L152 : Consultancy vs Startup: Insights from Valentin's Bootstrapped Success in the AEC Industry

Join Mayur as he hosts Valentin, CEO of E-verse, a software development consultancy specializing in AEC automation solutions. In this engaging interview, you'll hear about Valentin's exciting journey from working in various companies to founding E-verse, and his passion for both architecture and software development. Discover the career highlights and pivotal moments that influenced his entrepreneurial path, the motivation behind choosing consultancy over a startup route, and the unique challenges and rewards of bootstrapping a company in the AEC industry. Valentin shares invaluable insights on navigating the early stages of building a consultancy, including the importance of sales, customer service, and transparency. He delves into the intricacies of pricing strategies, maintaining client relationships, and the impact of mentorship on his entrepreneurial journey. This interview also explores the evolving landscape of AEC tech startups, highlighting saturated markets and untapped opportunities, and Valentine's candid thoughts on the role of AI in construction. Whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur or a seasoned professional, this video offers a wealth of knowledge and inspiration to help you succeed in your own ventures. 00:00 - Introduction 00:30 - Valentin's Career Highlights 01:00 - Valentin's Background 02:00 - Starting First Company 03:00 - Decision to Start E-verse 04:00 - Choosing Consultancy Over Startup 05:30 - Importance of Bootstrapping 06:30 - Challenges of Sales and Consultancy 07:30 - First Client Story 09:30 - Building the Company: Realizations and Skills 11:00 - Importance of Sales and Service Quality 12:00 - Value of Transparency and People Development 14:00 - Success Without Scaling 16:00 - Value-Driven Pricing Strategy 19:00 - Equity Options for Early-Stage Startups 21:00 - Advice to Young Entrepreneurs 24:00 - Balancing Persistence and Pivots 28:00 - Personal Enjoyment and Company Success 29:30 - The Role of Mentors 32:00 - Possible Equity for Mentors 36:00 - Motivation and Enjoyment in Work 38:00 - Go-To Market Strategy for Startups 39:30 - Partnership Opportunities 42:00 - Observations on Market Saturation 45:00 - Common Mistakes by AC Tech Startups 50:00 - Real Talk on AI 54:00 - Limitations of AI in the Industry 57:00 - Final Thoughts 57:30 - Rapid Fire Round #everse #aectechconsultancy #aecsoftwareautomation

In this insightful discussion, Adeline, founder and CEO of AAL Innovation, shares her incredible journey from a promising athlete to a transition in the architecture and AI industry. Throughout the interview, she emphasizes the transformative power of AI in architectural design and project management. Adeline recounts her experiences, highlighting the pivotal moments that led her to embrace artificial intelligence as a cornerstone of her professional endeavors. She passionately discusses the future of architecture, envisioning a landscape where AI not only enhances productivity but also democratizes access to sophisticated design tools. Listeners will be captivated by Adeline's visionary approach to integrating AI with traditional and contemporary architectural practices. Her reflections on personal growth, flexibility, and the collaborative nature of the industry provide valuable insights, making this video a must-watch for anyone interested in the future of architecture and innovation. Don’t miss out on this inspiring conversation that bridges the gap between technology and design, promising a more efficient and imaginative architectural future. 00:00 - Introduction and Series Recommendation 00:28 - Guest Introduction and Early Career 02:00 - Education and Career Shift 04:00 - First Steps in Architecture 05:00 - Managing a Small Firm 06:00 - Client Experience with AI 09:00 - Diving into AI and Architecture 10:00 - Exploring AI Roles in Design 12:00 - Second Startup Discussion 15:00 - Balancing Work and Sleep 17:00 - Advice for Beginners in AI 20:00 - Key Resources for Learning AI 23:00 - Education and Teaching AI in Architecture 28:00 - Future of Architectural Education 33:00 - Lessons from Entrepreneurship 34:00 - Outlook on AI Integration in 2030 38:00 - Managing AI in Project Management 40:00 - Insights from Seminar Series 47:00 - Concerns and Optimism About AI 51:00 - Unmentioned Topics and Encouragement 53:00 - Importance of Spatial Quality and Regulations #aiarchitecture #aidesign #Adelinechan #aalinnovation

