Architecture and Innovation CERACLAD

Building Trust and Legacy in Construction with Danny Van Acker
This episode of the Architecture and Innovation Podcast, hosted by Tom Dioro and brought to you by CERACLAD welcomes Danny Van Acker, General Manager of Van Acker Construction. Today we disucss a broad range of topics relevant to the construction industry, including the importance of trust and communication between contractors, clients, and architects; Van Acker Construction's commitment to sustainability and quality; and the personal journey and philosophies that have shaped Danny's approach to business.
Founded by Danny's father, Gary Van Acker, the company prides itself on hard work, integrity, and a culture rooted in the Midwest ethos. Danny shares insights into how the company navigates challenges in the construction process, the importance of direct and personal communication to resolve issues, and the crucial role of trust in building successful projects.

The show also delves into how Van Acker Construction maintains its legacy while adapting to changes in the industry and incorporating sustainable materials and practices. Danny highlights how the digital age has impacted client interactions and emphasizes the value of in-person, human elements in the construction process. Finally, the future direction of Van Acker Construction is discussed, focusing on preparing for the next generation while preserving the company's core values and culture.
For more information about Van Acker Construction, visit
https://vanacker.com/

00:00 Navigating Construction Challenges: Insights and Solutions
00:35 Introducing Danny Van Acker: A Legacy in Construction
01:55 The Midwest Mentality: Hard Work and Integrity in Construction
03:28 The Importance of Trust and Integrity in Construction Projects
08:49 Building a Legacy: The Future of Van Acker Construction
14:52 The Role of Sustainability in Modern Construction
20:01 Embracing Technology While Valuing Human Connection
22:51 Looking Ahead: The Future of Van Acker Construction and the Industry
24:48 Closing Remarks and Acknowledgments

Stan Lew, AIA, Principal and President of RMW, voted the Best Places to Work. Stan was named President in 2020. His humility and vision in assuming this role underscores his leadership approach, which is one of service to the RMW family and the professional architectural and design community.
For 50 years, RMW has been recognized as an award-winning workplace for clients in the high-tech, science, healthcare, industrial, academic, and civic sectors.
For more information, you can visit: https://rmw.com/

Revital Kaufman-Meron, architect and principal of BEKOM DESIGN. Born, raised, and educated in Israel, Revital received her B.Arch diploma from Tel Aviv University in 2003 Magna Cum Laude.
She spent four years in Boston, MA, specializing in residential design, from high-end single-family residences and vacation homes to high-rise and mixed-use projects.
Complimenting her design experience with a strong interest in technology, Revital holds expert knowledge in Revit and is significantly involved in the BIM community.
Well-regarded for her contributions to the field, BEKOM DESIGN has received Houzz's Best in Service Award for six consecutive years.
For more information, you can visit: https://bekomdesign.com/

Vince DiPofi, PE and CEO of SSOE. Vince joined SSOE in 2000 and has more than 40 years of professional experience.
Vince was named Engineer of the Year in 2022.
He spearheaded SSOE’s Value Promise program, which has documented more than $1.5 billion in savings for clients initiated by SSOE.
Throughout the years, he has been instrumental in developing numerous new accounts for SSOE and starting up the company’s operations in Mexico.
For more information, you can visit: https://www.ssoe.com/

Jenna Knudsen is the managing principal of CO Architects. 2023 National AIA Award-Winners.
Jenna has led award-winning large-scale academic, laboratory, and healthcare projects nationwide on university and healthcare campuses.
Her groundbreaking projects are innovative in design, sustainability, and project delivery.
Jenna has been nationally recognized for the early use of BIM and integrated delivery.
For more information, you can visit: https://coarchitects.com/

Paul Tang, principal, and partner of the Los Angeles and Shanghai-based architecture firm Verse Design. Formerly Paul Tang Architecture.
Paul was selected as one of the millennial New Blood 101 designers of Los Angeles in 2001 and 2002.He's also the recipient of the National A I, a foundation award, and a professor at the University of Southern California, where he has taught the school of architecture for over 19 years and graduated Claud from the University of Southern California School of Architecture and received his master of architecture with a letter of distinction from Harvard University.
For more information, you can visit their website at https://www.vdla.co/