Bricks And Bytes

"Companies are bought, not sold."That single line from Yves Frinault reframed the entire conversation on our first-ever Exited Founder Acquisition Roundtable.We sat down with four construction tech founders who collectively sold their companies for hundreds of millions:✅ Yves Frinault (Fieldwire → Hilti) ✅ Dustin DeVan (BuildingConnected → Autodesk, $275M cash + $40M stock) ✅ Mo Akbari Hochberg (HoloBuilder → FARO, ~$36M) ✅ Zach Scheel (Rhumbix → Autodesk, fresh off the deal)Tune in to find out:✅ Why Hilti told Fieldwire "we'll never acquire you" four years before acquiring them ✅ The one negotiation tactic Dustin says every founder should use against corp dev teams ✅ Why an acquisition is a "one-way door" once you walk in, and how to know you're ready ✅ The QSBS detail that decides how much of the exit you actually keepFull episode on Spotify and YouTube now.#aec #construction #constructiontech #bricksandbytes #bricksbytes #bricksbucksandbytes #ai #vct Our Sponsors:BreadCrumb- 50,000+ projects globally. All running safer, faster, with Breadcrumb. - breadcrumb.coAphex is the multiplayer planning platform where construction teams plan together, stay aligned, and deliver projects faster – check out aphex.coArchdesk - “The #1 Construction Management Software for Growing Companies - Manage your projects from Tender to Handover” check archdesk.comChapters00:00 Intro00:46 Introduction to the Acquisition Round Table03:25 Founders' Experiences and Lessons Learned 06:31 Understanding the Role Post-Acquisition 09:40 The Importance of Timing in Acquisitions 09:56 Sponsors 12:57 Fundamentals for Being an Attractive Acquisition Target 31:06 The Exit Journey: Building Value Before Acquisition 33:14 Business Fundamentals: Attracting Strategic Acquirers 36:04 Diligence and Documentation: Preparing for Acquisition 38:56 Revenue and Customer Love: Key Acquisition Drivers 41:13 Understanding ARR: Acquisition Thresholds and Market Dynamics 48:53 Negotiation Strategies: Preparing for the Table 54:46 Lessons from Exits: Growth as a Founder 01:00:45 Defining Success Beyond Numbers 01:02:42 Mindfulness in Leadership During Transitions 01:04:22 The Importance of a Strong Executive Team 01:05:20 The Shift in Perspective Post-Acquisition 01:06:11 Reflections on Founding and Structuring Companies 01:08:37 Creating Value Over Tax Strategy 01:11:21 The Reality of Startup Success Rates 01:11:54 Choosing the Right Company to Join 01:14:48 The Value of Collaboration and Shared Experiences 📩 Subscribe to the Bricks & Bytes Newsletter: https://bricks-bytes.beehiiv.com/🌐 Visit our website: http://bricks-bytes.com/📲 Follow us: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bricks-bytes/ Twitter: https://x.com/bricksbytespod Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bricksbytes/Enjoying the insights? Hit that Subscribe button to stay ahead in construction tech, AI, and the future of how we build.

EXCLUSIVE: ProcurePro just closed an $11M round and we got the founder on the mic first."Control your risks, control your margins."That's the line Alastair Blenkin, CEO of ProcurePro, kept coming back to on the latest Bricks & Bytes — and it's the bet behind their fresh raise.Procurement is the most underinvested workflow in construction tech. By the time you're on site, you're just managing the risk you already locked in at buyout. ProcurePro has spent five years building the platform to fix that — and now has $130B+ of construction spend and one of the largest pricing data sets in the world flowing through it.Tune in to find out about:✅ Why procurement, not site management, is the real commercial lever on a project✅ How ProcurePro went from a COVID pivot to Series B in five years✅ What investors actually wanted to see between Series A and B✅ AI bid leveling, live copilots, and flipping the model on subcontractor pricingWatch now on Spotify, Apple, and YouTube. #aec #construction #constructiontech #bricksandbytes #bricksbytes #ai #vc

The UK's official construction forecast for 2026 was just slashed from plus 1.7 per cent growth to a 2.5 per cent decline. Same week, Caterpillar reported 63 billion dollars worth of equipment already on order, up 79 per cent in twelve months. In this week's Executive Weekly Briefing, Owen walks through what the macro really says about your business, what the latest results from Caterpillar, Trimble, Bentley and Procore actually mean once you strip the jargon out, and the question every contractor needs to answer this week: where are you sitting on the line between the half of the industry that is shrinking and the half that is booming?Plus five fast takes from this week on Bricks and Bytes, including why banks are adopting AI faster than construction, what Nemetschek's 2.4 billion dollar HCSS deal really signals, and Palantir's quiet push into the construction industry.And for Construction Safety Week, the three numbers every executive needs to hear, the news that Turner Construction has just made its AI safety tool free to the entire industry, and a tease of the Bricks and Bytes Safety Tech Report dropping shortly.Episodes referenced this weekYves Padrines, CEO Nemetschek + Usman Shuja, CEO Bluebeam: the HCSS acquisitionChase Gilbert, CEO + Chris DeVito, Built Technologies: the AI documentation bottleneckMallory Brodie, CEO Bridgit: the workforce benchmark reportBrett Adams + Dan Julien, Forgesight: Palantir Foundry in construction (Coming soon)Key resourcesCPA Spring 2026 ForecastRICS UK Construction Monitor, Q1 2026Q1 2026 earnings releases: Caterpillar, Trimble, Bentley, ProcoreTurner Construction SafeT Coach announcementBLS 2024 construction fatality data

"41% of the construction workforce is retiring in 5 years. Half the people on the biggest jobsites have less than a year of experience. Nobody has a plan."That stat from Mallorie Brodie at Bridgit is the one we keep coming back to.This week on Bricks, Bucks & Bytes, We sat down with Mallorie to unpack the 2026 Construction Workforce Benchmark Report, then brought on Chase Gilbert and Chris DeVito from Built Technologies to talk agentic AI, payments, and what's actually slowing projects down right now.Tune in to find out about:✅ The "rookie ratio" — and why it's already at 50% on the biggest jobs✅ Why banks are buying AI faster than GCs✅ How Built is collapsing draw cycles from days to minutes✅ The new bottleneck no one's talking about — powerListen on Spotify and YouTube.#aec #bricksandbytes #bricksbytes #construction #bricksbucksandbytes #constructiontech #vc #aiOur Sponsors:BreadCrumb- 50,000+ projects globally. All running safer, faster, with Breadcrumb. - breadcrumb.coAphex is the multiplayer planning platform where construction teams plan together, stay aligned, and deliver projects faster – check out aphex.coArchdesk -  “The #1 Construction Management Software for Growing Companies - Manage your projects from Tender to Handover” check archdesk.comChapters00:00 Intro01:38 Introduction and Overview 07:08 Interview with Mallory Brodie 24:39 Insights on Workforce Planning and Industry Trends 26:16 Introduction to Roles in Construction Management 27:40 Navigating the AI Era in Construction 29:58 AI Adoption in Banking vs. Construction 32:51 Impact of AI on General Contractors 36:15 Building Trust with Financial Institutions 40:58 Current Market Conditions in Construction 47:15 Transforming Construction Processes with Technology 55:04 The Future of Construction Financing 

"Even if AI doesn't work, it's allowing us to reinvent construction."That's Alain Waha on why the data center build-out is the most important thing happening in our industry right now, even if you don't care about AI.Tune in to find out about:✅ What the Document Crunch, Speckle and A16Z deals actually signal✅ Why physical AI and world models matter for AEC, and when they don't✅ How composable robotics quietly solved the hardware problem✅ Why knowledge capital is the only durable bet your firm can makeWatch the full episode on YouTube and Spotify!#bricksandbytes #bricksbytes #bricksbucksandbytes #aec #construction #constructiontech #ai #vcChapters00:00 Intro00:22 Introduction and Context of Change02:28 The Role of AI in Construction05:15 World Models and Physical AI07:44 Cybersecurity Concerns in AI09:54 Investment Trends in the Built World12:43 The Demand for Data Centers15:50 Robotics and Automation in Construction18:55 Knowledge Transfer and Capital23:56 Future Predictions and Closing Thoughts

"Owners want buildings, not software."That one line from Andrew Zukoski (CEO, JOIN) reframes the entire AEC tech market.In B&B Fight Night 3, Andrew goes head to head with Clifton Harness (CEO, TestFit) on AI, architects, venture capital, and what the next five years look like.Tune in to find out about:✅ Why only 3 AEC companies have IPO'd in 15 years and what that means for founders raising VC✅ Whether builders or architects come out on top in an AI-driven AEC industry✅ The real test for separating AEC AI products from rappers✅ Why the next big AEC IPO might be a services firm, not a SaaS companyWatch now on YouTube and Spotify!#bricksandbytes #bricksbytes #bricksbucksandbytes #aec #construction #constructiontech #ai #vcOur Sponsors:BreadCrumb- 50,000+ projects globally. All running safer, faster, with Breadcrumb. - breadcrumb.coAphex is the multiplayer planning platform where construction teams plan together, stay aligned, and deliver projects faster – check out aphex.coArchdesk -  “The #1 Construction Management Software for Growing Companies - Manage your projects from Tender to Handover” check archdesk.comChapters00:00 Teaser00:58 Introduction to the AEC Octagon and Fight Night02:42 Debating AI: Industry-Specific vs. Foundational Models05:13 Evaluating AI Tools for Architecture and Construction08:23 The Future Role of Architects in the AEC Industry11:27 Architects as Civic Arbiters of the Built Environment14:15 The Impact of AI on Construction and Design16:33 Sponsors19:34 The Evolution of Architect Roles and Responsibilities22:01 The Future of Architecture in an AI-Driven World34:30 Evaluating Code Quality and Architectural Efficiency35:33 The Role of Venture Capital in Business Growth39:10 Navigating the Risks of Venture Funding43:30 AI's Impact on the AEC Industry48:42 Bootstrapping vs. Venture Funding: A Personal Perspective50:27 Predictions for the Future of Construction57:29 AI's Role in Accelerating Business Success

"HCSS fills the missing middle where plans become production."That's how Usman described the $2.4B Nemetschek + HCSS deal on this week's Bricks & Bytes.We sat down with Yves (CEO, Nemetschek Group) and Usman (Build Segment) to unpack the strategy behind one of the biggest construction tech deals of the year.Tune in to find out about:✅ Why Nemetschek structured this as a partnership with Thoma Bravo (28% rolled stake) instead of a clean buyout✅ How HCSS slots in alongside Bluebeam, GoCanvas, SiteDocs and Nevaris✅ The real prize — 40 years of proprietary heavy civil lifecycle data and what it means for vertical AI✅ Usman's blunt advice to founders right now (hint: not "PowerPoint or vibe-coded apps")🎧 Watch the full episode live on YouTube and Spotify!#bricksandbytes #bricksbytes #bricksbucksandbytes #aec #construction #constructiontech #ai #vc

