AEC Tech Journeys with Mayur Mistry

In this engaging conversation, Bibhrajit Halder, founder of SafeAI, shares his journey from Calcutta to Silicon Valley, reflecting on his early education, career transitions, and the evolution of autonomy in heavy industries. He emphasizes the importance of mentorship, customer discovery, and building high-performing teams to succeed in the startup landscape. Bibhrajit explains how AI has transformed autonomous vehicle systems, discusses the challenges in robotics adoption, and explores the vast opportunities within industrial automation. He also offers a forward-looking perspective on the potential rise of humanoid robots in mainstream applications. His insights deliver valuable lessons for aspiring entrepreneurs and innovators in AI, robotics, and autonomy.   Takeaways Bibhrajit Halder's journey from Calcutta to Silicon Valley highlights the power of mentorship in shaping careers. His shift from mechanical engineering to autonomy was fueled by a deep passion for math and physics. Autonomy in heavy industries has been in production since 2014, debunking common myths. AI is transforming decision-making and perception systems in autonomous vehicles. Building a strong, visionary team is critical to the success of any startup. Customer discovery is essential to refine products and meet real market needs. The autonomous industry is vast, with significant applications in defense, mining, and heavy machinery. SafeAI’s mission is to modernize autonomy for heavy industries by leveraging cutting-edge AI. Robotics adoption faces high costs and automation challenges for complex, real-world tasks. The future of robotics could include widespread humanoid robots in consumer and industrial spaces.   📩 Don’t miss future episodes. Subscribe to the AEC Tech + AI Newsletter: https://aiaecdigest.substack.com/ 📩Here is the LinkedIn profile of Bibhrajit Halder: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bibhrajit/#:~:text=Premium%20for%20PHP0-,Bibhrajit%20Halder,-Founder%20at%20SafeAI 

Summary In this conversation, Kitae Kim, co-founder of Foveate, shares his inspiring journey from a background in art and architecture to creating a startup focused on revolutionizing design proposals. He discusses the importance of mentorship, the challenges of transitioning from designer to product developer, and the significance of understanding user needs and feedback. Kitae also highlights the innovative features of Foveate that aim to streamline the proposal process for architects, emphasizing the need for interactive and engaging presentations. Throughout the discussion, he provides valuable insights into sales strategies, networking, and the future of architecture proposals.   Takeaways Kitae Kim's diverse background in art and architecture shaped his approach to design. Mentorship played a crucial role in Kitae's career development. Foveate was inspired by the need for better design communication tools. Transitioning from designer to product developer requires understanding user needs. User feedback is essential for refining product features. Sales strategies must address the unique challenges of the architecture industry. Foveate aims to streamline the proposal process for architects. Networking is key to building partnerships and client relationships. The future of proposals lies in interactive and engaging presentations. Understanding the client's perspective is vital for successful sales.   Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Kitae Kim and Foveate 02:38 Kitae Kim's Diverse Background and Career Journey 05:24 Mentorship and Influences in Kitae's Career 08:02 The Inspiration Behind Foveate 11:07 Transitioning from Designer to Product Developer 13:31 Building the MVP and Understanding User Needs 16:18 Navigating Sales and Marketing in Architecture 18:50 Enhancing Proposal Processes with Foveate 20:38 Empathy in Architecture and Sales 21:03 Introducing Foveate: Revolutionizing Proposals 24:05 Enhancing Client Understanding Through Interactive Proposals 26:53 The Luxury Experience in Client Proposals 29:52 Reframing Language for Better Client Perception 32:46 Client Feedback and Relationship Management 36:02 Building Networks and Partnerships 38:57 Effective Client Acquisition Strategies   📩 Don’t miss future episodes. Subscribe to the AEC Tech + AI Newsletter: https://aiaecdigest.substack.com/

