AEC Tech Journeys with Mayur Mistry

In this episode, Abyl Ikshanov, co-founder and CTO of Volve Technologies, shares insights into building AI-driven solutions for the construction industry, from early career highlights to technical challenges and future expansion plans.

 

key topics

AI and knowledge graphs in construction

Technical challenges in building AI products

Product development and iteration with customer feedback

Market expansion and industry-specific insights

takeaways

Understanding the importance of structured data in AI models

The significance of evaluation and grounding in AI features

Iterative development driven by customer feedback

Challenges of building industry-specific AI solutions

Keywords

AI, construction tech, knowledge graph, product development, startup journey

 

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Abyl Ikshanov and his background

01:36 Meeting co-founders and initial idea research

02:09 Identifying inefficiencies in construction documentation

03:29 Tech stack and architecture considerations for AI in construction

04:35 How the product works: from scope items to work packages

07:25 Most challenging technical feature and proudest achievement

08:52 Importance of evaluation and grounding in AI features

09:40 Proudest moments and iterative development process

10:43 Lessons learned and industry-specific insights

12:02 Supporting the mission and future expansion

 

💡Learn more about Volve Technologies here: https://www.volvetech.com/about 

 

📞 If you are exploring ai in construction or need support in GTM for your construction tech startup, book a discovery call using this link : 

https://calendly.com/mayur-mistry7/consultancy-discovery-call  

 

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In this episode, Mairéad Morgan, community lead at Autodesk, shares her inspiring journey from architecture to digital innovation, highlighting key lessons on career growth, mentorship, and embracing technology in the AEC industry.

 

key topics

Mairéad Morgan's career highlights and journey

Mentorship and industry influence

Digital transformation and AI in architecture

Community building and industry support

Challenges and lessons in technology adoption

takeaways

Hard work and persistence are key to career success.

Mentorship and community involvement are invaluable.

Digital transformation requires understanding diverse needs.

Adapting to fast-paced AI developments is crucial.

Prioritize well-being and work-life balance.

Keywords

architecture, digital transformation, Autodesk, BIM, community building, mentorship, career highlights, AI in AEC, industry innovation

 

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Mairéad Morgan's background

02:08 Career highlights and full circle moments

03:57 Mentorship and industry influence

06:58 Proudest moments and achievements

09:07 A day in the life of a community lead at Autodesk

11:53 Digital transformation and technology adoption challenges

15:50 Lessons for smaller firms and tech ecosystem

19:00 Advice for aspiring professionals and industry insights

23:05 The future of AI and digital innovation in AEC

30:02 Well-being, personal growth, and rapid-fire questions

 

💡Learn more about Autodesk here: https://www.autodesk.com/ 

 

📞 If you are exploring ai in construction or need support in GTM for your construction tech startup, book a discovery call using this link : 

https://calendly.com/mayur-mistry7/consultancy-discovery-call  

 

📩 Don’t miss future episodes. Subscribe: https://aiaecdigest.substack.com/

In this episode, Winka Dubbeldam, Founding Partner Archi-Tectonics NYC LLC and Director & CEO at SCI-Arc Los Angeles. A renowned architect and educator, shares her journey from Europe to the US, her influences, and her insights on the future of architecture with AI and sustainability.

 

key topics

Winka's career journey from the Netherlands to the US

Influences from Rem Koolhaas, Stephen Hall, Bernard Chumi, and Peter Eiserman

Evolution of teaching methods with digital tools and AI

The role of AI in architectural research and design

Architects' responsibility in addressing global warming and sustainability

Winka's work in Latin America and Africa on sustainable projects

The importance of diversity and global perspectives in architecture

Balancing scientific and artistic aspects of architecture

 

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Winka Dubbeldam and her background

02:09 Evolution of teaching methods with digital tools and AI

06:35 Current capabilities and limitations of AI in architecture

09:16 A typical week in Winka's professional life

10:47 Lessons learned from career challenges and crises

12:29 Projects during crises: urban planning and social impact

14:14 Supporting Latin American architecture and diversity

16:45 The responsibility of architects in climate action

18:06 Rapid fire questions: personal favorites and future wishes

19:25 Closing thoughts and message to aspiring architects

 

💡Learn more about SCI-Arc here: https://www.sciarc.edu/ 

 

📞 If you are exploring ai in construction or need support in GTM for your construction tech startup, book a discovery call using this link : 

https://calendly.com/mayur-mistry7/consultancy-discovery-call  

 

📩 Don’t miss future episodes. Subscribe: https://aiaecdigest.substack.com/

In this episode, Eric Helitzer, founder and CEO of SubBase, shares his journey from construction trades to building innovative material management software for the construction industry. Discover key lessons learned, the challenges of tech adoption among subcontractors, and insights into industry-specific product development.

 

key topics

Construction industry evolution and tech adoption

Lessons learned from building a construction SaaS

Challenges of building for subcontractors

Industry-specific product development insights

The importance of relationships in construction tech

Strategies for onboarding and customer success

The role of education in construction software adoption

 

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Eric Helitzer and SubBase

02:08 Identifying industry pain points and solutions

02:54 Lessons learned in construction and tech development

04:21 Building for subcontractors and understanding their needs

07:31 The journey from idea to pilot customers

09:57 Key lessons in product discovery and user experience

10:55 Prioritizing trade-specific workflows

13:13 Moments of pride and milestones

15:38 Onboarding process and implementation approach

17:33 Supporting industry education and awareness

19:50 Effective go-to-market strategies in construction

22:39 Rapid fire: personal favorites and insights

23:20 Closing thoughts and industry advice

 

💡Learn more about SubBase here: https://www.subbase.io/ 

 

📞 If you are exploring ai in construction or need support in GTM for your construction tech startup, book a discovery call using this link : 

https://calendly.com/mayur-mistry7/consultancy-discovery-call  

 

📩 Don’t miss future episodes. Subscribe: https://aiaecdigest.substack.com/

In this episode, Aurimas Sabulis, founder and CEO of Dextall, explains how prefabricated exterior systems and design software can make commercial construction faster, less expensive, more consistent, and more sustainable. He also shares lessons on focus, scaling innovation, industry adoption, and building credibility in construction.

Key topics

Aurimas Sabulis’s journey from INTUS Windows to Dextall

Prefabricated exterior wall systems and design software

Building a scalable solution for commercial construction

Sustainability and carbon reduction in building exteriors

Overcoming resistance to new construction technology

Go-to-market strategies for architects, developers, and contractors

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Aurimas and his background

02:25 The need for innovation in building exterior design and construction

05:25 Benefits of prefabrication: speed, cost, and quality

08:29 Physical and design innovations introduced by Dextal

10:19 Aurimas's personal discipline from endurance sports

13:26 Refining focus to certain building heights and types

15:08 Aligning product focus with market needs

15:42 The modular exterior wall system and regional focus

17:14 Dextal's comprehensive approach: design, fabrication, installation

19:55 The challenge of industry adoption and credibility

20:33 Overcoming industry risk aversion with proven results

23:26 Influencing design workflows and changing habits

24:33 Go-to-market strategies and relationship building

27:00 Aurimas's rapid fire: personal preferences and insights

28:57 Closing thoughts and industry outlook

 

💡Learn more about Dextall here: https://www.dextall.com/ 

 

📞 If you are exploring ai in construction or need support in GTM for your construction tech startup, book a discovery call using this link : 

https://calendly.com/mayur-mistry7/consultancy-discovery-call  

 

📩 Don’t miss future episodes. Subscribe: https://aiaecdigest.substack.com/