Two AI-backed private equity firms just confirmed the same thesis in the same week. They're not buying construction software. They're buying the firms that use it.This week: I sit down with the team behind Zero RFI (General Catalyst-backed) and a partner at E3 Tech (the Andreessen Horowitz JV) to unpack the rollup playbook coming for owner's reps and trade contractors. I cover the UK tier one that just put a humanoid robot on a live construction site for the price of a small van, and what the methodology behind that deployment actually teaches you. Plus a recap of April and a look at what's coming next week, including our episode with the CEO of Nemetschek on the HCSS deal.Three things you can action this week. No fluff.Links and resources mentioned in this episode:Bricks & Bytes Supply Chain & Procurement Report - https://bricks-bytes.com/downloads/procurement-report/Zacua Ventures Construction Robotics Report 2026 - https://zacuaventures.com/construction-robotics-report-2026/AEC Magazine on agentic BIM data wall - https://aecmag.com/ai/agentic-bims-missing-infrastructure/https://aecmag.com/ai/agentic-bims-missing-infrastructure/All3 / Mantis $25M raise - https://bricks-bytes.com/funding-ma/all3-25m-seed-construction-robotics/NABTU + Microsoft AI training partnership - https://news.microsoft.com/source/2026/04/21/nabtu-and-microsoft-expand-nationwide-initiative-to-strengthen-ai-training-and-career-pathways-across-the-skilled-trades/Daily Blueprint editions covered (27-30 April 2026) - https://bricks-bytes.com/daily-blueprint/Our newsletter - https://bricks-bytes.beehiiv.com/LinkedIn post for this episode (for comments/engagement) - [link coming

"AI is about to create the biggest divide humanity has ever seen."That's the warning Chinn, founder of dConstruct, dropped on Bricks & Bytes.He sold his startup to Autodesk. Built Singapore's Smart Nation. Now he's putting AI robots on construction sites that see every flaw in millimetres.Tune in to find out about:✅ Why perfect site data is bankrupting construction projects✅ The new AI currency that will split the industry in two✅ Why 90% of construction robots are a lie✅ The data move every construction leader has 10 years to makeWatch now on Spotify and YouTube 🎧#aec #construction #constructiontech #bricksandbytes #bricksbytes #bricksbucksandbytes #ai #vcOur Sponsors:BreadCrumb- 50,000+ projects globally. All running safer, faster, with Breadcrumb. - breadcrumb.coAphex is the multiplayer planning platform where construction teams plan together, stay aligned, and deliver projects faster – check out aphex.coArchdesk -  “The #1 Construction Management Software for Growing Companies - Manage your projects from Tender to Handover” check archdesk.comChapters00:00 Intro01:54 Quickfire Questions04:51 Chinn's Career Journey07:26 Sponsors10:49 Insights from Working with Autodesk13:52 Building Smart Nation Solutions in Singapore16:51 Lessons from Government Work19:53 The Role of Technology in Construction22:57 dConstruct: Addressing Labor Shortages with Robotics24:46 Challenges and Opportunities in Robotics for Construction28:45 AI's Impact on Society and the Future32:01 Final Thoughts and Future Directions

Nemetschek just dropped $2.4B on a software company nobody's heard of. This week on Bricks, Bucks & Bytes, Owen, Patric and Martin dug into the biggest AEC deal of the year, plus two robotics founders changing how we build. Tune in to find out about: ✅ Why HCSS is the smartest AEC acquisition of 2026✅ Why Kawazu ditched construction for oil and gas✅ Mesh Robotics on solving rebar, the ugliest problem in construction✅ Martin Fisher's rule: 80% data, 20% AI #aec #construction #constructiontech #bricksbucksandbytes #bricksandbytes #ai #vcOur Sponsors:BreadCrumb- 50,000+ projects globally. All running safer, faster, with Breadcrumb. - breadcrumb.coAphex is the multiplayer planning platform where construction teams plan together, stay aligned, and deliver projects faster – check out aphex.coArchdesk - “The #1 Construction Management Software for Growing Companies - Manage your projects from Tender to Handover” check archdesk.comChapters00:00 Intro00:56 Celebrating Milestones and Future Aspirations03:25 Insights from the Martin Fisher Event06:33 The HCSS Acquisition by Nemetschek12:09 Strategic Implications of Acquisitions in Construction Tech30:04 The Genius of Brad Jacobs30:40 Meditation and Success31:49 Exploring AI Tools and Credits35:44 The Future of Urban Mobility: Glideways45:01 Innovations in Nuclear Power50:14 Understanding Labor and Scaffold Costs52:36 The Evolution of Robotics in Construction54:29 Data-Driven Insights in Material Flow56:44 The Role of Transparency in Construction57:58 Scaling Robotics Solutions in Construction1:01:09 The Intersection of Robotics and Rebar1:05:31 Bridging the Gap from Lab to Market1:11:46 The Future of Assembly in Robotics

Most of you are spending the wrong 80% of your AI budget right now. And the man who said it has been at Stanford for 40 years.This week: we unpack Professor Martin Fischer's uncomfortable 80/20 reallocation and why building digital feedback loops has to come before the AI layer. We sit down with Suffolk Construction's CTO Jit Kee Chin and Speckle founder Dimitri Stefanescu on what happens when the most data-mature general contractor in the US decides the next bet isn't another point solution. We break down why Andreessen Horowitz — the firm behind Facebook, Airbnb and GitHub — has just publicly planted a flag in construction. And we cover our third Fight Night, where TestFit's Clifton Harness and Join's Andrew Zukoski disagree on whether AI compresses or fragments the industry.Three things you can action this week. No fluff.Links and resources mentioned in this episode:Martin Fischer & Bricks & Bytes - COMING SOONSuffolk Technologies' investment in Speckle - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HcPDoOwU_pk&t=78sAndreessen Horowitz's public construction thesis - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xzaqa52ccng&tBricks & Bytes Fight Night 3 — Clifton Harness vs Andrew Zukoski (full episode) - COMING SOON Bricks & Bytes Fight Night — Mike vs Luigi on AI estimating - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j9eVyABO2AQBricks & Bytes Fight Night — KP vs Dustin on the future of construction software - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=If0jJnX7tZYTilbury Douglas becomes first UK contractor to deploy a humanoid on site - https://www.tilburydouglas.co.uk/tilbury-douglas-becomes-first-contractor-to-launch-a-humanoid-robot-on-construction-site/Breadcrumb — digital safety, orientations and permits synced into Procore - https://breadcrumb.coOur newsletter — Beehiiv subscription page - https://bricks-bytes.beehiiv.com/LinkedIn post for this episode (for comments/engagement) https://www.linkedin.com/posts/owen-drury_a-wild-week-at-bricks-bytes-highlights-ugcPost-7454535708599332864-N61m?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop&rcm=ACoAABXSR7cBUIyREyKntJC_BA6bnfeuPWgNUtA

"Architects might start feeling useless."That's Dimitrie Stefanescu, founder of Speckle, on this week's Bricks & Bytes — on why GCs moving upstream into design is triggering an existential crisis across AEC.Joined by Jit Kee Chin, CTO of Suffolk Construction and co-founder of Suffolk Technologies, who just led Suffolk's investment into Speckle.Tune in to find out about:✅ Why 3D data is the missing infrastructure layer for AI in construction✅ The real reason design-build is eating traditional architecture✅ The most insane thing a customer has built on top of Speckle (yes, you'll want to hear this one)✅ What actually triggered a $B GC to bet on an open-source startupWatch now on YouTube and Spotify!#aec #construction #constructiontech #bricksandbytes #bricksbytes #ai #vc

Every building you've ever been in was designed by software built in 1997.That's the headline a16z used to put the bat signal out to AEC founders — and Joe Schmidt got dragged for it on LinkedIn.But he's not a tourist. His grandfather invented the concrete pump.In today's episode of Bricks & Bytes, we had Joe Schmidt from Andreessen Horowitz and got into the three attack vectors for disrupting Revit, why the services layer is the hidden prize… and many more!Tune in to find out about:✅ The 3 ways startups are attacking Autodesk's "workflow monopoly" — and which one Joe would bet on today✅ Why replacing Revit in 5 years is unlikely (and why you don't need to)✅ The real "why now" for AEC AI — it's not just LLMs✅ Joe's advice to contractors and designers: adopt fast or get left behind🎧 Full episode out on Spotify and YouTube!Chapters00:00 Intro01:20 Introduction to A16Z and Joe Schmidt's Background05:00 Understanding A16Z's Investment Philosophy09:29 The Construction Industry's Potential and A16Z's Interest15:57 Thesis Overview: Innovation in Construction Tech20:21 The Role of AI in Transforming Construction25:45 Challenges and Opportunities in Construction Tech Adoption25:52 The Evolution of Design and Budgeting in Construction31:34 Incentives and Rework: A Double-Edged Sword37:38 AI's Role in Enhancing Design Efficiency42:12 The Human Element in AI-Driven Design47:51 Navigating the Future of Construction Technology#aec #bricksandbytes #bricksbytes #construction #bricksbucksandbytes #constructiontech #vc #revit #autodesk #a16z📩 Subscribe to the Bricks & Bytes Newsletter: https://bricks-bytes.beehiiv.com/🌐 Visit our website: http://bricks-bytes.com/📲 Follow us: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bricks-bytes/ Twitter: https://x.com/bricksbytespod Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bricksbytes/Our Sponsors:BreadCrumb- 50,000+ projects globally. All running safer, faster, with Breadcrumb. - breadcrumb.coAphex is the multiplayer planning platform where construction teams plan together, stay aligned, and deliver projects faster – check out aphex.coArchdesk - “The #1 Construction Management Software for Growing Companies - Manage your projects from Tender to Handover” check archdesk.com

