Buildings 2.0

In this episode, Alexis McGuffin, National Director of Digital Delivery at Suffolk Construction, explores how the construction industry must evolve beyond traditional VDC and BIM roles to unlock the full value of digital delivery. She shares her vision for the future "digital engineer," discusses why technology alone isn't enough, and explains how organizations can better integrate data, people, and processes to drive project success. Alexis also dives into talent development, labor challenges, contract innovation, and the leadership skills construction professionals need to thrive in a rapidly changing industry. Key Topics The evolution of Virtual Design and Construction (VDC) The rise of the digital engineer in construction Strategic integration of technology and organizational change Chapters 00:00 The Evolution of VDC in Construction 05:22 Challenges in the Current Construction Landscape 10:28 The Future of Project Management in Construction 14:43 Differentiating Construction Companies Today 19:26 Addressing the Labor Shortage in Construction 22:30 A Vision for the Future of Construction Contracts 24:08 Advice for the Next Generation of Construction Professionals

Gabe Maser, Executive Vice President, Innovation & Growth at the International Code Council, shares insights on building codes, their impact on housing costs, and how technology and policy are shaping safer, more affordable buildings. Discover how codes evolve with science, technology, and industry needs, and what to expect in the upcoming 2027 code updates.   key topics Building codes and housing costs Science and data driving code updates Proactive consensus building in code development Innovations in disaster resilience and safety The role of technology and AI in code enforcement Middle housing and affordability strategies Future code considerations for climate and safety The process of feedback and code evolution Digital transformation in building safety Resources for practitioners and policymakers   Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Gabe Maser and the ICC 01:10 Debunking Myths: Do Building Codes Make Housing Expensive? 02:22 Cost of Codes vs. Construction Costs 04:24 Complexity of Developing and Implementing Codes 06:02 Innovations in Data Centers and Middle Housing 12:07 Updating Codes for Flood and Disaster Risks 13:17 Addressing Wildfire Risks and Post-Disaster Lessons 15:35 Balancing Cost and Safety in Code Changes 16:25 Supporting Middle Housing and Affordability 17:38 Classifying Data Centers and Emerging Technologies 19:06 Upcoming 2027 Code Changes and Innovations 23:01 The Role of 3D Scanning and AI in Building Safety 24:01 AI and Technology in Code Development and Enforcement 28:03 Digital Transformation and Future of Permitting 29:57 Supporting Local Jurisdictions and Resources for Code Adoption 30:19 Connecting with Gabe and ICC for Updates

In this episode, Chris Faulhaber, Director of Digital Transformation at EarthBrain, shares insights on how digital transformation and AI are revolutionizing the heavy civil construction industry. We explore the current state of digitization, the economics of dirt moving, and the future of autonomous technology on job sites. Key Topics The impact of AI and digital transformation in construction How data collection and analysis improve project efficiency The economics of dirt moving and project cost management The role of autonomous machinery and future job site automation Strategies for effective digital adoption and collaboration in construction Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Chris Faulhaber and Digital Transformation in Construction 00:33 The Opportunities and Risks of AI Adoption 02:01 The State of Digital Transformation in Heavy Civil Construction 03:21 How Equipment Data Is Changing Earthmoving 05:31 What It Really Means to Digitize Dirt 07:01 The Economics of Moving Dirt 10:19 Building Trust Through Drone Data and Digital Collaboration 12:02 Why Contractors Are Not as Unique as They Think 13:45 Autonomous Machinery and the Future of Construction Sites 17:27 The Most Exciting Heavy Civil Projects 18:34 Career Advice for the Next Generation of Engineers 20:16 Closing the Generational and Technology Gap 22:00 Where to Follow Chris Faulhaber

In this episode, Maribeth Martorana, Founder and CEO of Sapient Advisors, shares insights on how AI is transforming the built environment, emphasizing disciplined adoption, data foundations, and future-proofing strategies for businesses in real estate and finance.   key topics AI adoption in real estate and finance Data foundations and governance Future-proofing business systems Building proprietary data advantage AI models: cloud vs. on-premise Change management in AI transformation takeaways Disciplined operators win in AI, not just fast adopters. Start with your business strategy before AI implementation. Leverage internal and external data for competitive advantage. Build cross-functional teams for AI success. Prioritize use cases and start small with pilots.   Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Maribeth Martorana and AI in the Built Environment 01:39 Market challenges for middle-market companies in AI adoption 03:00 Aligning AI initiatives with business strategy 06:20 Differentiating through proprietary data and unique insights 08:30 Localized and distributed AI models 10:47 Future-proofing data architecture for AI 14:43 Structured vs. unstructured data in AI 17:32 Preparing documents and data for AI readiness 20:13 Translating business needs into technological solutions 23:48 What excites Maribeth about AI’s future 25:10 Empowering organizations and individuals with AI

In this episode, Marc Minor, Co-Founder & CEO of Higharc, discusses how AI and data-driven technology are transforming home building, making it more efficient, customizable, and scalable. We explore the challenges of traditional construction, the potential of generative design, and the future of standardized yet personalized homes. key topics The impact of AI on home building Challenges in traditional construction processes The role of data and generative design in housing Balancing customization and scalability in homes Higharc's platform and its industry implications   Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Marc Minor and Higharc 01:17 Personal Story: Building a Home in Durham and Lessons Learned 03:02 Current State of Home Construction in America 06:50 Existing Spectrum of Home Building Processes 08:23 The Need for Speed and Consistency in Home Construction 11:17 Balancing Standardization and Customization 13:23 The Role of Standardization and Scale 16:07 Supporting Commercial and Retrofit Projects 19:13 Higharc's Customer Base: Builders and Distributors 21:22 AI's Role in Estimating and Design Automation 28:34 Most Impactful AI Use Cases in Higharc 33:44 Encoding Building Codes and Automation Risks 34:56 Skills Needed for Future Construction Tech Innovators 41:34 Building Sustainable Competitive Moats in AI Era

