Harnessing AI and Intelligent Assets in Wastewater: Insights from Stantec’s Pusker Regmi

"AI is definitely raising the ceiling and making things possible that were not possible before... We need to increase the ceiling of what is possible going forward and reward people putting the effort into increasing those judgment layers."-Pusker RegmiEpisode SummaryPusker Regmi is the vice president and wastewater sector leader at Stantec, as well as an award-winning engineer honored with the Water Environment Federation's Camp Applied Research Award. After moving from Nepal to the United States to pursue his passion for water engineering, Pusker now spearheads technical innovation and leads teams in delivering large-scale wastewater treatment and resource recovery solutions. His career is defined by a commitment to pushing the boundaries of process intensification and technical excellence.In this episode of The Zweig Letter Podcast, host Randy Wilburn and co-host Luke Carothers sit down with Pusker to discuss his remarkable journey from studying electrical engineering in Nepal to becoming a sector leader at Stantec. They explore the inherent complexity and societal value of wastewater engineering, the transformative integration of AI and advanced technologies, and how these advancements are reshaping leadership, innovation, and upskilling within AEC firms. The conversation provides practical perspectives for leaders on fostering innovation and navigating the rise of "intelligent assets" in water infrastructure.Whether you are navigating a digital transformation or seeking to inspire technical teams, this episode offers firsthand insights from the forefront of the AEC industry's AI evolution. Listeners will gain action-oriented strategies for intentional upskilling and a better understanding of evolving client expectations in the era of intelligent infrastructure.Key TakeawaysComplexity and Multidisciplinarity: Wastewater engineering integrates physics, chemistry, biology, and engineering, offering an intellectually rewarding and impactful career path for young professionals.AI as a Force Multiplier: Rather than replacing engineering judgment, AI sharpens capabilities and automates repetitive tasks, returning critical bandwidth to technical teams for higher-value work.Intentional Upskilling: Acquiring AI proficiency is increasingly self-driven and essential for modern engineers. Firms must proactively recognize and reward this initiative to stay competitive.Collaborative Innovation: Stantec focuses on co-creating application layers alongside utilities and operators to ensure long-term adoption and practical, real-world value.The Era of Intelligent Assets: Embedding knowledge into infrastructure creates proactive, dynamic systems that retain institutional expertise, mitigating the impact of departing experienced operators.Rising Client Expectations: As AI matures, clients expect greater efficiency and more sophisticated deliverables. Firms must continue to elevate their quality and judgment while leveraging these new tools.Listen to the full conversation on this episode of The Zweig Letter Podcast.Links Referenced in This EpisodePusker Regmi on LinkedInStantec WebsiteZweig Group & ElevateAEC ConferenceThe Zweig Letter WebsiteFlipping Book Version of the NewsletterWater Research Foundation Project 5378Learn about the Zweig Letter and subscribe: https://thezweigletter.com/Connect with Randy Wilburn on LinkedInConnect with Luke Carothers on LinkedInGet your FREE Subscription to the Zweig Letter Newsletter.Call to Action & Next StepsTo stay updated on industry evolution and leadership, subscribe to The Zweig Letter Podcast and explore our library of episodes highlighting AI transformation and technical innovation. To connect with Pusker Regmi, visit his LinkedIn profile or the Stantec website. Stay tuned for continued insights into how today’s leaders are driving the future of design and construction—one conversation at a time.Thank you for listening! Be sure to subscribe for regular updates and more enlightening content from The Zweig Letter Podcast.Other Episodes You'll EnjoyAI Transforming AEC with KP ReddyBridging Design and Construction with Dan CristLeadership Transition with Sondra RottyConnect with Zweig GroupConnect with Zweig Group:Instagram: Zweig GroupFacebook: Zweig GroupTwitter: Zweig GroupLinkedIn: Zweig GroupWebsite: Zweig Group