint: it's expensive and they're retailers, not developers)✅ The "McDonald's is a race car" analogy - why 40,000 cookie-cutter restaurants are actually the perfect use case for AI in construction✅ How code is becoming a commodity and why that changes everything about vertical software✅ Why AI won't take your job, but people who know how to use it willLink in comments - give it a listen if you're in retail, store development, or just want to hear how two people turned a beach conversation into a company.Our Sponsors:Aphex is the multiplayer planning platform where construction teams plan together, stay aligned, and deliver projects faster – check out aphex.coArchdesk -  “The #1 Construction Management Software for Growing Companies - Manage your projects from Tender to Handover” check archdesk.comBuildVision -   streamlining the construction supply chain with a unified platform - www.buildvision.ioChapters00:00 Intro03:46 Introduction to Surface and Founders' Backgrounds 06:48 The Vision Behind Surface and AI in Construction 09:41 The Meeting of Minds: Genevieve and Alim's Collaboration 12:45 Current Challenges in Store Development 15:30 AI's Role in Automating Construction Processes 18:32 Efficiency Gains and Time Savings with AI 21:44 The Future of Store Development and Human Touchpoints 24:30 Defensibility and Business Model of Surface 27:25 Funding and Future Plans for Surface 39:13 Investment Insights and Strategic Partnerships 41:31 Customer Engagement and Feedback 44:33 AI in Construction: Transforming Workflows 47:14 Navigating the Go-To-Market Strategy 54:20 Understanding Competition in the AI Space 59:25 Customization and Onboarding Process 01:03:07 Future of AI in Construction

"If we just listened to what our customers wanted, we would have had a faster horse."Everyone knows the Henry Ford quote, but Lee Mullin actually showed us what it means for construction tech.In today's episode of Bricks & Bytes, we sat down with Lee from BuildArc. He spent 18 years at Autodesk, and honestly, the conversation completely changed how we think about talking about products.Here's what stuck with us: we're all making ourselves the hero of the story. We love talking about our amazing AI tools, our productivity gains, our revolutionary features. But Lee said something that hit different - your customer needs to be Luke Skywalker. You're just Yoda, guiding them along.Tune in to find out about:✅ Why taking people from "9 to 20" beats incremental improvements from "9 to 10"✅ The framework Lee used to convince construction crews that iPads weren't "voodoo"✅ How to tell stories that actually connect (hint: it's about project managers lying awake at night, not your feature list)✅ Why the best customer stories need tension and conflict (even though corporate hates that)The reality is, there's so much noise in AEC tech right now. If you can't tell a story that makes people feel understood, you're just another vendor promising productivity.Watch the full episode now. Link in the comments!Our SponsorsAphex is the multiplayer planning platform where construction teams plan together, stay aligned, and deliver projects faster – check out aphex.coArchdesk -  “The #1 Construction Management Software for Growing Companies - Manage your projects from Tender to Handover” check archdesk.comBuildVision -   streamlining the construction supply chain with a unified platform - www.buildvision.ioChapters00:00 Intro03:48 The Importance of Storytelling in Business 13:32 Navigating the AEC Technology Landscape 21:44 Crafting Compelling Presentations 27:22 Building a Storytelling Framework 31:13 Transforming Customer Stories into Success 37:28 The Human Element in AI 42:11 Understanding Personas in Storytelling 44:26 Frameworks for Effective Storytelling 53:01 Building Conflict and Tension in Stories

"You can drop 30% of your project management labor right now."In today's episode of Bricks and Bytes, we had Darren Martin from AInvested and we got to learn about the harsh realities of digital transformation in AEC, how private equity firms value tech-enabled companies, and why most innovation initiatives fail to scale... and many more!Darren left his role as Chief Digital Officer at Atkins Realis to advise PE firms and help construction tech startups break through growth barriers. His perspective from both sides of the table reveals uncomfortable truths about how the industry approaches technology.Tune in to find out about:✅ Why most companies are "digitally dabbling" instead of transforming✅ How PE firms assess digital transformation value in billion-dollar acquisitions✅ The specific labor reductions possible with current AI tools (hint: it's 30% in project management)✅ Why small AEC firms can now compete with market leaders in ways that weren't possible beforeWatch now to hear how the game is changing for construction companies willing to move beyond pilot projects.Also, have a look at this article to know more: https://uk.finance.yahoo.com/news/aecom-jacobs-downgraded-uncertainty-over-180008836.htmlOur Sponsors:Aphex is the multiplayer planning platform where construction teams plan together, stay aligned, and deliver projects faster – check out aphex.coArchdesk -  “The #1 Construction Management Software for Growing Companies - Manage your projects from Tender to Handover” check archdesk.comBuildVision -   streamlining the construction supply chain with a unified platform - www.buildvision.ioChapters00:00 Intro03:30 Introduction and Background 08:13 Transitioning to Private Equity and Startups 13:35 The Role of Private Equity in AEC Companies 18:22 Digital Transformation and Value Creation 23:20 Market Trends and Company Sizes 28:20 Leveraging Technology for Business Value 33:07 Digital Accelerators and Human-Centric Approaches 35:22 Optimizing Construction Processes for Efficiency 37:51 Tying Technology to Corporate Success 41:42 Proving Value at the Project Level 43:55 The Balance of Show and Tell in Sales 49:09 Purposeful Change in the Construction Industry

