Bridging the Gap: Insights & Innovations in Construction

Sustainable Construction: People, Planet, and Profit

What happens when you blend old-world craftsmanship with forward-thinking sustainability? In this episode of Bridging the Gap, host Todd Weyandt is joined by Jonathan Orpin, founder of New Energy Works and pioneer in timber frame construction and sustainable design.
Jonathan shares how re-embracing wood as a primary building material is key to creating a more carbon-conscious future. From the importance of craft in construction to balancing tradition with innovation, this episode is a must-listen for anyone passionate about sustainable building, prefabrication, and the human element behind the tools.
🔑 Key Takeaways:
Why mass timber and wood framing are making comebacks in modern construction
How collaboration and community are essential to real innovation
The vital role of craftsmanship in an era of automation
How New Energy Works is leading the charge in sustainable, people-first building
🎧 Tune in to learn how timber can help us shape a better, more beautiful built environment.
Jonathan Orpin is a lifelong entrepreneur and sustainability advocate, founder of New Energy Works and Pioneer Millworks, two eco-friendly leaders in design. He is also Member of the Board of Directors at Timber Framers Guild.
TODD TAKES
Sustainability and Business Success Go Hand-in-HandJonathan emphasized that sustainability isn't just about being environmentally conscious—it’s also a smart business strategy. By balancing people, planet, and profit, companies can build long-term value while creating better work environments and products.
Building a Strong Culture is Key to Long-Term SuccessA company’s mission is only as strong as the people who believe in it. Jonathan highlighted the importance of creating a culture where employees feel invested, informed, and aligned with the company’s purpose. When people understand the "why" behind their work, they’re more engaged and committed to long-term success.
The Future of Construction Depends on Smarter Material ChoicesSustainable building starts with rethinking the materials we use. Jonathan stressed the importance of selecting materials that reduce environmental impact while maintaining durability and performance. From wood fiber insulation to mass timber, the industry has opportunities to build smarter and greener—if we make intentional choices.
 
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Prefab Isn’t Just About Efficiency

Does innovation always mean groundbreaking new tech, or can it also mean simple, steady improvements to the way you work? Live from Advancing Prefab 2025, Todd Weyandt sits down with Jason Van Nest to talk about the importance of standardization in prefab construction, the balance between innovation and practical solutions, and the necessity of stakeholder buy-in for successful standards. Looking to the future, Jason emphasizes the need for configured solutions in construction and the power of collaboration to drive change in the industry.
Main takeaways:
🔹 How can we bridge the gap between architects and builders?
🔹 Why is prefab the key to efficiency and scalability?
🔹 What’s coming next in automation, AI, and modular design?
🎧 Don’t miss this deep dive into the prefab revolution—tune in now!
Jason Van Nest is the founder of LOGIC Building Systems and a leading voice in offsite construction and modular innovation. As the executive director of New York Tech's Center for Offsite Construction, he works to create the technology, research, and curriculum needed to scale industrialized construction in the U.S. With a background as a licensed architect, professor, and BIM consultant, Jason brings a unique blend of hands-on experience, academic leadership, and forward-thinking strategies to the conversation on how to drive down costs and make prefab more accessible.
TODD TAKES
Prefab Needs Standardization—But Not at the Cost of Flexibility: Everyone talks about the need for standardization in prefab, but Jason made a great point—it’s not about forcingeverything into a rigid system. Instead, the goal should be to create repeatable, scalable solutions that still leave room for customization and adaptability. Think of it like USB ports—if the industry can agree on universal connection points, prefab can scale without limiting design freedom.
Industrialized Construction is the Only Path Forward: With rising material costs, labor shortages, and sustainability pressures, Jason doesn’t see a future where industrialized construction isn’tthe solution. Prefab and modular methods are the only scalable way to build smarter, faster, and more efficiently. The key? Breaking free from outdated, project-by-project engineering and moving toward a true “configured-to-order” model.
The Market Needs to Be Ready for Innovation: Here’s the thing—technology alone won’t change the industry. Jason pointed out that major innovations only succeed when the market is prepared to adopt them, just like how USB ports paved the way for smartphones and thumb drives. If we want prefab and industrialized construction to scale, we need to set the foundation nowwith clear standards, better collaboration, and a mindset shift across the industry.
 