Allbirds just pivoted to AI and the stock jumped from $2 to $21 overnight.This week on Bricks, Bucks & Bytes, Mo (founder of Build Crew, backed by Vinod Khosla) joined us to break down what's actually happening in construction tech right now — and Nitin from Planera dropped in to launch their AI scheduling assistant, Manny.Tune in to find out about:✅ Why Allbirds' AI pivot looks like a 1999-style dotcom scam✅ Mo's unfiltered take on why knowledge graphs are the most overhyped term in AEC right now✅ Why Palantir's real construction customer isn't who you think it is✅ How Planera's Manny is codifying decades of scheduling expertise before the industry loses itWatch now on Spotify and YouTube. Link in the comments!#aec #construction #constructiontech #bricksandbytes #bricksbytes #bricksbucksandbytes #ai #vcOur Sponsors:BreadCrumb- 50,000+ projects globally. All running safer, faster, with Breadcrumb. - breadcrumb.coAphex is the multiplayer planning platform where construction teams plan together, stay aligned, and deliver projects faster – check out aphex.coArchdesk - “The #1 Construction Management Software for Growing Companies - Manage your projects from Tender to Handover” check archdesk.comChapters00:00 Intro01:00 Introduction to Mo's Transformation03:57 The Allbirds Pivot: From Sneakers to AI07:00 Technological Breakthroughs in Architectural Design09:50 AI in Construction: The Role of Domain Expertise12:51 BuildCrew: Mo's New Venture and Its Vision15:35 Knowledge Graphs: The Future of Construction Documentation25:11 Integrating Knowledge Graphs in Construction27:39 The Role of Technologists in Construction29:18 Palantir's Impact on Construction Technology31:09 The Future of ERP Systems34:45 Challenging Industry Norms with Optimism38:25 Nemechek's Acquisition of HCSS42:39 Planera's AI Scheduling Assistant53:27 Current Trends in Construction and AI

The business you build around it is. The AI you buy isn't the advantageThe man who built Facebook's computer vision team says reading a construction drawing is harder than what he was doing at Facebook. That line reframes the whole AI conversation in construction and it's just one of the threads in this week's briefing.In this episode:The procurement story we've been building. A number of the research findings that will make commercial construction executives uncomfortable in a productive way. Full report drops 24th April - sign up here.Shadow AI is your governance crisis. A senior leader at a major US general contractor describes his single biggest fear around AI... and it's not the technology. It's Bob in pre-con. Plus Maryrose Lyons on why your company data is walking out the door via your staff's phones, and nobody's written a policy about it.Data-readiness is the ten-year moat. Three different AI founders, three different domains — procurement, scheduling, drawings — all saying the same thing. The value doesn't sit in the AI. It sits in the connected data around it. Why the firms pulling ahead aren't buying better AI. They're preparing better businesses for it.The divergence moment. Opus 4.7 was released this week. But there's a model sitting next to it on the benchmark chart called Mythos, and it's significantly more capable than anything on the market. It's not available to you. It's not available to me. And it's the live, in-the-wild evidence that the AI world just split into two tiers. Why this matters for any construction business thinking about the next three years.If this briefing was useful, share it with someone in your leadership team who needs to hear it. Drop your take in the LinkedIn comments — I read every one.This week's sources include:Lubo Bourdev & Hamid, PrimePoint - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UDdK18qzQwgMaryrose Lyons, AI Institute - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ev6oPUWYgzANitin Bhandari, Planera - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TTnsWQLN4aQBricks & Bytes procurement research report (drops 24 April). https://bricks-bytes.com/downloads/procurement-report/

PrimePoint just raised $10M to solve the one problem AI still can't crack in construction: drawings.Lubomir Bourdev built the first computer vision system at Facebook. Sold a neural net startup to Apple. Hamid was employee five at Trello. Now they're betting that drawings are the key to unlocking AI's full potential in construction.Tune in to find out about:✅ Why LLMs fundamentally can't handle technical drawings — it's an architecture issue, not a capability gap✅ How PrimePoint's Knowledge Graph connects drawings, specs, RFIs, submittals, and schedules✅ How AI does the first pass on constructability reviews, RFIs, and submittals — and why humans still make the call✅ Why early users are actually spending more time understanding their projects, not lessWatch the exclusive episode on Bricks & Bytes YouTube Channel now. Link in the comments below. #aec #construction #constructiontech #bricksandbytes #bricksbytes #ai #vcOur Sponsors:BreadCrumb- 50,000+ projects globally. All running safer, faster, with Breadcrumb. - breadcrumb.coAphex is the multiplayer planning platform where construction teams plan together, stay aligned, and deliver projects faster – check out aphex.coArchdesk - “The #1 Construction Management Software for Growing Companies - Manage your projects from Tender to Handover” check archdesk.com

"If you're a small firm saying you're too busy to think about AI — that's career suicide."Maryrose Lyons trains mid-sized architecture, engineering and construction firms across the UK and Ireland on AI — and she's seen exactly what separates the ones making progress from the ones going nowhere.Tune in to find out about:✅ Why firms between 50 and 500 staff are outpacing the big players — and what mid-market consultants can steal from their playbook✅ Why your staff are probably using free AI tools on their personal phones right now — and what that means for your client data✅ Why hiring AI champions almost always backfires — and what actually drives real change inside a consultancy✅ The data problem that will quietly kill your AI ambitions in 2026 before they even start🎙️ Watch the full episode on Bricks & Bytes Youtube Channel#aec #construction #constructiontech #bricksandbytes #bricksbytes #aiOur Sponsors:BreadCrumb- 50,000+ projects globally. All running safer, faster, with Breadcrumb. - breadcrumb.coAphex is the multiplayer planning platform where construction teams plan together, stay aligned, and deliver projects faster – check out aphex.coArchdesk -  “The #1 Construction Management Software for Growing Companies - Manage your projects from Tender to Handover” check archdesk.comChapters00:00 Intro01:45 Introduction to AI in AEC Sector03:39 Current State of AI in Mid-Sized Firms06:15 The Challenge of Shadow AI07:23 AI Literacy and Training in Organizations08:38 Engagement with AI Tools11:37 Practical Steps for AI Adoption13:31 Connecting AI with Existing Tools16:26 The Evolution of AI: From Chatbots to Advanced Tools18:52 Streamlining Workflows: The Impact of AI on Productivity22:14 Navigating AI Implementation: Challenges and Strategies28:29 The Role of Champions in AI Adoption31:09 Emerging Trends: The Future of AI in Business

92% of construction projects overrun their budget. And the data now says the main reasons are inside your organisation, not outside it.This week: we tease findings from our upcoming supply chain report (the numbers will make you uncomfortable). We get an economy update from ABC's chief economist. We break down how one insurance company is cutting premiums for contractors who use construction technology, with 40-50% differences in claims data to back it up. And we unpack workforce benchmarks from 233 companies and 114,000 people that reveal what the top ENR firms are doing differently.Three things you can action this week. No fluff.Links and resources mentioned in this episode:Sign-up link for the Bricks & Bytes Supply Chain & Procurement Report (dropping 24th April) - https://bricks-bytes.com/downloads/procurement-report/Revizto "Bridging the Gap" 2026 Digital Design & Construction Report - https://revizto.com/resources/reports/bridging-the-gap-2026ENR article: "Data Centers, AI Drives Industry Momentum in First Quarter" (Anirban Basu Q1 forecast) - https://www.enr.com/articles/62803-data-centers-ai-drives-industry-momentum-in-first-quarterBridgit 2026 Construction Workforce Benchmark Report - https://gobridgit.com/press/constructions-labor-shortage-is-hiding-a-deeper-problem-new-bridgit-data-from-114000-workers-shows-what-it-is/Shepherd Insurance (shepherdinsurance.com) and Justin Levine's article "The Case for Autonomous Underwriting" - https://www.shepherdinsurance.com/blog/the-case-for-autonomous-underwritingOur newsletter — link to new Beehiiv subscription page - https://bricks-bytes.beehiiv.com/LinkedIn post for this episode (for comments/engagement) (coming shortly) - https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/insurance-company-pay-you-use-procore-heres-how-can-benefit-drury-szv9e?lipi=urn%3Ali%3Apage%3Ad_flagship3_series_entity%3BS1rWDPyISRqB5K4ooAtnzQ%3D%3D

"AI told them the idea was great. They built the whole thing. It was wrong."In this episode of Bricks, Bucks & Bytes, Owen, Martin and Dustin unpack why AI models are built to agree with you — and why that's genuinely dangerous in construction. They also tear apart the claim that 96% of projects overrun on budget (spoiler: it's not a design problem), then sit down with Justin Levine, CEO of Shepherd Insurance, fresh off a $42M Series B, to talk about what it actually looks like to automate commercial insurance from the ground up.Watch now to uncover:AI sycophancy, MIT's "delusional spiraling" research, and the real-world construction risksWhy budget overrun stats might be measuring the wrong thingShepherd's vision for fully autonomous underwriting — and how they're already running at 5x industry capacityThe plan to price a commercial insurance submission in real time, during a live broker meeting"By the time that meeting ends, we want that account to be fully priced and ready to go." — Justin Levine, CEO, Shepherd InsuranceWatch the full episode on Bricks, Bucks and Bytes YouTube Channel. Link in the comments. #aec #construction #constructiontech #bricksbucksandbytes #bricksbytes #ai #insurance #vcChapters00:00 Intro01:00 Delusions Spiraling: The Impact of AI on Perception 24:42 Budget Overruns in the AEC Industry: A Deep Dive 29:53 The Role of Technology in Construction: Enhancing or Hindering? 30:09 Understanding Budget Overruns in Construction 32:51 The Role of A16Z in Construction Tech 36:09 Shepherd's $42 Million Series B Funding 42:02 Autonomous Underwriting: A New Era in Insurance 49:26 The Future of Brokers in Construction Insurance 53:13 Self-Insurance and Risk Management in Construction 01:01:25 The Benefits of Autonomous Underwriting for Clients

Two major acquisitions landed in one week. Trimble bought Document Crunch. Autodesk closed on Rhumbix. And the message is the same: the platforms you already use are getting smarter, faster, and harder to leave.In this week's Executive Weekly Briefing, Owen unpacks what the consolidation wave means for your technology decisions, why UK construction input costs just hit a 41-month high, and a practical framework from a 31-year industry veteran that separates AI efficiency from AI risk mitigation, and why the returns are wildly different.Plus: a big announcement about our first ever live event with Professor Martin Fischer from Stanford University in London on April 21st. https://luma.com/o0rcei5vCovered this week:Trimble acquires Document Crunch - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LApKTPQXFKQ&t=76sAutodesk closes Rumbix acquisition - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CI7eD7f7aVY&t=147sThe Buildots/Genda productivity intelligence play ServiceTitan data: AI adoption doubles among contractorsUK input cost inflation hits highest level since 1992Carl McFarland on construction's Blockbuster moment - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z-cO-6zxKdEThe efficiency vs. risk mitigation AI frameworkMIT research on AI sycophancy and delusional spiralingBricks & Bytes first live event: Professor Martin Fischer, London, April 21stNew episodes every week. Subscribe and follow Bricks & Bytes wherever you listen.Join the debate:

