Bridging the Gap: Insights & Innovations in Construction-logo

Bridging the Gap: Insights & Innovations in Construction

Technology Podcasts

Join the innovation adventure that spotlights MEP and the construction industry – advancements in technology, distinctive perspectives, the soft skills required for successful digital transformation, and stories about the problem-solving mindset that continues to shape this great industry and propel it forward. The Bridging the Gap Podcast gives voice to the incredible things happening in and around construction while championing the fact that this is a great industry to be in. The host, Todd Weyandt, seeks out enlightening conversations with industry experts who are changing the technological landscape. Engaging a full spectrum of voices, he champions an industry dialogue that supports companies as they try new things, advance and thrive. He is on a mission to embrace and share the innovations transforming the AEC, MEP and manufacturing industries. The Bridging the Gap Podcast is brought to you by Applied Software. With solutions for the modern project, Applied is on a mission to transform industries by empowering clients and championing innovation with real-world expert consultants. Bringing you a comprehensive array of solutions for AEC, MEP and manufacturing, the experts of Applied have a singular focus – helping you achieve higher performance. Visit asti.com today.

Location:

United States

Description:

Join the innovation adventure that spotlights MEP and the construction industry – advancements in technology, distinctive perspectives, the soft skills required for successful digital transformation, and stories about the problem-solving mindset that continues to shape this great industry and propel it forward. The Bridging the Gap Podcast gives voice to the incredible things happening in and around construction while championing the fact that this is a great industry to be in. The host, Todd Weyandt, seeks out enlightening conversations with industry experts who are changing the technological landscape. Engaging a full spectrum of voices, he champions an industry dialogue that supports companies as they try new things, advance and thrive. He is on a mission to embrace and share the innovations transforming the AEC, MEP and manufacturing industries. The Bridging the Gap Podcast is brought to you by Applied Software. With solutions for the modern project, Applied is on a mission to transform industries by empowering clients and championing innovation with real-world expert consultants. Bringing you a comprehensive array of solutions for AEC, MEP and manufacturing, the experts of Applied have a singular focus – helping you achieve higher performance. Visit asti.com today.

Twitter:

@Applied_SW

Language:

English

Contact:

+1 (404) 564-1823


Episodes
Ask host to enable sharing for playback control

Rome Wasn’t Built in a Day

5/1/2024
What’s the best process of leveraging your software to its fullest potential? How do stakeholder communication and project transformations fit in? In this episode, delve into Adrian Mangan's Advance Steel-centric YouTube channel, the impacts he's observed since its launch, and his ultimate goal in sharing knowledge about both Advance Steel and its counterpart, GRAITEC PowerPack. Adrian Mangan began his career in Ireland in carpentry field with experience in AutoCAD from college. He has worked as an Ironworker in New York City for the past fourteen years, ten of which he has also been a Foreman. He is now looking to learn and pursue a career in Steel Detailing, 3D Modeling, and BIM. Thanks for listening! Please be sure to leave a rating and/or review and follow up our social accounts. Bridging the Gap Website Bridging the Gap LinkedIn Bridging the Gap Instagram Bridging the Gap YouTube Todd’s LinkedIn Thank you to our sponsors! Applied Software Applied Software LinkedIn Other Relevant Links: Adrian’s LinkedIn Adrian Mangan on YouTube

Duration:00:35:52

Ask host to enable sharing for playback control

The World is in 3D, Not 2D

4/24/2024
If the world is in 3 dimensions, and we think in 3 dimensions, why would we work in only 2? Join Todd and guest Jonathan Jasinski as they unpack the inherent advantages of BIM, how Advance Steel and its GRAITEC PowerPack have benefited the production at Mezzanines By Design, some of the best ways to navigate the stakeholder sign-off process, and much more. Jonathan Jasinski has worked at Mezzanines By Design for over a decade. With a passion for precision, he has dedicated thirteen years to crafting structures that are not only functional, but also innovative. Thanks for listening! Please be sure to leave a rating and/or review and follow up our social accounts. Bridging the Gap Website Bridging the Gap LinkedIn Bridging the Gap Instagram Bridging the Gap YouTube Todd’s LinkedIn Thank you to our sponsors! Applied Software Applied Software LinkedIn Other Relevant Links: Jonathan’s LinkedIn Mezzanines By Design

Duration:00:22:38

Ask host to enable sharing for playback control

From Concrete to Code

4/17/2024
Technology stacks are transforming the construction industry. In the years to come, what benefits in decision-making and project efficiency might we see from this transformation? Join Todd and guest Edward Garcia for an in-depth conversation on traditional vs. transformative methods, how to foster a culture of continuous learning and adaptability, cross-collaborating with engineering and fabrication teams to ensure feasibility, and much more. Edward Garcia is a seasoned professional in the field of building materials, currently serving as the Senior Engineering Manager for Synergi. With a rich background in project management and a keen focus on innovation and technology integration within the construction industry, Edward brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the forefront of architectural advancements and efficient building solutions.

