Building Stories

Stewart Caldwell, an architect and digital engineer, shares his journey in the architecture and design industry. He discusses his early passion for architecture and how a teacher introduced him to CAD, sparking his interest in the intersection of creativity and technology. Stewart also talks about the challenges of implementing new technologies like Revit and the importance of collaboration and overcoming fear in the industry.
Video at https://youtu.be/zFeS6GJM4mc
He emphasizes the need to love what you do and not let other people's opinions dictate your path. Stewart is proud of his work in pushing the boundaries of architecture and giving others the opportunity to do great things. Stewart reflects on the importance of embracing failure and learning from mistakes. He shares a story of a major mistake he made early in his career and how he had to take responsibility for fixing it.
He emphasizes the value of humility and honesty in the face of failure. Stewart also discusses the future of the architecture industry, highlighting the need for connectors who can bring together diverse teams and navigate complex projects. He believes that while AI may replace certain technical skills, the ability to understand the human condition and foster collaboration will remain valuable.
Keywords architecture, design, technology, collaboration, fear, passion, failure, mistakes, humility, honesty, architecture industry, connectors, AI, human condition, collaboration
Takeaways
Passion and love for what you do are essential in the architecture and design industry.
Overcoming fear and not letting other people's opinions dictate your path is crucial.
Collaboration and teamwork are key to success in implementing new technologies.
Failure is inevitable in a field that involves risk and experimentation, but it should not deter you from moving forward.
Being proud of your work means creating opportunities for others to excel and pushing the boundaries of your field. Embrace failure and learn from mistakes
Humility and honesty are crucial in the face of failure
The future of the architecture industry lies in the role of connectors who can bring together diverse teams
AI may replace certain technical skills, but understanding the human condition and fostering collaboration will remain valuable
Sound Bites
"I wanted to be an architect since I can remember talking about work."
"I love the disruption. This is going to mess things up."
"Working together collaboratively is not the common hymn sheet."
"People want the accolades and the pats on the back and then don't want to get told you suck at something"
"Humility is a huge lesson learned when facing a major mistake"
"Failure is inevitable, but it's about putting your hand up and being honest about it"
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Stuart's Background
01:47 Early Interest in Architecture and Introduction to CAD
05:39 Transitioning to Digital Tools and Embracing Disruption
09:35 2D Drafting is Stupid
10:50 Challenges of Collaboration and Industry-Wide Buy-In
23:38 Advice for Those Interested in Architecture and Design
27:21 Humility and Not Caring About Wins or Failures
40:01 The Future of the Industry: Connectors and AI
42:48 The Value of Sharing Knowledge and Experiences
48:30 The Evolving Role of Digital Technology
52:26 Collaborative and Flexible Project Teams
56:35 The Shift Towards Digitally Enabled Traditional Job Roles
 

In this conversation, Anthony Habashy, Group DE Manager at Mirvac, shares his journey in the construction industry and the challenges he has faced. He initially wanted to be a soccer player but ended up studying architectural technology and structural engineering. His career took a turn when he became proficient in Revit and started working as a BIM manager. He highlights the importance of embracing technology and being innovative in the industry. Anthony also discusses the challenges of implementing new technologies and the need for buy-in from stakeholders. He emphasises the value of learning from failures and continuously improving processes. Lastly, he advises newcomers to embrace technology and always look for new ways of doing things. In this conversation, Anthony Habashy discusses the practical ways in which Mirvac implements digital engineering (DE) strategies. He explains that they start by assessing the current state of DE in the company and gathering input from stakeholders. They then create a three-year strategy based on this input and communicate it to the rest of the organisation. Habashy emphasises the importance of getting buy-in from key stakeholders and presenting the strategy to various groups within the company. He also discusses the unique opportunity Mirvac has as a fully integrated business model to drive innovation at a large scale.
 
Watch Video here: https://youtu.be/fdqHnyrJ3rc
 
takeaways
Embrace technology and be innovative in the construction industry.
Implementing new technologies can be challenging, but it is important to get buy-in from stakeholders and demonstrate the value.
Failures are opportunities for learning and improvement.
Continuous improvement and refining processes are essential in the industry.
Communication, education, and stakeholder engagement are crucial for successful implementation of new technologies.
Think about the bigger picture and involve all relevant parties in the decision-making process. Assess the current state of digital engineering in the company and gather input from stakeholders to create a three-year strategy.
Get buy-in from key stakeholders by presenting the strategy and communicating the value it will add to the business.
Utilize various communication channels, such as presentations and meetings, to spread the message and gain support.
As a fully integrated business model, Mirvac has a unique opportunity to drive innovation at a large scale.
 
