From Spacemaker to Solvera: Rethinking Building Engineering | Håvard Høiby

In this episode, Phil De Luna shares his journey from chemistry research to climate tech entrepreneurship and co-founding Cura. Discover how Cura is developing electrochemical technology to reduce cement emissions, along with lessons on raising capital, scaling hardware, and building partnerships in construction. Keywords Phil De Luna, Cura, cement decarbonization, low carbon cement, construction technology, electrochemistry, carbon capture, climate tech, material innovation, startup fundraising, cement production Key topics Phil De Luna’s journey through research, government, consulting, and startups How Cura’s founding team came together Cura’s approach to retrofitting existing cement plants Scaling electrochemical technology from lab to pilot Building industry partnerships and managing project delays Why founders should prioritize iteration and budget for uncertainty Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Phil De Luna’s career journey 03:57 How Cura’s founding team came together 06:10 Fundraising challenges and development timelines 09:32 Why cement is difficult to decarbonize and how Cura’s technology works 16:04 Managing uncertainty as a founder 18:14 Opportunities for investors, partners, and talent 20:40 Common misconceptions about cement emissions 23:15 Advice on balancing work and family 24:05 Mentorship and closing thoughts 💡Learn more about CURA here: https://www.curaclimate.com/    📞 If you are exploring ai in construction or need support in GTM for your construction tech startup, book a discovery call using this link :  https://calendly.com/mayur-mistry7/consultancy-discovery-call     📩 Don’t miss future episodes. Subscribe: https://aiaecdigest.substack.com/  

In this episode, Jack Rusk shares his journey from ecology and data science to architecture and co-founding C Scale, a technology company spun out of EHDD. Discover how C Scale helps architects understand building material impacts, assess embodied carbon, and connect early design decisions with BIM workflows. Jack also discusses lessons from building sustainability software, the evolution of Tally, and how policy can support better material choices. Keywords Jack Rusk, C Scale, sustainable architecture, embodied carbon, building materials, life cycle assessment, BIM workflows, Tally, EHDD, construction technology, early stage design, material supply chains, building decarbonization Key Topics Jack Rusk’s journey from ecology and data science to architecture How C Scale grew from an internal technology team at EHDD The challenges of modeling building assemblies and material impacts Using machine learning to inform early design decisions Connecting web assessments with BIM and material specifications C Scale’s acquisition and development of Tally How sustainability policies support architects and material choices Giving architects more time and tools to focus on design Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Jack Rusk and C Scale 05:34 Lessons from modeling buildings and material supply chains 08:48 Avoiding modeling mistakes and building reusable assessment tools 11:19 Early product decisions and the focus on early stage design 13:56 A vision for sustainability as part of the design process 15:51 Inside C Scale’s web and BIM workflows and Tally development 19:52 A milestone moment for the C Scale team 21:14 How policy and practitioners can advance sustainable construction 24:11 Supporting the mission and setting more ambitious design goals 25:20 Rapid fire questions on architecture, travel, mentors, and advice 28:01 Closing thoughts 💡Learn more about C.Scale here: https://www.cscale.io/    📞 If you are exploring ai in construction or need support in GTM for your construction tech startup, book a discovery call using this link :  https://calendly.com/mayur-mistry7/consultancy-discovery-call     📩 Don’t miss future episodes. Subscribe: https://aiaecdigest.substack.com/ 

