Parley Burnett and Chris Shafer join the podcast to talk about the hidden inefficiencies within the AEC industry. We discuss the automation of industry standards, educating software users in real-time, streamlines processes, the importance of BIM model health, eliminating technical debt and the ROI associated with these things, and more. To learn more about Parley Burnett and Chris Shafer, see the full show notes with links at https://trxl.co/166 To get more great conversations with AEC technolo...
Sep 09, 2024•1 hr 18 min•Ep. 166
Phil Read and Adam Thomas join the podcast to talk about leadership development, the crucial balance between technical know-how and soft skills, cultivating interpersonal relationships, stress management, mentorship, where to go to foster leadership skills and behaviors, accountability, and more. You’ll also learn about the upcoming AEC Acoustics retreat that is blending leadership and technical skill enhancement through collaborative discussions in a low-key, energizing environment. To learn mo...
Sep 02, 2024•1 hr 29 min•Ep. 165
Ryan Cameron joins the podcast to talk about the recent AI focused Technology in Architecture Practice (TAP) Symposium at AIA’24. Today he shares insights from the symposium headlined by keynote speakers Phil Bernstein and Dr. Mehdi Nourbakhsh, PhD, who have both previously appeared on TRXL, and he provides an explanation of what these knowledge communities are and how they fit into the AIA. Tune in to learn more about what TAP is doing at the growing intersection between technology and architec...
Aug 27, 2024•1 hr 5 min•Ep. 164
Nirva Fereshetian joins the podcast to talk about the complexities of implementing and managing digital practice within an architecture firm, including the challenges posed by tool fatigue, the importance of understanding business problems, and the intricacies of vetting and adopting new technology. Our discussion covers the evolving role of technology in architectural practice, the benefits of collaboration between firms within the AEC industry, and the importance of building a continuous learn...
Aug 20, 2024•1 hr 23 min•Ep. 163
In this special Campfire Series episode, Geoff Manaugh joins the podcast to tell us the story of BLDGBLOG. We discuss how he maintains an online presence while playing the algorithm games of social media and talk about the topic of content ownership and the evolution of blogging. We also get into the creative opportunities Geoff has found by blending architecture with other disciplines, learn about his journey from blogger to author, talk about his Hollywood experiences with his fictional writin...
Aug 13, 2024•1 hr 28 min•Ep. 162
David Benjamin and Thomas van Haren join the podcast to talk about the journey of creating sustainable building materials using mycelium, the history of their partnership and the evolution from demonstration projects to scalable solutions, insights on the importance of digital workflows, the challenges and innovations in building facades, and the incredible versatility of mycelium as a materials platform. We also talk about the potential of mycelium to revolutionize various industries and the ur...
Jul 30, 2024•1 hr 11 min•Ep. 161
David Benjamin and Andrew Meagher join the podcast to talk about prefab modular and the construction of Project Phoenix in the second installment of a three-part series of episodes on the podcast. In this episode, we take a comprehensive look at Factory_OS's modular manufacturing approach to residential construction and its partnership with Autodesk which aims to create sustainable and affordable housing. Today we talk about the role of data-driven design, innovation throughout all stages of des...
Jul 23, 2024•1 hr 25 min•Ep. 160
David Benjamin and Ryan McNulty join the podcast to talk about the integration of architecture and technology in creating a 300-unit affordable housing development in the Bay Area called Project Phoenix. The project involves a unique collaboration between MBH Architects, Factory OS, and Autodesk, and how they leveraged generative design and real-time analytics software tools. Our conversation also highlights the efficiencies gained through modular construction, the challenges of incorporating ne...
Jul 17, 2024•1 hr 11 min•Ep. 159
Andy Robert and Mercedes Carriquiry join the podcast to talk about their focus on technology, parametric architecture, and BIM, the transformative 'a-ha moments' that defined their company /slantis, their mission, the importance of collaboration, knowledge management, company culture, and their ambitious goal of changing the architectural industry for the better. We also chat about obstacles they’ve faced, especially the industry's entrenched hourly billing systems, and the need for innovation a...
Jul 03, 2024•1 hr 22 min•Ep. 158
Krzysztof Jędrzejewski joins the podcast to talk about his career transition from traditional architecture to technology. He shares his Eastern European roots, educational background, and early work experiences in Poland and Denmark, including his involvement in groundbreaking projects like the Mercedes Museum. He talks about a crucial interview that propelled him towards tech in architecture and led him to work with Reope and now Autodesk Forma. The conversation covers benefits of cloud-based s...