Four companies. One acquisition. One $852 billion valuation. Forty-five minutes turned into four days. This is the biggest episode we've ever recorded.Document Crunch just got acquired by Trimble. Josh told us live, before most of the industry knew.In this episode of Bricks, Bucks & Bytes, Owen, Patric, and Dustin cover the biggest week in construction tech in years.Trimble acquires Document Crunch — Josh and Mark join live to break it downOpenAI hits $852B — and Dustin explains why NVIDIA should be worth $10 trillionDustin's $275M Building Connected exit story — the grind nobody talks aboutCoral's $7.5M raise — guaranteeing heat pump rebates to the cent in under 60 secondsNeuron Factory — taking tender processes from 4 days to 45 minutes with AI"You can't vibe code trust. That's earned." — Josh, Document CrunchGo and watch the full episode on the Bricks & Bytes YouTube Channel nowOur Sponsors:BreadCrumb- 50,000+ projects globally. All running safer, faster, with Breadcrumb. - breadcrumb.coAphex is the multiplayer planning platform where construction teams plan together, stay aligned, and deliver projects faster – check out aphex.coArchdesk -  “The #1 Construction Management Software for Growing Companies - Manage your projects from Tender to Handover” check archdesk.comBuildVision -   streamlining the construction supply chain with a unified platform - www.buildvision.ioChapters00:00 Intro01:09 Introduction and Excitement for the Episode 03:46 OpenAI's Valuation and Market Comparisons06:30 Understanding Notional Value and Market Capitalization 09:36 Foundamental University Launch and Insights from Industry Leaders 12:18 Dustin Devan's Journey with Building Connected 18:19 Challenges and Resilience in Startups 20:22 Trimble and Document Crunch Acquisition Announcement 22:08 The Journey to Acquisition 25:19 Trimble's Perspective on the Partnership 28:10 Future Strategies and Innovations 29:44 Celebrating Milestones and Achievements 30:47 The Importance of Culture and Alignment 34:52 Building Trust in the Industry 37:37 Navigating the Competitive Landscape 41:33 The Role of Trust and Data in Construction 49:24 Vision for a Dispute-Free Industry 51:01 Industry Responsibility and Improvement 51:42 Innovations in Heat Pump Technology 54:35 Understanding the US Heat Pump Market 57:24 Future Opportunities in Energy Efficiency 1:00:35 Funding and Growth Strategies for Startups 1:03:18 The Role of Knowledge Graphs in Construction 1:08:25 Enhancing Project Management with AI 1:12:29 Challenges and Opportunities in AI Integration

Josh Levy built Document Crunch for 5 years.Trimble has 32 million projects on their platform. Tens of millions of documents. And they looked at the entire market and picked Document Crunch.That's not a small bet.We got both of them live on Bricks & Bytes this week. Josh broke down exactly how this happened, the moment the deal became a no brainer, and where he's taking this next. Mark didn't hold back either.If you're building in construction tech, investing in it, or just trying to understand where this industry is heading, this one is worth your full attention.Full video on the B&B YouTube now. Go watch it. Link in the comments below.#construction #constructiontech #bricksbucksandbytes #aec #bricksandbytes

12 years. $53M raised. One acquisition. Zach Scheel is talking about all of it.Zach Scheel, co-founder of Rhubmix, sat down with Owen the day after Autodesk officially closed its acquisition of the 12-year-old construction labor tracking platform. He didn't hold back.Tune in to find out about:✅ Why Autodesk acquired Rhubmix — and what gap in their product suite it fills✅ The financial metrics (110% NRR, 94% GRR) that made the deal happen✅ What a term sheet getting pulled post-signing actually feels like — and how they survived it✅ Why 10 years is probably a realistic median exit timeline for construction tech founders and investorsWatch now on Spotify and YouTube🎧#aec #construction #constructiontech #bricksandbytes #bricksbytes #aiOur Sponsors:BreadCrumb- 50,000+ projects globally. All running safer, faster, with Breadcrumb.breadcrumb.coAphex is the multiplayer planning platform where construction teams plan together, stay aligned, and deliver projects faster – check out aphex.coArchdesk -  “The #1 Construction Management Software for Growing Companies - Manage your projects from Tender to Handover” check archdesk.comBuildVision -   streamlining the construction supply chain with a unified platform - www.buildvision.ioChapters00:00 Intro01:30 Introduction and Acquisition Announcement 04:32 Understanding Rumbix and Its Functionality 07:32 The Journey to Acquisition 10:17 Negotiating with Autodesk 13:13 Metrics and Performance Indicators 16:12 Challenges of M&A Process 18:59 Future of Rumbix Under Autodesk 21:58 Lessons Learned and Final Thoughts

"The biggest mistake a construction exec can make right now? Assuming the existing business model is going to stay the same."In today's episode of Bricks and Bytes, we had Carl McFarland from Big D Construction and we got to learn about why the industry is sitting in a Blockbuster moment, how Apple generates the entire annual net income of a $30 billion construction firm in under 48 hours, and why the executives paying the most attention to technology might still be focused on completely the wrong thing... and many more!Tune in to find out about:✅ Why the construction firms performing best right now are actually the ones most exposed to disruption - and what the Blockbuster comparison really means in 2025✅ What most construction CEOs are getting wrong about AI adoption - it's not about the tools they're picking, it's about the question they're not asking✅ Why Carl believes no single firm, no matter how large, has the capital or intellectual firepower to navigate this transformation alone - and what he thinks the answer actually looks like✅ The AI agent Big D built for project risk review that's delivering 10x the return of standard efficiency tools - a real use case, not a pitchWatch now on Spotify and YouTube 🎧 #aec #construction #constructiontech #bricksandbytes #bricksbytes #aiOur Sponsors:BreadCrumb- 50,000+ projects globally. All running safer, faster, with Breadcrumb - breadcrumb.coAphex is the multiplayer planning platform where construction teams plan together, stay aligned, and deliver projects faster – check out aphex.coArchdesk -  “The #1 Construction Management Software for Growing Companies - Manage your projects from Tender to Handover” check archdesk.comBuildVision -   streamlining the construction supply chain with a unified platform - www.buildvision.ioChapters00;00 Intro01:59 AI's Impact on Business Operations06:08 The Blockbuster Moment in Construction11:50 Fragmentation and Innovation in Construction15:50 Rethinking Business Models for Profitability20:09 Acquisition vs. Internal Innovation26:06 Technology Focus in Construction Leadership30:21 Collaboration for Industry Transformation32:40 Leveraging Supplier Relationships for Capital Investment41:14 Transitioning from Builders to Business Leaders51:42 The Importance of Operations in Sales01:03:39 AI as a Tool for Efficiency and Risk Mitigation

The world's largest asset manager just wrote a $100M cheque to train electricians. Google put up $50M. Microsoft named electrical talent as the single biggest challenge to building data centres. The firms selling the AI dream just discovered they can't deliver it without construction workers.This week on the Executive Briefing:Why data centre companies are paying $150K starting salaries for skilled trades, and what that means for every contractor drawing from the same labour pool. The real numbers on construction robotics — $1.36B in venture funding, 125% up year on year — and the four workflows where robots are actually working, not just demoing.The Iran oil shock is a second front, not the first. US construction input prices were already running at 12.6% annualised before a single missile was launched. Aaron Anderson's analysis shows 130,000 fewer permits being filed. We break down which sectors are pulling back and which are ploughing ahead regardless.The AI question nobody is asking: the difference between deterministic and probabilistic, why every AI tool you're being sold is fundamentally a guess, and how to know which of your workflows can tolerate that and which ones can't. Plus Anna Berger from Trayd on why 99.7% accuracy still isn't good enough for construction payroll.Quick hits: NEOM's Line is effectively dead, the UK government is abolishing retention payments, and a US jury just ruled social media platforms were deliberately engineered to be addictive.Join the debate:

Your construction back office admin hasn't taken a vacation in ten years. And it's your software's fault.In this episode of Bricks, Bucks & Bytes, Owen, Patric, Martin, and Dustin break down what four AI CEOs said at NVIDIA GTC and what it means for construction. Then Anna Berger joins fresh off raising $10M in three weeks to expose the chaos inside every specialty contractor's back office.AI token costs collapsed 99% — here's what that unlocksThe data center boom is creating a trades crisis — electricians are now the hottest hire in AmericaWhy AI will never run construction payrollHow Anna closed $10M with 40+ investor meetings in her first week"I just took my first vacation in ten years — thank you." That's the kind of message Anna Berger is getting from her customers.Watch the full episode now!Our Sponsors:Aphex is the multiplayer planning platform where construction teams plan together, stay aligned, and deliver projects faster – check out aphex.coArchdesk -  “The #1 Construction Management Software for Growing Companies - Manage your projects from Tender to Handover” check archdesk.comBuildVision -   streamlining the construction supply chain with a unified platform - www.buildvision.ioChapters00:00 Intro01:00 Introduction to NVIDIA GTC and AI CEOs 03:38 The Impact of AI on Cost and Accessibility 05:34 Specialization vs. Commoditization in AI Models 07:44 The Role of AI in Engineering and Construction 10:33 Deterministic Outcomes and Governance in AI 13:32 The Future of AI in Enterprises and Job Market Dynamics 23:59 The Role of Accuracy in Construction Projects 28:06 AI vs Human Judgment in Project Estimation 30:52 Evaluating AI Accuracy in Professional Contexts 33:45 The Future of Skilled Trades and Workforce Training 40:24 Economic Predictions and Market Interests 44:59 Quarterly Recap: Trends and Insights in Construction Tech 47:01 Real-Life Lessons from the Industry 51:43 Celebrating Success: Anna's Fundraising Journey 53:53 Understanding Trade: A Deep Dive into Construction Back Office Solutions 56:46 Future Plans: Scaling and Product Development 1:00:46 The Importance of Compliance in Payroll Management 1:03:28 Y Combinator's Role in Construction Tech

