In this episode, we talk with Peter Johann about the evolution of technology and innovation within the field of structural engineering. We discuss the latest tools, the impact of Building Information Modelling (BIM), and how artificial intelligence is shaping design and construction.



***The video version of this episode can be viewed here.***

Engineering Quotes:







Here Are Some of the Questions We Ask Peter:



Did you already know programming before getting your master's in design, or did you learn it afterward, and if so, how?

Did you ever imagine you'd miss designing structures as a structural engineer, or do you view your current role as a fresh way to contribute to the industry and find a new purpose?

Does your role involve focusing more on the overall vision and guiding the team, similar to project management, rather than being heavily involved in engineering tasks?

Did you quickly opt for a software solution when facing pain points, or did you take a more thorough approach to understanding market needs?

How did you go from researching the market to gaining traction in the AEC industry, especially since you initially started with uncertainty and transitioned from engineers to business owners?

Could you provide an overview of the software your team developed, including its functionality and how it addresses the identified market need?

Has anyone dealt with these specific beam conditions before, or do we need to ask around the office or refer to previous sets for guidance?

Does this tool let you search for details like "wood to ledger connection" and tag materials, making it easier to find what you need?

How do you envision AI being applied to structural engineering in the future?

How can AI improve its ability to fix problems in structural engineering without being fully developed?

Do you think structural engineers will start learning to code, blending both roles or do you think they'll remain separate?

How did integrating your software with Revit come about and how did technology influence this process?

What specific benefits have architects and engineers seen from your software in terms of streamlining their workflow and solving their biggest problems?

Could BIM potentially aid in streamlining workflows and addressing pain points?

Do you offer free demos for engineers who are interested in your services?

Have you noticed a common pain point in the architecture engineering market, where firms seek solutions for managing details and challenges, including those related to BIM and Revit issues?

Wouldn't you need to hire software engineers or skilled coders for more complex tasks?

What is your current role, what skills have you acquired, and how have you transitioned from a structural engineer to a COO?

How did you initially feel about engineers needing to sell their services, and how has your perspective on this evolved?

Can engineers with introverted tendencies benefit from their problem-solving mindset and attentive listening skills in sales roles?

Do you have any last pieces of advice for fellow engineers?



Here Are Some of the Key Points Discussed About Pioneering the Future of Structural Engineering with Technology and Innovation:





Before starting their software company, Peter lacked coding skills and felt too young for entrepreneurship. However, he realized that building a software company involves more than coding. With accessible learning resources and his co-founder's technical expertise, they found success despite their initial doubts.

Peter missed aspects of his previous job but recognized a unique opportunity to try something new. Despite initial hesitancy, he knew he could return to his old field if needed. Ultimately,