Duration:00:33:18

Ask host to enable sharing for playback control

AI Should be Field-First

4/15/2024
As AR and AI continue to sweep the construction industry, what are some of the best and most proven ways to leverage this enigmatic technology? Could it, in fact, help us address some of the largest and most persistent pain points of the industry at large? Join Todd and guest NK Chaitanya as they discuss the connection between data and AI, NK’s company ConstructN.ai, how AR can be leveraged to increase onsite safety, and the burgeoning benefits of artificial intelligence. Chaitanya Naredla Kirshan, widely known as NK, stands at the forefront of the rapidly evolving technology industry. As the Co-Founder and CEO of Constructn.ai, NK is pioneering the future of construction monitoring, bringing simplicity and automation to complex processes across the build timeline. His rich experience weaves together advanced domains such as robotics, computer vision, extended reality (XR), machine learning/artificial intelligence (ML/AI), and the Internet of Things technologies.

Duration:00:45:41

Ask host to enable sharing for playback control

Salting the Horse

4/10/2024
Where do most training programs fall short? The answer may lie in the way we’ve been approaching the subject of training at large. Straight from GRAITEC Innovate2Build with Amy Powell of Well Works, this episode takes a closer look at what it means to truly and effectively train workers, how to support the “learning transfer” in every stage of training, and how emotional intelligence comes into play. Amy Powell is the founder of Well Works, bringing to her position nearly two decades of construction experience, primarily as a Project Manager for a Commercial GC. Recognizing the gap in training tailored to the unique challenges faced in construction, Amy decided to roll up her sleeves and do something about it by going back to school to earn her Masters in Adult Education. She has crafted a specialized leadership program for field leaders. This program equips industry professionals to excel in their roles now and in the future to lead their diverse teams effectively.

Duration:00:47:32

Ask host to enable sharing for playback control

Build in Time to Learn

4/8/2024
Now that prefabrication is taking off, we’re looking for ways to make it a seamless process. Is there yet a “perfect software” that has everything you need for a prefab project? Often, we don’t streamline our workflows until something raises the alarm bells. In this episode from Advancing Prefabrication 2024, we sit down with Chris Fischer to discuss some of the biggest hurdles facing widespread, cross-industry adoption of the prefab movement. Chris Fischer is Prefabrication Manager at Ready Electric Company, Inc. He has been in the electrical construction field since 1997 and completed his 5-year IBEW Electrical Apprenticeship in 2003. In his current role as Prefabrication Manager, he works with the BIM department to continue to improve and grow the Ready Electric Company, Inc. prefabrication process.

Duration:00:24:05

Ask host to enable sharing for playback control

Prefab's Critical Trifecta

4/3/2024
Prefab has demonstrated itself to be a valuable addition to the construction industry, but there’s still some pushback against it. When we’re certain of the benefit of new processes, we just need to be persistent. As they say, “the proof is in the pudding.” In this episode, Mike Barrett of CRB joins us to discuss how the cumulative successes of prefab will ultimately be key to widespread adoption. Mike Barrett is Vice President of Technical Innovation and Delivery at CRB. He is passionate about excellence through project delivery and develops and drives innovative project delivery strategies across the entire project execution value stream. He brings a lean-thinking mindset to continuously seek out waste in project delivery processes, practices, tools, and methods in order to position CRB as a global leader in Life Science Project Execution.

Duration:00:32:46

Ask host to enable sharing for playback control

Innovation Isn't Just Hardware and Software

4/1/2024
The productization of prefab will be a tricky and incremental process. Can we still bring our creativity to the table when there are so many unknowns? In this episode, Todd Mustard joins us at Advancing Prefabrication 2024 and sparks a discussion about repurposing supply chains, the power of BI dashboards, and growing widespread interest in IBEW Local 48. Todd Mustard is Executive Manager at Oregon Columbia Chapter NECA. He represents over 200 electrical contracting businesses that employ over 6,000 union professionals in northern Oregon and southern Washington. He is passionate about advancing the interests and values of the electrical construction industry.

