Constructive

Chris Neufeld from DPR Construction joins Seth Kalkman on Constructive to explore the world of prefabrication. Chris, who leads DPR's prefab strategy for the Northwest region, explains why prefabrication isn't just about big modular units, but a spectrum of solutions, from small-scale assemblies to entire volumetric buildings.Chris shares how DPR uses a tiered approach to prefabrication, starting with early-stage design to identify opportunities for adding value through cost, schedule, and predictability. He also offers an insightful analogy for a two-year-old, comparing building a treehouse one nail at a time versus assembling large parts on the ground first for safety and efficiency.The conversation dives into the challenges of prefabrication, including common industry pessimism and the importance of learning from mistakes. Chris discusses how technology like BIM, computational design, and AI is changing the game, allowing for better quality control and more reliable data. He also touches on the future of the industry, the role of vertical integration, and the importance of fostering a culture of innovation.Learn how one of the industry's most innovative companies is navigating the shift from traditional construction to a more sophisticated, manufacturing-like approach.Key Topics:The spectrum of prefabrication DPR Construction's tiered approach The value of predictability, not just cost and schedule Combating industry pessimism The role of technology, AI, and robotics Fostering a culture of innovation Connect with Constructive:YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ConstructivePodcastLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/constructivepodcast#Construction #Prefabrication #Prefab #ModularConstruction #DPRConstruction #Innovation #AEC #BuiltEnvironment #ProjectManagement #DigitalConstruction #ConstructionTechnology #AI #Robotics #SupplyChain #Manufacturing #Constructive

What if you could actually turn money back to the owner on a project instead of watching margins disappear?In this episode, Jason Brenner, Head of Industry Strategy at JOIN, shares how better decision-making, transparency, and collaboration are helping builders move beyond black boxes, endless silos, and razor-thin margins.We get into:Jason’s journey from biotech to billion-dollar construction projectsWhy most projects burn cash they don’t have toThe lessons a tough boss taught him early on (“stop selling once you’ve sold”)How JOIN helps teams make decisions faster and with more trustWhy even small projects can benefit from big ideas like Target Value DeliverySay goodbye to outdated ways of working — and hello to a smarter, fairer way to build.

Photographer, videographer, and Bridger Digital founder John Kakuk joins Constructive to talk about the power of storytelling in construction. We dive into his unique path from creative work to construction, why authentic voices beat cookie-cutter marketing, and how companies can avoid becoming a commodity. John also shares insights on using AI for content ideation, building trust over price, and why community and honesty matter more than chasing the bottom line. Whether you’re an owner, builder, or creative, this episode will challenge how you think about marketing and relationships in the construction industry.

In this episode of Constructive, guest Tamara Aspeling talks about her journey in the industry and how she created her company, Draw a Fence, to solve a common problem. Tamara shares how her experience in the fence industry, working as an estimator and project manager for one of Africa's biggest fence companies, taught her that communication is key to a project's success. She also highlights her passion for helping others in the industry by building a solution to a problem she personally experienced.Throughout the conversation, Tamara discusses:The challenge of fence drawings: Tamara explains that commercial fence projects require numerous drawings at every stage, from bidding to close-out documentation. Before Draw a Fence, companies often resorted to inefficient methods like cutting and pasting or using programs like MS Paint, which resulted in poor-quality documents that looked unprofessional.The solution: Draw a Fence is an online tool that works like a legal form generator. Users can select variables like height and footing type from a form, and the system generates a complete, multi-sheet drawing set, including elevations, details, and dimensions. This process takes only 2 to 5 minutes, compared to the 2 to 4 hours it would take to do it manually. The tool also makes drawings more accessible to people who don't have a technical background, improving communication between builders and clients.The state of construction tech: Tamara believes that many construction tech products are developed by people without a construction background who create flashy tools without understanding the real-world problems they're meant to solve. She advocates for "bottom-up" solutions that are simple and quick for the people who actually do the work.AI's role in the industry: While acknowledging that AI is currently overhyped, Tamara sees its potential in closed systems for fields like engineering and medicine where it can process vast amounts of data and speed up work for humans. She uses AI for idea generation and content strategy but believes a human touch is essential for writing and fact-checking.The importance of soft skills: Tamara emphasizes the value of soft skills like communication and problem-solving. She shares that building relationships and solving problems for people, whether they are field crews or clients, is crucial for success and trust.#ConstructionPodcast #ConstructionTech #Innovation #ConstructionLife #FenceIndustry #ConstructionSolutions #AIinConstruction #BuildSmarter #ProjectManagement #CAD #CivilEngineering

