Buildings 2.0

Gabe Maser, Executive Vice President, Innovation & Growth at the International Code Council, shares insights on building codes, their impact on housing costs, and how technology and policy are shaping safer, more affordable buildings. Discover how codes evolve with science, technology, and industry needs, and what to expect in the upcoming 2027 code updates.
 
key topics
Building codes and housing costs
Science and data driving code updates
Proactive consensus building in code development
Innovations in disaster resilience and safety
The role of technology and AI in code enforcement
Middle housing and affordability strategies
Future code considerations for climate and safety
The process of feedback and code evolution
Digital transformation in building safety
Resources for practitioners and policymakers
 
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Gabe Maser and the ICC
01:10 Debunking Myths: Do Building Codes Make Housing Expensive?
02:22 Cost of Codes vs. Construction Costs
04:24 Complexity of Developing and Implementing Codes
06:02 Innovations in Data Centers and Middle Housing
12:07 Updating Codes for Flood and Disaster Risks
13:17 Addressing Wildfire Risks and Post-Disaster Lessons
15:35 Balancing Cost and Safety in Code Changes
16:25 Supporting Middle Housing and Affordability
17:38 Classifying Data Centers and Emerging Technologies
19:06 Upcoming 2027 Code Changes and Innovations
23:01 The Role of 3D Scanning and AI in Building Safety
24:01 AI and Technology in Code Development and Enforcement
28:03 Digital Transformation and Future of Permitting
29:57 Supporting Local Jurisdictions and Resources for Code Adoption
30:19 Connecting with Gabe and ICC for Updates

In this episode, Chris Faulhaber, Director of Digital Transformation at EarthBrain, shares insights on how digital transformation and AI are revolutionizing the heavy civil construction industry. We explore the current state of digitization, the economics of dirt moving, and the future of autonomous technology on job sites.
Key Topics
The impact of AI and digital transformation in construction
How data collection and analysis improve project efficiency
The economics of dirt moving and project cost management
The role of autonomous machinery and future job site automation
Strategies for effective digital adoption and collaboration in construction
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Chris Faulhaber and Digital Transformation in Construction00:33 The Opportunities and Risks of AI Adoption02:01 The State of Digital Transformation in Heavy Civil Construction03:21 How Equipment Data Is Changing Earthmoving05:31 What It Really Means to Digitize Dirt07:01 The Economics of Moving Dirt10:19 Building Trust Through Drone Data and Digital Collaboration12:02 Why Contractors Are Not as Unique as They Think13:45 Autonomous Machinery and the Future of Construction Sites17:27 The Most Exciting Heavy Civil Projects18:34 Career Advice for the Next Generation of Engineers20:16 Closing the Generational and Technology Gap22:00 Where to Follow Chris Faulhaber

In this episode, Maribeth Martorana, Founder and CEO of Sapient Advisors, shares insights on how AI is transforming the built environment, emphasizing disciplined adoption, data foundations, and future-proofing strategies for businesses in real estate and finance.
 
key topics
AI adoption in real estate and finance
Data foundations and governance
Future-proofing business systems
Building proprietary data advantage
AI models: cloud vs. on-premise
Change management in AI transformation
takeaways
Disciplined operators win in AI, not just fast adopters.
Start with your business strategy before AI implementation.
Leverage internal and external data for competitive advantage.
Build cross-functional teams for AI success.
Prioritize use cases and start small with pilots.
 
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Maribeth Martorana and AI in the Built Environment
01:39 Market challenges for middle-market companies in AI adoption
03:00 Aligning AI initiatives with business strategy
06:20 Differentiating through proprietary data and unique insights
08:30 Localized and distributed AI models
10:47 Future-proofing data architecture for AI
14:43 Structured vs. unstructured data in AI
17:32 Preparing documents and data for AI readiness
20:13 Translating business needs into technological solutions
23:48 What excites Maribeth about AI’s future
25:10 Empowering organizations and individuals with AI

In this episode, Marc Minor, Co-Founder & CEO of Higharc, discusses how AI and data-driven technology are transforming home building, making it more efficient, customizable, and scalable. We explore the challenges of traditional construction, the potential of generative design, and the future of standardized yet personalized homes.
key topics
The impact of AI on home building
Challenges in traditional construction processes
The role of data and generative design in housing
Balancing customization and scalability in homes
Higharc's platform and its industry implications
 
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Marc Minor and Higharc
01:17 Personal Story: Building a Home in Durham and Lessons Learned
03:02 Current State of Home Construction in America
06:50 Existing Spectrum of Home Building Processes
08:23 The Need for Speed and Consistency in Home Construction
11:17 Balancing Standardization and Customization
13:23 The Role of Standardization and Scale
16:07 Supporting Commercial and Retrofit Projects
19:13 Higharc's Customer Base: Builders and Distributors
21:22 AI's Role in Estimating and Design Automation
28:34 Most Impactful AI Use Cases in Higharc
33:44 Encoding Building Codes and Automation Risks
34:56 Skills Needed for Future Construction Tech Innovators
41:34 Building Sustainable Competitive Moats in AI Era

In this episode, Luke Prescott, Head of Product at Bluebeam, discusses the practical applications of AI in construction documentation, the evolving role of PDFs, and how Bluebeam is innovating with tools like Bluebeam Max to enhance industry workflows.
 
key topics
AI's practical applications in construction
Bluebeam's role in digital transformation
The evolution and importance of PDFs in construction
Introduction of Bluebeam Max and AI agents
Balancing automation and human expertise in construction
 