In this conversation, Yashasvini Gopalan, co-founder of Smortr, shares her journey from aspiring architect to entrepreneur in the construction tech space. She discusses her early inspirations, challenges during architecture school, and the transition to the U.S., where she explored B2B marketing and product development. Yashasvini explains the inception of Smortr, highlighting the urgent need for better data management in the construction industry. She dives into product validation, overcoming PDF-heavy workflows, and how customer feedback shapes product iterations. The episode closes with insights on the future of construction tech and advice for young entrepreneurs.   Takeaways Yashasvini’s early inspiration came from observing how architecture impacts people’s lives. Architecture school built her foundation for understanding complex systems. Transitioning to B2B marketing unlocked new perspectives on data fragmentation. Smortr was born from the need for better construction data management. Problem discovery required deep engagement with industry professionals for validation. Product building is iterative — constant learning and adaptation are critical. Managing large PDF-based workflows is a major pain point in construction tech. Her advice for aspiring founders: embrace software and technology early. Networking is invaluable; many are willing to help if approached. The future of construction tech is promising with innovative startups emerging.   Chapters 00:00 – Journey to Architecture and Early Influences 03:04 – Challenges in Architecture School 04:43 – First Company and Industry Exposure 05:21 – Transition to the U.S. and Marketing Insights 06:42 – UI/UX Skills from Architecture 07:38 – The Birth of Smortr 09:32 – Customer Discovery and Validation 10:45 – Learning from Challenges 12:10 – Innovations in Construction Tech 15:30 – Product Walkthrough and Vision 17:02 – Challenges in Product Development 17:55 – Inspirations and Role Models 18:56 – Advice to Younger Self 19:53 – Mentorship and Support 21:25 – Starting a New Venture 22:19 – Rapid Fire Round 23:53 – Future of Construction Tech 📩 Don’t miss future episodes. Subscribe to the AEC Tech + AI Newsletter: https://aiaecdigest.substack.com/  

In this conversation, Dan Shaw, CEO and co-founder of Bridgeline, shares insights into his journey in the construction tech industry, the challenges faced during product development, and the importance of understanding customer needs. He discusses the evolution of Bridgeline, its ideal customer profile, and strategies for customer acquisition. Dan also emphasizes the significance of building relationships in the construction industry while leveraging modern technology to enhance efficiency. The conversation concludes with reflections on the startup journey and advice for aspiring founders.   Takeaways The hardest part of product release is crossing the finish line. Construction is a fascinating and complex industry. B2B sales in construction differs significantly from tech sales. Understanding customer needs is crucial for product development. Building relationships is key in the construction industry. AI can transform how construction professionals work. Cold calling is essential for market validation. The ideal customer profile for Bridgeline includes smaller firms with overworked estimators. Learning from successful startups can provide valuable insights. Taking risks is part of the entrepreneurial journey. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Background of Dan Shaw 02:10 Challenges in Product Development 04:33 Transitioning from Construction to Tech 07:06 Lessons Learned in Customer Discovery 09:38 Understanding Bridgeline's Value Proposition 12:12 Navigating Customer Acquisition in Construction 14:18 Insights from Successful Construction Tech Startups 16:38 Cold Calling Strategies for Startups 19:17 Reflections and Rapid Fire Questions

In this conversation, Tania Madah, founder and CEO of Lean Architect LLC, shares her unconventional journey into architecture and her vision for the future of the AEC industry. She emphasizes the growing role of technology, user-centric design, and collaboration in shaping smarter, more sustainable built environments. Tania discusses the challenges architects face in adopting new tools, the importance of internal innovation, and the responsible use of generative AI. She advocates for a future where architects, technologists, and stakeholders work together to bridge workflow gaps and drive digital transformation in the industry.   Key Takeaways Diverse background, unique path — Tania’s journey from food science to architecture demonstrates the value of cross-disciplinary thinking. Outdated workflows persist — Despite advances, much of the architecture industry still relies on inefficient, legacy processes. Events open doors — Showing up at industry meetups and conferences can lead to unexpected opportunities. Adopt, don’t fear tech — Architects shouldn’t let fear of technology hold them back from exploring new tools. User needs come first — A deep understanding of end-user pain points is critical for successful tech adoption. Collaboration is non-negotiable — Innovation happens when architects, engineers, and contractors break silos. Enhance, not replace — Technology should support creativity and artistry, not diminish it. Generative AI responsibly — AI has huge potential but requires clean data and clear objectives to add value. The future is collective — The best solutions in AEC will come from ecosystem-wide collaboration. Opportunity lies in the gaps — Identifying inefficiencies and “white spaces” across AEC workflows presents major innovation potential.   Chapters 00:00 — Tania Madah’s Journey in Architecture 02:30 — The Role of Technology in Architecture 05:05 — Overcoming Barriers to Tech Adoption 07:11 — The Importance of User-Centric Design 09:40 — Internal Innovation vs. Startups 12:19 — Breaking Silos: Collaboration in the AEC Industry 14:43 — Lessons Learned in Product Development 16:45 — Balancing Art and Technology in Architecture 18:35 — The Mindset Behind Productivity 20:31 — Generative AI’s Role in Architecture 22:43 — Unlocking Opportunities for Tech in AEC 25:08 — Rapid Fire Round & Final Insights   📩 Don’t miss future episodes. Subscribe to the AEC Tech + AI Newsletter: https://aiaecdigest.substack.com/

