The Blueprint Tour by PermitZIP

Summary
Max shares his journey from a soccer player and skier to a managing director of LevCon Analytics, discussing the construction industry's evolution, technology's impact, and the ConvergeIt product's development. He emphasizes the importance of user engagement and the industry's cultural shift. We cover various architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) technology topics, including software tools, project management, AI, machine learning, and data management. Max shares insights on the challenges and opportunities in the AEC industry and the impact of technology on project efficiency and decision-making.
Takeaways
* The impact of technology and data consulting on the construction industry is a critical step all AEC businesses should be making.
* LevCon Analytics developed ConvergeIt, a data integration platform for building owners to manage asset information, aggregating building information into a single source of truth.
* User engagement and the adoption of new technology are critical factors in the success of software development within the construction industry.
* Machine learning and AI are transforming the AEC industry, offering automation and data-driven insights opportunities.
* Data management and access to historical project data are essential for leveraging technology to improve project outcomes.
* Be careful using LLM’s from third parties like OpenAI due to indemnification language.
Sound Bites
"Humans using AI are going to replace humans." —Max Nevermann
"We trained it on all of our RFIs and our submittals. And so that was 40 years worth of data that we just fed it." —Max Neverman (on creating in-house LLMs)
Chapters
00:00 The Journey from Soccer to Software: A Diverse Career Path
03:37 The Impact of Technology and Data Consulting in Construction
50:31 The Impact of AEC Technology on Project Efficiency and Decision-Making
57:26 Automation and Efficiency with Group Inserter
01:19:34 COBE: Construction Operations, Building Information Exchange
01:25:11 Training AI on RFIs and Submittals
01:35:11 On-Premise AI and Closed-Loop Systems

Keywords
construction industry, technology, data consulting, software development, user engagement, cultural shift, AEC technology, architecture, engineering, construction, software tools, project management, AI, machine learning, data management
Where to find Max Nevermann
* LinkedIn (Personal): https://www.linkedin.com/in/max-nevermann-a2996566/
Where to find Levcon Analytics
* website: https://levconanalytics.com/
* YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@levconanalytics3905
* LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/levcon-analytics/
Where to find PermitZIP
* website: https://www.permitzip.com
* Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/permitzip
* X (Twitter): https://twitter.com/PermitZIP
Where to find The Blueprint Tour
* YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@theblueprinttour
* TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@theblueprinttour
* Kenny (Host): https://twitter.com/blueprinttour
* Carter (Host): https://twitter.com/bptcarter
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Summary
In this conversation, Kenny, Carter, and Matt discuss the challenges and frustrations in the engineering and design industry, particularly in the light commercial market. We touch on unrealistic client expectations, the importance of collaboration between engineers and contractors, the need for design-assist or design-build approaches, and the significance of understanding project budgets and proformas. They also emphasize the importance of clear communication, trust, and the ability to adapt and make informed decisions throughout the design and construction process.
We cover other topics related to the construction industry, including estimating costs, design considerations, coordination of trades, and the role of the general contractor (GC). Kenny emphasized the importance of experience and relationships in the industry and the need for transparency and clear communication. Matt discussed logistics challenges, such as getting materials on site and coordinating crane operations. Matt also highlighted the role of the GC in making deals happen and ensuring the success of a project.
Kenny expressed his concerns about industry practices, such as pay-when-paid clauses and unrealistic contingencies, and called for improvements in the industry.
Keywords
engineering, design, light commercial market, client expectations, collaboration, design assist, design-build, project budgets, proforma, communication, trust, construction industry, estimating costs, design considerations, coordination of trades, general contractor, logistics, industry practices
Takeaways
* Unrealistic client expectations and a lack of understanding of the engineering and design process can lead to frustration and conflicts in the industry.
* Collaboration between engineers and contractors is crucial in ensuring successful project outcomes.
* Design assist or design build approaches are often more effective in the light commercial market, allowing for better coordination and problem-solving.
* Understanding project budgets and proformas is essential for making informed decisions and avoiding costly mistakes.
* Clear communication, trust, and adaptability are critical factors in navigating the engineering and design industry challenges. Experience and relationships are crucial in the construction industry.
* Transparency and clear communication are essential for successful projects.
* Logistics can be challenging, such as getting materials on site and coordinating crane operations.
* The general contractor is critical in making deals happen and ensuring project success.
* Industry practices, such as pay-when-paid clauses and unrealistic contingencies, need improvement.
Sound Bites
"If you're in the light commercial market, there is almost an annoyance that any dollars are having to be paid on an engineer." - Kenneth Shultz
"Estimation itself is an art and a design." - Matt Sevinsky
"Pay-when-paid is insane. No bank would ever lend money under those terms." - Kenneth Shultz
"The GC's role is to make the deal happen." - Matt Sevinsky
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Problem Statement03:01 Navigating Unrealistic Client Expectations09:05 The Importance of Collaboration in Engineering and Design14:18 The Benefits of Design Assist and Design Build Approaches25:30 The Role of Clear Communication and Trust in the Industry39:45 The Importance of Experience and Relationships52:22 Transparency and Clear Communication01:03:33 Challenges of Logistics in Construction01:08:04 The Role of the General Contractor01:14:07 Improving Industry Practices