Jun 18, 2024•1 hr 39 min•Ep. 157
Shane Burger joins the podcast to talk about current and potential future impacts of AI and automation on architectural practice, the shift from perpetual to per-user licensing in AEC project delivery software, license management difficulties, enhancing productivity and improving project delivery while maintaining a human-centric approach, reevaluating business models towards valuing outcomes and performance, rethinking workflows, balancing technological advancements and the essence of human int...
May 29, 2024•1 hr 36 min•Ep. 156
AJ Lightheart and Jon Matalucci join the podcast to talk about how they have worked together during the process of developing and testing the Autodesk Workshop XR platform which aims to evolve how professionals in architecture, engineering, and construction industries collaborate by using extended reality (XR) environments. Today we talk about the benefits of immersive VR experiences for project visualization and coordination, and how such tools foster enhanced decision-making and empathy in des...
May 14, 2024•1 hr 12 min•Ep. 155
Jim Walker joins the podcast to talk about the systemic problems plaguing the construction industry and the parallels in architecture and engineering. Jim brings over 20 years of experience in general contracting and project management across North America from sweeping floors at construction sites to working for major firms like PCL and EllisDon. Our conversation highlights the industry's evolution towards digital transformation, increasing complexity and, yet in many ways, inefficiency. But mo...
Apr 09, 2024•1 hr 11 min•Ep. 154
Susan Young joins the podcast to talk about the art of persuasive communication and storytelling, particularly in leadership roles within the AEC industry. We discuss the importance of not only building but reading the room, asking quality questions, and practicing deep listening. The conversation also explores how being fully present and curious can lead to more effective interactions and projects. Susan underscores the two key traits of superior leaders: confidence and excellent communication ...
Mar 26, 2024•1 hr 8 min•Ep. 153
Kean Walmsley joins the podcast to talk about his background both in computing and in his career journey leading to and while at Autodesk. We also talk about the development and applications of the VASA (voxel-based architectural space analysis) toolkit for Dynamo, the impact of AR and XR in the AEC industry, the significance of real-time feedback during the design process, and much more. To learn more about Kean Walmsley, see the full show notes with links, find more episodes, and find the past...
Mar 12, 2024•1 hr 47 min•Ep. 152
Roderick Bates and Kam Star join the podcast to talk about the integration of AI and real-time data into architectural design processes. In this episode we explore how these technologies can enhance workflows, beyond just visualization tools, for informed decision-making on energy use and building performance. They also discuss their new partnership with the Illuminating Engineering Society (aka IES), an organization specializing in all-things lighting, to enhance their tool’s capabilities and s...
Mar 05, 2024•1 hr 34 min•Ep. 151
Timothy Halvorson joins the podcast to talk about the challenges of technology implementation in firms. He shares his experiences in both traditional and tech-focused roles in the AEC industry, and underlines the importance of understanding people, processes, and the potential of technology. We also touch upon the struggle of change in firms, the evolving role of a BIM manager, the role of AI in creativity and efficiency, the importance of automating low level tasks, the role of standards in a f...
Feb 27, 2024•1 hr 11 min•Ep. 150
Mary Elizabeth Yarbrough joins the podcast to talk about the value of hands-on experience in understanding the transition from digital design to physical creation, the importance of making mistakes and learning from them in the iterative process of prototyping, creating and manufacturing, the resident program at the Autodesk Technology Center, the importance of maintaining real relationships with partners, the power of curiosity and continuous learning, and more. To learn more about Mary Elizabe...
Feb 20, 2024•1 hr 14 min•Ep. 149
Petr Mitev joins the podcast to talk about his journey from working in architecture to focusing on technology in the AEC industry, his move to Germany as his role has evolved at Enscape, some of his philosophy about AI and its potential for architects, the democratization of tools and the superpowers they provide to users, and the release of Enscape for the Mac. To learn more about Petr Mitev, see the full show notes with links, find more episodes, and find the past guests on the TRXL podcast pl...
Feb 13, 2024•1 hr 15 min•Ep. 148
John Manoochehri joins the podcast to talk about how the intersection of design, architecture and engineering, game engines, and new hardware are changing the landscape and potential impact of spatial computing and digital environments for the authors and creators of these environments in the AEC industry. We address it from a cataloging, usage and licensing perspective, and talk about how creative industries are leading the way in exploring the potential of this medium. We also talk about how t...