A controller was spending 3 days a month just reconciling Excel reports across 80 projects.And that's just one person. Imagine the time sink across the entire org.In today's episode of Bricks & Bytes, we had Joe Wilson from PROJEXION and we got to learn about the real state of construction data (spoiler: it's a disaster), why hiring data scientists isn't solving the problem, and how teams are finally breaking free from the endless cycle of firefighting... and many more!Tune in to find out about:✅ Why the 2018 point solution boom created a data fragmentation nightmare✅ The gap between builders and data scientists that nobody talks about✅ How one plug-and-play module gave an entire company their time back✅ What happens when your data goes from "collecting dust" to actually aliveJoe's perspective is refreshing—15 years as a builder before jumping into tech means he actually gets what it's like on the ground. No fluff, just real talk about real problems. Watch now! Link in the comments!Our Sponsors:Aphex is the multiplayer planning platform where construction teams plan together, stay aligned, and deliver projects faster – check out aphex.coArchdesk -  “The #1 Construction Management Software for Growing Companies - Manage your projects from Tender to Handover” check archdesk.comBuildVision -   streamlining the construction supply chain with a unified platform - www.buildvision.io📩 Subscribe to the Bricks & Bytes Newsletter: https://bricks-bytes.beehiiv.com/🌐 Visit our website: http://bricks-bytes.com/📲 Follow us:  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bricks-bytes/ Twitter: https://x.com/bricksbytespod  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bricksbytes/Chapters00:00:00 Intro00:03:30 Introduction and Background 00:06:29 The State of Construction Data 00:09:35 Data Fragmentation and Its Impact 00:12:32 Journey from Construction to Software 00:15:12 Building the Solution 00:17:41 The Leap of Faith 00:20:19 Finding the Right Co-Founder 00:23:17 Cultural Shifts in Transitioning Industries 00:26:34 Lessons Learned in Product Development 00:32:43 Transitioning from Construction to Sales 00:37:15 Building Relationships in Sales 00:41:55 Navigating the Sales Cycle 00:45:03 The Importance of Timing in Fundraising 00:46:52 Understanding Projection's Functionality 00:53:11 Integration and Onboarding Process 00:56:05 Real-World Use Cases and Impact 01:01:26 Overcoming Skepticism in Technology Adoption 01:04:47 Future Developments and Opportunities

"I remember just breaking down and crying when the announcement went live."That's Rob Phillpot describing the moment he sold Aconex to Oracle for $1.2 billion—still the biggest acquisition in construction tech history.The twist? He wasn't even looking to sell.In today's episode of Bricks and Bytes, we had Rob Phillpot, founder of Aconex and now investor at Glitch Capital, and we got to learn about billion-dollar exits, why construction tech hasn't seen another mega-acquisition since 2018, and what's next for the industry.Tune in to find out about:✅ Why Oracle got Aconex at exactly the right moment ✅ The reality of losing control when you go public ✅ Why great construction software doesn't need to be sexy ✅ How AI will eliminate data entry and make tools predictiveWatch now on Youtube! Link in the comments!Our Sponsor: Archdesk -  “The #1 Construction Management Software for Growing Companies - Manage your projects from Tender to Handover” check archdesk.comBuildVision -   streamlining the construction supply chain with a unified platform - www.buildvision.ioAphex is the multiplayer planning platform where construction teams plan together, stay aligned, and deliver projects faster – check out aphex.coChapters00:00 Intro03:10 The Emotional Journey of Selling Aconex 09:08 The Landscape of Construction Technology Acquisitions 12:10 Life After Aconex: Transitioning to New Ventures 20:11 Key Factors Behind Aconex's Growth 36:16 Navigating Go-to-Market Strategies 41:03 Navigating International Markets 47:19 The Evolution of Digital Marketing 51:59 The Impact of Short Sellers 59:08 Transitioning from Founder to CEO 01:06:51 Innovations in Construction Technology