Mayur speaks with Bastien Dolla, CEO and co-founder of Rayon, about the engineering choices behind a cloud-based architecture design tool and how AI is changing product development and design workflows. Dolla explains why Rayon began as a 2D-first product, what its hard-won reliability and scaling lessons taught him, and why human judgment and domain expertise still matter as AI takes on more design work.   Keywords Rayon, architecture software, interior design, product engineering, AI agents, CAD, Rust, collaborative design tools   key topics Rayon's all-in-one cloud-based design workflow for architecture and interiors, from ideation to construction documentation Why the team chose 2D first, CAD compatibility, a high-performance Rust and WebAssembly engine, and real-time collaboration A major storage architecture change: moving model data from a database to S3-backed files to support gigabyte-scale projects and one terabyte of new model data per week The trade-off between fast direct manipulation and the precision users expect from professional CAD tools Data-loss safeguards, offline syncing, and a Cloudflare outage that mistakenly rate-limited users in Brazil   Chapters 00:00 What Rayon does for architecture and interior design 01:16 Why Rayon chose 2D and CAD compatibility first 05:01 The costly lesson of storing models in a database 07:38 Balancing direct manipulation with professional precision 09:08 Protecting user work through sync failures and outages 13:56 Using AI to ship faster without lowering engineering quality 16:31 Flexible roadmaps, milestones, and the risk of feature bloat 22:40 Connecting design work to AI assistants and MCP 27:39 Why architecture still needs interfaces and human judgment 33:37 Why Rayon is bringing 3D into its 2D workflow 35:07 How listeners can support Rayon   💡Learn more about Rayon here: https://www.rayon.design/    📞 If you are exploring ai in construction or need support in GTM for your construction tech startup, book a discovery call using this link :  https://calendly.com/mayur-mistry7/consultancy-discovery-call     📩 Don’t miss future episodes. Subscribe: https://aiaecdigest.substack.com/  

In this episode, Håvard Høiby shares his journey from aspiring jazz guitarist to AI engineer, and how his experiences at Spacemaker and Solvera are shaping the future of construction technology. Discover insights on rapid iteration, AI-driven design, and building impactful software in the construction industry.   Keywords AI engineering, construction tech, software development, rapid iteration, Spacemaker, Solvera, daylight analysis, optimization, generative AI   key topics Håvard Høiby's journey from music to AI engineering Lessons learned at Spacemaker and Solvera The role of rapid iteration and experimentation in software development AI's impact on construction and urban planning Multi-objective optimization in building design The importance of context-aware AI in architecture Organizational scaling and team building in AI startups The role of generative AI in engineering and design Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Håvard's background in engineering and AI 04:03 First job in banking software and joining Spacemaker 05:56 Highlights and learnings from eight years at Spacemaker 07:53 Impact of daylight analysis and multi-objective optimization 09:43 The Pareto principle and focusing on high-impact efforts 11:10 Learning from infrastructure rebuilds and platform shifts 13:11 Iterative approach to product development in AI 21:31 Introduction to Solvera and its vision for construction engineering 23:50 The role of AI in solving complex physical and optimization problems 27:33 AI agents, learning, and system architecture 30:11 The importance of human-AI interaction and incentives 32:35 Rapid fire questions: Håvard’s influences and personal insights   💡Learn more about Solvera here: https://www.solvera.ai/    📞 If you are exploring ai in construction or need support in GTM for your construction tech startup, book a discovery call using this link :  https://calendly.com/mayur-mistry7/consultancy-discovery-call     📩 Don’t miss future episodes. Subscribe: https://aiaecdigest.substack.com/

Felipe Polido, co-founder and CTO of Reframe Systems, shares insights on revolutionizing construction with robotics and software automation, drawing from his experience at Amazon Robotics. Discover how advanced technology is making home building more efficient and flexible.   Keywords construction automation, robotics, software, manufacturing, housing industry, AI, LLM, innovation, Reframe Systems   key topics Construction industry fragmentation and inefficiency Reframe's software automation for building design and manufacturing Use of robotics in framing and sheathing Impact of AI and LLMs on construction processes Challenges and opportunities in construction automation Reframe's microfactory model and project pipeline The role of CTO in a tech-driven construction startup   Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Felipe Polido and Reframe Systems 02:34 Reframe's approach to software automation in construction 05:34 Impact of AI and LLMs on construction challenges 10:51 Robotics innovations in framing and sheathing 12:51 Overview of Reframe's capabilities and projects 14:39 Advice for robotics founders in construction 15:48 The evolving role of CTO with AI advancements 17:11 A day in the life of Felipe during factory delivery 18:26 Rapid fire: personal favorites and travel bucket list 19:10 Closing thoughts and invitation for factory tours   💡Learn more about Reframe Systems here: https://www.reframe.systems/    📞 If you are exploring ai in construction or need support in GTM for your construction tech startup, book a discovery call using this link :  https://calendly.com/mayur-mistry7/consultancy-discovery-call     📩 Don’t miss future episodes. Subscribe: https://aiaecdigest.substack.com/  

