AEC Tech Journeys with Mayur Mistry

Mayur M Mistry

A platform for professional growth and personal growth for AEC Technologists with inspiring conversations with founders, builders and experts in AEC space. I am Mayur Mistry, cofounder of 3DGuru.ai, ex Perkins & Will Digital Innovation Technologist with M.Arch at University of Illinois and B.Tech Civil Engineer from IIT Bombay.

  1. 1 day ago

    How Trimble Helps ConTech Startups Scale: German Aparicio on the 0-60 Program

    In this episode, German Aparicio Jr., Program Manager of Early Innovation and Partner Development at Trimble, shares insights on startup acceleration, industry challenges, and the future of AI in construction and architecture.   key topics Trimble's startup program Zero 60 Industry challenges in construction and architecture The role of AI and agentic systems in industry Post-acquisition team alignment at Trimble Opportunities for startups in construction tech takeaways Support startups by exploring their solutions and leveraging resources. AI and agentic systems are transforming construction and architecture. Persistence and timing are key for startup acceptance into programs. Trimble's culture fosters independence and innovation. The industry is ripe for robotics and digital labor solutions.   Chapters 00:00 Introduction to German Aparicio and his background 00:27 German's career highlights and educational journey 02:23 Experience at Gary Technologies and post-acquisition culture 05:01 Team alignment and future initiatives at Trimble 07:05 A week in the life of a Program Manager at Trimble 08:27 The Zero 60 startup program and its impact 10:23 Opportunities for startups to engage with Trimble 17:51 Areas of saturation and opportunities for innovation 20:37 Skills for students in architecture and construction 22:55 Supporting startups and the future of digital labor   💡Learn more about Trimble here: https://www.trimble.com/en     📞 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/

  2. 5 days ago

    From Drawings to Bids in Minutes: Hanyang Liu on Building Quotr.ai

    Hanyang Liu, Co-Founder of Quotr.ai, shares his journey from landscape architecture to building innovative AI tools for the construction industry. Discover how his team is transforming cost estimation, procurement, and project management with cutting-edge technology.   key topics Transition from landscape architecture to AI startup Innovative AI tools for construction cost estimation and procurement Challenges in starting a construction tech company The importance of understanding customer pain points Future vision for Quotr.ai and expansion into new markets takeaways Focus on solving real customer pain points rather than just selling software Early validation and understanding workflow are crucial for product-market fit Building a dedicated team is key to scaling a startup Direct sourcing from factories can significantly reduce costs in construction International expansion requires adaptable product features   Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Hanyang Liu and Quotr.ai 00:25 Hanyang's career highlights from landscape architecture to AI 03:01 The confidence to start a tech company 04:40 First 90 days: finding product-market fit 06:34 Most proud moment: Building a dedicated team 07:32 How Quotr.ai's product works: cost estimation and sourcing 14:15 Three-year vision for Quotr.ai 16:18 Supporting the mission and future plans 17:29 Lessons learned in selling construction tech 18:37 Effective go-to-market strategies 19:28 Company culture: Customer-centric approach 20:22 Rapid fire: Personal favorites and advice   💡Learn more about Quotr.ai here: https://quotr.ai/    📞 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/

  3. 29 Jul

    Why AI in Architecture Needs a Glass Box, Not a Black Box: George Guida of xFigura

    In this episode, George Guida, Founder & CEO of xFigura, shares his journey from architecture to AI-driven design tools, exploring how technology is transforming architecture practice and education. Discover insights on AI adoption, culture building, and the future of design with AI. key topics George Guida's career journey from architecture to AI The evolution of xFigura and its core values Challenges and strategies for AI adoption in architecture Creating a culture of innovation and remote work Future trends in AI-driven design and personalization Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction 00:08 George Guida's Career Highlights and Background 00:31 From Architecture to AI: George’s Journey 02:05 Transition from Industry to Academic and Startup 02:41 Decision-Making in Starting a Studio vs Traditional Practice 04:09 Operating an Architecture Firm as a Tech-Driven Startup 05:57 Building a Remote, Innovative Culture 07:24 Early Days and Core Values of xFigura 09:07 Evolution of xFigura’s Technology and Features 11:40 User Adoption and Change Management in Architecture Tech 13:34 Onboarding and Education at xFigura 15:56 What Makes a Good AI-Driven Architect 17:11 Future Explorations: Personal Knowledge Systems   💡Learn more about xFigura here: https://xfigura.ai/    📞 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/