 
 
 
Chapters
00:00Introduction and Background
01:16Career Journey and Transition to Digital Transformation
08:15Key Moments and Transformative Experiences
13:38Pride in Career Progression and Project Implementations
19:22Implementing Change and Overcoming Challenges
21:19Timeframe for Commercial Benefits in Large Organizations
23:25Education and Awareness
29:12Getting the Message Out
34:38Efficiency and Adapting to New Technologies
39:35Centralizing Digital Engineering
41:59Testing and Research
44:36Working with Timber and Living in Steel

Wesley Benn, architect and founder of the Digital Built Environment Institute, shares his journey in the architecture and construction industry. From a young age, Wesley had a passion for architecture and design, which led him to pursue a career in the field. He started his own architectural practice and later became an early adopter of Revit, which eventually led him to start the Revit Technology Conference (now known as BILT).
 
Video at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K9IZRUReKeM 
 
Wesley's focus shifted towards improving the industry's productivity and efficiency, as well as addressing environmental concerns. However, he faced challenges such as the global financial crisis and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Wesley Benn discusses the challenges he faced in his career, including financial struggles, health issues, and personal hardships. He emphasizes the importance of resilience and adaptability in navigating difficult times. He also shares his passion for artificial intelligence and its potential impact on society.
 
Wesley reflects on his proudest achievement of being awarded the favorite teacher of the class he taught at the University of New South Wales and the satisfaction of inspiring and influencing the next generation. He advises individuals to learn to say no, recognize their true value, and embrace the power of data in decision-making. Wesley expresses excitement about the future of technology, particularly in the areas of drones, VR, and AI.
 
Takeaways
Wesley Benn's passion for architecture started at a young age and led him to pursue a career in the field.
He became an early adopter of Revit and started the Revit Technology Conference (now BILT) to bring together professionals in the industry.
Wesley's focus shifted towards improving productivity and efficiency in the industry, as well as addressing environmental concerns.
He faced challenges such as the global financial crisis and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Resilience and adaptability are crucial in navigating career challenges.
Financial struggles, health issues, and personal hardships can test one's capabilities and shape their character.
Artificial intelligence has the potential to revolutionize society and raise questions about work, value, and human identity.
Being recognized as a favorite teacher and inspiring the next generation is a source of great pride.
Learning to say no, recognizing one's true value, and embracing data-driven decision-making are important skills in design and construction.
Exciting advancements in technology, such as drones, VR, and AI, offer new possibilities and opportunities for exploration.
 
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Background00:25 Early Years01:32 Why This Industry?09:29 Early Adoption of Revit14:59 Establishing the Revit User Group24:01 Improving Productivity and Efficiency in the Built Environment28:58 Navigating Career Challenges38:17 Proud Moments41:56 Excitement for the Future50:01 The Power of Data52:36 Quick Fire Round55:43 Exploring New Frontiers
 

Ronan Collins, a pioneer in digital engineering and BIM, shares his journey in the construction industry and the challenges he has faced. He grew up in a family of builders and was exposed to CAD at a young age. He joined Arup's in 1996 and witnessed the rapid changes in technology. In 2003, he started his own company in Hong Kong, focusing on technology solutions for engineers and contractors. Ronan emphasizes the importance of understanding the value of technology and the need for proper training and education in the industry.
 
Video recording on Youtube at this link
 
Ronan shares his personal mistakes and lessons learned in the construction industry, including the importance of not getting too big too fast and the need to set up the right infrastructure before taking on international projects. He also discusses the future of the industry, highlighting the impact of cloud technology, remote working, offshore business models, reality capture, and data analytics. Ronan emphasizes the need for contractors and consultants to focus on solving specific problems and adding value to their projects, rather than chasing after shiny new technologies.
 