"We're always running at 100%. Some people love that. I think it's like an adrenaline rush."That's how Katie Coulson describes leading Skanska Advanced Technology—where construction projects that typically take 2-3 years get done in a fraction of the time.In today's episode of Bricks & Bytes, we had Katie Coulson from Skanska Advanced Technology and we got to learn about how they're building data centers and semiconductor fabs at tech company speed, why they're often starting construction before the design is even finalized, and what 31 years in construction has taught her about the future of the industry... and many more!Tune in to find out about:✅ How Skanska's vertical unit model combines national tech expertise with local market knowledge to deliver high-speed projects across the US✅ Why the traditional construction bell curve doesn't exist in data center and semiconductor work—and the type of people who thrive in that chaos✅ The sophisticated subcontractor relationships that make it possible to mobilize quickly across different markets✅ Katie's predictions on AI, offsite manufacturing, and robotics as solutions to construction's labor challenges (especially as remote work isn't an option for field teams)If you're building in the data center or semiconductor space, or just curious about how construction is adapting to move at tech speed, this one's for you. Watch the full episode now. Link in the comment!📩 Subscribe to the Bricks & Bytes Newsletter: https://bricks-bytes.beehiiv.com/🌐 Visit our website: http://bricks-bytes.com/📲 Follow us:  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bricks-bytes/ Twitter: https://x.com/bricksbytespod  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bricksbytes/Enjoying the insights? Hit that Subscribe button to stay ahead in construction tech, AI, and the future of how we build.Our SponsorsAphex is the multiplayer planning platform where construction teams plan together, stay aligned, and deliver projects faster – check out aphex.coArchdesk -  “The #1 Construction Management Software for Growing Companies - Manage your projects from Tender to Handover” check archdesk.comBuildVision -   streamlining the construction supply chain with a unified platform - www.buildvision.ioChapters00:00 Intro03:20 Introduction to Skanska Advanced Technologies 06:12 The Evolution of High-Tech Construction 09:06 Speed and Efficiency in Construction Projects 12:12 Stakeholder Engagement and Subcontractor Relationships 15:01 Client Demands and Market Dynamics 17:59 Procurement and Buyout Strategies 21:04 Offsite Manufacturing and Prefabrication 23:55 Technology Integration in Construction 26:59 Safety Measures and AI in Construction 30:06 Data Management and Quality Assurance 33:37 Innovations in Construction Technology 37:32 The Role of AI in Streamlining Processes 39:26 Comparing Traditional and Tech-Driven Construction 42:43 Balancing Innovation with Project Constraints47:31 Managing Client Expectations in Tech Projects 50:42 Structure and Strategy of Advanced Technology Division 54:23 Building Trust and Team Dynamics 57:22 Advice for Aspiring Professionals in Data Centers 59:04 Future Predictions for Construction Technology

Owen and Martin broadcast live from Suffolk's BOOST Demo Day in Boston, going behind the scenes with the entire cohort and some of the biggest names in AEC.What we cover:● Live interviews with the full BOOST cohort including Arki, Cypher Autonomy, DigEnergy, Hardline AI, MOD, Neuron Factory, Aorus Materials, and Puppet Robotics● GOLDBECK's innovation team (Dani and Bjorn) on how a European giant thinks about construction tech●Exclusive conversations with Jit Kee (CTO at Suffolk Construction) and David Hinley (VP Corporate Development at Autodesk)● How these startups are tackling everything from AI-powered design automation to autonomous robotics on job sites● What accelerator demo days reveal about where construction tech is actually heading● Why Boston in winter is brutal for guys in Hawaiian shirtsKey quote: "In today's world, we're building an equivalent of New York City every month worldwide. And after the project is completed, this data is left abandoned. No one is capturing the results." - Natalia, CEO of Arki