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Breaking Down Barriers in Prefab

Is prefabrication all about efficiency, or is it also revolutionizing the way we build? In this episode, Todd Weyandt sits down with Michael Quillen, a seasoned expert in electrical prefab to explore the changing landscape of workforce development, automation, and the future of modular construction. Michael shares his journey from being a 17-year-old apprentice to becoming a leader in prefab design, emphasizing the importance of engaging young talent and breaking industry stigmas. He reveals how his team’s innovative approach—focusing on field collaboration, hiring forward-thinking professionals, and embracing automation—has revolutionized efficiency in construction.
Key takeaways include:
🔹 How early engagement with schools fosters a stronger, skilled workforce.
🔹 The mindset shift needed to scale prefab from job sites to full-scale factories.
🔹 The role of AI and automation in shaping the future of construction.
🔹 Strategies for gaining buy-in from the field and leadership to push prefab forward.
🔹 Highlights from Advancing Prefab 2025, including the growing involvement of architects and owners in prefab planning.
🎧 Tune in to gain fresh insights into the prefab revolution and what it takes to stay ahead in this rapidly advancing industry!
Michael Quillian is a leader in electrical prefabrication and modular construction at Inglett & Stubbs Modular. With over 20 years of field experience, he specializes in designing and fabricating electrical and multi-trade modular skids and assemblies that drive efficiency and innovation. Michael is passionate about leveraging technology and advanced workflows to push the boundaries of cost-effective, high-quality, and sustainable prefab solutions.
TODD TAKES
Prefab Success Starts with Thinking Differently: If you want prefab to thrive, you can’t just copy-paste traditional construction methods into a controlled environment. Michael made it clear that success comes from rethinking processes, questioning why things are done a certain way, and constantly searching for better solutions. The best prefab teams aren’t just following a playbook—they’re rewriting it in real time to drive efficiency and innovation.
Collaboration with the Field is the Game-Changer: Prefab isn’t about forcing the field to use a product—it’s about partnering with them to solve real problems. Michael emphasized that his team actively listens to what field crews need, which builds trust and ensures that prefab solutions actually make their lives easier. When prefab is seen as a service to the field rather than just another deliverable, that’s when real buy-in happens.
The Future of Prefab is Automation—But Not Just the Kind You Think: Everyone loves to talk about robotic automation, but Michael pointed out that digital automation is just as critical. Whether it’s dashboarding, AI-driven data analysis, or streamlining workflows, the ability to process information faster is what will take prefab to the next level. The companies that win in the future won’t just automate bending conduit—they’ll automate decision-making and process optimization across the board.
 
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AI-Powered Contract Intelligence & Tariff Readiness

With tariffs and supply chain disruptions reshaping the construction landscape, staying ahead of contract complexities is more critical than ever. In this episode of Bridging the Gap, host Todd Weyandt welcomes back Josh Levy, CEO and Co-Founder of Document Crunch, to discuss how AI is revolutionizing contract review and helping contractors navigate risks—including the impact of new tariffs.
Josh shares insights on how AI-driven tools help teams quickly identify key contract risks, streamline workflows, and improve decision-making. He also dives into the evolving role of technology in construction and the importance of bridging the knowledge gap between legal teams and field professionals.
Key takeaways include:
🔹 How AI is transforming contract review and risk management.
🔹What contractors need to know about upcoming tariffs—and how to prepare.
🔹 Why better contract understanding leads to stronger project outcomes.
🔹 The future of AI-driven solutions in construction.
🎧 Don’t let complex contracts slow you down—tune in now to learn how AI can give you a competitive edge!
TODD TAKES
Stay Ahead of Disruptions: Change isn’t just coming—it’s already here. The companies that succeed aren’t the ones that simply react but the ones that anticipate and prepare. Josh highlights how being proactive about understanding market shifts, regulatory changes, and technological advancements can give businesses a competitive edge. Instead of waiting for disruption to force change, leaders should be constantly scanning the horizon and adjusting their strategies to stay ahead.
Leadership and Innovation Go Hand in Hand: Technology can be a powerful tool, but it doesn’t automatically lead to better results. Josh makes a great point about the need for both leadership and innovation to shape technology in a way that enhances workflows rather than creating new inefficiencies. It’s not just about adopting the latest tools—it’s about bending them to fit the real needs of the business. The best leaders recognize that tech should serve the process, not the other way around.
Construction’s Resilience Is Its Superpower: If there’s one industry that knows how to adapt, it’s construction. Josh reminds us that time and time again, construction has faced major disruptions—from economic downturns to labor shortages to new regulations—and has always found creative ways to move forward. This ability to think outside the box and problem-solve in real time is what keeps the industry strong. The future will bring new challenges, but if history is any indication, construction will rise to meet them.
 
