Why the Best AI Initiatives Start With Problems, Not Technology

What if AI could connect BIM models, schedules, jobsite photos, sensor data, RFIs, and other project information to create a real-time understanding of what's happening on a construction site? On this episode of Digital Builder, host Eric Thomas is joined by Chris Bayes, Director of Construction Technology at Hawaiian Dredging Construction Company, and Fikret Kalay, Director at Autodesk Research, to discuss a collaborative research initiative exploring exactly that. Together, they're investigating how connected project data and AI-driven insights could help teams identify risks earlier, understand the root causes behind issues, and make better decisions throughout the construction lifecycle. In this episode, we discuss: Why construction teams struggle to turn massive amounts of project data into actionable insights The importance of connecting data, workflows, and context across the construction lifecycle How Autodesk Research and Hawaiian Dredging are exploring AI to create a more complete picture of what's happening on the jobsite How AI can help teams understand not just what happened, but why it happened The opportunity to preserve institutional knowledge and shift from experience-based to data-based decision-making What AI-powered risk management, jobsite simulation, and decision support could look like in the years ahead

AI is only as good as the data behind it. As construction teams generate more information than ever before, the challenge is no longer collecting data. It's making sure that data is accurate, trustworthy, and useful. On this episode of Digital Builder, host Eric Thomas sits down with Eddy Krygiel, Senior Manager of AEC Data Model Strategy at Autodesk, to explore why data quality has become one of the most important foundations for successful AI adoption. From the rapid growth of project information to the risks of poor data and the role AI can play in improving it, Eddy shares practical insights on how organizations can turn project information into a long-term business asset. They also discuss why successful AI strategies start with clear outcomes, how owners can identify the data that actually matters, and why perfection shouldn't stand in the way of progress. In this episode, you'll learn: Why more project data doesn't automatically create more value How poor-quality data impacts AI outputs and business decisions Practical ways teams can improve data quality without trying to fix everything at once What separates successful AI initiatives from approaches that introduce new risks How organizations can build a scalable data strategy focused on long-term value Why humans remain essential for providing context, even as AI becomes more capable

Architecture shapes nearly every part of our lives, but what if its true purpose isn't creating buildings, but creating places where people can thrive? In this episode of Digital Builder, Eric Thomas sits down with Katie Swenson, Senior Principal at MASS (Model of Architecture Serving Society), to explore how thoughtful design can support healing, dignity, and long-term community impact. Katie shares why she calls herself a "Home Maker," (with a capital H and a capital M) how MASS helps mission-driven organizations achieve their goals through the built environment, and why success should be measured by outcomes, not just schedules and budgets. In this episode, we discuss: ·Why Katie describes herself as a “Home Maker” and what that means for the practice of architecture. ·How architecture affects everyday life and serves as the platform for how people live, work, heal, and learn. ·Why MASS starts with mission and outcomes rather than buildings and construction plans. ·The concept of accompaniment and how long-term partnerships can create lasting impact. ·Lessons from Butaro District Hospital and how design can support both health outcomes and human dignity. ·How MASS measures success through organizational outcomes rather than traditional project metrics. ·Why beauty, nature, and thoughtful design choices play a critical role in healing and wellbeing. ·How projects like the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund campus demonstrate architecture’s ability to expand an organization's ambitions and impact. Digital Builder is hosted by Eric Thomas from Autodesk.

Farm-to-table changed how people think about food. Jack Becker and Andrew Linn, principals and co-founders of BLDUS, believe it's time to apply that same mindset to housing. In this episode of Digital Builder, Jack and Andrew explain their firm's "farm-to-shelter" philosophy, which prioritizes healthier, locally sourced, and bio-based building materials. They discuss why material selection matters, how reclaimed materials can shape design, and why architects should think beyond a building's first owner. The conversation also explores changing client expectations, the role of AI in design, and how a small, values-driven practice is challenging conventional approaches to housing. On this episode, we discuss: How BLDUS' "farm-to-shelter" philosophy draws inspiration from the farm-to-table movement Why many common building materials may have unintended impacts on occupant health How reclaimed materials, including salvaged marble and urban timber, find new life in projects Why designing for future generations influences material and architectural decisions How constraints and strong client perspectives often lead to better design outcomes The performance, durability, and practicality of bio-based materials How AI and increasingly informed clients are changing the architect-client relationship Why younger architects are placing greater emphasis on health, sustainability, and hands-on making

Technology adoption in construction isn't really about the technology. It's about understanding how people work, solving real problems, and providing tools that teams actually want to use. In this episode of Digital Builder, host Eric Thomas sits down with Victoria Jones, Principal Digital Developer at Laing O'Rourke, to discuss what she's learned from a career that spans hands-on trades, engineering, digital delivery, and one of the world's largest infrastructure projects. From technology adoption in the field to AI's future in construction, Victoria shares practical lessons on driving change at scale. In this episode, we discuss: Why successful technology adoption starts with understanding people, not deploying new tools How field workarounds can reveal opportunities to improve processes and systems Lessons learned from Hinkley Point C, one of the largest and most complex construction projects in the UK Strategies for driving digital adoption across thousands of project stakeholders The importance of trust, data quality, and strong foundations before scaling dashboards or AI Where AI is delivering value today and how it could reshape planning, validation, and project delivery in the future Why construction teams need simple, useful tools that solve real-world problems How digital skills are becoming more common across project teams and job sites