Construction Technology Podcast

Luigi La Corte, Mike Powers, Andrew Zukoski

Three venture-backed construction technology CEOs discussing and debating the most important changes and trends in the construction industry.

  1. Transitioning from Procore to Autodesk and new ConTech - Elliot from Cleveland Construction

    3 gg fa

    Transitioning from Procore to Autodesk and new ConTech - Elliot from Cleveland Construction

    In this episode, Luigi, Mike and Andrew are joined by Elliot Christensen, Senior Vice President of Operations at Cleveland Construction. The conversation starts with Cleveland’s approach to technology adoption and why labor shortages are pushing contractors to think differently about efficiency, self-perform work, and repeatable scopes. Elliot shares how Cleveland is evaluating vertical integration, where CM fees are headed, and why design-build may create better alignment between owners, architects, engineers, and GCs. The group then gets into Cleveland’s move from Procore to Autodesk. Elliot explains why the decision was driven less by product issues and more by cost, pricing structure, platform breadth, and Autodesk’s connection to the design ecosystem. The conversation also covers what Procore could do differently, why bundled platforms are attractive to contractors, and how Autodesk’s design-build-operate strategy may play out. The second half focuses on Cleveland’s technology stack and startup adoption. Elliot explains why Cleveland is all in on Trunk Tools, where OpenSpace, Box AI, Breadcrumb, and Autodesk fit, and how AI agents could change the way project managers work. The episode closes with a rapid-fire round on overhyped categories, software buying advice, and why construction software fails when the field does not buy in. Takeaways Cleveland moved from Procore to Autodesk primarily because of cost structure and platform economicsAutodesk’s advantage is its connection to design, build, and operate workflowsContractors are under pressure to do more with lower CM feesPoint solutions are harder to justify unless they solve several problems wellCleveland is betting heavily on Trunk Tools for drawings, RFIs, submittals, and construction-specific AIBox AI is useful for internal experimentation because the data is already there and the cost is cappedAI agents may eventually shift project managers from managing paperwork to managing workflows and exceptionsField adoption is still the hardest part of construction softwareChapters 00:00 Introduction and Cleveland Construction’s approach to tech 01:17 Labor shortages and the need for efficiency 02:37 Self-perform work and repeatable scopes 04:41 Declining CM fees and vertical integration 05:08 Why design-build may win 08:10 Takeoffs, BIM, and risk transfer 15:38 Cleveland’s move from Procore to Autodesk 18:37 The cost savings behind the switch 19:11 Autodesk vs. Procore functionality 20:36 What keeps Cleveland on Autodesk long term 23:42 Autodesk’s design-build-operate advantage 27:57 What Procore should change 34:13 Why contractors cannot afford too many point solutions 36:51 Cleveland’s Trunk Tools bet 38:25 OpenSpace, Breadcrumb, Box AI, and Cleveland’s core stack 41:03 Token spend and capped AI costs 43:51 Why Trunk Tools is different from horizontal AI tools 47:53 Could Autodesk catch up on AI? 50:24 Project managers managing agents 52:33 Startup opportunities in quality control 55:22 Rapid fire: overhyped categories, pilots, and software buying advice

    53 min
  2. Episode 019 - with Micah from Knutson

    19 giu

    Episode 019 - with Micah from Knutson

    In this episode, Andrew, Mike and Luigi are joined by Micah, Head of Preconstruction at Knutson Construction, for a conversation on where preconstruction is headed and how AI may reshape the role of estimators, architects, engineers, and builders. The discussion starts with delegated design and delegated scoping. Micah breaks down how design responsibility is shifting across project teams, why that creates risk for general contractors and trade partners, and how better coordination earlier in the process can reduce downstream issues. From there, the conversation moves into design-build, architectural control, design iterations, and the tension between optimization and accountability. The group explores how contractors can empower architects and engineers while still giving preconstruction teams the clarity they need to price, plan, and manage risk. The episode also covers construction technology adoption, in-house software development, change management, and why adoption has to happen from the bottom up. The conversation closes with a look at how the estimator role is changing, the challenges of project initiation and collaboration, facility condition assessments, and a speed round of predictions for the future of construction. Takeaways Delegated design is changing how risk moves through construction projectsPreconstruction teams need better clarity earlier in the design processDesign-build creates opportunities, but also new coordination challengesEstimators are moving from quantity takeoff toward risk, strategy, and decision supportConstruction technology adoption requires change management, not just better softwareBottom-up adoption matters because the people closest to the work know where the friction isAI may help preconstruction teams move faster, but only if the inputs, workflows, and incentives are clearChapters 00:00 Introduction and Friday Greetings 05:39 Delegated Scoping and Design-Build 13:10 Delegated Design’s Impact on Other Trades 22:03 Software Adoption and Change Management 29:28 The Transition to Preconstruction 36:07 Project Initiation and Collaboration Challenges 47:01 Facility Condition Assessment and Future Planning Takeaways Delegated design is impacting the construction industryAdoption of construction technology requires change management and a bottom-up approach Changing role of estimatorsImpact of technology on preconstruction Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Friday Greetings05:39 Delegated Scoping and Design Build13:10 Delegated Design Impact on Other Trades22:03 Software Adoption and Change Management29:28 Transition to Preconstruction36:07 Project Initiation and Collaboration Challenges47:01 Facility Condition Assessment and Future Planning