The cost of intelligence is heading to zero. Construction still hasn't figured out what to do with that.In today's episode of Bricks and Bytes, we had Matt Gough and we got to learn about why AI adoption in construction is solving the wrong problem, what a genuine industry moonshot could actually look like, and why the contracting model itself is blocking real transformation... and many more!Tune in to find out about:✅ Why 50 senior AEC leaders are all bullish on AI - but almost none of them are using it to change how the industry actually works✅ The "virtual vertical integration" argument - and whether AI makes what Katerra attempted possible this time✅ How misaligned incentives across the construction supply chain kill innovation before it gets started✅ What the Empire State Building can still teach us about project delivery in an AI-enabled world🎧 Listen now on Spotify and YouTube.#aec #bricksandbytes #construction #constructiontech #aiOur Sponsors:Aphex is the multiplayer planning platform where construction teams plan together, stay aligned, and deliver projects faster – check out aphex.coArchdesk -  “The #1 Construction Management Software for Growing Companies - Manage your projects from Tender to Handover” check archdesk.comBuildVision -   streamlining the construction supply chain with a unified platform - www.buildvision.ioChapters00:00 Intro03:00 Introduction and context of AI in construction05:29 The current state of AI adoption08:10 Challenges in optimizing construction processes11:17 The role of AI in redefining construction value chains14:05 Identifying the moonshot for construction17:07 The importance of collaboration in achieving goals20:09 The future of AI and construction integration29:02 Navigating the rapid pace of change30:22 The moonshot vision for transformation31:36 Insights from AI in the AEC industry33:35 Embracing AI: the gym analogy34:41 Governance and innovation in AI tools37:22 Shifting from risk transfer to collaborative production42:50 Overcoming barriers to innovation47:49 Immediate actions for industry transformation47:57 Lessons from Neom: ambition and technology

"The number one cause of contractor bankruptcy is taking on work outside your niche."In today's episode of Bricks and Bytes, we had Matt Stevens Senior Lecturer at Western Sydney University and we got to learn about the financial patterns behind contractor failure, the metrics most firms never track, and why the construction industry is far more innovative than people give it credit for... and many more!Tune in to find out about:✅ The risk-reward sweet spot - where most contractors are positioned vs where they should be✅ Why 144 out of 150 contractors calculated their project ROI completely wrong✅ The five numbers every contracting business should be tracking (most track zero of them)✅ How top quartile contractors run 3 to 11 times more profitably than the restListen on Spotify and YouTube now. Link in the comments!#construction #bricksandbytes #aec #constructiontechOur Sponsors:Aphex is the multiplayer planning platform where construction teams plan together, stay aligned, and deliver projects faster – check out aphex.coArchdesk -  “The #1 Construction Management Software for Growing Companies - Manage your projects from Tender to Handover” check archdesk.comBuildVision -   streamlining the construction supply chain with a unified platform - www.buildvision.ioChapters00:00 Intro02:46 Introduction to Construction Firm Success04:37 Understanding Risk Reward Management06:07 The Importance of Speed in Construction12:49 Best Practices for Construction Efficiency22:53 Navigating the Risk Reward Curve26:54 Navigating Geopolitical Risks in Construction30:15 The Importance of Small Projects33:45 Understanding Contractor Bankruptcy Causes35:04 Key Metrics for Contracting Success42:52 Succession Planning and Knowledge Transfer48:59 Best Practices for Effective Meetings53:25 The Role of Accountability in Project Management55:59 Characteristics of High-Performing Contractors01:00:43 Niches of High-Profitability in Construction01:00:59 Innovation in the Construction Industry01:06:34 AI's Impact on Construction and Employee Evaluation

50 senior AEC leaders were interviewed about their AI strategies. Every one was bullish. Every one was optimising the same broken system. Not one was rethinking the operating model. That finding sat at the centre of everything that happened this week.This week on the Executive Briefing:Why "don't automate the past" is the most important phrase in construction AI right now, and why the Rule of Five might be the simplest AI policy you've never heard of.Why construction doesn't have a moonshot, why productivity isn't inspiring enough to rally the industry, and what that means for your AI strategy.The Great Split goes transatlantic. $25.2B in US data center starts in a single month. UK industrial construction up 19%. Residential still flat. The UK's largest AI data centre just got approved at £10B. Balfour Beatty hits 3.5% margin on nuclear and defence. And the government is fast-tracking data centres onto the same grid that's supposed to deliver 1.5 million homes.World models: a billion dollar bet on AI that understands physics. Who Yann LeCun is, what AMI Labs is building, and why construction should care even though you can't buy it yet.Three things to do this week. Several questions that are going to split the room. Best LinkedIn comment gets read out next week.Join the debate: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/construction-spending-billions-wrong-problem-owen-drury-02kbe

"Within six months, every company will call themselves a world model company just to raise money."That's the prediction coming out of AMI Labs — Yann LeCun's $1 billion AI research fund. We spoke about what world models actually are, why they matter for construction, and why the hype cycle is already loading.We also had Lena-Marie Pätzmann from Sitegeist on the show — a TU Munich spin-out building robots for concrete renovation. The use case: high pressure water lancing, deployed as a subcontractor, starting with parking garages. Their robot fits in a van. Their margins are strong. And the customers came to them.Tune in to find out about:✅ What world models are and why they're different from LLMs✅ How to evaluate construction software without getting burned by legacy tech stacks✅ Why Volkswagen just cut 50,000 jobs and what European energy costs have to do with it✅ How Sitegeist is building robotic concrete renovation from a university lab into a real construction business🎧 Watch now on Spotify & YouTube#aec #bricksbucksandbytes #constructiontech #ai #construction #bricksbytes #vc #roboticsOur Sponsors:Aphex is the multiplayer planning platform where construction teams plan together, stay aligned, and deliver projects faster – check out aphex.coArchdesk -  “The #1 Construction Management Software for Growing Companies - Manage your projects from Tender to Handover” check archdesk.comBuildVision -   streamlining the construction supply chain with a unified platform - www.buildvision.ioChapters00:00 Intro01:00 Introduction to World Models and AI Trends 02:03 Industry News: Funding Rounds in AI and Construction Tech 03:10 Personal Updates and Industry Challenges 05:07 The Complexity of CRM Implementation in Construction 07:13 The Role of Venture Capital in Software Development 09:54 Diving into World Models: What Are They? 13:00 Funding and Research in AI: Yann LeCun's Billion-Dollar Round 16:36 The Hype Around World Models and Their Promise 24:24 Understanding World Models: Beyond Chatbots 27:09 Implications of World Models for Construction Industry 44:10 Summary and Closing Remarks

"We built entire cities using PDFs and drawings. That's not a failure — that's a miracle. Now imagine what we build with the right tools."In today's episode of Bricks and Bytes, we had Alain Waha, CTO at BuroHappold Engineering, discussing AI transformation, the future of physical AI, and why 2026 already feels like three years have passed in nine weeks.Tune in to find out about:✅ Why construction being the least digitized industry is actually its biggest opportunity right now ✅ How AI is finally solving the Tower of Babel problem that's plagued AEC for decades ✅ Why firms need to choose — compete on cost or build a value brand — before it's too late ✅ Why foundational AI models for the physical world don't exist yet, and what it'll take to get thereCatch the full episode on Spotify and YouTube 🎙️#aec #bricksandbytes #construction #constructiontech #aiOur Sponsors:Aphex is the multiplayer planning platform where construction teams plan together, stay aligned, and deliver projects faster – check out aphex.coArchdesk -  “The #1 Construction Management Software for Growing Companies - Manage your projects from Tender to Handover” check archdesk.comBuildVision -   streamlining the construction supply chain with a unified platform - www.buildvision.ioChapters00:00 Intro02:10 Introduction and Context of Rapid Change 06:38 Industry Size and Structure 12:29 Historical Perspective on Technology in AEC 17:56 The Tower of Babel Problem in AEC 23:33 Navigating the Future of Work 28:12 Value Creation in a Changing Landscape 32:37 Enhancing the Built Environment with Technology 37:18 The Future of Construction: A Digital Transformation 43:02 Cultural Shifts in Engineering and Technology Adoption 51:46 Knowledge Transfer and the Future of AI in Construction

A war in Iran is threatening global supply chains. A CTO at a 3,500-person engineering firm says construction just accidentally solved its oldest problem. And the knowledge crisis is actually two problems, not one.This week on the Executive Briefing:Why Noble Francis is telling construction CEOs to stop optimising for cost and start optimising for security of supply, and why one of our co-hosts thinks that advice will price you out of the market.Alain Waha, CTO at Buro Happold, on why large language models are construction's Google Translate moment, why cost-plus pricing is about to get squeezed, and why AI is not GPS (and what that means for the next generation of engineers).The difference between firms whose institutional knowledge compounds and firms whose knowledge evaporates every time someone retires. Plus why capturing knowledge is only half the problem.Quick hits: Turner's $29.2B year, Tutor Perini's best year in 130 years, Autodesk AECO up 22%, and Palantir's construction page going straight to a 404.Three things you can do this week. One question that's going to split the room. Best LinkedIn comment gets read out next week.Join the debate: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/why-your-competitors-knowledge-compounding-while-yours-owen-drury-zeffe/⁠

Everyone's losing their mind over Palantir entering construction. There's just one problem they've been here for years, and nobody noticed.In this episode of Bricks, Bucks & Bytes, Owen, Martin, and Dustin Devan cut through the LinkedIn noise, get into why global instability should be keeping construction CEOs up at night, and sit down with Tobias Klug founder of nuuEnergy who just raised €4.3M to rethink how heat pumps get installed across Germany.This week covers:Why Palantir's "arrival" in construction is more hype than reality and what it actually does (and doesn't do)The supply chain warning construction leaders keep ignoring until it's too lateHow Tobias and nuuEnergy are building local installation hubs that combine certified craft expertise with startup-speed technologyTurner Construction hits $29.2B revenue  a 40% jump in a single yearAutodesk's latest numbers and why their construction arm is growing faster than the rest of the businessQuote of the episode:"Palantir is SAP and Oracle 2.0  promises of everything under the umbrella, delivering unfathomable results.",  Dustin DevanWatch the full episode on Spotify and YouTube now. Our Sponsors:Aphex is the multiplayer planning platform where construction teams plan together, stay aligned, and deliver projects faster – check out aphex.coArchdesk -  “The #1 Construction Management Software for Growing Companies - Manage your projects from Tender to Handover” check archdesk.comBuildVision -   streamlining the construction supply chain with a unified platform - www.buildvision.ioChapters00:00 Intro01:15 Debunking Palantir's Construction Claims 11:16 Global Supply Chain Disruptions 21:22 The Impact of Wealth Tax Proposals 33:42 Meta Glasses and Privacy Concerns 41:14 Introduction to New Energy and Seed Funding 43:12 Heat Pump Technology and Market Positioning 49:40 Consumer Choices and Competitive Edge 50:32 Regulatory Challenges and Future of Heating Solutions51:48 Industry Insights and Company Performance