In this episode, the host explores the world of construction through the eyes of his nine-year-old nephew, Ryder. They discuss family backgrounds, the basics of construction, and even brainstorm a fun project: building a climbing wall in the backyard. The conversation touches on various roles in construction, budgeting for projects, and the importance of planning and safety.

This episode of Constructive special guest Matt Paneitz is the founder of Long Way Home, a nonprofit in Guatemala using trash to build schools... and those schools to build heroes.What started as a Peace Corps assignment turned into a 20-year journey of community-led construction, sustainable building, and hands-on education. From building with discarded tires and bottles to watching kids throw rose petals at student builders’ feet, Matt shares his story of failure, grit, and beauty in the rubble.🎧 Topics we cover:Why construction is a language of empowermentThe logistics of building schools out of wasteEducating through stoves, water tanks, and compost toiletsTurning resistance into momentumThe “Hero School” model for community resilience📍 Learn more: https://lwhome.org and https://lwhomegreen.org#ConstructionWithPurpose #SustainableBuilding #PeaceCorps #GreenSchool #CommunityBuilders #TireHouse #HeroSchool #ConstructivePodcast #GuatemalaNonprofit

Steve Dell’Orto spent ~26 years building some of the West Coast’s most iconic projects: Salesforce Tower, Chase Center, and more, before launching ConCntric, a tech platform aimed at transforming preconstruction from a spreadsheet scramble into a strategic advantage.In this episode, Steve shares what he learned from decades in the trenches, why preconstruction deserves more respect, and how AI and data are redefining what’s possible before anyone steps on-site. We talk about the future of estimating, the risk of tech bloat, and why treating project planning like a team sport may be the smartest move a builder can make.This one’s for the builders, the believers, and anyone who thinks construction can, and should, be better.

Can AI and mass timber help solve the housing crisis? In this episode of Constructive, Seth sits down with Seyfihan Usarer — Co-Founder & COO of Algoma — to explore how their startup is transforming the slow, siloed preconstruction process into a fast, transparent decision engine for real estate developers.From feasibility studies powered by zoning-AI and comps to mass timber kits of parts, Seyf shares how Algoma is helping developers go from site to permit with clarity and speed — while keeping carbon footprint in check. They talk housing affordability, startup lessons from McKinsey and TikTok, and why the future of construction is an optimization game.📍 Featuring projects in Brooklyn and Savannah🛠️ Built by a team of engineer, architect, and biz strategist🤖 AI embedded at every step► Check out Algoma at algoma.co► Connect with Seyfihan Usarer on LinkedIn🔊 If you care about construction, feasibility, or building smarter cities, this one’s for you.

Albert Bou Fadel didn’t set out to build construction tech. He was just trying to run his glazing crews and make sure six-figure payrolls actually lined up with what was happening on-site.In this episode of Constructive, Albert shares how his frustration with unreliable time tracking led him to create SmartBarrel: a deceptively simple, field-first solution that captures accurate labor data without friction. What’s more compelling, though, is Albert’s philosophy: build tools that align incentives, eliminate excuses, and solve one thing extremely well before moving to the next.If you’re tired of big promises and underwhelming results in ConTech, this one’s for you.