Duration:00:29:20

Ask host to enable sharing for playback control

Bringing Certainty to the Project Team

3/27/2024
Depending on how you look at them, AI and prefabrication in construction can be time-saving game changers or tools of disruption. Paul Sweeney joined us at Advancing Prefab 2024 to discuss the substantial shifts in mindset around prefabrication as a whole, how to look at the past to prepare for the future, the positive aspects of newer technology, and new alignments between industries that were once completely disparate. Paul Sweeney is Director of Prefabrication at GE Johnson Construction Company. He has also worked as MEP manager for the same company, and as Project Manager at Haselden Construction. He received his Bachelor of Applied Science, Construction Management from Colorado State University.

Duration:00:22:26

Ask host to enable sharing for playback control

Clear the Air About Your Team’s Pain Points

3/25/2024
A solid management team is foundational to the success of your company. When you come to management with a request or idea, whether they listen or not will inform how you interact with your job as a whole. In this episode from Advancing Prefab 2024, Chris Traugh joins us to discuss the importance of morale, the exciting future of productization, and how to attract and retain new hires in an industry that endures huge labor shortages. Dr. Christopher Traugh is General Manager of Manufacturing at ColonialWebb. He is results-driven with exceptional practical judgment and attention for detail with skills in process improvement, investment controlling, lean manufacturing, and team management. Chris describes himself as a “can do” person with solid organizational, communication, and time management skills, utilizing his skills as a contributor in a growth focused organization.

Duration:00:31:58

Ask host to enable sharing for playback control

The Importance of Reliable Methods

3/20/2024
Transparency is often key to the success of a project. When you bring in something newer, like prefabrication, harmony and communication between teams is essential. Join host Todd and guest Steve Houston as they discuss how to combat inertia, the current inefficiencies of the construction industry, and what “works” compared to what’s “always been done.” Steve Houston is Senior Director of Building Technologies and Vertical Manufacturing at LIFTbuild. Steve leads efforts for strategic transformation of the design and construction process through the LIFTbuild Resource Optimization, Planning and Execution (ROPE ™) delivery approach. He is a results-oriented operations leader who implements solutions with a focus on cross-organizational alignment. He has been successful in building agile organizations dedicated to solving complex challenges and bringing high-value solutions to market.

Duration:00:32:15

Ask host to enable sharing for playback control

It's Too Easy to Make Money Playing Video Games

3/18/2024
The great Dave Cooper joined us at Advancing Prefab 2024. He brought plenty of energy and hard facts about the industry. Namely, there is a cool-factor with jobs when you're young. If you can go home and show off the unique things you're doing and building in a career, it's going to be a draw for the next generation. Once you have people on board, how do you keep them there? Culture. Culture. Culture. Tune in to see where the rest of the conversation went. Dave is a a home builder, vlogger and believer in the power of personal brand. He started creating video content to showcase the value of modular construction. Over time, he connected with industry leaders changing the way we build new homes, specifically in the offsite construction marketplace and regularly hosts the show Dave Cooper Live.

Duration:00:25:52

Ask host to enable sharing for playback control

Every Project is a Unique Snowflake

3/13/2024
Each and every building is indeed one of a kind, but in truth, not everything needs to be that special. UMC's Ryan Hoggatt worked on a project one time that had two almost identical buildings but a bathroom on the bottom floor of each had a different center point. His point with the story here is that the subtle differences between buildings and projects makes it hard to replicate and fabricate. Repeatability and consistency doesn't have to be the death of ingenuity. Ryan Hoggatt is the Director of Manufacturing for UMC. He strives to solve the complex challenges of built environments and their systems. His work on standardization in the industry has consistently reduced energy, operational costs, promoted sustainable building environments and more.

Duration:00:36:29

Ask host to enable sharing for playback control

Everyone is Reaching for a Better Way to Work

3/11/2024
In this episode from Advancing Prefab 2024, we see how often buildings are simply means to an end for bog companies. A pharmaceutical company makes molecules that make people better, and they just happen to need a building to do that. Later we delve into market dynamics, focusing on the data center space, where big manufacturers and clients are pushing for value chain advancement and improved communication with supply chains. The episode also discusses learning from projects in other parts of the world, emphasizing failure as a learning tool. This approach fosters a collaborative, forward-thinking environment in conferences, contrasting the usual showcase of successes without the journey details. Jamie Johnston is the head of global systems at Bryden Wood. He is shaping the future of construction by bringing integrated expertise, innovation, deep experience, open minds and creativity to unravel clients’ complex problems and create exceptional, sustainable design solutions – all for a better built environment.