Josh Levy is Co-Founder and CEO at Document Crunch, a contract intelligence platform for the construction industry. With a strong leadership background and expertise in construction law, he co-founded Document Crunch to bring his extensive experience to the field. Throughout his career, he has worked for top-ranking construction firms and led departments with annual revenues of $1 billion. He graduated with honors from the University of Florida, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Construction Management. He also holds a Juris Doctorate from the University of Miami, graduating with high honors.
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Innovating for a Better Future

How can the construction industry break free from traditional constraints and truly innovate? In this episode, live from Advancing Prefab 2025, Harriet Ingham of Holmes Solutions joins Todd Weyandt to explore how offsite construction and AI-driven workflows are changing the game.  
Key takeaways:
🔹 How prefab eliminates construction site limitations🔹 Balancing standardization with customization in projects🔹 The role of AI & robotics in construction efficiency🔹 De-risking innovation & redefining failure in the industry🔹 The power of collaboration & breaking down silos
🎧 Join us for a deep dive into how industry leaders are leveraging incremental innovation to drive big results!
Harriet Ingham is VP of Major Products at Holmes Solutions. She works to drive innovation in the industry through product research, development, and testing. Her background as a structural engineer, combined with experience in product design, enables her to lead projects that seek to improve material and labor efficiency through the design of new technologies.
TODD TAKES
Prefab Isn’t Just About Projects—It’s About Products: One of the biggest mindset shifts in prefabrication is moving from thinking about projects to thinking about products. Harriett emphasized that when you approach prefab as a repeatable, scalable product, you unlock massive efficiency gains and innovation potential. The key? Standardization and testing, because when you refine a product over time, you create something that’s smarter, faster, and more cost-effective.
Innovation Doesn’t Have to Be Big—It Just Has to Move the Needle: There’s a misconception that innovation means reinventing everything from the ground up, but Harriett made a great point—sometimes, the most powerful innovations are small, incremental changes. Whether it’s testing a new connection systemor adjusting workflows with data-driven insights, even the smallest refinements can lead to massive efficiency gains over time. Prefab isn’t about one giant leap—it’s about continuous improvement that keeps pushing the industry forward.
Collaboration is the Key to Making Prefab Work: Prefab can’t succeed in a vacuum—it requires early collaboration between all stakeholdersto truly optimize the process. Harriett highlighted that too often, construction teams are stuck in silos, only thinking about their piece of the puzzle. The projects that are winning in prefab are the ones where designers, contractors, and manufacturers sit at the same table from day one, ensuring seamless integration and shared success.
 
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How Team Dynamics Drive Success

In another episode of Bridging the Gap live from Advancing Prefab 2025, Todd Weyandt sits down with Jenny Kronish, insurance industry professional and former athlete, to discuss how team dynamics shape success in construction.
Drawing from her athletic background, Jenny shares how skills like collaboration, communication, and role awareness translate into building stronger, more resilient teams in the AEC industry. She also dives into:
🔹 The importance of trust and communication in large-scale projects🔹 Why understanding every role on a construction team is crucial🔹 How early risk management and insurance set teams up for long-term success🔹 Overcoming the industry's hesitation to innovate despite its long history of adaptation
🎧 Listen in as we explore how construction professionals can take a team-first approach to problem-solving, embrace change, and build a more connected workforce.
Jenny Kronish is a Benefits and Risk Manager at NFP. As both a USA rugby world cup athlete and a leader in industrialized construction and prefabrication, Jenny knows the power of teamwork, strategy, and structure in achieving success. Her experience in high level athletics gives her a disciplined, goal-oriented approach to helping businesses navigate challenges and optimize their prefab and construction strategies.
TODD TAKES
Construction is a Team Sport—Know Your Role and Trust Your Partners: Success in construction, much like in sports, comes down to team dynamics and trust. You’ve got to master your role, but also understand and respect the roles of those around you—because when one person struggles, the whole project feels it. Prefab and industrialized construction thrive on collaboration, and that means breaking down silos and building a culture of mutual accountability.
The Industry is More Innovative Than It Thinks—We Just Need to Recognize It: There’s this myth that construction doesn’t innovate, but let’s be real—the industry has been evolving since the dawn of time. The challenge isn’t creating innovation, it’s recognizing and scaling what’s already working—whether that’s adopting new technology, rethinking workforce development, or leveraging prefab for efficiency. If we stop fearing change and embrace the fact that we’ve been evolving all along, we can push the industry forward faster.
Communication and Early Collaboration are Everything: With so many moving parts and stakeholders, construction is a high-stakes team effort—so why do we still wait until the last minute to align? The earlier teams bring everyone to the table—from contractors to insurers to manufacturers—the better they can anticipate challenges and avoid costly mistakes down the line. Good communication isn’t a “soft skill” in this industry—it’s the difference between success and chaos.
 