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Summary
ChefSuite is a ghost kitchen facility that provides resources and support to chef tenants. They offer flexible lease terms and a private kitchen space for efficient operations on delivery-only apps. Jarnail and his team worked hard to determine the project's needs based on the business plan and available real estate, particularly in the heart of the Covid crisis. The focus was on creating a comfortable and inviting space for tenants, with attention to ventilation and climate control. We discussed the challenge in coordination between trades, and clear communication was crucial for the project's success. We discuss the challenges and benefits of operating a ghost kitchen and the importance of marketing and digital presence. The conversation covers various topics related to the challenges and complexities of building a restaurant, including the importance of MEP (mechanical, electrical, and plumbing) systems, the need for experienced contractors, the value of investing in the right equipment, the importance of trust and communication in the construction process, the role of marketing and social media in the restaurant industry, the significance of underwriting and financing in restaurant projects, and the role of engineers in advocating for their clients and navigating building codes and regulations.
Takeaways
* Chef Suite provides resources and support to chef tenants in a ghost kitchen facility.
* The design process involved determining the project's needs based on the business plan and available real estate.
* Coordination between trades and clear communication were vital to the project's success.
* Operating a ghost kitchen requires focusing on marketing and digital presence to reach customers on delivery-only apps. MEP systems are crucial in restaurant construction and require a significant portion of the budget.
* Investing in the right equipment is essential for the success of a restaurant.
* Trust and communication are fundamental in the construction process, and it is essential to have open and honest conversations with contractors and consultants.
* Marketing and social media play a significant role in the success of a restaurant.
* Underwriting and financing can be challenging for restaurant projects, especially new concepts.
* Engineers can provide valuable expertise and advocacy in navigating building codes and regulations.
Sound Bites
"Creating a comfortable and inviting space for tenants is a key benefit of ChefSuite."
"Clear communication and coordination between trades are essential for successful design and construction projects."
"It's not just as simple as hooking up a hood."
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Chef Suite and the Concept of Ghost Kitchens01:00 Creating a Supportive Environment for Chef Tenants32:00 Marketing and Digital Presence in the Ghost Kitchen Industry40:28 The Challenges of Building a Restaurant47:38 The Importance of Technology and Marketing in the Restaurant Industry55:14 The Role of Underwriting and Financing in Restaurant Projects01:08:29 The Advocacy Role of Engineers in Navigating Building Codes
Where to find Jarnail Tucker
* LinkedIn (Personal): https://www.linkedin.com/in/jarnail-tucker-421675b/
Where to find ChefSuite
* website: https://www.chefsuite.com
* Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chefsuiterva
* LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/chefsuite
Where to find PermitZIP
* website: https://www.permitzip.com
* Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/permitzip
* X (Twitter): https://twitter.com/PermitZIP
Where to find The Blueprint Tour
* YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@theblueprinttour
* TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@theblueprinttour
* Kenny (Host): https://twitter.com/blueprinttour
* Carter (Host): https://twitter.com/bptcarter