"Good contractors don't go out of business because of starvation. They go out of business because of indigestion."The construction economy has split in two. Data centers and infrastructure are booming. Residential, retail and office? Struggling. Globally.In today's episode of Bricks & Bytes, we had Kris Lengieza from Procore on the show and we got to learn about what their Market Intelligence data is really telling us about where the industry is heading right now.Tune in to find out about:✅ The bifurcation: US construction momentum up 21% but the architectural billing index is in contraction. More starts, fewer new designs. Wild. ✅ AI going from pilot to production. Turner and Skanska have deployed safety agents on real job sites. ✅ The vibe coding problem. Project engineers building apps over the weekend and CIOs losing sleep over where the data is going. ✅ 41% of the workforce retiring by 2031 and what that actually means for project delivery.Listen to the full episode on Spotify and YouTube 🎧👇#aec #bricksandbytes #construction #constructiontech #ai #procoreChapters00:00 Intro01:50 Introduction to Market Intelligence Webinar Series 05:28 AI's Role in Construction 10:42 Challenges in Project Completion 14:24 Emergence of User-Driven Software Solutions

This is the Bricks & Bytes Executive Weekly Briefing. ~20 minutes. Every week. The only construction briefing built from real conversations with the people making the decisions.This week we're breaking down the split that's reshaping construction right now: the strategic economy versus the consumer economy, and why the gap between the two is accelerating.We'll walk you through: What Procore's new market data actually says about the bifurcation, Why "you can't vibe code trust" might be the most important line in construction tech right now, The ChatGPT contract disaster every exec needs to hear about, What Morgan Sindall's record results tell us about who's winning and why,The Red Robin vs Chili's story that perfectly captures the choice every contractor is facing.Plus two things you can do this week to make sure you're on the right side of the separation.Featuring insights from Kris Lengieza (Procore), Josh Levy (Document Crunch), and Michael Vardaro (construction attorney).Join the debate: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/23rd-27th-febthe-great-separation-why-same-market-producing-drury-iawoe/?trackingId=D69wZi2yQzCQiUHjiUwZrg%3D%3D

A viral report claims 2028 is the year AI destroys the global economy. Are we sleepwalking into a crisis nobody can stop?In this episode of Bricks, Bucks & Bytes, Owen, Patric, Martin and Dustin rip apart a fictional financial report from Citrini Research that has taken the internet by storm. Chapter by chapter, they debate whether AI will trigger an unstoppable economic death spiral or whether the doomsayers are missing the bigger picture entirely. The conversation then shifts to what is actually happening right now in construction, with fresh market intelligence from Procore and a deep dive into Autodesk's massive $200 million bet on a company called World Labs.Topics discussed:The "Intelligence Displacement Spiral" and why every company doing the smart thing could collectively wreck the economyWhy Patric believes a robot tax is the only way to keep society stable in an AI-driven worldProcore's latest data showing construction is splitting into two completely different economiesThe 400,000 worker shortage and 41% of the US construction workforce heading for retirement by 2031What Dustin learned running a Sales Kickoff and why buying software based on features is a mistakeAutodesk's $200 million investment in World Labs and why Patrick calls the term "world model" offensiveWhether vibe coders could ever vibe code a vibe coder (and what the answer tells us about AI's real limits)"If you truly want to live with AI, you need to start shifting from salary tax to robot tax. Then you actually have an ability to redistribute income and keep society stable." — PatricWatch the full episode on Youtube & Spotify.Chapters00:00 Intro01:30 The AI Crisis of 2028 07:26 The Intelligence Displacement Spiral 13:28 The Future of Software Development 19:31 The Impact of AI on Consumer Behavior 26:36 Skepticism Towards AI-Driven Services 34:08 The Fragility of the Mortgage Market 41:06 AI in Construction: Use Cases and Challenges 48:25 The Importance of Vision in Sales Leadership 53:37 Trimble's Acquisition Strategy and Market Positioning

Someone used ChatGPT to redline a construction contract. The wording looked like it came straight from a lawyer. Only problem? It was arguing against their own position.In today's episode of Bricks and Bytes, we had Michael Vardaro, a construction attorney with 30 years of experience based in New York City, and we got to learn about how AI is reshaping construction law, why it's a powerful tool but a terrible replacement for professional judgment, and the groundbreaking new AAA AI arbitrator that could change how disputes get resolved... and much more.Tune in to find out about:✅ How AI tools like Firmus AI are catching scope conflicts and potential change orders before they turn into litigation✅ The real story behind the AAA's new AI arbitrator and what it actually means for construction disputes✅ Why the "AI will kill lawyer fees" headline is misleading, and what the CAD revolution taught us about technology and professional services✅ The hidden danger of AI meeting minutes in construction, and how they could actually make your legal position worse🎧 Watch now on Youtube and Spotify. Link in the comments#ConstructionTech #ConstructionLaw #AI #BricksAndBytes #AEC #ConTech #LegalTechOur Sponsors:Aphex is the multiplayer planning platform where construction teams plan together, stay aligned, and deliver projects faster – check out aphex.coArchdesk - “The #1 Construction Management Software for Growing Companies - Manage your projects from Tender to Handover” check archdesk.comBuildVision - streamlining the construction supply chain with a unified platform - www.buildvision.ioChapters00:00 Intro01:20 AI's Impact on Construction Law 08:27 Use Cases of AI in Construction 15:34 AI Tools for Contract Negotiation 20:55 The Role of AI in Legal Services 26:43 AI's Effect on Legal Business Models 31:10 Harnessing AI in Construction Litigation 36:11 The Role of AI in Arbitration 42:21 Communication Challenges in Construction 48:08 The Impact of AI on Meeting Minutes 54:19 Common Mistakes in Construction Contracts 56:56 Future of AI in Construction Law

A free contract review tool dropped. Then another one. And the construction tech industry started asking: has Document Crunch just been one-shotted?So we called Josh Levy, founder and CEO of Document Crunch, and asked him to respond.In this episode, Josh addresses the industry speculation head-on, explains why he believes you can't vibe code your way to trust in construction, reveals what Document Crunch has been building behind closed doors (including a major platform upgrade dropping this spring), and shares why companies that tried to DIY their own contract review tools are already coming back.Whether you're a construction tech founder, a contractor evaluating AI tools, or just following the vibe coding debate, this one's essential viewing.🔥 In this episode:00:00 — Intro00:46 — The question the industry's been asking01:59 — "We don't have any competitors"02:41 — The Man in the Arena quote05:08 — "You can't vibe code your way to trust"06:28 — Good luck earning the trust of legal departments09:35 — "You just recreated our product from six years ago"10:55 — How Document Crunch stays ahead of foundational models19:04 — The new Document Crunch platform reveal22:05 — Should the industry publish AI benchmarks?26:49 — The boomerang effect: companies coming back24:50 — Josh's closing message to founders and vibe coders🔗 Connect with Josh Levy:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshlevyesq/Document Crunch: https://www.documentcrunch.com/🔗 Connect with Bricks & Bytes:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/baboricksandbytes/Newsletter: https://www.bricksandbytes.co—Bricks & Bytes is the construction technology media company covering the people, companies, and ideas transforming the built world.#ConstructionTech #ConTech #AI #VibeCoding #DocumentCrunch #ContractReview #AEC #Construction #RiskManagement #StartupFounder #BricksAndBytes

This is the Bricks & Bytes Executive Weekly Briefing. ~20 minutes. Every week. The only construction briefing built from real conversations with the people making the decisions.A VP at a multi-billion-dollar US contractor told me this week that our industry is in its Blockbuster Video moment. Peak profitability, record volumes, and completely blind to what's coming. After everything I heard this week, I'm struggling to argue with him.In this briefing: UK construction activity collapses (starts down 31%, awards down 43%). Procore/Datagrid Q4 Earnings and bets the company on agentic AI. Autodesk drops $200M on spatial intelligence. A major UK contractor is designing bridges in 40 minutes instead of 4 months. 3D printed buildings hit an exponential curve. And Anthropic's AI safety chief quits to study poetry.Plus: three things you can do this week to start paddling before the wave breaks.Prefer to read? You can read the full thing at: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/16-20th-feb-blockbuster-moment-why-constructions-biggest-owen-drury-bxmce/?trackingId=h%2FThKac4QbeYZwobfKxHzg%3D%3D

Turner Construction was paying for specialist AI software. Then they ditched it for ChatGPT and it did 85% of the job. The founder they left behind says he's not even surprised.In this episode of Bricks, Bucks & Bytes, Owen, Patric, and Martin are joined by Luigi La Corte, CEO of Provision, for an unfiltered conversation about what AI is really doing to construction software  and who's about to get left behind. Plus, two founder call-ins you don't want to miss: Bertrand from Billdr reveals that 75% of SMB general contractors are still running their business on Excel in 2026, and Jodok walks us through how he secured a $1.2 billion debt facility to green Europe's homes.Here's what we get into:Why contract review software is being commoditized to zero — and which tools are nextTurner Construction ditching specialist AI software for OpenAI's "good enough" enterprise packageLuigi's bold claim that AGI is already here (and why he's running it from his couch via Telegram for $60/month)Patric's multi-lens take on AI: "excited as a consumer, terrified as a citizen"The Anthropic safety chief quitting to study poetry and why that should concern everyoneBilldr's pivot from a $40M marketplace to vertical SaaS, and the brute-force sales motion that's actually workingHow Jodok went from a $5M lending facility to $1.2 billion in under three years"The technological swell is here. Most leaders are just swimming, enjoying the sun, making money, business as usual. A few are paddling hard towards the swell. It feels like a lot of effort with no results, but when the wave breaks, the ones paddling will separate from everyone else at a pace no one else could catch."If you're in construction and not paying attention to AI right now, this episode will tell you exactly why you should be. Watch the full episode on YouTube. Link in the comments!Chapters00:00 Intro00:52 Introduction to Luigi La Corte and Industry Insights 03:30 AI in Construction: Scope Agent and Its Impact 06:27 Navigating Contract Review Tools in the AI Era 09:20 The Future of AI: Perspectives and Predictions 12:20 Diverse Sentiments on AI: Consumer vs. Societal Impact 14:37 AGI: Is It Already Here?  22:19 The Future of AI and Productivity 24:11 Concerns About AGI and Its Implications 25:26 The Impact of AI on Human Experience 26:37 Recursive Self-Improvement and Its Risks 27:48 Billdr's Journey and Market Positioning 37:55 The Demand for All-in-One Solutions in Construction Tech 40:01 The Evolution of General Contractors and Their Needs41:22 The Future of Administrative Tasks in Construction 42:35 Addressing the Missing Middle in Construction Companies 44:15 Financing the Energy Transition: ClueWorth's Approach 46:48 Scaling Operations in a Fragmented Market 54:06 Navigating Complexity in Energy Installations 58:04 Revenue Models and Future Growth Strategies