In this engaging interview, Michael Wickerson, renowned for his intriguing experiments in Grasshopper, takes the audience on a journey through his early career, his approach to computational design, and his passion for teaching and art. Michael shares invaluable life lessons, emphasizing the importance of being present and committed, whether in learning or in professional endeavors. He candidly discusses his teaching philosophy, where he encourages students to explore their creativity within the computational realm and to embrace both digital and traditional art forms. Michael also touches upon his experiences with influential mentors and peers who have shaped his perspectives. His advice to his younger self—focusing on the importance of fully engaging with educational opportunities and finding the right mentors—resonates deeply. Additionally, he delves into the technicalities of computational design, scripting, and his iterative learning process, offering insights that are both inspirational and instructive. This discussion is a must-watch for those interested in the intersections of art, technology, and education, and for anyone seeking to understand the mind of an innovative thinker dedicated to his craft. 00:00 - Introduction to Michael Wickerson's Grasshopper Work 00:36 - Early Career and Life Choices 02:50 - Advice for Younger Generations 06:01 - Personal Teaching Philosophy and Approach 09:00 - Encouraging Creativity in Education 16:04 - Teaching Methodologies and Sculptural Practices 26:25 - The Importance of Curiosity and Learning in Art 29:21 - Cross-disciplinary Learning and Applications 33:05 - Fostering Computational Thinking in Students 43:02 - Challenges and Insights into Advanced Computational Tools 49:53 - The Impact of Mentor Influence on Learning 54:35 - Advice on Maintaining Passion and Motivation in Learning 57:20 - Reflecting on Life Choices and Academic Experience #michaelwickerson #grasshoppertutorials #artandtechnology

In this engaging interview, Mayur welcomes Olivia Ramos, a remarkable AEC Tech founder, who shares her inspiring journey from migrating from Cuba to becoming a prominent tech entrepreneur. Olivia discusses pivotal life moments that shaped her discipline and resilience, such as her rigorous musical training and her educational experiences in architecture and real estate. Viewers are given insight into her innovative approach to integrating big data and AI in the real estate sector through her startup, Deepblocks. Olivia emphasizes the crucial learning curves she faced, the importance of understanding real estate finance for architects, and how digitizing zoning data has revolutionized their business model. She talks about the challenges of being a first-time founder, adaptive strategies, and the importance of staying updated with technology. Viewers will appreciate her visionary thoughts on how AI and blockchain could transform the future of real estate investments and city planning, making this video a must-watch for anyone interested in tech-driven innovation in urban development. 00:00 - Introduction and Guest Introduction 00:31 - Olivia's Early Life and Highlights 01:00 - Migration from Cuba and Cultural Adaptation 01:31 - Musical Discipline and Structure 02:01 - Graduate Studies and Impact on Career 03:36 - Aspirations During Columbia Days 06:02 - Tips for Young Architects 06:46 - Impactful Professors and Mentors 08:37 - Use of AI and Big Data in Real Estate 10:05 - Early Days and MVP of Deepblocks 11:59 - Challenges in Bringing Product to Market 14:12 - Handling R&D vs Revenue and Customer Development 18:01 - Experimentation and Practical Application of AI 20:44 - Deepblocks Today and Future Plans 25:35 - Learning and Staying Updated as a Founder 27:10 - Recommended Books and Their Impact 29:50 - Week in the Life of Olivia 31:28 - Key Decisions for Deepblocks' Trajectory 33:01 - Deepblocks Vision for 2030 36:37 - AI and Blockchain in Real Estate 37:31 - Data Ownership and Transparency Issues 42:46 - Rapid Fire Round 46:01 - Final Thoughts and Reflections on Biomimicry in City Development #deepblocks #oliviaramos #bigdataforrealestate

Ever wondered how AI can revolutionize the architecture and creative industries? Daniel Escobar reveals the potential of AI in human interaction, immersive technologies, and even reverse engineering social media algorithms. Tune in to discover the future of creative AI and how it’s set to reshape our world! Join us as we explore the cutting-edge world of creative AI with Daniel Escobar. In this insightful interview, Daniel shares his experiences and opinions on the latest developments in AI, the fascinating capabilities of home robots, and the tools that enhance productivity. Delve into discussions about the future of AI and robotics in architecture, multi-agent architecture, and immersive technologies like NeRF and G-splat. Daniel also covers influential figures in AI, recommended research papers, and the potential impact of AI on entrepreneurship and society. Perfect for AI enthusiasts, researchers, and anyone intrigued by the integration of AI in creative fields. Chapters 00:00 - Introduction to Creative AI 01:00 - Exciting Developments in Creative AI 02:50 - Fascinating Capabilities of Home Robots 04:40 - Tools that Increase Productivity 06:20 - Experiences and Opinions on Creative AI Research 08:30 - Tools and Platforms Used for Creative AI 10:40 - Podcasts for AI Enthusiasts 12:35 - Challenges with Creative AI Research 13:45 - Discussing Influential People in AI 15:00 - Impact of Creative AI on Entrepreneurship 16:40 - Recommended Papers and Research in AI 19:30 - Conceptualizing Multi-Agent Architecture 23:00 - Thoughts on the Future of AI and Robotics in Architecture 26:00 - Exploring Immersive Technologies like NeRF and G-splat 29:55 - Ideas for Workshops and Teaching Creative AI 32:00 - Role of Creativity and Emotion in AI-Generated Art 35:00 - The Symbiosis of AI, Human Perception, and Creativity 38:00 - Vision for the Future Integration of AI in Architecture 41:00 - The Potential Impact of Advanced AI Tools on Society 44:40 - Reverse Engineering Social Media Algorithms with AI 48:00 - The Evolution of Text-to-Image Models and Creative AI 53:00 - Digital Twins and the Future of 3D Generation 56:20 - The Role of Robotics and Sim-to-Real Gap in AI Development #danielescobar #diffusionarchitecture #creativeaiforarchtiects