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Mindset Shifts Create Opportunities

What’s driving the surge in prefabrication? How do we shift the industry mindset to embrace standardization and long-term partnerships? And where does AI fit into all of this?
In this episode of Bridging the Gap, Todd Weyandt sits down with Matt Graves, third-generation builder and leader at Great Lakes Prefabrication, live from Advancing Prefab. Matt shares his journey from swinging a hammer straight out of Purdue to pioneering prefab solutions that are redefining construction workflows.
Key Takeaways:
🔹 The mindset shift needed to move prefab from “new” to “essential”
🔹 How trust and collaboration drive long-term success in the industry
🔹 AI’s evolving role in prefabrication and digital workflows
🔹 Why some regions still resist prefab—and what’s changing that
🎧 Whether you’re a construction veteran or just curious about where the industry is headed, this episode is packed with insights on the future of building smarter.
Matt Graves is President of Great Lakes Prefabrication. Matt is a leading expert in industrialized construction, prefabrication, and digital transformation. With a passion for streamlining workflows and leveraging technology, Matt has been at the forefront of helping companies scale prefab and optimize construction efficiency. Get ready for an insightful conversation on standardization, AI's role in prefab, and the future of industrialized construction.
 
TODD TAKES
Prefabrication isn’t new—it’s just finally catching on: It’s funny how some parts of the industry still treat prefab like some brand-new experiment, when in reality, people have been refining these methods for decades. The difference now? Owners and general contractors are starting to demand it, and that shift is creating a ripple effect across the industry. If you’re not integrating prefab into your projects yet, you might find yourself on the outside looking insooner than you think.
Standardizing processes is more important than standardizing products: We all want prefabrication to be plug-and-play, but let’s be real—that’s just not how construction works (yet). Every project is different, but what we canstandardize is the process—creating a predictable, repeatable pathway to prefab success. When teams embrace process-driven prefab, they unlock efficiency, scalability, and real cost savings—without having to sacrifice project flexibility.
Industrialized construction will only scale when we rethink contracts and collaboration: If we want prefab and industrialized construction to really take off, we have to fix how projects are structured from the ground up. The traditional contract model incentivizes low-bid, transactional relationships, which works against the long-term partnerships needed to make prefab successful. It’s time to shift the mindset—collaborative contracts, better risk-sharing, and early engagement are the real game changers.
 
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300 Episodes of Innovation and Transformation

We’ve made it to 300 episodes! Join host Todd Weyandt as we celebrate this incredible milestone with a look back at the biggest themes shaping the industry—AI, digital transformation, sustainability, workforce challenges, and more. Todd shares key insights from past guests, highlights the global impact of Bridging the Gap, and gives a special shout-out to the amazing team and listeners who made it all possible. Get ready for a fun, reflective, and inspiring episode as we look ahead to the future of construction innovation!
💡 Our favorite themes from 300 episodes:✔️ The digital transformation of construction, from BIM to AI✔️ How sustainability and prefabrication are reshaping efficiency✔️ The workforce challenge and why construction needs better storytelling✔️ Breaking down silos: The power of collaboration across disciplines
🎧 Tune in for expert insights, industry trends, and a look at what’s next for AEC!
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The Field is the Best Teacher