78% of trade contractors are already using AI.Yeah, you read that right. The industry everyone calls "slow to adopt tech" is actually out front leading the way.In today's episode of Bricks & Bytes, we had Colin Piper, CMO of BuildOps, and we got to learn about what it actually takes to market in construction tech, why no one was building software for the trades until now, and what 600 trade contractors revealed about AI adoption in their businesses... and many more!Tune in to find out about:✅ How BuildOps became a unicorn by solving a problem everyone else ignored building software specifically for MEP trade contractors✅ The real reason trade contractors aren't adopting AI faster (spoiler: it's not fear, it's training)✅ Why some trade contractors are now hiring data scientists and operating like mini software companies✅ The marketing playbook behind scaling a construction tech startup from brand awareness all the way through to closed dealsWhether you're in the trades, selling to the trades, or just trying to understand where construction tech is actually heading  this one's worth your time.🎧 Watch now on YouTube! Link in the comments!Our Sponsors:Aphex is the multiplayer planning platform where construction teams plan together, stay aligned, and deliver projects faster – check out aphex.coArchdesk -  “The #1 Construction Management Software for Growing Companies - Manage your projects from Tender to Handover” check archdesk.comBuildVision -   streamlining the construction supply chain with a unified platform - www.buildvision.ioChapters00:00 Intro01:36 Introduction to BuildOps and Colin's Background 04:49 Marketing Strategies in AEC Industry 07:31 Understanding Demand Generation 10:48 Account-Based Marketing Tactics 13:46 Overview of BuildOps and Its Market 16:35 Top of Funnel Awareness Strategies 19:37 Effective Channels for Targeting Trade Contractors 22:29 Influencer Marketing in B2B 34:41 Content Strategies for Trade Contractors 37:28 The Importance of Testing in Marketing 40:37 Campaign Development and Execution 43:32 The Role of Offline Marketing Channels 45:40 Structuring Marketing Teams for Success 47:32 Building an Effective Marketing Tech Stack 50:36 Insights from the BuildOps AI Report 56:39 Marketing Strategies for Trade Contractors 59:28 The Future of AI in Construction

"It took us seven seconds to know that acquiring Genda was the right move."That's what Aviv Leibovici, CPO of Buildots, told us about the moment the deal clicked.In today's episode of Bricks and Bytes, we had Aviv Leibovici from Buildots and Erez Dror, founder of Genda, and we got to learn about why Buildots acquired Genda, how combining visual progress data with workforce tracking creates what they call "productivity intelligence," why the best field data will be the new oil for AI in construction, and the hard truths about building products in this industry... and many more!Tune in to find out about:✅ Why knowing what was built is only half the picture and how workforce data completes the construction puzzle✅ How Genda got tens of thousands of construction workers to voluntarily use an app that tracks their location (the answer is genius)✅ The real reason projects delay  and why GCs blaming owner changes is only part of the story✅ Why studying your customers matters more than just listening to them  and how both founders approach product development differently than most🎧 Listen now on Spotify!#ConstructionTech #ConTech #RealityCapture #AI #BricksAndBytes #ProductivityIntelligence #Buildots #Genda #ConstructionOur Sponsors:Aphex is the multiplayer planning platform where construction teams plan together, stay aligned, and deliver projects faster – check out aphex.coArchdesk -  “The #1 Construction Management Software for Growing Companies - Manage your projects from Tender to Handover” check archdesk.comBuildVision -   streamlining the construction supply chain with a unified platform - www.buildvision.ioChapters00:00 Intro01:20 Introduction to BuildDots and Genda 04:16 Understanding Reality Capture and Productivity Intelligence 07:17 The Acquisition of Genda by BuildDots 09:60 The Vision Behind the Acquisition 13:16 Integration of BuildDots and Genda Products 15:50 The Future of Construction Technology 33:31 Understanding Productivity Through Data 40:02 The Reality Capture Landscape 44:30 Competitive Advantages in Construction Tech 51:15 Building Great Products in Construction 58:17 The Role of AI in Product Development

$300 billion wiped from software stocks in a single week. Is SaaS officially dead or is this the buying opportunity of a decade?In this episode of Bricks, Bucks & Bytes, Owen, Patric, Dustin, and Martin break down the so-called "SaaSpocalypse" rocking global markets, welcome back Bedrock CTO Kevin Peterson fresh off a massive $270M Series B that puts his autonomous excavator company into unicorn territory, and dissect the hilarious beef between Anthropic and OpenAI playing out on the Super Bowl stage.Topics discussed:The $300B+ SaaS valuation crash and whether it's a death sentence or a market correction back to normalWhy software engineers are now "juicing" with AI coding tools and what that means for the industryBedrock's journey from Series A to unicorn status, their autonomous excavators on real job sites, and why Google's Capital G is backing themWhere smart money is moving as investors flee software stocks (hint: Europe is winning)Anthropic's brilliant Super Bowl ad mocking OpenAI's plan to put ads in ChatGPT and Sam Altman's salty response38% of Stanford students claiming disability for perks and what it says about elite institutions💬 "LLMs are book smart. They've read every forum on Reddit, every book ever published. But when you get out in the field, it's not in the book." Kevin Peterson, CTO of BedrockWatch the full episode now on Youtube. Link in the comments!Our Sponsor:Aphex is the multiplayer planning platform where construction teams plan together, stay aligned, and deliver projects faster – check out aphex.coArchdesk -  “The #1 Construction Management Software for Growing Companies - Manage your projects from Tender to Handover” check archdesk.comBuildVision -   streamlining the construction supply chain with a unified platform - www.buildvision.ioChapters00:00 Intro01:26 The SaaSpocalypse: A New Era for Software 04:51 Market Corrections: The Future of SaaS Valuations 07:21 AI's Role in Software Development 18:54 The Evolution of Software Engineering 24:05 Bedrock's Journey: From Startup to Unicorn 30:49 The Future of Autonomous Construction Vehicles 32:54 Customer Perspectives and Ideal Partnerships 34:59 Safety and Supervision in Automation 36:01 Building a Strong Team for Innovation 438:14 Design Considerations for Autonomous Machines 39:40 Investment Trends in Robotics and AI 42:06 The Role of User Interface in Automation 47:20 Investment Strategies in Competitive Spaces 48:24 The Future of Autonomy and AI in Industry 49:35 The Battle of AI Companies: OpenAI vs. Anthropic 56:02 Disability Claims and University Ethics 01:07:06 Super Bowl Predictions and Lighthearted Banter

Should construction companies sort out their data before using AI? Or can AI sort it out for them?We put two heavyweights in the ring to fight it out.In one corner: Dustin DeVan, one of the most decorated CEOs in construction tech. Exited Building Connected for $275M. Now running Ediphi. He's seen $400M liens and knows what happens when your data falls apart in litigation.In the other corner: KP Reddy, serial entrepreneur, founder, investor, and the man with 48 career experiences on LinkedIn (yes, we counted). He's backed by the biggest names in AEC and has been building stuff since he was a kid.Dustin says get your house in order first. He's been through a $400M lien. Messy records in court? Not fun.KP disagrees. Projects end, teams move on, data ends up everywhere. That's just how construction works. AI can make sense of the mess.One thing they agreed on — Excel isn't going anywhere.No punches pulled. No fluff.Who won? You decide.🎧 What's your take — do we need structured systems before AI, or can AI help us build structure from the chaos?Our Sponsors:Provision helps pre-construction teams find risks and scope gaps early so they can bid with confidence: https://www.provision.com/Presented by Track3D - The first reality capture intelligence platform for smarter construction: https://track3d.ai/HVAKR - Develop mechanical designs under budget and ahead of schedule: https://www.hvakr.com/ALICE Technologies - Automates 'what-if' scenario exploration with AI — enabling you to rapidly test options, mitigate risk, and optimize schedules: https://www.alicetechnologies.com/homeDatagrid - Agentic AI that reads your docs, connects your tools, and gets the job done: https://datagrid.com/00:00 Intro01:00 Introduction to the Debate 03:25 The System of Record: Centralized vs. Decentralized 06:17 The Role of Language Models in Construction 09:18 Understanding Systems of Record 12:14 The Importance of Data Structure 15:07 Ontology and Context in Construction 17:58 The Expiry Date of Data 21:10 Business Building and Venture Capital in AEC 24:05 Excel vs. Cloud Tools 26:54 The Value of Historical Data 30:08 Defensibility in Business Models 33:10 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

"Cancel your AG1 subscription... AG1 has no real product substance and is fundamentally an influencer heist."In this episode of Bricks, Bucks & Bytes, Owen, Martin, and Patric dive into the wild world of 24/7 AI agents that can build your startup from bed, manage your Tinder profile, and apparently go rogue with your credit card.What's covered:The Maltbot phenomenon and why AI agents are taking over everyone's timeline (and whether you should let one run your life)Equipment Share's landmark IPO: the first major construction tech exit in years and what their $6B+ valuation means for the industryInside their "Big Short-style" financial engineering with equipment-backed securitiesThe upcoming AEC Fight Night 002 debate: Will AI kill the system of record?Meta's Metaverse abandonment after $75B spent (allegedly)Construction's shrinking labor shortage: what the new numbers really meanRobotics reaching a tipping point with multiple solutions now competing in each tradeHow Panasonic is crashing the price of site scanning technologyA stat that'll make you rethink 3D printing: half of all projects ever happened in 2024Quote of the episode:"I really do not understand the outsourcing of brains. I haven't understood it with social media... and agents is just the next ridiculous iteration of that." — PatricOur Sponsors:Aphex is the multiplayer planning platform where construction teams plan together, stay aligned, and deliver projects faster – check out aphex.coArchdesk -  “The #1 Construction Management Software for Growing Companies - Manage your projects from Tender to Handover” check archdesk.comBuildVision -   streamlining the construction supply chain with a unified platform - www.buildvision.ioChapters00:00 Intro00:54 The Rise of AI in Everyday Life 03:34 IPO Insights and Market Trends 06:32 AI Agents: The Future of Automation 07:38 Cultural Reflections on Technology and Lifestyle 10:04 Debating the Value of AI in Work 13:02 Ethics and Automation: A Double-Edged Sword 15:53 Real-World Applications of AI Agents 17:59 The Future of AI in Business 20:41 Equipment Share IPO: A Case Study 28:08 IPO Timing and Financial Considerations 30:20 Innovative Financial Solutions in Equipment Rental32:22 Global Applicability of Financial Engineering 33:44 Future Growth Strategies for Equipment Rental Companies 35:22 Market Share Insights in the Equipment Rental Industry 36:47 Understanding Voting Rights in IPOs 38:31 Challenges in Connecting with Founders 39:13 Meta's Shift from Metaverse to AI 41:29 Construction Industry Trends and Worker Shortages 43:42 Advancements in Robotics for Construction 46:40 AI's Impact on Robotics Development 48:29 Cost Reduction in Laser Scanning Technology 51:16 3D Printing Trends in Construction