In this episode, Francesco Iorio, Co-founder & CEO of Augmenta, shares insights on how AI and generative design are transforming construction, focusing on electrical and building design automation. Discover the milestones, challenges, and future potential of AI in construction technology.   key topics AI's role in construction and design Milestones achieved by Augmenta Challenges of AI in large-scale construction The difference between language and geometry problems in AI Benchmarking AI models in construction Future of AI in construction and design Keywords AI, construction, generative design, electrical engineering, building automation, Augmenta, BIM, construction tech, digital twin, spatial reasoning   Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Francesco Iorio and Augmenta 00:45 Francesco's journey from manufacturing to construction 04:55 Building design as a geometry problem, not a language problem 11:54 Benchmarking AI models in construction 18:10 Milestones achieved by Augmenta 21:08 Overview of Augmenta's platform 25:29 Project types and their challenges 29:13 Focus areas and future plans 34:17 Advice for construction tech founders 40:41 Rapid fire: personal insights   💡Learn more about Augmenta here: https://www.augmenta.ai/    📞 If you are exploring ai in construction or need support in GTM for your construction tech startup, book a discovery call using this link :  https://calendly.com/mayur-mistry7/consultancy-discovery-call     📩 Don’t miss future episodes. Subscribe: https://aiaecdigest.substack.com/    

In this episode, Abyl Ikshanov, co-founder and CTO of Volve Technologies, shares insights into building AI-driven solutions for the construction industry, from early career highlights to technical challenges and future expansion plans.   key topics AI and knowledge graphs in construction Technical challenges in building AI products Product development and iteration with customer feedback Market expansion and industry-specific insights takeaways Understanding the importance of structured data in AI models The significance of evaluation and grounding in AI features Iterative development driven by customer feedback Challenges of building industry-specific AI solutions Keywords AI, construction tech, knowledge graph, product development, startup journey   Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Abyl Ikshanov and his background 01:36 Meeting co-founders and initial idea research 02:09 Identifying inefficiencies in construction documentation 03:29 Tech stack and architecture considerations for AI in construction 04:35 How the product works: from scope items to work packages 07:25 Most challenging technical feature and proudest achievement 08:52 Importance of evaluation and grounding in AI features 09:40 Proudest moments and iterative development process 10:43 Lessons learned and industry-specific insights 12:02 Supporting the mission and future expansion   💡Learn more about Volve Technologies here: https://www.volvetech.com/about    📞 If you are exploring ai in construction or need support in GTM for your construction tech startup, book a discovery call using this link :  https://calendly.com/mayur-mistry7/consultancy-discovery-call     📩 Don’t miss future episodes. Subscribe: https://aiaecdigest.substack.com/    

