To Build is Human

Utility infrastructure has to work every hour of every day—yet the drawings, data, and tools behind it often lag reality. Shawn Weekly, Software Developer at POWER Engineers, joins Deb and Reg to explain why as-builts frequently diverge from what’s on the ground, how that breaks downstream processes, and what practical fixes look like.We dig into LiDAR as-builts, why a 3D model isn’t a “digital twin,” and the role of document management and transmittals in cutting delivery from months to weeks. Shawn outlines how standards (IEC/IEEE/ANSI) should be API-accessible, how RAG and knowledge graphs can power useful agents, and why adoption hinges on aligning tools with the sources engineers actually trust.If you’re trying to make design data reliable—and make change stick—this episode offers concrete steps and a clear north star for the next decade.In this episode:Why substations often “work in spite of the tech”The hidden cost of inaccurate as-builtsLiDAR, point clouds, and safer paths to ground truth“Digital twin” vs. a 3D model (and why it matters)Standards as APIs + the role of RAG and knowledge graphsVisit TonicDm to learn more.

CannonDesign’s Dorinda Shabazz, SVP, Director of Information Technology, blends technical rigor with human-centered change.She traces a path from early programming to enterprise leadership, then shares what’s working now: moving fully out of the data center; using SharePoint for documents and Autodesk Construction Cloud for production; and rolling out an internal AI chat (for proposals, org knowledge—even PTO checks) with governance over any new AI tools.We discuss CannonDesign’s Digital Products group that builds targeted internal tools when commercial options don’t fit, and a firm culture that pairs operational efficiency with equity and outcomes for clients. Dorinda’s practical advice lands on continuous improvement, clear governance, and storytelling as a change lever.If you’re deciding when to build vs. buy, how to deploy Copilot alongside internal AI, or how to guide teams through constant change, this is a concise, actionable playbook.In this episode:Cloud migration lessons (and what it unlocks)Internal AI tools vs. public AI—where the line isDigital Products building internal tools that fit real workflowsHow to start with inefficiencies, not shiny techThe underrated skill: storytelling as change leadershipVisit TonicDm to learn more.

Brent Mauti, Chief Technology Officer at Turner Fleischer makes a straightforward case for modern practice: stop re-typing and start binding.He explains why “single source of truth” often misleads teams, and how a “single source of entry” plus stable project and person IDs lets ERP, BIM, and everyday tools share the same information without duplication. Brent walks through concrete wins—replacing fragile staffing and fee spreadsheets with internal apps; connecting Revit, specs, and the physical product library so designers are two clicks from what they need; and using Power BI with Excel without re-keying data.We also cover when to build vs. buy, the project coordinator’s role as a data steward, and why clean, connected data is the only honest foundation for AI. If you’re trying to reduce friction while protecting creativity, this episode gives steps you can act on next week.In this episode:“Single source of entry” as a north starBinding ERP + Revit + specs + product knowledgeReplacing shared spreadsheets with internal appsBuild vs. buy: when custom tools are worth itWhy clean data is the prerequisite for AIVisit TonicDm to learn more.

Nora Swanson, Director of Innovation & Knowledge Management at JB&B, shares how a six-person innovation team partners with—but operates parallel to—IT to protect security while moving faster.She distinguishes “little-I” innovations (workflow improvements) from “big-I” disruptions (changing how work is delivered) and explains their vision of AI moving from assistant to collaborator—eventually becoming a teammate in organizational charts. We cover practical enablement: upgrading the intranet to quietly prepare for AI, letting staff spin up bots on vetted content, and defining strict boundaries around client and NDA-protected data.Nora also details JB&B's plan to capture senior expertise through knowledge interviews and why change management starts early and never really ends. If you need a model for structured innovation, safer AI pilots, and culture-forward change, this episode gives you a blueprint you can adapt to your firm.In this episode:How an internal innovation team functions like an “internal vendor”Workplace efficiency vs. tech transformationAI enablement through intranet and knowledge structureGuardrails for sensitive project/client dataKnowledge capture interviews and the shelf-life of expertiseVisit TonicDm to learn more.

To Build Is Human is a podcast from TonicDM where co-founders Reg Prentice and Deb Johnston talk with architects, engineers, and technologists about how work actually gets built—through data, process, communication, and people. Each episode is grounded in real practice: messy handoffs, disconnected systems, outdated documentation, and the cultural friction of change. You’ll hear practical playbooks for making project information trustworthy, reducing duplicate effort, deploying AI responsibly, and preserving institutional knowledge—without interrupting creativity.Season 1 highlights AI readiness in the real world—not hype. It’s a tour of the foundations that make modern AEC work: clean data, reliable processes, and human-centered change management. Across six conversations, you’ll hear how leaders are replacing brittle spreadsheets, modernizing document and knowledge systems, connecting design data to business systems, and setting governance so AI and automation can actually deliver value.Visit TonicDm to learn more.