In this episode, Luke Prescott, Head of Product at Bluebeam, discusses the practical applications of AI in construction documentation, the evolving role of PDFs, and how Bluebeam is innovating with tools like Bluebeam Max to enhance industry workflows.   key topics AI's practical applications in construction Bluebeam's role in digital transformation The evolution and importance of PDFs in construction Introduction of Bluebeam Max and AI agents Balancing automation and human expertise in construction   Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Luke Prescott and Bluebeam 00:59 The current landscape of AI in construction 01:57 Bluebeam's role in digital transition and AI integration 02:56 Transformative vs incremental AI approaches 04:00 The enduring role of PDFs in construction workflows 07:01 AI as a portable database for construction data 09:00 Workflow preferences: 2D PDFs vs BIM 10:53 AI's role in decision-making and communication 12:59 AI detecting design anomalies and automating tasks 15:53 Bluebeam Max and the shift to AI agents 17:54 Balancing automation, trust, and accuracy 21:02 Future of AI in construction and industry insights 26:02 Business models and licensing in the AI era 28:09 The importance of industry expertise and relationships 31:11 Advice for the next generation of construction tech professionals

In this episode, Jeff Chen, Director of Digital Transformation at Symetri, discusses the real value of AI in building management, the importance of data quality, and how digital twins can be scaled effectively. We explore practical insights for owners, operators, and technologists aiming to leverage AI and BIM for smarter infrastructure management.   key topics The real ROI of AI in construction and building management Data quality and asset management in BIM Scaling digital twins beyond flagship projects AI-driven decision making for facilities management Standardization and data interoperability in infrastructure   Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Jeff Chen and his expertise in data management 01:28 Why clients rush to AI without understanding their actual needs 04:32 Broader scope of BIM for owner-operators and lifecycle management 09:55 The importance of asset definition and data scope 12:19 Connecting data silos and standardization challenges 15:00 The pillars of creating effective digital twins 16:54 Cost and manual effort in creating digital twins 24:15 Successful examples and ongoing challenges in digital twin adoption 26:30 Can digital twins exist without detailed BIM models? 28:32 Connecting different user needs with AI solutions 33:08 The future of AI services versus software subscriptions

Andrew Zang, Founder and CEO of Bespoke AIR, explores how responsible AI is reshaping commercial real estate by helping landlords and leasing teams work smarter, move faster, and unlock new revenue opportunities. Drawing on his experience in billions of dollars of real estate transactions, Andrew explains why generic AI tools aren't enough and why tailored, industry-specific solutions are essential for meaningful adoption.    He also shares practical strategies for securing organizational buy-in, preserving institutional knowledge, and integrating AI into leasing and transaction workflows without losing the human relationships that drive the industry.   key topics The importance of tailored AI solutions for real estate Organizational buy-in and AI governance Operationalizing AI in leasing and transactions   Chapters 00:00 Introduction to AI in Real Estate 01:02 Understanding Landlord Needs and AI Solutions 06:17 The Importance of Organizational Buy-In 08:45 Operationalizing AI in Real Estate 14:08 Building Effective AI Teams 18:36 Bespoke AIR: A Tailored AI Solution 22:26 Speeding Up the Leasing Process 25:39 Catalyzing Change in Real Estate with AI

In this episode, Will Curtis, Founder and Principal Broker of Crossed Sabers Commercial Real Estate, shares his perspective on the rapidly evolving commercial real estate landscape and the forces reshaping office, industrial, and investment markets. Drawing on his military background and decades of CRE experience, Will explores how operational excellence, technology adoption, and AI-driven systems are helping firms improve efficiency while maintaining a competitive edge. He also discusses innovative leasing strategies, the future of office space, and why human relationships and trust remain irreplaceable in an increasingly digital world. Key Topics Impact of AI on CRE operations Trends in office and industrial markets Innovative lease structures and flexibility The importance of human relationships in CRE Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Will Curtis and His Journey 02:13 Current Trends in the San Antonio Real Estate Market 04:42 Industry-Specific Trends in Office Space Utilization 07:21 Attributes of Attractive Commercial Office Spaces 10:52 Challenges Facing Landlords and Financing Issues 16:34 Will Curtis's Business Model and Systems Approach 18:35 Balancing Relationships and Technology in Real Estate 20:14 The Role of AI in Enhancing Productivity 24:23 The Enduring Importance of Human Interaction 27:12 The Underrated Role of Property Managers 30:16 Advice for Young Professionals Entering Real Estate

In this episode, Matthew Schneider, Founder and CEO of Building Inc., explores how trusted data, blockchain, and AI are transforming the real estate industry. Learn why data verification is becoming the foundation of faster transactions, better investment decisions, and more transparent property operations. Matthew also shares his vision for tokenization, digital infrastructure, and the future of real estate innovation.   Key Topics • Data organization and verification in real estate • Building trust through digital infrastructure • The hidden costs of poor property data • AI, governance, and the importance of trusted information • Blockchain applications in real estate • Understanding tokenization and asset liquidity • Digital twins, BIM, and the future of property management • How transparency can increase property value and investor confidence Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Building Inc. 05:15 The Importance of Data Verification 09:16 Understanding the Cost of Doing Business 13:41 Budgeting for Building Inc. 17:19 The Role of Trust in Real Estate Data 21:11 Verification Processes in Real Estate 25:27 Tokenization and Its Impact on Real Estate 29:55 Building the Future of Real Estate