#ryanhughes #aectechsoftwaredeveloper #automation In this interview, Ryan shares his journey from architecture to software development, and eventually to founding his own consultancy, is a testament to the blend of technical skills and problem-solving abilities that architects possess. His experience highlights the importance of adaptability, continuous learning, and strategic partnerships in building a successfulcareer in tech and entrepreneurship. Whether you're thinking about pivoting to a tech-focused role or starting your own venture, his insights emphasize the value of persistence, leveraging available resources, and maintaining a diverse skill set.

Thomas Kearns' journey in software development and architecture. It starts with his early interest in combining architecture and technology during his college days in the 1990s.After graduating, Thomas worked at digital design studio in New York where he explored concepts like web urbanism. He later moved to Chicago and co-founded Sandbox, working on forward-thinking architectural projects. When the 2008 financial crisis hit, Thomas went back to school to get a masters, considering leaving architecture. However, he ended up staying in academia, teaching at IIT and exploring urban informatics projects involving big data and generative design. Around 2012, Thomas co-founded the ed-tech startup Bit Space which brought architectural computational ideas like parametric modeling to K-12 schools. After several years of running Bit Space, Thomas joined Perkins&Will as the Director of Design Computation. The interview covers Thomas' self-taught journey in constantly exploring new technologies like VR and AI, his approach to finding flow states in work, and reflections on work-life balance and employee motivations. He shares thoughts on architecture's legacy of overwork and his own evolution in setting boundaries while retaining passion.Thomas offers advice to emerging architects - focus on integratively applying computation in buildings rather than siloed technical roles. He sees major impending changes as AI automates architectural production and hopes the profession responds with more humanistic priorities. He shares wisdom on focusing ideas, working across disciplines, navigating hype cycles, and believing in the longevity of a vision. 00:00 - Introduction 00:03 - Software development journey and mentors 00:53 - College days studying architecture and early web development 06:55 - Graduating architecture school and career options 13:07 - Effective ways of learning and solving problems 19:00 - Economic crisis and pivot 23:20 - Teaching architecture and technology 29:40 - Running an architecture firm and business lessons 34:15 - Work-life balance 37:55 - Virgil Abloh and teaching influence 58:50 - Motivation and achieving flow state 01:15:00 - Metaverse and spatial computing trends 01:21:00 - AI transformation of work 01:38:00 - Advice for computational designers #virgilabloh #thomaskearns #iit #aec #aectech #digitalinnovation