Is the construction industry drowning in information overload? In another episode live from Advancing Prefab 2025, Todd sits down with Michael Warren, an industry veteran with 32+ years of experience spanning design, construction, and manufacturing. Michael shares how his multi-disciplinary background helped him break down industry silos and rethink traditional workflows.🔹 The power of collaboration: Why designers & contractors must communicate beyond the drawing board.🔹 The tech revolution in AEC: How BIM, LiDAR, and prefab are eliminating inefficiencies.🔹 Rethinking documentation: Why Michael transformed his architectural plans into step-by-step LEGO-style instructions.🔹 Future of the workforce: What the industry must do now to attract the next generation.
🎧 Tune in to discover how construction is merging with design and technology.
Michael Warren, Sr. - AIA, NCARB, CDT, LEED AP is Associate Vice President (AVP) at AECOM. With more than 30 years of experience in the architecture and building industry and as a BIM Evangelist and Revit Certified Professional, he consults and strategizes with AECOM's team of industry-leading subject matter experts and technical specialists on small to large and complex projects across various sectors. He develops, manages, and oversees the implementation of global development strategies and initiatives for the traditional and generative application of BIM as a primary delivery method and a submission requirement. He also leverages his skills in open-source programming, computational design, energy simulation, and database management to enhance the efficiency, quality, and sustainability of projects.
TODD TAKES
Bridging the Gap Between Design, Manufacturing, and Construction: Michael has the ultimate trifecta—experience in architecture, manufacturing, and construction. He’s seen firsthand how disconnects between these areas lead to inefficiencies and how better collaboration can transform projects. The real magic happens when designers, fabricators, and builders stop working in silos and start thinking like one cohesive team.
The Power of 3D Modeling in Prefab: Michael was an early adopter of 3D modeling before it became the industry standard. By integrating 3D models into fabrication, he improved precision, quality control, and safety in the field. It’s not just about cool tech—it’s about creating a better, faster, and safer way to build.
The Future of Construction is Smarter, Not Harder: Technology is changing the game, and those who embrace it will lead the industry forward. Michael emphasizes that using digital tools like BIM isn’t just a trend; it’s a proven way to cut costs, speed up timelines, and deliver better results. The takeaway? If you’re not leveraging tech in construction, you’re already falling behind.
 
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The Power of Prefab, Partnerships, and Paradigm Shifts

In this episode of Bridging the Gap, live from Advancing Prefab 2025, Todd sits down with Dr. Andrew Rener to discuss the evolution of prefabrication in construction, the misconceptions that hold the industry back, and the shifts needed to drive true collaboration.
From breaking away from outdated procurement cycles to fostering real partnerships between owners and contractors, Andrew shares how technology, mindset shifts, and better communication can revolutionize project outcomes. Plus, this conversation dives into the genius simplicity of a single question that could transform industry relationships.
🔹 Why traditional procurement methods fail modern construction
🔹 The key mindset shift for achieving predictable project outcomes
🔹 How empathy and collaboration drive efficiency and innovation
🎧 Tune in to discover how prefabrication is shaping the future of construction.
Andrew Rener, PhD, PE, DBIA, F. ASCE is an experienced construction professional focused on building teams and projects while ensuring schedule, quality and budget are achieved. He is Management Team Member at Architectural Metals Inc.
TODD TAKES
Owners Need to Lead the Prefab Revolution: If we want prefab to scale, owners have to stop treating procurement like a bidding war. Andrew made a strong case that owners need to commit to long-term partnerships instead of just chasing the lowest price. It’s about collaboration, not just cost-cutting—because the real value is in certainty, speed, and quality.
Breaking Free from the Bid Mentality: One of the biggest roadblocks in prefab adoption? The constant bid cycle. Too many projects still compare prefab to traditional stick-built methods without factoring in time, labor, and jobsite congestion. If we shift the focus to total value instead of just upfront cost, we’ll unlock real innovation.
Prefab Isn’t Just About Cost—It’s About Certainty: The biggest advantage of prefab isn’t just saving money—it’s about certainty of outcome. With prefab, you get fewer delays, better quality, and reduced jobsite risks. But for that to happen, the industry needs to rethink how it measures success beyond just price tags.
 
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