"The industry is fundamentally incapable of change because there are so many interconnected problems."That's what Carl Christensen realized when he first looked at construction from the outside.In today's episode of Bricks and Bytes, we had Carl Christensen, co-founder of Spacemaker (acquired by Autodesk), and we got to learn about why the AEC industry struggles with digital transformation, how outcome-based design can break through systemic barriers, and what it really takes to sell your company... and many more!Tune in to find out about:✅ Why designers make critical decisions early without the information they need✅ How AI-powered simulations can predict sunlight, noise, and wind impacts in seconds✅ The real story behind the Autodesk acquisition and why cultural alignment mattered most✅ What Forma Building Design is doing to bridge the gap between sketch and detailed BIMWatch now to hear how Carl’s team turned systemic problems into a successful exit and what they're building next at Autodesk.Our Sponsor: Archdesk -  “The #1 Construction Management Software for Growing Companies - Manage your projects from Tender to Handover” check archdesk.comBuildVision -   streamlining the construction supply chain with a unified platform - www.buildvision.ioAphex is the multiplayer planning platform where construction teams plan together, stay aligned, and deliver projects faster – check out aphex.coChapters00:00 Intro03:35 The Journey of Spacemaker: Founding and Vision 16:02 AI in AEC: Transforming Design and Collaboration 24:19 Autodesk Acquisition: The Value of Spacemaker 29:07 Future of AI in AEC: Insights and Predictions 36:21 Translating AI into Reality 42:38 Measuring AI Value in Design 45:15 The Evolution of Forma 54:10 Advice for AEC Product Builders 58:30 Navigating Acquisition Processes 01:07:46 Reflections on Building Spacemaker

How do you run a $2 trillion segment of the economy with just a book?In today's episode of Bricks and Bytes, we had Dmitry Alexin from Handoff and we got to learn about how AI is transforming residential construction, why 90% of US construction firms are one-person operations struggling with back-office work, and how a former IMF economist ended up building technology that delivers cost estimates in 30 seconds... and many more!Tune in to find out about:✅ Why traditional construction cost data is stuck in the physical book era and how real-time APIs are changing the game✅ How contractors can now delegate entire workflows to an AI agent through simple voice commands while driving between jobs✅ Why selling to residential contractors requires throwing out the enterprise playbook and leading with instant product value✅ The surprising shift of professionals from marketing and accounting backgrounds entering residential construction with a software-first mindsetWatch now to hear Dmitry's journey from GDP forecasting during the Ebola pandemic to revolutionizing how residential contractors run their businesses.Our Sponsor: Archdesk -  “The #1 Construction Management Software for Growing Companies - Manage your projects from Tender to Handover” check archdesk.comBuildVision -   streamlining the construction supply chain with a unified platform - www.buildvision.ioAphex is the multiplayer planning platform where construction teams plan together, stay aligned, and deliver projects faster – check out aphex.coChapters00:00 Intro03:40 Introduction to Handoff and Its Purpose06:41 Dmitry's Background and Transition to Construction09:30 The Data Challenge in Construction12:49 Building the First Real-Time API for Construction Prices15:35 The Evolution of Handoff and Its Features18:37 The Importance of Accurate Estimating21:37 The Role of AI in Construction Estimating24:40 Understanding Labor and Material Costs27:32 Streamlining Procurement Processes30:36 Product-Led Growth Strategy33:35 Overcoming Skepticism in the Industry37:55 Leading with Value: Product-Led Growth38:42 Go-To-Market Strategies: Finding Your Audience43:24 Targeting Residential Contractors: A Strategic Choice46:54 The Role of AI Agents in Construction Tech49:25 Learning from Failures: Experimentation in Startups55:35 Future of Construction: Robotics and Material Science58:60 Funding Insights: Building a Diverse Investor Base01:05:05 Advice for Technical Founders: Embracing Humility01:07:15 Join the Team: Opportunities at Handoff

From indie rock band to HVAC software startup—how's that for a pivot?In today's episode of Bricks and Bytes, we had Davis Muxlow and Andrew Krippner from HVAKR and we got to learn about building construction tech from the ground up, the innovator's dilemma killing legacy software companies, and why making products faster might actually hurt your revenue... and many more!Tune in to find out about:✅ How a church worship team "audition" turned into a college band and eventually a software company✅ Why legacy HVAC programs are making engineers slower despite new updates✅ The double-edged sword of efficiency: one engineer now doing the work of three✅ How AI is forcing SaaS companies to rethink their entire pricing modelThese guys went from mechanical engineering students with a Slack channel full of startup ideas to building a product that's actually making their customers more productive.The kicker? Their product works so well that customers need fewer seats. That's the kind of problem you want to have.Our Sponsor: Archdesk - “The #1 Construction Management Software for Growing Companies - Manage your projects from Tender to Handover” check archdesk.comBuildVision - streamlining the construction supply chain with a unified platform - www.buildvision.ioAphex is the multiplayer planning platform where construction teams plan together, stay aligned, and deliver projects faster – check out aphex.coChapters00:00 Intro03:19 The Musical Beginnings 05:20 From Bandmates to Entrepreneurs 09:13 The Path to HVACR 15:07 Building the Foundation of HVACR 19:02 The Accelerator Journey 25:10 The Product Unveiled 31:15 The Importance of Design in HVACR 35:18 Streamlining HVAC Design Processes 40:43 Design as a Differentiator 41:38 Innovative Pricing Models 44:35 Streamlining Sales Processes 48:12 Effective Trial Management 54:40 Customer-Centric Product Development 57:10 Building a Personal Brand 1:03:02 The Value of Transparency 1:04:13 Avoiding Common Mistakes in Product Design 1:09:25 Metrics of Success in Software Usage