  4. 25 Jul

    How AI Is Transforming HVAC Engineering: Andrew Krippner's HVAKR Story

    In this episode, Andrew Krippner, Co-Founder & CEO at HVAKR, shares his entrepreneurial journey from college days to founding Etch Record, focusing on how AI is transforming HVAC design software. Discover the challenges, innovations, and insights behind building a user-friendly, AI-powered engineering platform.   key topics Entrepreneurial journey from college to startup The role of AI in simplifying HVAC design Challenges in building technical yet user-friendly software Customer discovery and product refinement The importance of trust and automation in engineering tools   Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Early College Days 02:20 Deciding to Focus on HVAC and Product Pivot 03:12 First 90 Days: Customer Discovery and Product Iteration 05:19 How the Product Works: From Floor Plans to Mechanical Design 06:09 Challenges in Building a Technical yet User-Friendly UI 07:18 The journey and proudest moments in building the company 09:07 Balancing product excellence and distribution 12:01 Focus on HVAC industry and key trade shows 15:54 Vision for the future of HVAC and AI in 2030 16:48 The role of AI and growth in HVAC engineering 18:01 Final thoughts and outlook on the future of technology 💡Learn more about HVAKR here: https://www.hvakr.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/

  5. 22 Jul

    How Nanotech Materials Is Rethinking Insulation, Roofing and Fire Protection: Hani Taan

    Hani Taan, CTO and co-founder of Nanotech Materials, shares his journey from oil and gas to pioneering advanced thermal materials. Discover insights on technology development, startup challenges, and future applications in construction and industry.   key topics Journey from oil and gas to tech startup Development of platform technology for thermal management Challenges in commercializing new materials Applications of nanotech additives in coatings and construction Future prospects for nanotech in various industries takeaways The importance of trying many approaches to find what works in tech development Scaling a platform technology requires focus and value creation Choosing the right partners and industry is crucial for success Innovation often involves trial and error, but persistence pays off Future applications of nanotech include electronics and construction materials   Chapters 00:00 Journey from Field Engineer to CTO 07:22 Navigating the Startup Landscape 14:55 Innovative Products and Applications 16:36 Future Vision and Advice for Founders   💡Learn more about Nanotech Materials here:https://nanotechmaterials.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/

  6. 15 Jul

    How REPS Turns Traffic Into Electricity: Alfons Huber on Road Power Plants

    In this episode, Alfons Huber shares his journey from university physics student to founder of Reps, a company transforming roads into power plants. Discover the challenges, breakthroughs, and lessons learned in pioneering energy harvesting technology that could revolutionize urban energy use.   key topics Energy harvesting technology and its potential impact Challenges in developing and scaling innovative energy solutions The importance of passion and authenticity in entrepreneurship Navigating legal and corporate hurdles in tech innovation The role of government and city partnerships in scaling clean energy takeaways Persistence is key going through 'death valley' to reach success Authenticity and passion attract the right team and investors Scaling requires understanding complex government sales processes Innovative solutions can be developed anywhere, not just Silicon Valley Building resilience and learning from setbacks are crucial for founders   Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Alfons Huber and Reps 03:51 Overcoming legal and corporate challenges in innovation 05:58 The importance of passion and authenticity in building a team 07:56 Reflections on what could have been done differently 12:00 How to navigate government sales and city partnerships 13:57 Technical overview of Reps' road energy harvesting system 15:56 Installation, maintenance, and scaling of the technology 18:02 Next steps for Reps and how to support their mission 20:02 Insights on operating in government and complex sales cycles 22:00 Rapid fire questions: personal favorites and future travel 23:54 Closing remarks and advice for aspiring entrepreneurs   💡 Learn more about Reps here: https://www.reps.energy/    📞 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/

  7. 11 Jul

    How Architects Can Turn Their Skills Into Tech Careers — Jake Rudin of Out of Architecture

    In this episode, Jake Rudin shares his inspiring journey from architecture student to Co-founder of Out of Architecture, exploring career transitions, industry insights, and how architects can leverage their skills in tech and beyond.   key topics Career highlights and transitions of Jake Rudin The value of architectural education and skills How architects can transition into tech roles The importance of value and fees in business Strategies for career change and growth   Chapters 00:00 Introduction and guest introduction 01:12 Educational journey at Cornell and GSD 03:06 Exploring digital fabrication and design tech 06:20 Transition to innovation and tech roles 08:23 Founding Out of Architecture and community impact 10:20 Overcoming self-doubt and industry challenges 15:38 Mindset shifts for architects moving into tech 21:00 How to collaborate with Out of Architecture 24:40 Building a successful business in AEC 31:30 Rapid fire questions and personal insights 34:23 Final thoughts on architecture’s impact and future   💡Learn more about Out of Architecture here: https://www.outofarchitecture.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/

About

A platform for professional growth and personal growth for AEC Technologists with inspiring conversations with founders, builders and experts in AEC space. I am Mayur Mistry, cofounder of 3DGuru.ai, ex Perkins & Will Digital Innovation Technologist with M.Arch at University of Illinois and B.Tech Civil Engineer from IIT Bombay.