Bridging the Gap: Insights & Innovations in Construction

Pairing Construction with AR and VR

How soon do you think augmented reality and virtual reality will be commonplace on the field? It may be sooner than you’d think. Join host Todd Weyandt and guest Amy Peck as they discuss the acceleration of technology adoption, a continual focus on human needs in tech, the benefits of wearable tech, and much more. Amy Peck is the founder and CEO of EndeavorVR. From healthcare, education, retail, hospitality and entertainment to government and industrial use cases, her personal goal is to bridge the gap between the leading edge tech and clients ready to adopt the myriad solutions in the AR/VR stratosphere.

Leveraging the Impact of Construction

Where do you think we’re headed in the construction industry? What do you think encourages our potential? Join host Todd Weyandt and guest René Morkos as they discuss ALICE—an AI-powered construction platform, the potential in efficiency and cost savings when it comes to artificial intelligence, the construction industry’s historical reluctance to adopt new technology, where the current market is headed, and much more. 
René Morkos is the founder and CEO of ALICE Technologies and teaches at Stanford University's Ph.D program in Construction Management. The son of a civil engineer, René grew up in the construction industry. He has worked on construction projects worldwide. His professional experience ranges from working as a project manager in Afghanistan to building an underwater pipeline project in Beirut, from driving automation engineering on a $350 million gas refinery expansion project in Abu Dhabi to leading the development of a virtual design and construction model for Amsterdam’s cruise ship terminal. René received his Ph.D in Construction Engineering and Management from Stanford University, his MSCE in Construction Management from USC, and his BS in Civil and Environmental Engineering from American University of Beirut.

The Question of Commissioning

Are you familiar with commissioning? If so, you might have a few questions about it. Join host Todd Weyandt and guest Ryan Lean as they unpack common industry misconceptions around commissioning, how the process of commissioning is and should be “all about people,” how efficiency and operability in projects has been impacted in the last year, and more.
Ryan Lean serves as Associate Partner at JB&B and leads JB&B Field, a division of JB&B incorporating ten specific field-related services into one comprehensive service offering. Since joining the firm in 2004, Mr. Lean has garnered extensive experience in building commissioning and related services for commercial, mission-critical, educational, laboratory, healthcare and LEED green buildings. He sees building commissioning and related field services as a means of fostering relationships with owners and operators, and of guiding them through the challenges of transitioning to a new facility.

The Utility of Construction Data & Analytics

Join host Todd Weyandt and guest Dan McCarthy of Dodge Data & Analytics as they discuss digital transformation's effects on construction, how the industry can make the best use of data and analytics to drive future success, the “bleed” and “lag” that has become obvious in the construction industry, the essential nature of gathering the right data, and where in the world technology adoption is taking us. 
Daniel (Dan) R. McCarthy is CEO of Dodge Data & Analytics, North America’s leading provider of commercial construction project data, market forecasting, analytics services and workflow integration solutions for the construction industry. Having started his career as a business analyst covering the technology, data and business information markets for Communications Trends, Inc., he has since led major growth transformation for multiple business-to-business and business-to-consumer firms in the data, information, paid content and marketing services sectors and has completed more than 50 transactions and financings to date.

Mental Health Awareness in Construction

Is mental health a priority to you and your company? How can you raise awareness for those who may not get represented in the construction industry? Join host Todd Weyandt and guest Darcy Gruttadaro as they discuss the importance of Mental Health Awareness Month, addressing common stigmas around mental health in construction, how “Zoom fatigue” may be affecting just about everyone these days, and how essential it is to identify and manage burnout. 
Darcy Gruttadaro is the director of the Center for Workplace Mental Health. As director, she works with her team in developing high impact trainings, guides, resources, and case studies to support mentally healthy workplaces. The Center’s work includes working in consultation and collaborating with employers in raising awareness, creating mentally healthy organizational cultures, and improving access to mental health services and supports. The Center works with organizations of all sizes from Fortune 100 companies to small family-owned businesses in creating effective approaches to improving the mental health and well-being of employees and their families.