In this episode, Mairéad Morgan, community lead at Autodesk, shares her inspiring journey from architecture to digital innovation, highlighting key lessons on career growth, mentorship, and embracing technology in the AEC industry.   key topics Mairéad Morgan's career highlights and journey Mentorship and industry influence Digital transformation and AI in architecture Community building and industry support Challenges and lessons in technology adoption takeaways Hard work and persistence are key to career success. Mentorship and community involvement are invaluable. Digital transformation requires understanding diverse needs. Adapting to fast-paced AI developments is crucial. Prioritize well-being and work-life balance. Keywords architecture, digital transformation, Autodesk, BIM, community building, mentorship, career highlights, AI in AEC, industry innovation   Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Mairéad Morgan's background 02:08 Career highlights and full circle moments 03:57 Mentorship and industry influence 06:58 Proudest moments and achievements 09:07 A day in the life of a community lead at Autodesk 11:53 Digital transformation and technology adoption challenges 15:50 Lessons for smaller firms and tech ecosystem 19:00 Advice for aspiring professionals and industry insights 23:05 The future of AI and digital innovation in AEC 30:02 Well-being, personal growth, and rapid-fire questions   💡Learn more about Autodesk here: https://www.autodesk.com/    📞 If you are exploring ai in construction or need support in GTM for your construction tech startup, book a discovery call using this link :  https://calendly.com/mayur-mistry7/consultancy-discovery-call     📩 Don’t miss future episodes. Subscribe: https://aiaecdigest.substack.com/  

In this episode, Winka Dubbeldam, Founding Partner Archi-Tectonics NYC LLC and Director & CEO at SCI-Arc Los Angeles. A renowned architect and educator, shares her journey from Europe to the US, her influences, and her insights on the future of architecture with AI and sustainability.   key topics Winka's career journey from the Netherlands to the US Influences from Rem Koolhaas, Stephen Hall, Bernard Chumi, and Peter Eiserman Evolution of teaching methods with digital tools and AI The role of AI in architectural research and design Architects' responsibility in addressing global warming and sustainability Winka's work in Latin America and Africa on sustainable projects The importance of diversity and global perspectives in architecture Balancing scientific and artistic aspects of architecture   Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Winka Dubbeldam and her background 02:09 Evolution of teaching methods with digital tools and AI 06:35 Current capabilities and limitations of AI in architecture 09:16 A typical week in Winka's professional life 10:47 Lessons learned from career challenges and crises 12:29 Projects during crises: urban planning and social impact 14:14 Supporting Latin American architecture and diversity 16:45 The responsibility of architects in climate action 18:06 Rapid fire questions: personal favorites and future wishes 19:25 Closing thoughts and message to aspiring architects   💡Learn more about SCI-Arc here: https://www.sciarc.edu/    📞 If you are exploring ai in construction or need support in GTM for your construction tech startup, book a discovery call using this link :  https://calendly.com/mayur-mistry7/consultancy-discovery-call     📩 Don’t miss future episodes. Subscribe: https://aiaecdigest.substack.com/ 

In this episode, Eric Helitzer, founder and CEO of SubBase, shares his journey from construction trades to building innovative material management software for the construction industry. Discover key lessons learned, the challenges of tech adoption among subcontractors, and insights into industry-specific product development.   key topics Construction industry evolution and tech adoption Lessons learned from building a construction SaaS Challenges of building for subcontractors Industry-specific product development insights The importance of relationships in construction tech Strategies for onboarding and customer success The role of education in construction software adoption   Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Eric Helitzer and SubBase 02:08 Identifying industry pain points and solutions 02:54 Lessons learned in construction and tech development 04:21 Building for subcontractors and understanding their needs 07:31 The journey from idea to pilot customers 09:57 Key lessons in product discovery and user experience 10:55 Prioritizing trade-specific workflows 13:13 Moments of pride and milestones 15:38 Onboarding process and implementation approach 17:33 Supporting industry education and awareness 19:50 Effective go-to-market strategies in construction 22:39 Rapid fire: personal favorites and insights 23:20 Closing thoughts and industry advice   💡Learn more about SubBase here: https://www.subbase.io/    📞 If you are exploring ai in construction or need support in GTM for your construction tech startup, book a discovery call using this link :  https://calendly.com/mayur-mistry7/consultancy-discovery-call     📩 Don’t miss future episodes. Subscribe: https://aiaecdigest.substack.com/