Building Stories

Luke Johnson and Michael Clothier
Building Stories

Come here for funny, honest stories about Building, Design, Engineering and Construction! We will welcome expert guests and discuss industry trends. Powered by Deep Space - Mission Critical Construction AI

  1. 7 HRS AGO

    Episode 24 - Matthew Mackey - Why Construction Keeps Repeating the Same Mistakes

    “We’re still fundamentally building in the same way we were 30 years ago.” – Matthew Mackey In this episode of Building Stories - The Podcast, powered by Deep Space, we sit down with Matthew Mackey, National Service Lead for Cost and Commercial Management at Arcadis. With over 25 years in the industry, Matthew reflects on the repeated mistakes construction keeps making and what must change to build better, faster, and smarter. We discuss: Why construction has been stuck in the same cycle for decadesThe real barriers to tech adoption, and why Excel still dominates the industryHow change management is just as important as the tech itselfThe long-term vision construction needs to break free from short-term thinkingWhat smaller contractors can do to improve cost control and survive in tough markets Matthew shares his experience leading internal innovation at Arcadis, highlighting the challenges of driving change in an industry built on habit. ‍ Key Sections: Matthew’s Path into Construction and Arcadis – 02:24Why Construction Struggles to Change – 09:00The Hidden Challenge of Internal Tech Development – 12:00How to Drive Change in a Resistant Industry – 19:30What the Future Holds for Construction Tech and AI – 26:30The Critical Role of Government Leadership in Innovation – 32:00Advice for Small Contractors Facing Financial Struggles – 34:50Building Stories is powered by Deep Space – Mission Critical Construction AI. ‍

    46 min

  2. 24 FEB

    Episode 23 - Brett King - The Data Problem No One Wants to Talk About

    “We have been collecting data for years. We just sit on this gold mine and do nothing with it.” – Brett King In this episode of Building Stories - The Podcast, powered by Deep Space, we sit down with Brett King, Director of Industry Transformation at Procore, to talk about the real problem with construction tech, data that never gets used. Brett shares his journey from South Africa to the UK, working on major construction projects, and why he made the leap from contractor to construction tech. He dives into the disconnect between digital tools and real-world site workflows, why point solutions are failing the industry, and how we can finally start turning data into action. We discuss: Why construction still struggles to turn data into better decisions The biggest mistakes companies make when adopting new tech Why quality needs to be a proactive strategy, not just defect management The importance of collaboration between design and construction teams What AI needs to do to truly make an impact on-siteIf you have ever questioned why construction still operates in silos, why tech adoption is slow, or why the same mistakes keep happening, this episode is for you. Key Sections: • From Graphic Design to Construction - Brett’s Career Path – 02:24 • The Love-Hate Relationship with Construction – 08:40 • Why Data Gets Collected But Never Used – 09:06 • The Real Challenges of Change Management – 22:12 • Why Construction Contracts Create More Problems Than They Solve – 29:53 • The Role of AI and the Future of Tech in Construction – 33:51Building Stories is powered by Deep Space – Mission Critical Construction AI.

    33 min

  3. 11 FEB

    Episode 22 - Deep Space Founders - Why We Took the Risk

    “You needed the scars on your back and the calluses on your hands to really understand the problem.” – Ricky Sevta In this special episode ofBuilding Stories - The Podcast, powered by Deep Space, we bring together the founding team to share the story behind Deep Space, why they took the leap, and what they’ve learned along the way. Ricky Sevta, Michael Clothier, Sudeshan Mudali, and Luke Johnson pull back the curtain on thechallenges of building a tech company in construction, from the early days of sketching ideas over beers to scaling an industry-first AI-driven platform. We discuss: Why experience matters- and why a couple of grads with a big idea wouldn’t have survived in construction tech The scars of building a business- hard lessons from past ventures and why timing is everything The Deep Space mission-how AI is changing the game for site teams, designers, and asset owners The industry shift-why construction can’t afford to wait any longer to embrace AI-driven decision-making How they are solving the complexity problem- less tech, more action, and making AI work in the real world A raw and unfiltered look at what it takes to build a company that is set toredefine construction technology. Key Sections: The Founders’ Journey – How Deep Space Began – 02:24 Lessons Learned from Past Ventures – 09:45 Why AI is the Next Revolution in Construction – 17:43 The Deep Space Vision – What Makes This Different – 26:54 What the Next Five Years Look Like for Construction Tech – 37:04 Building Stories is powered byDeep Space – Mission Critical Construction AI.