Takeaways
Ronan Collins grew up in a family of builders and was exposed to CAD at a young age, which sparked his interest in technology in the construction industry.
He joined Arup's in 1996 and witnessed the rapid changes in technology, from shared computers to the introduction of 3D modeling tools like Rhino and Revit.
In 2003, Ronan started his own company in Hong Kong, focusing on technology solutions for engineers and contractors, and played a role in promoting the adoption of BIM in the industry.
He emphasizes the importance of understanding the value of technology and the need for proper training and education in the industry, as many professionals are still unfamiliar with BIM and other digital tools. Avoid getting too big too fast and ensure you have the right infrastructure in place before taking on international projects.
The future of the construction industry will involve cloud technology, remote working, offshore business models, reality capture, and data analytics.
Focus on solving specific problems and adding value to projects, rather than chasing after shiny new technologies.Train the younger generation by giving them small-scale projects to work on and learn from.
Stay curious and open-minded to new technologies and trends in the industry.
 
Sound Bites
"We've got to start speaking to that and again, it's getting that message back that we haven't moved all that far in 20 years.""We've got to be really clear that we still got to sell the value of these tools and these technologies.""There's still a culture where the engineers think that BIM and CAD are some secondary kind of process that they have nothing to do with.""Getting into BIM.""We got too big, too fast, too greedy.""We got ahead of ourselves here."
 
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Background02:18 Early Exposure to Technology04:02 Transition to Digital Engineering05:58 Setting Up Own Business in Hong Kong09:23 Challenges in the Construction Industry13:03 Responsibility and Impact in the Industry16:09 Challenges and Blockers in the Industry24:44 The Need for BIM Capable Engineers and Architects28:50 The Disconnect Between Traditional Design Teams and BIM Teams32:32 Advice for Newcomers in the Industry34:43 Mistakes and Lessons Learned37:08 The Impact of Cloud Technology and Remote Working38:30 The Future of the Industry: Reality Capture and Data Analytics45:39 Finding Solutions that Add Value51:43 Training the Younger Generation and Conducting Pilot Studies

Travis Althouse, a construction technologist, shares his journey in the construction industry and his passion for driving digital transformation. From his childhood love for Legos and SimCity to his experience with Revit and other construction software, Travis has always been drawn to building and problem-solving.
 
Video recording at https://youtu.be/2qsTshcA1lw
 
He emphasizes the importance of standard operating procedures and effective communication in driving innovation. Travis also discusses the challenges of implementing new technology and the need to balance attitudes and relationships in the industry. He encourages young professionals to be prepared for negativity and to stand up for what they believe in. Travis shares his proudest moments, including his work at Revizto and his impact on the construction management program at his college.
 
He advises others to gain field experience and prioritize the needs of the people building the project. In this conversation, Travis Althouse shares his insights and experiences in the construction industry, particularly in the field of BIM and VDC. He emphasizes the importance of learning from mistakes and being open to new technologies and processes. Travis discusses the challenges of implementing BIM in the field and highlights the need for effective communication and collaboration between different stakeholders. He also envisions the future of construction, with a focus on data, AI, and process optimization. Travis concludes by emphasizing the value of creativity and innovation in the industry.
 
Takeaways
Passion for building and problem-solving can drive innovation in the construction industry.
Standard operating procedures and effective communication are crucial for successful digital transformation.
Implementing new technology requires balancing attitudes and relationships.
Field experience and understanding the needs of the people building the project are essential for driving innovation. Learning from mistakes is crucial in the construction industry.
Effective communication and collaboration are essential for successful implementation of BIM in the field.
The future of construction lies in data, AI, and process optimization.
Creativity and innovation play a significant role in driving change in the industry.
Sound Bites
"We could produce drawings that look like what we had with the Lego instructions."
"Yeah, it's it saved me from trouble besides that first time again, Steve. Thank you for the lesson and being being patient."
"Don't wear clean boots either. Like if you're coming as a tech person, don't wear clean boots."
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Background
03:39 From Legos to SimCity: The Early Signs of a Construction Technologist
07:48 Driving Innovation and Adoption through Communication and Standard Operating Procedures
10:50 Overcoming Resistance: Implementing New Technology in the Construction Industry
24:05 Advice for Future Construction Technologists
30:06 Understanding the Needs of the People on the Ground in VDC
34:18 The Importance of Being in the Model
37:16 The Future of Construction: Data, AI, and Innovation
51:27 Quick Fire Round
 
Keywords
construction, digital transformation, innovation, standard operating procedures, communication, technology implementation, attitudes, relationships, field experience, construction, BIM, VDC, mistakes, technology, communication, collaboration, data, AI, process optimization, creativity, innovation