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Luke Prescott and Bluebeam
00:59 The current landscape of AI in construction
01:57 Bluebeam's role in digital transition and AI integration
02:56 Transformative vs incremental AI approaches
04:00 The enduring role of PDFs in construction workflows
07:01 AI as a portable database for construction data
09:00 Workflow preferences: 2D PDFs vs BIM
10:53 AI's role in decision-making and communication
12:59 AI detecting design anomalies and automating tasks
15:53 Bluebeam Max and the shift to AI agents
17:54 Balancing automation, trust, and accuracy
21:02 Future of AI in construction and industry insights
26:02 Business models and licensing in the AI era
28:09 The importance of industry expertise and relationships
31:11 Advice for the next generation of construction tech professionals

In this episode, Jeff Chen, Director of Digital Transformation at Symetri, discusses the real value of AI in building management, the importance of data quality, and how digital twins can be scaled effectively. We explore practical insights for owners, operators, and technologists aiming to leverage AI and BIM for smarter infrastructure management.
 
key topics
The real ROI of AI in construction and building management
Data quality and asset management in BIM
Scaling digital twins beyond flagship projects
AI-driven decision making for facilities management
Standardization and data interoperability in infrastructure
 
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Jeff Chen and his expertise in data management
01:28 Why clients rush to AI without understanding their actual needs
04:32 Broader scope of BIM for owner-operators and lifecycle management
09:55 The importance of asset definition and data scope
12:19 Connecting data silos and standardization challenges
15:00 The pillars of creating effective digital twins
16:54 Cost and manual effort in creating digital twins
24:15 Successful examples and ongoing challenges in digital twin adoption
26:30 Can digital twins exist without detailed BIM models?
28:32 Connecting different user needs with AI solutions
33:08 The future of AI services versus software subscriptions

Andrew Zang, Founder and CEO of Bespoke AIR, explores how responsible AI is reshaping commercial real estate by helping landlords and leasing teams work smarter, move faster, and unlock new revenue opportunities. Drawing on his experience in billions of dollars of real estate transactions, Andrew explains why generic AI tools aren't enough and why tailored, industry-specific solutions are essential for meaningful adoption. 
 
He also shares practical strategies for securing organizational buy-in, preserving institutional knowledge, and integrating AI into leasing and transaction workflows without losing the human relationships that drive the industry.
 
key topics
The importance of tailored AI solutions for real estate
Organizational buy-in and AI governance
Operationalizing AI in leasing and transactions
 
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to AI in Real Estate
01:02 Understanding Landlord Needs and AI Solutions
06:17 The Importance of Organizational Buy-In
08:45 Operationalizing AI in Real Estate
14:08 Building Effective AI Teams
18:36 Bespoke AIR: A Tailored AI Solution
22:26 Speeding Up the Leasing Process
25:39 Catalyzing Change in Real Estate with AI

In this episode, Will Curtis, Founder and Principal Broker of Crossed Sabers Commercial Real Estate, shares his perspective on the rapidly evolving commercial real estate landscape and the forces reshaping office, industrial, and investment markets. Drawing on his military background and decades of CRE experience, Will explores how operational excellence, technology adoption, and AI-driven systems are helping firms improve efficiency while maintaining a competitive edge. He also discusses innovative leasing strategies, the future of office space, and why human relationships and trust remain irreplaceable in an increasingly digital world.
Key Topics
Impact of AI on CRE operations
Trends in office and industrial markets
Innovative lease structures and flexibility
The importance of human relationships in CRE
Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Will Curtis and His Journey 02:13 Current Trends in the San Antonio Real Estate Market 04:42 Industry-Specific Trends in Office Space Utilization 07:21 Attributes of Attractive Commercial Office Spaces 10:52 Challenges Facing Landlords and Financing Issues 16:34 Will Curtis's Business Model and Systems Approach 18:35 Balancing Relationships and Technology in Real Estate 20:14 The Role of AI in Enhancing Productivity 24:23 The Enduring Importance of Human Interaction 27:12 The Underrated Role of Property Managers 30:16 Advice for Young Professionals Entering Real Estate

In this episode, Alexis McGuffin, National Director of Digital Delivery at Suffolk Construction, explores how the construction industry must evolve beyond traditional VDC and BIM roles to unlock the full value of digital delivery. She shares her vision for the future "digital engineer," discusses why technology alone isn't enough, and explains how organizations can better integrate data, people, and processes to drive project success. Alexis also dives into talent development, labor challenges, contract innovation, and the leadership skills construction professionals need to thrive in a rapidly changing industry.
Key Topics
The evolution of Virtual Design and Construction (VDC)
The rise of the digital engineer in construction
Strategic integration of technology and organizational change
Chapters 00:00 The Evolution of VDC in Construction 05:22 Challenges in the Current Construction Landscape 10:28 The Future of Project Management in Construction 14:43 Differentiating Construction Companies Today 19:26 Addressing the Labor Shortage in Construction 22:30 A Vision for the Future of Construction Contracts 24:08 Advice for the Next Generation of Construction Professionals

In this episode, Matthew Schneider, Founder and CEO of Building Inc., explores how trusted data, blockchain, and AI are transforming the real estate industry. Learn why data verification is becoming the foundation of faster transactions, better investment decisions, and more transparent property operations. Matthew also shares his vision for tokenization, digital infrastructure, and the future of real estate innovation.
 
Key Topics• Data organization and verification in real estate• Building trust through digital infrastructure• The hidden costs of poor property data• AI, governance, and the importance of trusted information• Blockchain applications in real estate• Understanding tokenization and asset liquidity• Digital twins, BIM, and the future of property management• How transparency can increase property value and investor confidence
Chapters00:00 Introduction to Building Inc.05:15 The Importance of Data Verification09:16 Understanding the Cost of Doing Business13:41 Budgeting for Building Inc.17:19 The Role of Trust in Real Estate Data21:11 Verification Processes in Real Estate25:27 Tokenization and Its Impact on Real Estate29:55 Building the Future of Real Estate