    1h 6m

  4. 28 JAN

    Episode 21 - Bilal Succar - The Future of BIM and Digital Transformation

    “We are in the middle of it. If you fast-forward 10 years, you’ll look back at now as a watershed moment.” – Bilal Succar In this episode of Building Stories - The Podcast, powered by Deep Space, we’re joined by Bilal Succar, a globally recognised specialist consultant, performance assessor, and independent researcher in digital transformation and BIM. Bilal shares his unique journey from starting in business and interior design to becoming a leading figure in BIM adoption and digital transformation policies. He reflects on the evolution of construction technology, the critical role of AI, and the challenges of standardising processes across a fragmented industry. We discuss: • Why BIM terminology evolves but the foundations remain the same • The challenges of connecting digital tools with real-world site workflows • How AI will reshape construction competencies and roles • The importance of integrated supply chains for long-term learning and efficiency • Why technology alone isn’t enough, process and value are key This episode offers actionable insights for anyone passionate about improving efficiency and innovation in construction.‍ Key Sections: From Interior Design to Digital Transformation – 02:24 Why Labels Change but the Core Stays – 04:18 AI and the Next Generation of Spatial Tools – 09:45 The Importance of Process in Technology Adoption – 20:28 Why Integrated Supply Chains Are Crucial – 26:54 Change Agents and Their Role in Industry Transformation – 37:04 Building Stories is powered by Deep Space – Mission Critical Construction AI.‍

    46 min
  5. Episode 20 - Erin Khan - Why Process Comes Before Technology in Construction

    15 JAN

    Episode 20 - Erin Khan - Why Process Comes Before Technology in Construction

    “We really need to understand the essential processes before we go to just slap on some tech and hope it works.” – Erin Khan In this episode of Building Stories - The Podcast, powered by Deep Space, we’re joined by Erin Khan, a seasoned AEC technology consultant and former National Director of Construction Solutions at Suffolk Construction. Erin shares her journey from civil engineering to leading tech-driven innovation in construction, offering a realistic view of where technology adds value and where it fails. We discuss: 🔹 The biggest mistake contractors make when implementing technology 🔹 Why BIM adoption has been slower than expected and what’s holding companies back 🔹 How AI fits into construction workflows and why it won’t solve bad data problems 🔹 The role of mentorship and knowledge transfer as experienced workers retire 🔹 Why smaller contractors struggle with innovation and what they can do about it Erin emphasises the importance of aligning technology with real-world site processes to ensure adoption, efficiency, and long-term success Key Sections From Music to Engineering – 02:24 The Gap Between Tech & Reality – 05:04 Understanding Process Before Implementing Tech – 06:44 Why BIM Adoption is Still a Struggle – 08:17 Risks, Challenges & Best Uses of AI – 17:43 The Future of Learning – 36:56 Quick Fire Round – 41:46 Building Stories is powered by Deep Space – Mission Critical Construction AI.

