Constructive

Seth Kalkman
  • 5.0 (7)
  • MANAGEMENT
  • UPDATED SEMIWEEKLY

A Construction / Technology sandwich hosted by Seth with innovators and thought leaders providing transformative ideas shaping the Architecture, Engineering, and Construction (AEC) industry. Each episode brings a new guest and explores cutting-edge strategies, emerging technologies, and best practices, offering listeners actionable insights to drive positive change in their projects and organizations. Join us on this journey to build a more efficient, sustainable, and forward-thinking AEC sector.

  1. 3D AGO

    43 - Maybe Joy is the Solution with KP Reddy

    This one is good... I prefer that you listen rather than skim something I get AI to *help* write for me :)

    1h 4m

  2. OCT 1

    42 - Charisma, Feedback & The Mixed Bag of being a Founder with Bhragan Paramananthan

    Episode 42 of Constructive Podcast we get the pleasure of hearing from Bhragan Paramanantham. He is a good friend and kindred spirit, and along with being an innovation driver at AECOM he has seen first hand the #contech startup landscape during his time with Formwork Labs. We unpack the essential qualities of a successful construction founder: the balance between having a strong vision and being flexible to customer feedback , the importance of storytelling and charisma in raising funds, and why the startup journey requires true perseverance. Bhragan helps bust the myth that construction is slow to innovate, explaining how thin profit margins and high-risk contracts dictate the industry’s pace and adoption of technology. We also look at the massive market opportunities in Design-Build delivery and the underserved renovation/retrofit sector. Plus: Why you should stop trusting the company page and start listening to individual voices , and the realistic way to approach AI in construction (spoiler: focus on the problem first). #ConstructionTech #ConstructionInnovation #AECIndustry #ConstructionStartup #DesignBuild #Renovation #ConstructionRisk #AIEssentials #Storytelling

    54 min

  3. SEP 21

    41 - From the Factory to the Trenches - Chris Neufeld Prefabrication Lead at DPR

    Chris Neufeld from DPR Construction joins Seth Kalkman on Constructive to explore the world of prefabrication. Chris, who leads DPR's prefab strategy for the Northwest region, explains why prefabrication isn't just about big modular units, but a spectrum of solutions, from small-scale assemblies to entire volumetric buildings. Chris shares how DPR uses a tiered approach to prefabrication, starting with early-stage design to identify opportunities for adding value through cost, schedule, and predictability. He also offers an insightful analogy for a two-year-old, comparing building a treehouse one nail at a time versus assembling large parts on the ground first for safety and efficiency. The conversation dives into the challenges of prefabrication, including common industry pessimism and the importance of learning from mistakes. Chris discusses how technology like BIM, computational design, and AI is changing the game, allowing for better quality control and more reliable data. He also touches on the future of the industry, the role of vertical integration, and the importance of fostering a culture of innovation. Learn how one of the industry's most innovative companies is navigating the shift from traditional construction to a more sophisticated, manufacturing-like approach. Key Topics: The spectrum of prefabrication DPR Construction's tiered approach The value of predictability, not just cost and schedule Combating industry pessimism The role of technology, AI, and robotics Fostering a culture of innovation Connect with Constructive: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ConstructivePodcast LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/constructivepodcast #Construction #Prefabrication #Prefab #ModularConstruction #DPRConstruction #Innovation #AEC #BuiltEnvironment #ProjectManagement #DigitalConstruction #ConstructionTechnology #AI #Robotics #SupplyChain #Manufacturing #Constructive

    43 min

  4. SEP 4

    40 – Say Goodbye to Black Boxes, Silos, and Slim Margins with Jason Brenner from JOIN

    What if you could actually turn money back to the owner on a project instead of watching margins disappear? In this episode, Jason Brenner, Head of Industry Strategy at JOIN, shares how better decision-making, transparency, and collaboration are helping builders move beyond black boxes, endless silos, and razor-thin margins. We get into: Jason’s journey from biotech to billion-dollar construction projects Why most projects burn cash they don’t have to The lessons a tough boss taught him early on (“stop selling once you’ve sold”) How JOIN helps teams make decisions faster and with more trust Why even small projects can benefit from big ideas like Target Value Delivery Say goodbye to outdated ways of working — and hello to a smarter, fairer way to build.

