Bricks And Bytes

Bricks And Bytes
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Bricks And Bytes

A show about construction technology, business, and entrepreneurship. Welcome to the Bricks and Bytes Podcast, where we bring together the worlds of construction, technology, and entrepreneurship. We explore the innovative ideas and groundbreaking advancements that are shaping the future of the industry.

  1. 5 DAYS AGO

    AI Won't Save Bad Construction Companies - Solving Tech Adoption Problems from VC Perspective

    "AI in construction isn't just hype - we're in construction, so we know nobody will deploy solutions based on hype alone." In today's episode of Brick and Bytes, we had Vivin Hegde from Zakua Ventures sharing insights on construction tech investments and market trends. Tune in to find out about: ✅ Why robotics is becoming essential in construction (labor shortage is only getting worse) ✅ The three-tier approach to AI adoption in construction tech ✅ Why FlexNode's modular data centers could grow faster than any construction tech startup in 15 years ✅ How geopolitical uncertainty is reshaping construction tech investment priorities Vivin also shared fascinating details about their recent investments in excavator automation, real estate platforms, and next-gen robotics. If you're interested in where construction tech is heading, this episode is packed with valuable insights! Listen now on Spotify:

    1h 7m

  2. 12 APR

    "20-Year-Old Software is Killing Architecture" - Legacy Systems & Cloud Solutions from Qonic Founders

    "Loading 19 files, each over a gigabyte, into a web browser and manipulating them like butter was the moment I knew I had to join Qonic." - Aaron Perry, former digital design lead at one of UK's largest architecture firms. In today's episode of Bricks and Bytes, we sat down with Mark and Aaron from Qonic to explore how they're revolutionizing AEC software with cloud-native technology that overcomes the limitations of decades-old industry tools. Tune in to find out about: ✅ Why existing AEC software built in the 90s is holding the industry back ✅ How Qonic handles complex construction models that traditional tools can't process  ✅ Their innovative "per project size" pricing model instead of per-user licensing ✅ Why contractors adopt new tech faster than architects (hint: it's not about the colors) Listen to the full conversation on Spotify to discover how Qonic is enabling true collaboration across the entire building lifecycle. ----- Chapters 00:00 Founding Koniq: A New Era in AEC Software 03:03 The Future of AEC Software: Insights and Innovations 05:58 Challenges in the AEC Industry: Software Limitations 08:55 Interoperability and Collaboration: Bridging the Gaps 12:00 Koniq's Unique Approach: Transforming Design and Construction 14:46 The Role of Koniq in the AEC Landscape 17:59 Market Positioning: Koniq's Strategy and Vision 20:59 The Future of AEC Tools: Collaboration vs. Monopolization 24:01 Koniq's Value Proposition: Cost Efficiency and Innovation 27:04 The Impact of AI on AEC Software 29:57 Looking Ahead: The Future of Koniq and AEC Software 39:00 The Role of AI in Architecture 45:02 Modern Architect Needs and Software Solutions 52:01 Understanding the Customer Base 55:55 Innovative Pricing Models and ROI 01:02:02 Bootstrapping and Go-to-Market Strategies

    1h 17m

  3. 8 APR

    Innovation Teams Can't Scale - Adoption Automation Blueprint from Multi-Billion Project Leader

    "I love my iPhone, but you don't hear people say, I love my consultant." In today's episode of Bricks & Bytes, we welcomed Angelos Nicolaou from Sektor AI who shared fascinating insights about construction tech adoption, the "anti-consultant" movement, and why technology must equal profitability. Tune in to find out about: ✅ How Sektor helps companies avoid wasting billions on unused technology ✅ Why large companies with tiny innovation teams need external firepower ✅ The race to adopt AI and how smaller companies can now compete with giants ✅ Why the consulting model is ripe for disruption through automation The construction industry often treats each project like "a new startup" with new teams and processes built from scratch. Sektor is changing that through tech adoption that delivers measurable results. Listen to the full episode on Spotify!

    1h 9m

  4. 4 APR

    Traditional Design Stack Is Dying! - Solving Compliance Challenges with AI-Powered Floor Plans