Feb 06, 2024•2 hr 45 min•Ep. 147
Phil Read once again joins the podcast for part 2 of our conversation to talk about his upcoming 2024 AEC Acoustics Best Practice Roundtable event, the importance of saying 'no' to maintain personal freedom and creativity, how modern pressures for efficiency and productivity can stifle creativity and personal satisfaction, the impact of technology and media on our ability to enjoy and appreciate music and art, how saying 'no' to certain opportunities can open doors to more fulfilling and persona...
Jan 30, 2024•1 hr 19 min•Ep. 146
Phil Read joins the podcast to talk about the value of an in-person conversation, Phil’s personal journey, his experiences in AEC tech over the last few decades, the value of an architect, advice for students interesting in pursuing architecture, advice for those thinking about starting their own firms, investing in tools versus buying toys, how to gain the luxury to say ‘no’, how Phil got into Revit and Enscape, the importance of systematizing processes, a look ahead at the future of the indust...
Jan 23, 2024•1 hr 36 min•Ep. 145
In this special Campfire Series episode, Brad Schell joins the podcast to tell us the story of SketchUp. We hear about his experiences that led to creation of SketchUp, deep insights into building the @Last company culture and how it ultimately contributed to the product's success, his leadership philosophy and style, what he looked for when hiring, how they got funding, what they did differently than other CAD and 3d modeling packages available at the time, how they created a product that to th...
Jan 16, 2024•1 hr 24 min•Ep. 144
Andy Watts and Aaron Perry join the podcast to talk about the need for a next-generation data framework in the AEC industry. Together they are leading the charge, along with many others, in developing the Future AEC Software Specification. The goal is an industry-wide dialogue to create a modern technology foundation that fosters competition in the AEC software market. Not a small task by any means. We chat about the journey that led to the creation of the specification, the context in which the...
Jan 09, 2024•1 hr 17 min•Ep. 143
Emil Poulsen of CORE Studio at Thornton Tomasetti and Modelup joins the podcast to talk about the challenges and opportunities of implementing new technologies in the AEC industry, both internally in a firm but also externally as products. We delve into the importance of communication, buy-in, and cultural change when introducing new tools and processes, the culture of AEC tech and the entrepreneurial spirit at TT, Emil’s insights from his experience in developing tools and pushing for adoption ...
Dec 19, 2023•1 hr 55 min•Ep. 142
Mehdi Nourbakhsh, Ph.D. of YegaTech and Scott Thompson of SSOE Group join the podcast to talk about how YegaTech and SSOE are working together to create an AI implementation strategy for a 1,000 person AEC firm. We also talk about Mehdi’s latest book on AI for AEC, why firms should be working to develop technology implementation strategies based on business goals rather than simply chasing after the shiny new thing, the importance of focusing on people in the implementation of AI in the AEC indu...
Dec 12, 2023•1 hr 21 min•Ep. 141
Håvard Vasshaug of Anker joins the podcast to talk about his passion for AEC tech and the challenges in the industry. He tells the story of his journey with the Bad Monkeys, Reope, and Anker, and we also chat a lot about why it’s healthy to be dissatisfied—angry even—at the software we all use. We also cover change management, BIM and the necessity of consistent and quality data, and the problems he and the team are currently solving at Anker regarding the use of BIM in operations and facilities...
Dec 05, 2023•1 hr 43 min•Ep. 140
Nicolas Catellier of BIM Pure joins the podcast to talk about his transition from being an architect to becoming a BIM consultant and content creator. From his early passion for tech to his journey of specializing in BIM, Nicolas shares his insights and experiences. Tune in to learn more about the power of content creation, the value of being a specialist in the field, and the importance of sharing knowledge in the AEC industry. To learn more about Nicolas Catellier, see the full show notes with...
Nov 28, 2023•1 hr 4 min•Ep. 139
Marty Rozmanith of Skema joins the podcast to talk about his journey through the world of AEC tech. From self-taught programming skills to pioneering the use of 3d in AutoCAD in the early days, to Revit, then post-Autodesk with Dassault Systèmes and beyond, Marty shares unexpected twists and turns that shaped his career with the common thread of always trying to better connect design to construction. Join us as we explore the fascinating path that led Marty to where he is today and what challeng...
Nov 21, 2023•1 hr 29 min•Ep. 138
German Aparicio, Jr. of Trimble Ventures joins the podcast to talk about Trimble Ventures’ new venture fund program to stimulate innovation in AEC, the importance of connecting the job site with design, mentorship and the value of real-world experience, the use of AI and machine learning in the AEC industry, and the potential of multimodal models and natural language interfaces in the latest AI tools. To learn more about German Aparicio, Jr., see the full show notes with links, find more episode...
Nov 07, 2023•1 hr 19 min•Ep. 137