Half of every 3D printed building in history was built in 2024.In today's episode of Bricks and Bytes, we had Stephan Mansour, Director of Operations at Printerra and one of the leading voices in additive construction standards development. We got to learn about why 2025 might be the tipping point for 3D printing in construction, how a full concrete structure can harden in just 30 minutes, and what's really holding the industry back from mass adoption... and so much more.Stephan's been in construction for nearly 20 years and led a pilot 3D printing project for Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Housing back in 2018. Since then, he's been instrumental in developing international standards that are finally giving this technology the credibility it needs.Tune in to find out about:✅ Why the "perfect storm" of labor shortages, climate disasters, and geopolitical instability is accelerating 3D printing adoption✅ The $62 million contract ICON just landed with the US Army Corps of Engineers✅ Dubai's mandate for 25% of buildings to be 3D printed by 2030 — and whether it's realistic✅ The biggest mistake companies make when getting into 3D printing (hint: don't buy that printer you saw on YouTube)✅ How standards development is the unsexy foundation that will unlock exponential growth🎧 Listen now on Spotify and Youtube! Link in the commentsOur Sponsors:Aphex is the multiplayer planning platform where construction teams plan together, stay aligned, and deliver projects faster – check out aphex.coArchdesk -  “The #1 Construction Management Software for Growing Companies - Manage your projects from Tender to Handover” check archdesk.comBuildVision -   streamlining the construction supply chain with a unified platform - www.buildvision.ioChapters00:00 Intro01:48 Introduction and Background 04:15 The Current State of 3D Printing in Construction 07:46 Understanding Additive Construction 12:06 The Role of Standards in 3D Printing 14:33 Challenges and Opportunities in Adoption 15:01 How 3D Printing Works in Construction 20:17 Real-World Applications of 3D Printing 24:15 The Future of 3D Printing in Construction32:42 Evaluating 3D Printing Technologies 38:02 Cost Considerations in 3D Printing 39:25 Learning Curve and Workforce Development 41:49 Design Flexibility in 3D Printing 43:51 Investor Perspectives on 3D Printing 46:07 The Impact of COVID on 3D Printing Adoption 47:43 Material Limitations and Environmental Factors 51:13 Key Players in the 3D Printing Industry 54:19 Future of 3D Printing in Construction

Procore just wrote a 9-figure check. Autodesk just cut 1,300 people. And someone called the best salespeople "the laziest."In this episode of Bricks, Bucks & Bytes, Owen, Dustin, and Patric sit down with Mike Powers, Kevin Halter, and Anton Glance to dissect the most chaotic week in construction tech. A founder just landed his second major exit. A website launched with zero mention of "AI." And a former Autodesk exec didn't hold back on who's winning the platform war.We get into:The real reason Procore acquired DataGrid — and why they won't make another bet like this for yearsAutodesk's layoffs and the "buy, build, buy" cycle that keeps repeatingKevin Halter's unfiltered take on Procore vs AutodeskWhy Mike removed every mention of "AI" from BuildVision's websiteThe warning sign AI startups need to hear right nowAnton's vision for BuildDroid — the robot simulation platform backed by Tim DraperKey quote:"Autodesk historically has been buy buy buy. Okay, we bought a bunch. Now we're going to build, build, build. And then they realized we're not good at building. So then we go buy buy buy." — Dustin DevanWatch the full episode on Youtube and Spotify. Link in the comments!Our Sponsor:Aphex is the multiplayer planning platform where construction teams plan together, stay aligned, and deliver projects faster – check out aphex.coArchdesk -  “The #1 Construction Management Software for Growing Companies - Manage your projects from Tender to Handover” check archdesk.comBuildVision -   streamlining the construction supply chain with a unified platform - www.buildvision.ioChapters00:00 Intro01:06 Industry Shifts and Acquisitions 03:53 Procore's Strategic Moves 07:06 Autodesk Layoffs and Market Reactions 09:54 Sales Strategies and Organizational Changes 12:50 AI's Impact on Construction Tech 15:51 Website Innovations in Construction Tech 18:53 Future of Startups in AEC Tech 21:56 Final Thoughts and Upcoming Events 32:58 Introduction to Build Word AI 34:40 Customer Engagement and Project Execution 37:44 Monetization Strategies and Business Model 39:26 Founding Story and Team Dynamics 41:14 Timing and Market Readiness 43:46 Global Expansion and Market Validation 45:21 Investment Insights and Fundraising Journey 47:26 Industry Trends and Future Outlook 49:51 Sales Strategies and Market Dynamics

"The first time a customer said 'yeah, I just blue beamed it' - that was a moment."When your product becomes a verb, you know you've built something legendary.In today's episode of Bricks, Bucks & Bytes, we had Don Jacob, Co-founder of Bluebeam, and we got to learn about the wild 24-year journey from NASA's Jet Propulsion Lab to building one of the most iconic products in construction tech... and the future of AI-powered collaboration that's coming next.Tune in to find out about:✅ Why Don left the premier space agency in the world to "sell dog food online" (and how that decision led to Bluebeam)✅ The secret sauce behind Bluebeam's legendary status: "When the phone rang, we picked up" - accessibility over everything✅ How bootstrap funding became their competitive advantage and forced the discipline that built the company DNA✅ Why we're living through the 1999 internet moment all over again with AI - and how Bluebeam Max is positioning for itBonus: the story of how a random bar encounter in Boston made this whole interview happen (thanks Tanya from Nemetschek!)Don's been at this for 24 years and the energy hasn't dimmed. If anything, he's more fired up about what's ahead than ever before.Listen now on Spotify and Youtube 🎧 Link in the comments!Our Sponsor:Aphex is the multiplayer planning platform where construction teams plan together, stay aligned, and deliver projects faster – check out aphex.coArchdesk -  “The #1 Construction Management Software for Growing Companies - Manage your projects from Tender to Handover” check archdesk.comBuildVision -   streamlining the construction supply chain with a unified platform - www.buildvision.ioChapters00:00 Intro01:40 Introduction and Serendipitous Connections 03:50 The Legacy of Bluebeam and Its Founding 11:09 From NASA to Bluebeam: A Journey Through Innovation 17:27 Democratizing Design Data: The Birth of Bluebeam 26:13 The Evolution of Bluebeam: From PDF to Collaboration 33:06 Simplicity in Software: The Key to Bluebeam's Success 36:41 The Core DNA of Bluebeam 38:32 Evolution of Bluebeam's Product Offerings 41:28 Collaboration and the Introduction of Studio 43:20 Acquisition by Nemechek: A Strategic Move 45:58 Lessons Learned from Building Great Products 50:09 Leadership and Team Dynamics 55:15 The Unbound Event and Future Innovations 56:32 Integrating AI into Bluebeam's Offerings

What happened to carbon accounting? (Spoiler: Nobody cares anymore)In this episode of Bricks, Bucks & Bytes, Owen, Martin, Dustin, and Patric dive into the rise and fall of carbon accounting in construction, why Autodesk's big bet didn't pan out, and what it reveals about the gap between tech hype and real-world adoption.In this episode:The carbon accounting boom that went bust—and why the U.S. construction industry never really caredPatric's hilarious "Frankenstein scale" metaphor that perfectly captures the absurdity of pre-construction carbon trackingCIV Robotics founder Tom Yeshurun on why they killed their drone product and how they're now doing 5,000+ layout points per dayThe construction tech IPO everyone's watching (and what it means for the industry)BREAKING: PlanGrid founders Tracy Young and Ralph Gootee just got acquired again—Lennar Homes buys their new company Tiger EyeKey quote: "When I was at Autodesk, they were very big on carbon accounting and everything would be front and center of every project by now... At least in the U.S., they don't really care about it. It's just the fact." — Dustin DevanPlus: Why construction roles are "booming" (or are they?), what AI agent is helping build the next Siri, and an invite to Ediphi's Agent-a-thon in San Francisco on January 23rd.Our Sponsor: Archdesk -  “The #1 Construction Management Software for Growing Companies - Manage your projects from Tender to Handover” check archdesk.comBuildVision -   streamlining the construction supply chain with a unified platform - www.buildvision.ioAphex is the multiplayer planning platform where construction teams plan together, stay aligned, and deliver projects faster – check out aphex.coChapters00:00 Intro00:53 Introduction to Carbon Accounting 03:36 Understanding Carbon Accounting and Its Importance 05:46 Challenges in Carbon Accounting for Construction 10:38 Investigative Insights on Carbon Credits 20:05 The Acquisition of Plan A by Diginex 26:19 Incentives and Exit Strategies 27:05 Apple's AI Strategy: A Cautious Approach 29:07 The Value of Waiting in Tech Development 31:05 The Role of Employee Retention in Tech Companies 36:58 OpenAI and Competitive Reactions 43:41 EquipmentShare's IPO and Business Model Insights 53:18 Understanding Financial Metrics for Tech Companies 54:40 The Challenges of Financial Forecasting 58:26 Innovations in Construction: Civ Robotics' Approach 01:08:01 Future Directions and Exit Strategies for Startups

"I checked the cash balance and the number came out negative. I had to call my wife and say we might need to liquidate our entire 401k to make payroll."In today's episode of Bricks and Bytes, we had Thiago Da Costa from DataGrid and Clifton Harness from TestFit and we got to learn about the raw truth of building construction tech startups - from pivoting at $1M ARR to nearly missing payroll.These founders didn't hold back. They shared the moments that almost broke them and the decisions that saved their companies.Tune in to find out about:✅ Why Thiago pivoted his entire company after raising a Series A (and how he told his board)✅ The morning Clifton woke up and realized he couldn't make payroll✅ Why most construction tech companies plateau at $3-5M ARR and never break through✅ How to know when you've actually found product-market fit versus when you're chasing a ghostWatch now to hear the full conversation about what it really takes to build in construction tech.Our SponsorAphex is the multiplayer planning platform where construction teams plan together, stay aligned, and deliver projects faster – check out aphex.coArchdesk -  “The #1 Construction Management Software for Growing Companies - Manage your projects from Tender to Handover” check archdesk.comBuildVision -   streamlining the construction supply chain with a unified platform - www.buildvision.ioChapters00:00 Introduction to Startup Journeys 05:47 Navigating the Pre-Seed Stage 12:47 The Importance of Pre-Sales and Pivoting 17:39 Understanding Product Market Fit 23:22 Defining Product Market Fit in Construction Tech 31:14 Facing Startup Challenges and Scary Moments 33:25 Navigating Financial Challenges 37:07 The Importance of Family in Business 39:00 Facing Fear of Failure and Pivots 40:32 Balancing Hype and Substance in Business 48:47 Endurance in Entrepreneurship 54:53 Optimizing for People in Startups