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Summary
The conversation revolves around the challenges and dynamics of design in the construction industry, particularly in the context of small commercial projects. The transition from a general contractor (GC) role to the tech world is discussed, highlighting the importance of transparency and stakeholder communication. The cost and value of MEP (mechanical, electrical, and plumbing) systems are explored, focusing on HVAC. The difficulties of decision-making, coordination, and managing design changes are also addressed. The conversation explores the challenges and complexities of design in the construction industry, particularly from the perspectives of engineers and general contractors. It highlights the importance of collaboration, trust, and communication between stakeholders. The discussion touches on topics such as the role of trades in design, the impact of budget constraints on design decisions, the difficulty of explaining technical concepts to non-technical individuals, the need for contingency planning, and the importance of setting clear expectations in design. In this conversation, Kenny Shultz discusses his transition from being an accountant to working in construction and eventually joining a software company. He highlights the importance of relationships in the construction industry and the challenges of estimating and pricing projects. The conversation also touches on the impact of COVID-19 on the construction industry and the difficulties of dealing with supply chain disruptions. Kenny emphasizes the need for transparency and communication with clients when explaining pricing and variances. The conversation concludes with a discussion about the challenges faced by structural engineers and the potential for collaboration between different professionals in the industry.
Takeaways
* Transparency and communication are crucial in navigating design challenges in the construction industry.
* The cost and value of MEP systems, particularly HVAC, are significant considerations in construction projects.
* Decision-making can be difficult, but making informed decisions with the available information is important.
* Coordination and managing design changes require proactive and collaborative efforts from all stakeholders.
* Understanding the limitations and expectations of different project types can help manage costs and deliver successful outcomes. Collaboration and clear communication between different stakeholders are crucial for successful design in the construction industry.
* Trades' role in design is often overlooked, but their input is valuable in ensuring practicality and feasibility.
* Budget constraints can significantly impact design decisions, and trade-offs may need to be made to meet financial limitations.
* Explaining technical concepts to non-technical individuals can be challenging, and it requires finding the right balance between clarity and condescension.
* Contingency planning is essential in design, especially in adaptive reuse projects or situations with unknown variables.
* Setting clear expectations and managing them throughout the design process is key to avoiding misunderstandings and conflicts. Relationships are crucial in the construction industry and can help build stakeholder trust and understanding.
* Estimating and pricing projects in construction can be challenging, especially when dealing with variables such as supply chain disruptions and changing market conditions.
* Transparency and communication with clients are essential when explaining pricing and addressing variances in estimates.
* Structural engineers face unique challenges in ensuring the safety and stability of buildings while also considering cost and design constraints.
* Collaboration between professionals in the construction industry, such as GCs, engineers, and software developers, can lead to innovative solutions and improved processes.
Quotes We Loved
"We throw coordination at you guys and there's all these buzz

