BIM Heroes Ep. 17: The State of Lean with Adam Hoots In Episode 17 of the BIM Heroes podcast, Cody sits down with Adam Hoots, a lean coach and passionate builder, to talk about what’s working (and what’s not) in construction today. From contracts and culture to technology and trust, this episode digs deep into why so many projects struggle and what it takes to do things better. Chasing the “Best Deal” Can Cost More in the EndAdam doesn’t hold back on the topic of lump sum contracts. While they might sound like a safe financial choice, they often lead to a flood of change orders and, in the end, a higher cost. Even worse, they break down trust and collaboration. When contractors are brought in early and treated like partners, projects run smoother and usually end up cheaper and better. Our Contracts Are Built for Conflict, Not CollaborationToo many construction contracts are written with a focus on risk and dispute resolution. Words like “conflict” and “claim” show up far more than “partnership” or “trust.” According to Adam, this mindset sets teams up for failure before the project even begins. Instead, teams should be aligned around what a successful project feels like from the start, having clear, shared expectations and open conversations from day one. Tech Isn’t the Answer. Unless It Helps in the FieldThere’s no shortage of construction software out there, but that’s part of the problem. Many tools add complexity without solving real problems. Adam’s rule is simple: if the tech doesn’t help crews put more work in place, it’s a waste. But when used well, like 4D scheduling or smart procurement tools, it can support better planning, clearer communication, and safer job sites. 4D Over CPM: Seeing Is BelievingTraditional CPM schedules are too long, too complex, and too disconnected from the reality of site work. Adam prefers tools like takt planning and the Last Planner System, which help teams work in smaller batches, reduce bottlenecks, and keep production flowing. And when schedules are paired with 4D visuals, the entire team can see what’s happening. And that changes everything. Designers Are Under Pressure, and It ShowsSoftware has sped up design work, but it’s also created a reliance on copy-paste templates and typical details. This overproduction leads to defects, rework, and wasted time. Adam points out that designers are often stretched too thin, asked to juggle too many projects because the software “makes it faster.” The result? Important project-specific details get missed, which hurts everyone down the line. Don’t Forget the People Doing the WorkAdam makes a strong case for treating the folks on the ground (the trades, the project engineers, the interns) as the most important part of the process. Too often, new engineers are thrown into critical tasks like RFIs and submittals with little guidance, while leadership distances itself. Instead, leaders should be front and center, setting the tone, building trust, and making people feel valued from day one. The Future of Lean Is All About Systems and TrustLooking ahead, Adam believes lean will become more focused on systems thinking, seeing how one part of the job affects everything else. It’s about shifting from siloed teams to interconnected ones that understand how to work together effectively. His work is focused on something he calls the “Trust Circle,” which helps teams build transparency, call out issues early, and recognize the people who consistently show up and do the right thing. The goal isn’t just to build faster or cheaper. It’s to create healthier, more honest, and more sustainable project environments. And that starts by listening to the people doing the work and building around their needs.