    49 min
  3. Episode 018 - SpaceX IPO, Bear and Bull Thesis, and Data Centers

    12 giu

    Episode 018 - SpaceX IPO, Bear and Bull Thesis, and Data Centers

    In this episode, Luigi is joined by Andrew from Join and Mike from Build Vision for a roundtable on the future of construction technology, AI infrastructure, and SpaceX. The conversation starts with the rumored SpaceX IPO and the bull and bear cases for buying into one of the most unusual companies in the world. The group debates whether SpaceX is a defensible launch and Starlink business, a public market funding vehicle for Elon’s larger ambitions, or an AI infrastructure company hiding inside a space company. From there, the episode moves into data centers, chip cooling, and the physical limits of AI. Mike breaks down why cooling requirements are changing, how newer chips are reshaping mechanical systems, and why manufacturers, reps, and contractors may need to rethink how data centers are designed, prefabricated, and serviced. The discussion also gets into space-based data centers, edge computing, open source models, hyperscaler capex, and whether the future of AI will be won by the companies that own the durable infrastructure layer rather than the model layer. Takeaways SpaceX may be less of a normal IPO and more of a capital vehicle for long-term industrial betsThe bull case depends on launch, Starlink, compute, chips, and vertical integrationThe bear case is valuation, AI spend, and whether Grok can matter against OpenAI and AnthropicData center growth is creating real construction, manufacturing, and cooling constraintsCooling technology is changing as chips move from air and chilled water toward new heat rejection systemsPrefabrication and modular skids may become more important in data center constructionSpace-based data centers sound absurd, but the debate exposes the real limits of power, cooling, land, and politics on EarthThe future of AI may depend less on the best model and more on who owns power, compute, launch capacity, and infrastructureChapters 00:00 Introduction and SpaceX IPO 06:19 The SpaceX valuation debate 17:07 AI spend, chips, and vertical integration 22:34 Bull and bear cases for SpaceX 27:04 Space data centers and power constraints 37:02 Data center cooling requirements 41:31 Data center construction and prefabrication 55:34 Edge computing, open source models, and the AI infrastructure loop

    54 min
  4. Construction Technology Podcast - Episode 017 - MaintainX, Palantir & McCarthy and AI Predictions

    5 giu

    Construction Technology Podcast - Episode 017 - MaintainX, Palantir & McCarthy and AI Predictions

    Here’s a cleaner version: In this episode, we break down Autodesk’s acquisition of MaintainX and what it signals about the future of construction technology. The conversation starts with Autodesk’s broader strategy: its move toward full lifecycle ownership, the role of acquisitions in expanding its platform, and how MaintainX could fit into its existing customer base. We also look at Autodesk’s business mix across AEC, media and entertainment, reality capture, and construction technology. From there, the discussion moves into AI infrastructure and the economics behind it. We cover token spend, budget pressure, open source models, edge computing, electricity costs, hyperscalers, and the role of foundation models in shaping the next generation of software. The episode closes with a deeper look at Palantir’s potential impact on construction. We discuss how Palantir could compete with Procore and Autodesk, where it may gain share, and what the next few years could look like as AI-native platforms move further into construction workflows. Takeaways Autodesk’s acquisition of MaintainX signals a deeper push into construction operationsAutodesk is expanding toward a broader full lifecycle platformAI infrastructure costs will shape how software companies build and price productsEdge computing and open source models may change the economics of AIHyperscalers remain central to the foundation model landscapePalantir could become a more serious player in construction technologyThe competition between Autodesk, Procore, and Palantir is worth watchingChapters 00:00 Introduction and Baby Talk 06:19 Autodesk’s Expansion into Media and Entertainment 17:07 Budgetary Issues and Token Spend in AI 22:34 The Future of Infrastructure Cost 28:36 Palantir’s Impact on the Construction Industry 39:02 Palantir vs. Procore and Autodesk

    40 min
  5. Construction Technology Podcast - Episode 016 - with Chris from Brasfield & Gorrie

    29 mag

    Construction Technology Podcast - Episode 016 - with Chris from Brasfield & Gorrie