Summary
In this episode, Kenny Shultz, PE, Carter Huddleston, PE, Todd Burdge, PE, and Pete Price discuss the topic of design. They explore the importance of belonging and collaboration within design teams, the challenges of working in silos, and the need for open communication and feedback. They also touch on the concept of easy design versus good design, the role of relationships in the design process, and the importance of considering maintenance and long-term care in landscape architecture and structural design.
The conversation highlights the need to balance the art and science of design and the importance of understanding and working within code requirements. The principal themes of the conversation include coordination, constraints, zoning and building codes, understanding different disciplines, the importance of hard work and self-belief, and the value of feedback and communication skills in consulting engineering.
They continue to discuss the importance of staying engaged with projects as consultants and the value of soft skills in the industry. They also touch on the power of storytelling in design and the need for humility and bravery in the field. They emphasize the importance of hard work and self-belief in achieving success. They also discuss the challenges of balancing work and personal life and the importance of judgment in making professional decisions.
Takeaways
* Belonging and collaboration are essential for successful design teams.
* Working in silos and lack of communication can hinder the design process.
* Good design requires a balance between the art and science of design.
* Consideration of maintenance and long-term care is crucial in landscape architecture and structural design.
* Understanding and working within code requirements is important in design. Coordination is a key topic in the conversation, highlighting the importance of effective communication and collaboration in design and construction projects.
* Constraints, such as building codes and zoning ordinances, significantly shape the design process and require careful consideration and problem-solving.
* Understanding different disciplines, such as architecture, civil engineering, and landscape architecture, is crucial for successful collaboration and achieving the desired outcomes.
* Hard work and self-belief are essential for personal and professional growth, and they contribute to building confidence and finding purpose in one's work.
* Feedback is valuable for continuous improvement and learning, and creating a culture of short accounts can help address conflicts and build trust within teams.
* Effective communication skills, including reading the room and understanding social dynamics, are essential in consulting engineering to navigate client meetings and interactions. Staying engaged with projects as consultants is crucial, even after they leave your hands.
* Soft skills like communication and improvisation are essential in building client relationships.
* Storytelling is a powerful tool in design, allowing for a deeper connection with the meaning behind the project.
* Humility and bravery are key traits for success in the industry.
* Hard work is essential, even for the most talented individuals.
* Balancing work and personal life is important for overall well-being.
* Professional judgment is valuable in making decisions and solving problems.
* The importance of self-belief and perseverance in overcoming obstacles.
* The value of having the right people on your team.
Chapters
* 00:00 Introduction and Setting
* 11:48 Considering Maintenance in Landscape Architecture and Structural Design
* 35:20 Navigating Constraints: Building Codes and Zoning
* 43:09 The Role of Hard Work and Self-Belief
* 51:07 Communication Skills in Consulting Engineering
* 01:06:08 Staying Engaged as Consultants
Where to find Todd
* LinkedIn (Personal): https://www.linkedin.com/in/todd-burdge-pe-500134bb
* LinkedIn (EVOLV Engineering): https://www.linked

Summary
In this conversation, Kenny Shultz, PE, Carter Huddleston, PE, and Josh Krider, President of Howell’s Heating and Air discuss the challenges and considerations of HVAC design in commercial and residential buildings, including zoning, comfort expectations, control systems, wireless thermostats, coordination issues, and communication. They highlight the need for engineers and contractors to be on the same page about what is shown and not shown in drawings and the importance of considering construction tolerance. They also discuss the role of design assist (direct consulting between the engineer and trade contractor) in refining designs and catching budget busters early as well as focusing on effective communication and collaboration. They also discuss the impact of different projects on HVAC design and cost, such as commercial kitchens and smoking bars. The conversation concludes with a discussion of using technologies like destratification fans and bipolar ionization to improve indoor air quality and reduce ventilation rates.
Takeaways
* Coordination is crucial in design-build projects, and good trade contractors understand what is not shown in drawings.
* Design assist can help refine designs and catch budget busters early by allowing contractors to provide input and expertise early in the design process.
* Effective communication and collaboration between engineers and tradespeople is essential for successful projects.
* Projects like commercial kitchens and smoking bars have specific HVAC design challenges and cost implications.
* Technologies like destratification fans and bipolar ionization can improve indoor air quality and reduce ventilation rates. Designing HVAC systems for commercial buildings can be more complex than for residential buildings due to zoning and usage differences.
* Managing comfort expectations is essential, as many tenants are inexperienced in construction and may have unrealistic expectations.
* Zoning systems can be challenging to implement in commercial and residential buildings, and keeping them as simple as possible is essential.
* Wireless thermostats can be convenient in specific applications, but their use in commercial buildings is limited due to battery replacement and reliability concerns.
* Effective communication and collaboration between engineers and contractors is crucial for successful project coordination and problem-solving.
Featured Quote
Sometimes, even the fanciest systems don’t achieve the desired results:
"Every single user had a sensor on the wall and it still was chaos." - Josh Krider
Chapters
00:00 The Challenges of Coordination in Design-Build Projects07:16 Effective Communication and Collaboration between Engineers and Tradespeople14:52 The Importance of Construction Tolerance in HVAC Design38:54 Challenges in HVAC Design for Commercial and Residential Buildings45:20 The Pros and Cons of Wireless Thermostats in Commercial Applications
Where to find Josh
* LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/josh-krider-a873284/
Where to find Howell’s Heating and Air Conditioning
* website: https://www.howellsac.com
* Instagram: https://instagram.com/howellsac_
* Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/howellsheatingac
* X: https://twitter.com/howellsac
Where to find PermitZIP
* website: https://www.permitzip.com
* Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/permitzip


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