    45 min

  5. SEP 3

    39 - Compete on Trust, Not Price with Storytelling - John Kakuk Bridger Digital

    Photographer, videographer, and Bridger Digital founder John Kakuk joins Constructive to talk about the power of storytelling in construction. We dive into his unique path from creative work to construction, why authentic voices beat cookie-cutter marketing, and how companies can avoid becoming a commodity. John also shares insights on using AI for content ideation, building trust over price, and why community and honesty matter more than chasing the bottom line. Whether you’re an owner, builder, or creative, this episode will challenge how you think about marketing and relationships in the construction industry.

    32 min

  6. AUG 30

    38 - The Fences We Build: Why Every Problem Is a Creative Opportunity with Tamara Aspeling

    In this episode of Constructive, guest Tamara Aspeling talks about her journey in the industry and how she created her company, Draw a Fence, to solve a common problem. Tamara shares how her experience in the fence industry, working as an estimator and project manager for one of Africa's biggest fence companies, taught her that communication is key to a project's success. She also highlights her passion for helping others in the industry by building a solution to a problem she personally experienced. Throughout the conversation, Tamara discusses: The challenge of fence drawings: Tamara explains that commercial fence projects require numerous drawings at every stage, from bidding to close-out documentation. Before Draw a Fence, companies often resorted to inefficient methods like cutting and pasting or using programs like MS Paint, which resulted in poor-quality documents that looked unprofessional. The solution: Draw a Fence is an online tool that works like a legal form generator. Users can select variables like height and footing type from a form, and the system generates a complete, multi-sheet drawing set, including elevations, details, and dimensions. This process takes only 2 to 5 minutes, compared to the 2 to 4 hours it would take to do it manually. The tool also makes drawings more accessible to people who don't have a technical background, improving communication between builders and clients. The state of construction tech: Tamara believes that many construction tech products are developed by people without a construction background who create flashy tools without understanding the real-world problems they're meant to solve. She advocates for "bottom-up" solutions that are simple and quick for the people who actually do the work. AI's role in the industry: While acknowledging that AI is currently overhyped, Tamara sees its potential in closed systems for fields like engineering and medicine where it can process vast amounts of data and speed up work for humans. She uses AI for idea generation and content strategy but believes a human touch is essential for writing and fact-checking. The importance of soft skills: Tamara emphasizes the value of soft skills like communication and problem-solving. She shares that building relationships and solving problems for people, whether they are field crews or clients, is crucial for success and trust. #ConstructionPodcast #ConstructionTech #Innovation #ConstructionLife #FenceIndustry #ConstructionSolutions #AIinConstruction #BuildSmarter #ProjectManagement #CAD #CivilEngineering

    32 min

  7. AUG 16

    37 - Can a 9 Year Old Manage a Construction Project with ChatGPT?

    In this episode, the host explores the world of construction through the eyes of his nine-year-old nephew, Ryder. They discuss family backgrounds, the basics of construction, and even brainstorm a fun project: building a climbing wall in the backyard. The conversation touches on various roles in construction, budgeting for projects, and the importance of planning and safety.

    11 min

  8. AUG 3

    36 - Turning Trash into Schools That Teach Real-Life Skills with Matt Paneitz

    This episode of Constructive special guest Matt Paneitz is the founder of Long Way Home, a nonprofit in Guatemala using trash to build schools... and those schools to build heroes. What started as a Peace Corps assignment turned into a 20-year journey of community-led construction, sustainable building, and hands-on education. From building with discarded tires and bottles to watching kids throw rose petals at student builders’ feet, Matt shares his story of failure, grit, and beauty in the rubble. 🎧 Topics we cover: Why construction is a language of empowerment The logistics of building schools out of waste Educating through stoves, water tanks, and compost toilets Turning resistance into momentum The “Hero School” model for community resilience 📍 Learn more: https://lwhome.org and https://lwhomegreen.org #ConstructionWithPurpose #SustainableBuilding #PeaceCorps #GreenSchool #CommunityBuilders #TireHouse #HeroSchool #ConstructivePodcast #GuatemalaNonprofit

    32 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
7 Ratings

About

A Construction / Technology sandwich hosted by Seth with innovators and thought leaders providing transformative ideas shaping the Architecture, Engineering, and Construction (AEC) industry. Each episode brings a new guest and explores cutting-edge strategies, emerging technologies, and best practices, offering listeners actionable insights to drive positive change in their projects and organizations. Join us on this journey to build a more efficient, sustainable, and forward-thinking AEC sector.

Information

  • Creator
    Seth Kalkman
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2025
  • Episodes
    43
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Seth Kalkman
  • Show Website
    Constructive