In this special episode, we're broadcasting live from SpeckleCon 2025 in London, where the future of construction technology is being written in real-time. We sat down with some of the biggest names in AEC tech to talk about the one thing everyone's finally paying attention to: data.We hear from Suffolk Construction and Pomerlau on turning BIM chaos into usable data, MultiConsult's Morten on giving engineers superpowers with Python, Martin Day's warning that we're all horses before the industrial revolution, Oliver Thomas on why small firms will beat the giants in the AI race, and Speckle's Dimitrie and Virginia on their push to become the data platform that finally fixes this broken industry.Key Takeaways:Data accessibility is the new battleground - visibility matters more than authoring toolsGeneral contractors are leading the charge on data infrastructure• Off-the-shelf LLMs don't work well for AEC without fine-tuningThe visualization industry is getting disrupted by AI right now•Open source doesn't mean free, but it does mean you own your exit strategyOutcome-based pricing is coming for construction softwareThe market for design seats might be 50% smaller than we think once AI hits

"Universities Are 15 Years Behind, We Don't Need More Degrees"In today's episode of Bricks and Bytes, we had Gary Cowan, the head of digital construction at Kane Group and we got to learn about how MEP contractors are becoming technology companies, why the traditional education system is failing construction workers, and the real challenges behind construction automation that nobody talks about.Tune in to find out about:✅ Why breaking down buildings into modular components and prefabricating in factories is changing project delivery across the UK and Ireland✅ The massive shift from siloed Excel files to cloud-based real-time data systems and what it takes to make that transformation work✅ Why universities teaching 15-year-old methods are creating a skills gap and why we need more tradespeople who understand technology✅ The hidden problems with construction robots that sound great in theory but struggle with real-world challenges like consistent finishes and quality controlWatch now to hear Gary break down how traditional contractors are evolving into digital-first service providers.Our Sponsor: Archdesk - “The #1 Construction Management Software for Growing Companies - Manage your projects from Tender to Handover” check archdesk.comBuildVision - streamlining the construction supply chain with a unified platform - www.buildvision.ioAphex is the multiplayer planning platform where construction teams plan together, stay aligned, and deliver projects faster – check out aphex.coChapters 00:00 Intro & Sponsors04:26 Introduction to Digital Construction 07:21 Understanding the Role of Head of Digital Construction 10:12 Challenges in Existing Structures and Digital Verification 13:19 The Importance of Collaboration in Construction 16:13 The Evolution of Technology in Construction 19:25 Prefabrication and Its Integration in Design 22:20 The Digital Tool Tech Stack 25:05 Virtual Reality in Construction 28:19 Augmented Reality and Reality Capture Solutions 33:55 The Rise of XR Technology 34:11 AI: Hype vs. Reality 35:54 Navigating AI Adoption 38:15 The Challenge of Authenticity in Tech 39:44 The Importance of Expertise 43:08 Evaluating Tech Solutions 45:17 Frustrations with Vendor Solutions 47:19 Rolling Out New Technologies 50:07 Aligning Data Across the Business 52:26 Pain Points in Real-Time Data 56:12 Robotics in MEP 1:00:07 Expanding Digital Construction Services 1:02:05 The Future of Digital Construction