In this episode, Mayur is thrilled to host Joanne, an individual who transitioned from an architecture background to multidisiplinary roles in tech. Joanne shares her inspiring journey, starting with her impactful work at Perkins & Will Digital and her later internship at Meta, where she brought innovative perspectives to virtual reality product design, social interactions, and monetization projects. Joanne talks about her passion for elevating human spatial experiences and how her education at the University of Michigan helped shape her career trajectory. Throughout the video, Joanne delves deep into her extensive portfolio, highlighting her AR and VR projects that focus on inclusive design, human interaction, and innovative solutions in digital spaces. She offers insights into her design process and the importance of adaptability and continuous learning. Joan also discusses her involvement in hackathons like MIT Reality Hack, underlining the importance of community and real-world experiences in growing and evolving within the XR industry. Whether you're a budding designer or a seasoned professional, Joan's journey and expertise in architecture and XR design provide valuable lessons and inspiration for all. Don't miss out on this incredible conversation packed with practical advice and visionary ideas! 00:00 - Introduction 00:14 - Guest Joanne's introduction and background 01:02 - Joanne's passion for XR and architecture 01:35 - Discussion on VR, XR, and Apple's Vision Pro 05:50 - Joanne's decision to pursue a master's in architecture and information science 08:22 - Transition from architecture to VR/AR development 11:03 - Key projects in Joanne's portfolio 19:40 - In-depth project walkthrough: 'The Well' 27:35 - Joan's externship experience at 'The Well' 28:56 - Transitioning to the AR inclusive game project 34:55 - Interactive prototype development with Figma 39:56 - Companion app development for the AR game 43:15 - Experience at MIT XR Hackathon 45:03 - Joan's internships at Perkins & Will and Meta 51:01 - Imposter syndrome at Meta and coping strategies 54:13 - Tips for breaking into the XR field and using tools like Figma 55:56 - Rapid-fire questions on VR favorites, travel, role models, and more #architecturetoxr #aectech #joannehuang

In this fascinating video, Mayur interviews Lai Jing, a product designer with a diverse background from architecture to tech. The conversation covers her professional journey from Hong Kong to the United States, touching on the challenges of transitioning careers and the importance of finding one's unique contribution to the world. They dive deep into UX design principles, discussing methodologies like design thinking, the Double Diamond process, and user-centered design. Lai Jing shares practical tips on becoming a successful product designer, the nuances of collaborating with engineers, and the value of continuous learning. Listeners will find intriguing insights on the importance of effective communication, stakeholder engagement, and how to balance aesthetics with functionality in design. Additionally, Lai Jing provides a wealth of resources and book recommendations for those looking to delve deeper into UX and product design. Engaging and informative, this video is a must-watch for aspiring designers and professionals looking to navigate the complexities of the tech world. 00:00 - Introduction 01:00 - Lai Jing's Background in Architecture and Transition to Design 01:39 - Challenges and Discoveries in Architecture 03:01 - Importance of Authenticity and Self-Exploration 04:01 - Transition from Architecture to Product Design 06:10 - Bootcamp Experience and Key Learnings 10:58 - The Relevance and Implementation of Design Thinking in UX 15:42 - Weekly Responsibilities and Tools in UX 19:29 - Differences between UX Designers and Product Designers 24:11 - KPIs and Measuring Success for Product Designers 28:40 - Challenges in Implementing Quality Design and Engineering Collaboration 34:47 - Collaboration Between Designers and Engineers 41:49 - Process and Principle in Design 48:19 - Checklist and Detailed Handovers in Design Projects 52:02 - Experience and Insights from Working in Startups 57:15 - The Use of Academic Principles in Design 58:55 - Stakeholder Feedback and Iteration Process 01:03:42 - Applying Architecture Theories to UX and Vice Versa 01:06:58 - Principles of an Early-Stage Product Designer 01:08:14 - Reflections on Personal Branding 01:15:28 - Rapid Fire Questions: #laijinginterview #productdesigner #architectturetransition

In this interview with Hiram Rodrigues, a passionate Design Technology Manager at Gensler, who shares insights about his extensive journey in architecture, design technology, and community building. Hiram discusses his academic roots at Pratt Institute, his early art and sculpture endeavors,and his pivotal roles at various firms, leading to his significant contributions at Gensler. He emphasizes the importance of integrating computational tools into the design process, discusses the challenges and strategies for technology adoption within large firms, and highlights the value of attending and organizing tech-focused events like hackathons to foster innovation and community engagement. This video is a treasure trove of inspiration and practical advice for anyone interested in the intersection of architecture and technology, promising a deep dive into the world of design technology management. 00:00 - Introduction and Background 00:48 - Academic Journey and Early Career 02:00 - Architectural Experience and Mentors 04:00 - Transition to Design Technology 07:02 - Organizing AC Tech Conferences 08:55 - Roles and Responsibilities of a Design Technology Manager 10:59 - Tool Development and Team Dynamics 14:01 - Strategies for Technology Adoption 16:56 - Building Interdisciplinary Skills 20:00 - Effective Strategies for Tool Adoption 26:10 - Key Skills for Aspiring Design Technology Managers 30:00 - Successful Tool Development Examples 35:01 - Fostering a Culture of Innovation 39:50 - Deciding Between Internal Development and Third-party Tools 41:20 - Rapid Fire Round 49:00 - Advice on Integrating Computational Design 51:00 - Closing Thoughts and Encouragement #HiramRodrigues #designtechnologymanager #bimmanger