In this conversation, Trent Miskelly, CTO of Document Crunch, shares his journey in the construction technology space, discussing the importance of understanding contracts, the role of technology in preventing disputes, and the future of compliance in construction. He emphasizes the need for technology to enhance relationships and streamline processes, particularly through the integration of AI. Miskelly also highlights the unique challenges of the construction industry and the potential for technology to transform how contracts are understood and managed.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Trent Miskelly and Document Crunch01:38 Trent's Journey into Construction Technology07:53 The Role of Technology in Understanding Contracts12:40 Aiming for Zero Disputes in Construction15:51 Improving Payment Processes in Construction16:51 Integrating AI into Document Crunch22:13 User Insights and Questions on Contracts27:46 Encouraging New Talent in Construction33:24 The Future of Technology in Construction

What happens when a window installer turns construction tech founder? You get Salus, a safety platform built from the field up.In this episode of Constructive, I sit down with Gabe Guetta, CEO and co-founder of Salus, to explore how his boots-on-the-ground experience shaped a new approach to construction safety that puts the worker, not the paperwork, at the center.We talk about:Starting Salus without a laptop or formal tech trainingWhy 84% of the workforce is in the field but most safety tools are built for the officeHow to make safety software as intuitive as using a hammerThe real reason paper is still winning on job sites and how to fix itMicrolearning, mobile-first design, and Salus IQ (AI for safety pros)Rethinking the value exchange between workers and safety programsIf you’re a builder, safety pro, project manager, or tech founder looking to make job sites smarter and safer, this conversation is packed with insight.Listen now and try Salus’s free AI tool for safety professionals at https://ai.salusafety.io

What is a digital twin, really? In this episode, I sit down with Rebeca Gomez—PhD, civil engineer, and subject matter expert on digital twins—to break it all down in plain language. We talk about what digital twins actually do, why they’re more than just a fancy 3D model, and how they’re helping owners and facilities teams do more with less.We also get into:– How digital twins improve team communication– What it takes to get started (hint: not as much as you’d think)– The future of cognitive, AI-powered digital twins– Why transparency matters—for teams and buildingsThis is a solid primer for anyone in construction, facilities, or just trying to make sense of the tech everyone keeps talking about. Let’s get into it.

Mark Isaacs shares his extensive journey in architecture and sustainable design, discussing his early inspirations, the challenges he faced in the construction industry, and his innovative approaches to creating net zero energy homes. He emphasizes the importance of affordable housing solutions and the need for a collaborative effort in the construction field to achieve sustainability goals.Chapters00:00 Mark Isaacs: A Journey into Architecture and Design07:31 Early Experiences in Construction and Development16:24 Challenges and Lessons in Construction17:05 Sustainable Living: The Quest for Energy Efficiency18:44 The Limitations of LEED Certification26:26 Innovations in Net Zero Energy Homes31:32 Innovative Building Techniques and Micro Homes35:03 The American Dream and Housing Affordability37:09 Sustainability vs. Affordability in Housing44:38 Innovations in Energy Efficiency and Building Codes51:55 The Future of Affordable Net Zero Housing59:13 The Holistic Approach to Construction and Innovation

In this episode of Constructive, Seth sits down with Spencer Easton to explore the choreography of construction. From personal stories and family legacies to the practical realities of Lean and Takt planning, this conversation pulls back the curtain on what it really takes to bring order to the chaos of a job site. Spencer shares his deep knowledge of people-first project management, explains how Takt helps sync teams to the rhythm of the project, and cautions against chasing tech for tech’s sake. It’s a human-centered, honest look at what works—and what doesn’t—in today’s construction culture.

Roger Yarrow joins Seth to chat about the evolution of Trulook from a media company to a leader in construction camera technology. He emphasizes the importance of public engagement, security on job sites, and the role of AI in enhancing construction insights. The discussion also touches on company culture, innovation through customer feedback, and the changing perceptions of surveillance in the construction industry.Chapters00:00 Introduction and Background00:28 The Intersection of Technology and Construction04:19 The Evolution of Trulook08:21 Engaging the Community Through Construction10:01 Security Features and Innovations14:19 Innovation and Staying Ahead in Technology18:34 The Evolution of Turnkey Solutions20:12 Integrating with Industry Giants22:22 The Role of Drones in Construction25:48 AI and the Future of Construction Technology29:52 Changing Perceptions of Job Site Cameras34:04 Building a Strong Company Culture37:52 Lessons Learned from Failure40:24 Balancing Risk and Safety in Leadership