    42 min

  6. 20/12/2024

    Episode 19 - Phil Walton - Turning Knowledge into Action in Construction

    “Don't tell, ask, because questions are like keys. They unlock things and they'll open doors. When you tell, you lose the ability to do that.” – Phil Walton In this episode of Building Stories - The Podcast, powered by Deep Space, we sit down with Phil Walton, a safety and risk specialist with over 20 years of experience across construction, infrastructure, and public sectors. Phil dives into the critical role of safety and risk management in an evolving industry, highlighting the challenges of knowledge loss as experienced workers near retirement. He explores practical approaches to capturing tacit knowledge, the importance of consultation and co-design, and why embedding safety into organisational culture is vital for future success. From navigating complex safety environments to sharing lessons on resilience and risk mitigation, Phil’s insights provide a powerful blueprint for leaders looking to drive safer, smarter workplaces. Key Sections: Early Inspiration: Castles, Lego & Safety Foundations – 02:38 Resilience and Lessons from Career Challenges – 14:30 The Growing Risk of Knowledge Loss in Safety – 23:09 Practical Steps for Future-Proofing Safety Practices – 29:28 The Role of Consultation in Risk Management – 40:33 Quick Fire Round: Tools, Insights, and Christmas Plans – 46:41 Building Stories is powered by Deep Space – Mission Critical Construction AI.

    48 min

  7. 05/12/2024

    Episode 18 - Gary Cowan - Building Smarter with Digital Construction

    “We build the building twice: first digitally, and then for real” – Gary Cowan In this episode of Building Stories, powered by Deep Space, we’re joined by Gary Cowan, Head of Digital Construction at Kane Group. With nearly 20 years in the industry, Gary has been at the forefront of integrating technologies like Revit, prefabrication, and reality capture to revolutionise how projects are delivered. Gary shares how Kane Group’s early adoption of digital construction tools helped them stay ahead of the curve, the role of mixed reality in improving on-site safety and efficiency, and why early stakeholder engagement is critical for actionable data in construction. From the lessons learned through trial and error to his predictions on AI and mixed reality’s future impact, Gary’s story is an inspiring look at innovation in a traditional industry. Key Sections: Gary’s Early Days in Construction – 02:04 From Paper Trails to Digital Models – 07:00 Reality Capture and Prefabrication – 12:48 The Potential of Mixed Reality on Site – 26:11 Advice for Aspiring Construction Professionals – 18:24 Quick Fire Round: Tools, Materials, and Tech Favourites – 45:27 Building Stories is powered by Deep Space – Mission Critical Construction AI.

    47 min

  8. 22/11/2024

    Episode 17 - Sellwyn Dsouza - How Reality Capture is Shaping Construction

    “All of the tech and the digital stuff that we do, all helps us build faster, build under budget, build on time” – Sellwyn Dsouza   In this episode of Building Stories, powered by Deep Space, we sit down with Sellwyn Dsouza, a passionate engineering professional and self-proclaimed construction nerd. Sellwyn takes us on a journey through his career, from his early fascination with how things are built to becoming an expert in BIM and 360 Reality Capture.   We discuss the importance of practical solutions for digital transformation, the future of reality capture in replacing traditional BIM for operations, and the challenges of introducing innovation to a historically traditional industry. Sellwyn also shares his insights on why data simplicity and mentorship are crucial for the next generation of construction professionals.   Key Sections: Sellwyn’s Early Fascination with Construction – 02:08 The Transition from BIM to Reality Capture – 12:01 Practical Solutions for Digital Transformation – 19:33 Challenges in Adopting New Technology – 24:00 Mentorship and Knowledge Transfer in Construction – 32:45 The Future of Sustainable Construction Materials – 36:43 Quick Fire Round: Sellwyn’s Thoughts on Tools and Tech – 43:03 Building Stories is Powered by Deep Space - Mission Critical Construction AI.

    46 min
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About

Come here for funny, honest stories about Building, Design, Engineering and Construction! We will welcome expert guests and discuss industry trends. Powered by Deep Space - Mission Critical Construction AI

Information

  • Creator
    Luke Johnson and Michael Clothier
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2025
  • Episodes
    24
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Luke Johnson and Michael Clothier
  • Show Website
    Building Stories

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