AI, Data and the Design-Build Owner: A Conversation with ARKANCE

Have thoughts? Text us! Artificial intelligence is no longer an abstract idea for design-build teams. It’s already changing how projects are delivered, managed and maintained. In this episode of the Design-Build Delivers Podcast, DBIA’s Director of Virtual Design and Construction Brian Skripac is joined by three leaders from ARKANCE — Jason Kunkel, Senior Practice Manager; Nick Miller, Director of BIM Services; and Justin Friedman, Practice Manager | Facilities Management — to explore how data and AI are reshaping the Owner experience.Together, they unpack how design-build teams are using data to:Turn information into intelligence that drives better decisions.Build a culture of trust and governance around data ownership.Identify “quick wins” to make AI adoption practical and scalable.Shift focus from building smarter to owning smarter.It’s a conversation about the real-world impact of data — how it’s captured, shared and leveraged across every phase of a project’s lifecycle — and what it means for Owners navigating the next era of delivery.Resources:The VDC Project Leader's Role & Responsibilities on Design-Build Projects (Free to download)Smarter, Faster, Still Human: How AI Agents are Changing Design-Build (August 2025 Design-Build Delivers Podcast episode)From Sci-Fi to Site Plans: How Augmented Reality is Changing Design-Build (May 2024 Design-Build Delivers Podcast episode)What Do Design-Build, Robot Jokes and Baseball Have in Common? (May 2024 Design-Build Delivers Podcast Bonus Content Episode)Design-Build Delivers Blog posts on AI:Beyond BIM: How AI is Unlocking Intelligent Infrastructure Lifecycle ManagementAI’s Place in the Industry: How Builders Are Incorporating AI into Design-BuildEmerging Technologies: How AI, VR, AR and Cobots Are Transforming Design-BuildDashboards, Data and Discipline: Embedding Analytics in the Design-Build LifecycleBridging the Gap: How Technology is Driving Value in Design-Build ProjectsAccess all our free design-build resources and learn more about Design-Build Done Right® at dbia.org. DBIA members are shaping the future, one successful collaboration at a time.