"Often it results in an almost Frankenstein technology stack where you may have different things for different reasons."This is the reality of construction tech adoption today.In today's episode of Bricks and Bytes, we had Josh Weyand from Trunk Tools and we got to learn about navigating the messy world of construction technology, why some solutions stay point solutions while others scale enterprise-wide, and the critical mistake vendors make when trying to sell to large contractors... and many more!Tune in to find out about:✅ Why building trust and credibility matters more than your product features when selling to contractors✅ The real reasons technologies don't scale (hint: it's not always about the product)✅ How to align your solution to business initiatives instead of hitting friction at every step✅ What makes construction-specific tools win over generic software solutionsWatch now to hear Josh's insights from his time as Director of Emerging Technologies at Suffolk and his current role helping builders solve real problems.Our Sponsor: Archdesk - “The #1 Construction Management Software for Growing Companies - Manage your projects from Tender to Handover” check archdesk.comBuildVision - streamlining the construction supply chain with a unified platform - www.buildvision.io📩 Subscribe to the Bricks & Bytes Newsletter: https://bricks-bytes.beehiiv.com/🌐 Visit our website: http://bricks-bytes.com/📲 Follow us: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bricks-bytes/ Twitter: https://x.com/bricksbytespod Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bricksbytes/Enjoying the insights? Hit that Subscribe button to stay ahead in construction tech, AI, and the future of how we build.Chapters00:00 Intro03:45 Navigating Construction Technology: Insights from the Field  14:36 The Challenges of Scaling Tech Solutions  25:37 Peer Groups and Shared Success in Construction Tech  30:14 Overcoming Frustrations with Tech Vendors  31:47 From Pilot to Scale: Best Practices for Adoption  36:46 The Value of Piloting Technology  40:38 Understanding Innovation Theater  44:56 Buying Technology in Construction  48:18 Core Technologies for General Contractors  51:57 Transitioning to Trunk Tools  56:16 The Role of an Enterprise Solutions Engineer  01:00:40 Winning the Market with Construction Specificity

"If I could do some things over, I would have hired marketing leadership earlier, even before sales."That's what Document Crunch CEO Josh Levy told his VP of Marketing, Lori Peters.In today's episode of Bricks and Bytes, we had Lori Peters from Document Crunch and we got to learn about why construction tech marketing is fundamentally different from other SaaS industries, how to scale from seed to Series B, and what's actually working in 2025.Tune in to find out about:✅ Why conferences are their biggest lead generation channel (while other SaaS companies avoid them)✅ How they expanded nationally by going where their customers were, not just selling remotely✅ The shift from marketing-led pipeline to fully integrated go-to-market teams✅ Why LinkedIn still dominates and how AI is changing organic search foreverWatch now to hear how a 10-year construction tech marketing veteran built a winning strategy from the ground up.Our Sponsor: Archdesk - “The #1 Construction Management Software for Growing Companies - Manage your projects from Tender to Handover” check archdesk.comBuildVision - streamlining the construction supply chain with a unified platform - www.buildvision.ioChapters00:00 Intro03:26 Introduction to Document Crunch and Construction Tech06:28 Evolution of Marketing in Construction Tech09:23 Marketing Strategies Through Funding Stages12:23 Challenges in Scaling Marketing Operations15:11 Effective In-Person Marketing Channels18:29 Community Initiatives: Built by Builders and Crunch Community21:28 Targeting Customers and Tailoring Messages30:03 The Costly Disruptions in Construction30:58 Understanding Disputes and Their Impact32:28 The Role of Customer Advisory Boards34:43 Navigating the AI Landscape in Construction37:39 Building Trust in AI Solutions38:59 Leveraging Investor Relationships40:17 Partnerships and Trust in Marketing42:23 AI in Marketing Strategies47:30 Marketing Nuances in the Construction Industry49:19 The Importance of Thought Leadership52:12 Structuring a Growing Marketing Team53:49 Technology in the Marketing Stack54:57 Future Predictions for Marketing in AEC

"We've nearly tripled our profits in three years - and it wasn't one big change, it was a million small ones."In today's episode of the Bricks & Bytes, we had Marc Barone, COO of Buro Happold, and we got to learn about how they scaled from strong to exceptional, the real impact of AI on engineering productivity, and why listening matters more than action in your first 90 days as a leader... and many more!Tune in to find out about:✅ How Buro Happold grew 75% in three years while tripling profitability ✅ Why understanding what to say no to is as important as knowing what to say yes to ✅ The truth about measuring AI productivity gains and what actually works ✅ Why your first 90 days as COO should be about listening, not changing everythingWatch now on YouTube! Link in the comments!------------------Our Sponsor: Archdesk - “The #1 Construction Management Software for Growing Companies - Manage your projects from Tender to Handover” check archdesk.comBuildVision - streamlining the construction supply chain with a unified platform - www.buildvision.io------------Chapters00:00 Intro03:35 Introduction and Background05:36 Overview of Bureau Hapold06:47 Technical vs Commercial Risk Management08:59 Growth and Profitability Strategies12:45 Path to COO Role16:01 Leadership and Team Dynamics19:45 Culture and Employee Engagement25:39 Digital Transformation and AI Integration33:38 Innovation and Technology Solutions38:04 The Gradual Rollout of AI Tools42:19 Balancing Automation and Human Resources47:19 The Importance of Local Expertise52:26 Evaluating AI Tools for Business57:11 The Future of AI and Market Dynamics01:04:17 Measuring Productivity Gains from Technology01:09:08 First Steps for a New COO