    "To be able to provide more data faster, we need to rely on generation. In order to progress a project and know what's going to be built, you need floor plans." - Jesper on why floor plan generation matters. In today's episode of the Future of Design Series from the Bricks and Bytes, we had Jesper, co-founder and CPO of Finch, sharing insights on construction tech and the evolution from architect to tech founder. His journey from running an architecture firm to building a tool that generates floor plans 13x faster is fascinating! Tune in to find out about: ✅ How a viral Grasshopper prototype led to a waiting list of 80,000 professionals ✅ Why interoperability between design tools is crucial for the AEC industry ✅ The importance of creating "compliant" floor plans that meet regional regulations ✅ Why Jesper believes the future of design stack will be a fragmented market with best-in-class tools Listen to the full episode on Spotify to learn how Finch is transforming architectural workflows and why focus is the most valuable advice for construction tech founders. Download the Future of Design report here: https://bricks-bytes.com/downloads/ ------------ Chapters 00:00 Intro 06:25 From Architecture to Tech: Jesper's Journey 09:22 The Birth of Finch: Addressing Industry Frustrations 12:20 Innovating Design: The Unique Features of Finch 15:29 Compliance in Design: Ensuring Regulatory Adherence 18:30 The Future of Finch: Focus and Interoperability 21:36 Understanding the Market Need: Why Floor Plans Matter 24:18 Client Success Stories: Efficiency and Time Savings 27:33 Defensibility and Competition: Standing Out in the Market 30:15 Interoperability Challenges: Seamless Integration with Existing Tools 33:13 Emerging Tools in Architecture and Design 36:07 Understanding Finch's Target Audience 38:45 Go-to-Market Strategies and Lessons Learned 39:58 Team Structure and Development Focus 42:59 Funding and Financial Strategy 47:28 Future of Design Tools in Construction

    59 min

  5. 1 APR

    3-4X BETTER ROI THAN HEAT PUMPS - VARM's Mission to Insulate 1 Million Homes by 2033

    "Insulation has a 3-4x better ROI than heat pumps and 10x better than solar systems. Most people get this wrong when retrofitting their homes." In today's episode of the podcast, we had Chris from VARM, who shared his journey of building a VC-backed installation business aimed at becoming the European champion in the space. Tune in to find out about: ✅ How VARM is building a "cloud installer network" - a franchise model on steroids ✅ Why Chris pivoted from longevity e-commerce to climate tech after successfully exiting his first business ✅ The surprising fundraising reality: "VCs and markets and investments are very often done based on FOMO" ✅ Their ambitious mission to insulate 1 million houses over 10 years Listen to the full episode on Spotify to learn how VARM is revolutionizing the insulation industry with their innovative business model and scaling strategy. ----- Chapters 00:00 Intro 06:20 The Journey to Vaughan: Chris's Background 09:19 From Management Consulting to Entrepreneurship 12:17 Building a Sustainable Business: The Vision for Varm 15:19 Why Insulation? The Case for Energy Efficiency 18:24 Blown-In Insulation: A Smart Choice 21:20 The Business Model: Cloud Installer Network 24:08 Empowering Installers: The Business in a Box 27:25 Growth Strategy and Customer Acquisition 36:04 Community Engagement and Education 39:26 Content Marketing Strategies 40:59 Learning Through Experience 43:12 The Cloud Installer Model 45:52 Investor Relations and Fundraising 47:38 Resource Allocation and Growth 48:45 Understanding Competition 51:09 Creating Win-Win Situations 52:24 Market Expansion Plans 55:55 Defining Success Metrics 57:40 Cultural Fit in Hiring 1:04:25 Advice for Founders in Physical Industries

    1h 6m

  6. 28 MAR

    File-Based Design Is Dying - Solving Architecture's Profitability Crisis with Cloud-First Solutions

    "The future of building design is on the cloud. File-based design systems are becoming obsolete." In today's episode of the Future of Design Series from the Bricks and Bytes podcast, we had Altaf from Snaptrude who shared fascinating insights about the evolution of design software in architecture and construction. Tune in to find out about: ✅ Why cloud-based design tools are 10x faster than traditional file-based systems ✅ How data connectivity is transforming early-stage design workflows ✅ Why architects are wasting billable hours on rework and value engineering ✅ The coming inflection point for cloud-based design tools (predicted mid-to-late next year) Altaf also revealed they're working on AI copilots that will revolutionize how architects make design decisions based on sustainability data. Don't miss this conversation about the tools that will shape our built environment. ---- Download the Future of Design report here : https://bricks-bytes.com/downloads/ -----Chapters 00:00 Intro05:38 Introduction and Personal Updates08:42 The Future of Design and Construction11:45 SnapTrude: A Modern Approach to Design14:35 Collaboration and Interoperability in AEC17:32 Transitioning from Concept to Detailed Design20:38 Data Management and User Experience23:35 The Role of AI in Design Software26:46 Building Foundations for Future Growth29:47 Iterative Development and Customer Feedback32:44 Emerging Design Tools Landscape35:19 SnapTrude's Growth Strategy36:56 Focus on the US Market38:31 Investor Insights and Funding Journey40:41 Advice for Innovators in Design Tech42:37 Future of Design: Cloud and AI Integration45:23 Architects and New Tools Adoption48:36 Inflection Point for Cloud Adoption49:28 ROI and Productivity in Architecture51:18 Sustainability in Design54:06 Communication and Efficiency in Design