In this conversation, Adam discusses his journey from civil engineering to Co-founding Nonlinear, an AI-driven workflow automation tool for the construction industry. He shares insights on the challenges of technology adoption in construction, the importance of mentorship, and the defining moments in his startup journey. Adam also provides an overview of Nonlinear's features, the technical challenges faced during development, and offers valuable advice for aspiring engineers and entrepreneurs.   Takeaways Nonlinear is an AI workflow tool for construction projects. The construction industry is slow to adopt new technologies. Mentorship played a crucial role in Adam's career development. Feedback from customers is vital for product success. The importance of having goals outside of work for personal growth. The need for automation in tedious engineering tasks. Building a product requires flexibility and willingness to pivot. The significance of understanding the 'why now' for a startup idea. Iterating on a product is essential for scalability and success. Starting a company requires hard work and dedication.    Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Nonlinear and Its Vision 02:40 Adam's Career Journey and Inspirations 06:00 Challenges in the Construction Industry 09:03 Defining Moments in Nonlinear's Journey 11:55 Product Features and Innovations 20:51 Technical Challenges and Solutions 24:51 Proudest Moments and Personal Achievements 28:00 Advice for Aspiring Engineers and Founders 34:10 Final Thoughts and Encouragement   📩 Don’t miss future episodes. Subscribe to the AEC Tech + AI Newsletter: https://aiaecdigest.substack.com/

In this conversation, Mayur Mistry interviews Mohamed Adil, the founder of Awatif, discussing his journey from structural engineering to software development. They explore the complexities of finite element analysis, the importance of understanding fundamentals in engineering, and the evolution of Awatif as a parametric modeling platform. Mohamed emphasizes the value of open source contributions and collaboration in the engineering community, sharing insights on how to approach software development in structural engineering.   Takeaways Mohamed Adil is the founder of Awatif, a parametric modeling platform. His career highlights include a focus on finite element analysis and software development. Understanding the fundamentals of engineering is crucial for effective problem-solving. The transition from structural engineering to software development can enhance one's skills. Asking 'why' is essential in learning and understanding engineering concepts. The complexities of finite element analysis stem from various edge cases and scenarios. Awatif started with the idea of interactive simulation but pivoted to focus on parametric modeling. Real-time analysis in structural engineering can aid architects in decision-making. Open source contributions are vital for community-driven development in engineering. Collaboration and delegation can significantly enhance productivity and innovation.   Chapters 00:00 From College to Career: The Journey Begins 02:23 The Leap to Software Development 04:47 Understanding the Complexity of Structural Analysis 07:06 Building a New FEM Solver 09:44 The Evolution of Awatif 12:03 Interactive Parametric Modeling 14:14 The Future of Structural Engineering 16:42 Open Source and Community Collaboration 19:25 Rapid Fire: Insights and Reflections   📩 Don’t miss future episodes. Subscribe to the AEC Tech + AI Newsletter: https://aiaecdigest.substack.com/

In this conversation, Igor Starkov shares his journey from immigrating to the United States to becoming a successful entrepreneur in the construction technology sector. He discusses the challenges and opportunities within the industry, emphasizing the importance of relationships and strategic decision-making. Igor also highlights the significance of customer feedback in product development and the technical challenges faced in creating innovative solutions like Teleworker AI. He offers valuable insights for aspiring entrepreneurs, including the necessity of mentorship and learning from past experiences.   Takeaways   Igor Starkov's entrepreneurial journey began after immigrating to the U.S. The construction industry presents unique challenges that require careful navigation. Building strong relationships is crucial for success in business. Simplicity in product design can lead to greater financial success. Startups should focus on customer feedback to refine their products. There is no room for failure in the early stages of a startup. Understanding various business functions is essential for startup founders. Teleworker AI aims to enhance remote work in the construction industry. Technical challenges in hardware development can be significant. Mentorship and learning from others' experiences are vital for growth.   Chapters 00:00 Igor Starkov's Journey: From Immigrant to Entrepreneur 08:52 Lessons Learned: The Hard Truths of Running a Startup 15:52 Building Teleworker AI: Innovations in Construction Tech 23:17 Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs: Navigating the Startup Landscape   📩 Don’t miss future episodes. Subscribe to the AEC Tech + AI Newsletter: https://aiaecdigest.substack.com/