Andrew Hannell, a digital design, construction, and engineering expert, shares his journey in the industry. From a young age, Andrew showed an interest in building and designing, which eventually led him to study architecture. However, he realized that his passion lay in the technology side of things, and he transitioned into working with BIM and digital models.
Andrew discusses the challenges of implementing new technology in a traditional industry and emphasizes the importance of focusing on people and processes. He shares his pride in working on projects like the Sydney Opera House and offers advice to those interested in the design and construction space. In this conversation, Andrew Hannell discusses the importance of working with the right people and shares his insights on mistakes and lessons learned.
He also talks about the exciting opportunities for the future of construction, particularly in the field of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning. Andrew emphasizes the need for a cultural shift in the industry, where contractors and designers are willing to challenge the status quo and embrace change. He also highlights the value of freeing up highly qualified professionals to focus on higher-value work by leveraging technology and improving processes.
 
Takeaways
Follow your passion and do what you love in the design and construction industry.
Implementing new technology in a traditional industry requires a focus on people and processes.
Don't be afraid to pursue your own path and explore different opportunities within the industry.
The people you work with are just as important as the work itself.
Mistakes are a valuable learning opportunity and can lead to personal growth.
The future of construction lies in leveraging artificial intelligence and machine learning to make incremental improvements.
Contractors and designers need to be open to change and challenge the status quo.
Technology can free up highly qualified professionals to focus on higher-value work.
Quotes
"The people you work with are just as important as the work itself.""Mistakes are a valuable learning opportunity and can lead to personal growth.""The future of construction lies in leveraging artificial intelligence and machine learning to make incremental improvements."
Chapters
00:00 Andrew's Background and Early Interest in Building03:38 Architecture05:36 Challenges and Successes in Implementing Technology07:56 The Importance of People and Processes10:57 Advice for Those Interested in the Industry15:37 Mistakes and Lessons Learned19:32 AI in Construction29:59 Cultural Shift in Construction33:14 Future of Design38:58 Freeing Up Professionals with Technology40:46 Mentoring42:06 Quickfire
 

Dave "Broadie" Broadhurst, a safety guru in the construction industry, shares his journey and insights on safety, leadership, and mental health. Growing up in a construction family, Dave was drawn to the industry from a young age. He emphasizes the importance of caring for people and building relationships in the workplace.
 
Video recording at https://youtu.be/kLvE_ZuTheU 
 
Dave discusses the need for integrating safety with operational improvement and the benefits of getting safety right from the start. He also highlights the significance of addressing mental health issues in the construction industry. In this conversation, Broadie shares his experiences in the construction industry and the importance of human connection and communication. He discusses the challenges he faced on various projects and how he found innovative solutions to overcome them.
 
Broadie emphasizes the need for self-awareness, emotional intelligence, and positive communication in the industry. He also talks about the power of words and the impact they have on change management. Broadie believes that the builder of the future needs to be more self-aware and focused on the human element of construction. He also expresses his preference for traditional tools like duct tape and concrete :)
 
Takeaways
Caring for people and building relationships is crucial in the construction industry.
Integrating safety with operational improvement leads to better productivity outcomes.
Addressing mental health issues is essential for the well-being of construction workers.
Getting safety right from the start and incorporating engineered controls can prevent rework and improve safety outcomes. The construction industry needs more self-aware and emotionally intelligent leaders who prioritize positive communication and human connection.
Innovation and finding solutions to challenges are crucial in the construction industry.
Change management should focus on positive language and effective communication to ensure successful digital transformations.
Self-reflection and self-awareness are important for personal and professional growth.
Quotes:
"AI is a great tool, but let's not forget about HI - Human Intelligence, Human Intuition, Human Interaction."
"Lads don't care how much you know until they know how much you care."
"You're not touching that machine till you watch our video, because that'll show you how we do it around here."
"People don't like badly communicated change."
"I've had good experiences with duct tape."

In the first episode of 'Building Stories,' hosts Michael and Luke dive into the essence of their new podcast, discussing their backgrounds and their journey from youthful aspirations to impactful careers in 3D modeling, architecture and structural engineering. They share personal stories—from Michael's early dreams of becoming a car designer to working for General Motors Holden, to Luke’s hands-on experiences and family influences. The discussion explores the evolution of tools like AutoCAD and Revit, their experiences with digital transformation in the industry, and the ongoing challenges and innovations within the architectural and construction fields. They reflect on key projects, including Adelaide Oval and the Royal Adelaide Hospital, and confront the significance of human interaction versus technological advancements in modern construction practices.