The Common Data Path Forward

With all the data you could collect, how do you know what you should leverage?. Do you face this problem? If you do, how do you overcome it? Join host Todd Weyandt and guest Lilian Magallanes as they discuss what the common data environment means, how can you make the data more flexible, what are potential pitfalls of collecting too much data and more. 
Lilian Magallanes is a Project Manager for a large general contractor, where she leverages thirteen years of construction management and facilities experience to help support technology alignment. In her previous role as BIM Coordinator for the Los Angeles Community College District, her team identified technologies and applications of Building Information Modeling. In addition to her daytime role, Lilian also currently serves as the Membership Committee Chair for the Construction Progress Coalition, a non-profit organization dedicated to defining the future of project data governance through common data exchanges, and a Board Member for NAWIC Los Angeles, celebrating women in the AEC industry.

What it Means to be a Leader

Are you a good example to the people that you persuade? How can you know? Join host Todd Weyandt and guest Dr. Charles Redd as they discuss how to develop someone’s potential, the importance of passion in your work, taking the social stigma out of failure, and how “you either learn and you live, or you live and you learn.” 
Dr. Charles Redd has over 30 years of success as a speaker, minister and leader in Fortune 500 organizations. As a leadership trainer, he brings to the table a dynamic blend of business, ministry and team development experience that gives organizations a well-rounded approach to solving complex issues.

Are You Contributing to a Growth Mindset?

Join hosts Todd Weyandt and Christopher Riddell and guests Marcello Sgambelluri and Anthony Zuefeldt as they discuss Marcello’s new book, “Dynamo and Grasshopper for Revit Cheat Sheet Manual,” the difficulty we have with defining computational design in the industry, how to achieve a “cultural buy-in” when you’re introducing something new, the importance of a willingness to take chances, and whether or not we’re being “too nice” when it comes to introducing change. 
Marcello Sgambelluri is internationally recognized at one of the top BIM leaders and contributors to theeducation and implementation of BIM technology in the building industry. He provides training and consulting the AEC industry. He received his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Civil Engineering, and he is also a licensed Civil and Structural Engineer. 
Anthony Zuefeldt is a Senior Solutions Specialist at Applied Software. He has a deep background in A.E.C. technologies and workflows. In addition, he serves as an enterprise and solution architect for architecture firms, design build firms and fabricators, and the home building industry.

The Promise of Technology in Construction

Are you overworked? Untethered? Maybe confused by new advents in construction? A lot’s happening, but there are ways to keep up. Join host Todd Weyandt and guest Dillon Mitchell as they discuss sustainability in the construction industry, Dillon’s podcast The Construction Corner, embracing new technology and growth in the industry, how to balance your work life, and maintaining an effective connection to the industry you work in.
Having designed millions of square feet in Revit for everything from K-12, higher education, healthcare, industrial, and mixed use, Dillon Mitchell is well versed in the construction industry. As a professional electrical engineer in 6 states he’s seen the ups and downs of construction. In 2018 Dillon transitioned from working in A/E firms to starting his company Kowabunga Studios mission is to help engineers save time reduce their stress and live a better life, while increasing the margins and financial strength of the firm. He is also the host of the Construction Corner Podcast.

"We Don’t Fail, We Learn” in Construction

What’s the best way to coordinate between different backgrounds and experience levels in the field? Join host Todd Weyandt and guest Cliff Cole as they discuss managing your time and effort as a leader, balancing your interests and priorities, staying proactive through change, how credibility and emotional intelligence fit together, and the impact that the younger generation will have on the construction industry. 
As Director of Virtual Design and Construction (VDC) at The PENTA Building Group, Cliff leads all building information modeling implementation and management. Cliff has over 17 years of experience in the construction industry and is an innovative technology industry leader. Cliff is responsible for monitoring the coordination and execution of all projects that incorporate VDC processes. In addition to his role as Director of VDC, he is responsible for strategic technology initiatives for the operations and preconstruction groups. Cliff also leads PENTA's corporate lean group and is passionate about reducing and eliminate waste in our industry.