In this conversation, Aakash Prasad, CEO and co-founder of InspectMind AI, shares his journey from growing up in a family of engineers to becoming an entrepreneur in the tech-enabled engineering space. He discusses the importance of a beginner mindset, learning through experience, and the significance of perseverance in the face of challenges. Aakash also highlights the role of technology in engineering, the birth of InspectMind AI, and insights gained from participating in Y Combinator and AI Grant. He emphasizes the value of building relationships in the construction tech industry and shares strategies for customer acquisition.   Takeaways Aakash grew up at the intersection of construction and software. Learning by doing is crucial for personal and professional growth. Every company is unique; a beginner mindset is essential. Perseverance is key; the greatest killer of startups is giving up. Building relationships is vital in the construction tech industry. Technology can significantly enhance engineering processes. Customer feedback is essential for product development. Y Combinator provides a strong community for founders. Networking and introductions are more effective than cold outreach. Not every business needs to aim for billion-dollar valuations.   Chapters 00:00 From College to CEO: A Journey Begins 02:33 Learning by Doing: The Importance of Experience 04:53 Skills Development: From College to Entrepreneurship 07:17 The Long Game: Mindset and Perseverance 09:56 Navigating Challenges: The Importance of Taking Steps 12:20 Lessons from Past Ventures: Embracing the Beginner Mindset 15:07 Overcoming Low Points: The Power of Persistence 17:31 Building a Tech-Enabled Engineering Firm 20:00 Different Business Models: Lifestyle vs. Bold Vision 21:17 Understanding the VC vs. Private Equity Mindset 22:37 The Birth of InspectMind AI: From Idea to Execution 25:54 The Importance of Customer Feedback in Product Development 27:28 The Value of Community in Startup Ecosystems 31:17 Navigating Early Customer Acquisition 34:13 Go-to-Market Strategies and Experimentation 35:40 Building Trust in Traditional Industries 37:21 Personal Insights and Recommendations for Founders   Don’t miss future episodes. Subscribe to the AEC Tech + AI Newsletter: https://aiaecdigest.substack.com/

In this conversation, Dennis Dixon, CEO & Co-founder of OQULi, shares his journey from a passionate tech enthusiast to leading a company reimagining compliance in architecture through AI. He walks us through the emotional and strategic challenges of pivoting business models, how CODiii came to life, and why understanding real market needs is essential to long-term success. Dennis emphasizes the importance of mentorship, authenticity, and continuous learning in both personal growth and product development. He also unpacks insights on user experience, fundraising, and how AI can empower—not replace—creative professionals. The episode concludes with his vision for CODiii and advice for emerging architects and founders.   Takeaways Dennis Dixon’s early passion for technology shaped the foundation of his career. Mentorship played a critical role in his personal and entrepreneurial development. Pivoting business models is not just a strategic shift—it's an emotional one too. A deep understanding of compliance challenges in architecture inspired CODiii. Asking questions and staying curious is key for new graduates. Fundraising should be a tool, not the end goal, for startups. Building authentic relationships and trust leads to real traction. Constant iteration and feedback loops fuel product improvement. AI should serve as a creative amplifier—not a replacement. Community feedback drives meaningful innovation in architecture tech.     Chapters 00:00 – Introduction to Dennis Dixon and OQULi 02:26 – Career Journey and Mentorship 04:09 – Founding Stories of OQULi 05:16 – Starting a Company in Today's Landscape 06:30 – Advice for Recent Graduates in Architecture 07:52 – Finding Customers and Market Fit 08:51 – Deep Dive into CODiii 11:31 – Challenges in Building CODiii 12:59 – The Future of the Industry and AI 14:12 – Developing UI/UX for AI Tools 16:38 – Examples of Successful AI Implementations 17:52 – Fundraising vs Bootstrapping 19:09 – Preparing for Go-to-Market   Don’t miss future episodes. Subscribe to the AEC Tech + AI Newsletter: https://aiaecdigest.substack.com/