Duration:00:31:18

Ask host to enable sharing for playback control

How to Practice Continuous Improvement

3/6/2024
Work shouldn't be wasteful and work shouldn't be burdensome. Robert Penney says that anyone who has stopped liking their work can find joy in it again through better communication, process improvement, and keeping a pulse on the latest industry best practices. Building skills looks different for everyone and the path towards enjoying your work again may surprise you. Robert Penney is the national director of continuous improvement for Skanska and is a featured co-author sharing his expertise in the anthology, Secrets of the Construction Industry.

Duration:00:29:17

Ask host to enable sharing for playback control

How To Have A Shot At Prefab

3/4/2024
Offsite facilities are opening up everywhere. Everyone wants a shot at getting prefab 'right' and growing the industry into the massive potential that we know is there. Will the backbone of the industry still remain in hardware or are currents shifting towards software? Anthony Montesano is a solution sales manager at StrucSoft. He is a seasoned veteran of the industry - from shipping software on CDs in the early 2000s to connecting teams with the tools to build the Las Vegas sphere and beyond.

Duration:00:24:24

Ask host to enable sharing for playback control

Prefab Sees a Boost from AI

2/28/2024
Back again from Advancing Prefab comes Amr Raafat and Stuart Meurer. Each year, these two take a longitudinal look at how the field of prefab has changed over time. The big topic this year? AI, naturally. A unique angle came from our conversation because their company Windover Construction used AI to assist in projects and were able to verify that it was indeed accurate. Perhaps over the next year we will see other companies doing similar testing and adding their thoughts to the industry at large. Stuart Meurer is President and CEO of Windover Construction. He provides leadership for the firm and is integral to ensuring operational excellence across all project teams. Dedicated to service and collaboration, Stuart focuses Windover’s teams and resources on the needs of clients to deliver a tailored, thoughtful approach to every project. Amr Raafat leads Windover’s virtual design and construction team and the Innovations for Design, Engineering, and Automation (IDEA™) platform, providing leading-edge technology services to optimize project delivery. He received his master’s degree in architecture from the Boston Architectural College and received global recognition as the Innovator of the Year award at the Autodesk AEC Excellence Awards in 2019.

Duration:00:30:03

Ask host to enable sharing for playback control

How to Build the Las Vegas Sphere

2/21/2024
How do you build something that's never been tried before? How do you model something that's never been modeled before? If you're looking for the answer to those questions, Alain Michalak is your guy. He brings the "there must be a way" mindset to every project - including the Las Vegas Sphere. This episode is rich with advice for challenging the way things have always been done and paving the way for projects of the future. Alain Michalak is a BIM Senior Specialist with passion for practicing early architectural techniques and concepts with modern innovative technology. His unique projects include the MSG Sphere at the Venetian, Allegiant Stadium, Resorts World Las Vegas and more.

Duration:00:47:28

Ask host to enable sharing for playback control

AI Makes Its Construction Debut

2/14/2024
AI has already become integral in society. How is it affecting the construction industry—and what do we see as its long-term effects? Join host Todd and guest Patrick Murphy as they discuss generative AI in construction, the journey from congressman to construction startup founder, how Togal.AI addresses expectations and misconceptions about artificial intelligence, and next steps for the professionals who are just beginning their journey with AI. Patrick Murphy is a former Congressman and serves as CEO and Founder of Togal.AI, which won first place at the 2022 eMerge Americas Global Startup Showcase and The Big 5’s 2022 Startup City Global Pitch Competition. Additionally, he currently serves as an Executive Vice President of Coastal Construction, the largest General Contractor in Florida.

Duration:00:38:32

Ask host to enable sharing for playback control

Do Cyborgs Take Sick Days?

2/7/2024
Perhaps we will soon find out. Workers who use smart powered suits like those made by German Bionics often have a better quality of life. People who once came home and iced their back for hours now have time to play with the kids or pursue hobbies. People even take fewer sick days from being in pain. From the company side, there is a reduction in worker's comp, those seasoned industry experts can stick around longer and pass their knowledge on. In this episode Meghan Kennelly will take us on a deep dive into our future of assistive technology. Meghan Kennelly is the head of marketing at leading European Robotics Firm German Bionic. She has an innate passion for introducing cutting-edge technology to businesses.

Duration:00:34:10