    This episode features Chris Reeder, Project Planning Technology Manager at Brasfield & Gorrie, on what construction software providers need to understand before building for the industry. The conversation covers data standardization, planning technology, technology adoption, and the tradeoffs between building software in-house versus working with vendors. Chris shares how contractors evaluate new tools, where AI and custom development fit, and why change management is often harder than the technology itself. The episode also explores how early customers shape construction applications, why data governance matters for adoption, and how apprenticeship-style learning in construction affects the way teams use new technology. Takeaways Data standardization is foundational to better construction technology Contractors need to balance in-house development with vendor partnerships Early customers can materially shape product direction Data governance is a major driver of adoption AI tools may change how construction teams access and apply information Change management is often the real bottleneck Chapters 00:00 Balancing Early Adoption and Piloting Solutions 32:02 Data Governance and Adoption 47:18 AI Tools and Information Accessibility

    50 min
  6. Construction Technology Podcast - Episode 015 - with Cam from ClearStory

    27 mag

    Construction Technology Podcast - Episode 015 - with Cam from ClearStory

    The conversation covers the topics of construction technology, change orders, pre-construction processes, and the impact of technology on the construction industry. It also delves into the challenges of design rework, the role of architects, and the integration of construction management software. The conversation delves into the unique value proposition of ClearStory in the construction industry, focusing on change orders, subcontractor engagement, and the impact of AI on change order workflows. It also highlights the challenges of evangelizing a new tool in an established industry. Takeaways Change orders are a critical aspect of the construction industry, and technology plays a significant role in streamlining the change order process.The pre-construction phase is evolving, with a focus on incremental GMPs and the release of smaller portions of the job under contract.Architectural firms are adapting to changes in project design and are increasingly involved in construction administration to maintain revenue streams.The conversation highlights the importance of collaboration and network architecture in construction management software, as well as the need for privacy in project financials.The impact of technology on reducing rework and improving decision-making in construction projects is a key area of focus for the industry. Subcontractor engagementChange order workflowsChallenges of evangelizing new tools Chapters 00:00 Integration of ClearStory with Procore and Construction Management Software30:21 Building a Network and Addressing Trade-Specific Challenges36:30 Impact of AI on Change Order Process and Decision-Making48:33 Evangelism and Unique Perspective on Change Orders

    48 min
  7. Construction Technology Podcast - Episode 014 - with Chris from Consigli - Advancing Preconstruction

    27 mag

    Construction Technology Podcast - Episode 014 - with Chris from Consigli - Advancing Preconstruction

    The conversation covers a range of topics related to AI in pre-construction, challenges with scope generation, data quality and standardization, and workflow integration and efficiency. The discussion delves into the Consigli connection, estimator training, internal system development, takeoff solutions, historical cost database, and the future of takeoff and workflow efficiency. Additionally, the conversation explores centralized information and workflow improvement, as well as AI in pre-construction and risk trade-offs. The conversation delves into the impact of AI and technology in construction, exploring the use of advanced tools and the challenges of building vs buying software solutions. It also touches on the evolving landscape of construction technology and the considerations involved in software development. Takeaways AI in pre-constructionChallenges with scope generationData quality and standardizationWorkflow integration and efficiency AI and technology in constructionBuilding vs buying software Chapters 00:00 AI in Pre-Construction and Risk Trade-Offs

    54 min
  8. Construction Technology Podcast - Episode 013 - with Molly and Emma from Constructable

    27 mag

    Construction Technology Podcast - Episode 013 - with Molly and Emma from Constructable

    The conversation covers the company background, targeting midsize contractors, understanding their needs, challenges with existing tools, positioning against competitors, sales and customer adoption, and technical challenges and overcoming obstacles. The key takeaways include the unique needs of midsize contractors and the importance of ease of use and collaboration. The conversation delves into the customer-centric approach of Constructable, highlighting the importance of addressing customer needs and providing seamless transitions. It also explores the product differentiation and value proposition, emphasizing the significance of offering a unique and compelling product. Additionally, the discussion touches on market positioning and the future outlook for Constructable, shedding light on the company's growth strategy and market differentiation. Takeaways Midsize contractors have unique needsEase of use and collaboration are key needs for midsize contractors Customer focusProduct differentiation Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Company Background11:03 Positioning Against Competitors19:27 Sales and Customer Adoption32:00 Technical Challenges and Overcoming Obstacles51:28 Market Positioning and Future Outlook

    54 min
Elenco completo (20)

Descrizione

Three venture-backed construction technology CEOs discussing and debating the most important changes and trends in the construction industry.

Informazioni

  • Creatore
    Luigi La Corte, Mike Powers, Andrew Zukoski
  • Anni di attività
    2K
  • Puntate
    20
  • Classificazione
    Contenuti espliciti
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Luigi La Corte, Mike Powers, Andrew Zukoski
  • Fornitore

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