    56 min

  7. 27 MAR

    "From Seed to $10M Series A" - BuildVision's Procurement Platform & Growth Journey

    "We make money when our customers make money" In today's episode of Bricks & Bytes, we had Mike Powers and Ben Lyddane from BuildVision who shared their journey of raising a $10M Series A led by Norwest Ventures. Their platform helps contractors procure mechanical and electrical equipment more efficiently, saving 20-30% on costs while creating new revenue streams for general contractors. Tune in to find out about: ✅ How BuildVision grew from processing $700M to over $1B in equipment transactions ✅ Their three-tiered pricing model that aligns with customer success ✅ How AI costs for processing documents dropped from thousands to just $1.40 monthly ✅ Why focusing on critical path items like chillers and generators (not commodity products) creates maximum value ----- Chapters 00:00 Intro 00:05:35 Introduction and Series A Announcement 00:08:25 Build Vision Overview and Product Development 00:11:40 AI Integration in Procurement Solutions 00:14:41 Revenue Models and Customer Success 00:17:29 Growth and Future Projections 00:20:43 Challenges in the Construction Industry 00:23:35 Funding and Investor Relations 00:26:40 Technological Challenges and Solutions 00:29:28 Market Position and Competition 00:40:07 Navigating Risk in Construction 00:43:35 Building Strategic Partnerships 00:46:29 Outcomes Over Products 00:49:35 Challenges in the Buy-Sell Dynamic 00:51:25 Impact of Tariffs on Construction 00:55:30 Future of International Operations 00:56:25 The State of Construction Tech 01:06:21 Voice-Enabled Workflows and Future Prospects 01:08:41 Acquisition Strategies and Market Positioning

    1h 11m

  8. 25 MAR

    Profit Isn't a Dirty Word! - Aligning Client-Contractor Goals from an Innovation Director

    "The interest of a contractor and the interest of a client are the same: I want you to finish this building to the best quality, to that date. And if I'm really smart as a client, I want you to make money too." In today's episode of Bricks and Bytes, we had James Pellatt, founder of Digital Trees consultancy, sharing insights from his extensive career in real estate and construction technology. Tune in to find out about: ✅ Why construction innovation is difficult and how bureaucracy, leadership gaps, and procurement approaches create barriers ✅ The cultural differences between US and European construction tech adoption ✅ How smart buildings should be planned from the briefing stage, not as an afterthought ✅ James' vision for how generative AI could reduce project delivery times by 12-18 months Listen now on Spotify to hear James discuss how he helps clients bridge the gap between traditional construction and digital transformation. ------------ Sign up to the #1 Newsletter In Construction Tech. Join over 1,000 like-minded Founders, Investors and Techies disrupting the way we build. Forever : https://bricks-bytes.beehiiv.com/subscribe --------------- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bricks-bytes/ X/Twitter: https://twitter.com/bricksbytespod Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCmNbunUTIIQDzbJgGJt9_Zg Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bricksbytes/ --------------- Chapters 00:00 Intro 03:55 Introduction to James Pellatt and Digital Transformation in Real Estate 07:05 Understanding Client Challenges in Real Estate 10:08 The Role of Technology in Construction 12:47 Comparative Analysis of Technology Adoption: US vs Europe 15:43 Cultural Differences in Innovation and Entrepreneurship 19:06 Barriers to Innovation in Construction 21:55 The Importance of Transparency in Client-Contractor Relationships 24:59 The Future of Construction: Aligning Interests for Success 36:29 Engaging with Subcontractors for Better Insights 37:31 Cultural Challenges in Construction 38:43 Comparative Analysis of Global Construction Practices 40:56 Technology's Role in Construction Efficiency 44:36 Evaluating Technological Innovations in Construction 47:20 The Importance of Smart Buildings 51:42 Understanding ROI in Construction Technology 55:14 Advice for Tech Developers in Construction 01:00:06 Generative AI's Impact on Design and Construction 01:05:52 The Value of Mentorship in Professional Growth

    1h 8m
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5
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About

A show about construction technology, business, and entrepreneurship. Welcome to the Bricks and Bytes Podcast, where we bring together the worlds of construction, technology, and entrepreneurship. We explore the innovative ideas and groundbreaking advancements that are shaping the future of the industry.

Information

  • Creator
    Bricks And Bytes
  • Years Active
    2022 - 2025
  • Episodes
    190
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Bricks And Bytes
  • Show Website
    Bricks And Bytes

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