71% of construction companies are still using Excel to manage thousands of employees—and it's costing them millions in lost projects.In this episode of Bricks & Bytes, Owen and Martin sit down with Lauren Lake, co-founder of Bridgit, and Kevin Ferguson from AECO Product Marketing to uncover how two college students disrupted the construction workforce planning industry—and built a company that now serves half of the top 20 general contractors in North America.In this episode:Why 42% of contractors are turning down projects despite high demand (hint: it's not what you think)The "crane hunting" strategy that led to a Harvard Business School case studyHow Bridget went from $0 to $4M ARR in just 2 years by solving one simple problemWhy construction companies are now budgeting $100K+ for workforce planning softwareThe shocking reason employees are leaving construction jobs (and it's not the pay)What happens when executives ask "where are our people?" and nobody knows the answerThe hidden cost of breaking up winning project teams after every jobHow AI and experience tracking are revolutionizing team composition decisionsWhy there's been ZERO research data on project team success since 1999The global expansion playbook that worked across North America, Australia, and the UK"Our goal was simple: we just need to replace Excel. And that's actually a really challenging goal." — Lauren LakeWhether you're a contractor struggling with resource allocation, a tech founder looking for validation strategies, or simply curious about how construction's labor shortage is reshaping the industry—this episode reveals why workforce planning has become the most critical investment in construction technology.Our Sponsor: Archdesk - “The #1 Construction Management Software for Growing Companies - Manage your projects from Tender to Handover” check archdesk.comBuildVision - streamlining the construction supply chain with a unified platform - www.buildvision.io🎧 Listen to the Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/0xSpdQpmgf0xJvAsGAQRX5?si=QgmckXGVRnO46vOZKa0I1Q📩 Subscribe to the Bricks & Bytes Newsletter: https://bricks-bytes.beehiiv.com/🌐 Visit our website: http://bricks-bytes.com/📲 Follow us: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bricks-bytes/ Twitter: https://x.com/bricksbytespod Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bricksbytes/Enjoying the insights? Hit that Subscribe button to stay ahead in construction tech, AI, and the future of how we build.-----------------Chapters00:00 Intro02:40 Introduction to Bridget and Its Founders03:38 The Secret to Success in Workforce Planning05:17 Identifying Pain Points in Workforce Planning08:15 The Harvard Business School Case Study12:08 Validating the Product with Early Customers14:16 The Evolution of the Product16:55 Challenges of Replacing Excel18:12 The Importance of Visibility in Workforce Management19:27 The State of Workforce Planning Report20:39 Granular vs. Executive Workforce Management22:35 Transforming Workforce Planning Meetings24:41 Creating a New Category in Workforce Planning26:56 Rapid Growth and Market Penetration28:15 ROI in Workforce Planning Solutions30:46 What Makes a Good Workforce Planning Software?32:53 The Role of AI in Workforce Planning34:39 Educating the Market on Workforce Planning52:57 Insights from the 2025 Workforce Planning Report57:08 Investment Trends in Workforce Planning58:19 The Ongoing Reliance on Excel1:02:04 Pricing Model for Bridget1:04:53 Building a Strong Company Culture1:07:44 Managing Contractors and Subcontractors1:08:52 Closing Remarks and Future Engagements

"If you can't get to $5M in recurring revenue in 18 months, you're probably not venture fundable right now."KP Reddy just called out the entire construction tech ecosystem—and he's not holding back.In today's episode of Bricks & Bytes, we had KP Reddy and we got to learn about why most construction tech startups are chasing the wrong business model, how AI is fundamentally changing the value of human work, and why he's now buying contractors instead of selling them software... and many more!Tune in to find out about:✅ Why construction attracts risk-averse founders (and why that's killing innovation)✅ The real reason CEOs want everyone back in the office (hint: it's about ego, not productivity)✅ How token-based pricing will replace hourly billing in the next 5 years✅ Why KP is teaching CEOs to vibe code—and firing consultants who say "it can't be done"This conversation will change how you think about building, investing, and working in construction tech.Watch now on YouTube. Link in the comments!-------------Our Sponsor: Archdesk - “The #1 Construction Management Software for Growing Companies - Manage your projects from Tender to Handover” check archdesk.comBuildVision - streamlining the construction supply chain with a unified platform - www.buildvision.ioChapters00:00 Intro03:00 Introduction and Competitive Spirit06:05 The Shift in Venture Capital Dynamics08:42 Capital Light vs. Capital Heavy Startups11:45 Vibe Coding: The New Era of Prototyping14:45 The Role of AI in Construction and Tech17:44 The Future of CRM and Personalization in Business20:42 The Impact of AI on Job Identity and Purpose23:29 Navigating the Future of Work in AEC26:17 The Evolution of Business Models in Construction29:06 Conclusion: Embracing Change and Purpose35:56 Finding Fulfillment in Venture Capital39:38 The Role of AI in Pricing Models45:33 Ego and Status in Business Decisions49:33 Brackish Waters: The Intersection of VC and PE57:49 Transformative Tech and Market Dynamics62:39 The Nonsense of Change Management

"Digital twins are still solving problems we haven't even imagined yet."In today's episode of Bricks, Bucks & Bytes, we had James Mize from CRB and we got to learn about why pharmaceutical and biotech construction is pushing the boundaries of what's possible with digital twins, the real reason most companies stick with their tech partners, and why information management is construction's biggest unsolved problem... and many more!Tune in to find out about:✅ How predictive maintenance using digital twins is saving pharmaceutical companies millions in downtime costs✅ Why design innovation is racing ahead while construction remains stubbornly manual✅ The partnership model that actually works when choosing construction technology vendors✅ Why document control might disappear completely as AI learns where every file should liveListen now on Spotify and join the conversation about the future of construction technology.----------Our Sponsor: Archdesk - “The #1 Construction Management Software for Growing Companies - Manage your projects from Tender to Handover” check archdesk.comBuildVision - streamlining the construction supply chain with a unified platform - www.buildvision.io-------------------Chapters00:00 Intro03:05 Exploring Digital Twins in Construction09:10 The Role of CRB in Biotech and Pharmaceutical Construction14:54 Innovation in Design vs. Construction20:50 Evaluating Technology Vendors and Solutions26:43 Navigating Pricing Models for Tech Solutions36:31 Exploring Software Innovations in Construction38:34 Identifying Pain Points in Information Management43:04 Researching Solutions: Inbound vs Outbound47:18 Evaluating Information Management Tools51:42 Lessons from Technology Failures54:11 The Role of Venture Backing in Technology Solutions55:09 Importance of Construction Experience in Founders56:39 Contrarian Views on External Validation57:41 Gathering Feedback from the Field01:00:04 Maximizing ROI from Technology Investments01:02:00 Current Initiatives and Hiring Opportunities

Most construction companies think they're using BIM. They're not. And it's costing them 20% on every project.In this episode of Bricks & Bytes, Owen sits down with Dave from Procore's BIM team and Tore Hovland, founder of NovaRender (recently acquired by Procore), to unpack what's really happening in the BIM space and why two major acquisitions just changed the game.Key topics discussed:Why BIM adoption is actually 20-30%, not the 70% everyone claimsThe hidden 2GB browser limit killing your ability to view large modelsHow building from 2D vs 3D vs full BIM changes cost overruns from 20% to 5%Why Procore spent millions acquiring NovaRender and Flypaper simultaneouslyThe streaming technology that lets you open 50-mile infrastructure projects in secondsWhat 80% of acquisitions fail and why culture matters more than techThe future where construction happens without drawings"Where we're going, there are no drawings. You could actually build off the model. It could actually be the permit that goes out." - Dave, ProcoreIf you've ever wondered why your BIM models won't load, why projects keep going over budget, or what the hell is actually happening with construction technology right now, this episode breaks it all down.---------------Our Sponsor: Archdesk - “The #1 Construction Management Software for Growing Companies - Manage your projects from Tender to Handover” check archdesk.comBuildVision - streamlining the construction supply chain with a unified platform - www.buildvision.ioChapters00:00 Intro02:00 Introduction to Procore and NovaRender Acquisition04:02 Winning BIM: Strategies and Challenges06:52 The Significance of NovaRender in BIM12:04 The Vision Behind NovaRender's Creation15:42 The Decision to Partner with Procore16:57 Acquisition of Flypaper: Enhancing BIM Solutions19:51 BIM Adoption Trends and Statistics23:47 The Impact of BIM on Project Costs28:49 Procore's Growth Strategy in Europe30:26 The Importance of Data Ownership in BIM37:41 Dave's Background and Its Influence on Procore39:16 The Evolution of BIM and Sustainable Construction41:04 User-Centric Design in Construction Technology42:45 Streamlining BIM Models for Field Use45:40 Defining Success in BIM Adoption50:20 Lessons from Founding NoRender54:17 The Acquisition Process: Insights and Experiences01:03:53 Future Predictions for BIM and Construction Technology