The episode looks at why a recognised pathway has been missing, and what changes when one finally exists.

The discussion covers the hidden cost of fragmented learning across projects, the pillars of a competent digital engineer, and why vendor badges fall short of what organisations actually need.

Bryan and Dean explain why vocational education sits closer to industry than most engineering graduates assume, and how AI shifts the importance of digital engineering fundamentals rather than reducing them.

Website: https://www.digitalconstructionpodcast.com

Episodes: https://www.digitalconstructionpodcast.com/episodes

Episode notes: https://www.digitalconstructionpodcast.com/episode/inside-australias-first-accredited-digital-engineering-diploma-with-bryan-tay-from-pivodel

Host: Andrea Ciaffi https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrea-ciaffi/

Guest: Bryan Tay https://www.linkedin.com/in/bryan-tay-02097b88/

Guest: Dean Sherwell https://www.linkedin.com/in/deansherwell/

Pivodel

Home page https://www.pivodel.com/

Course Page https://www.pivodel.com/pivodel-advanced-diploma-of-digital-engineering

Course:

Tafe QLD Course Page https://tafeqld.edu.au/course/19/19466/advanced-diploma-of-digital-engineering#ways-to-study-section

EOI Page https://tafeqld.edu.au/employers/partnerships/pivodel

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Website: https://www.digitalconstructionpodcast.com

Episodes: https://www.digitalconstructionpodcast.com/episodes

Episode notes: https://www.digitalconstructionpodcast.com/episode/how-i-lead-a-global-digital-team-at-surbana-jurong-with-sophie-montenot

Host: Andrea Ciaffi https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrea-ciaffi/

Guest: Sophie Montenot https://www.linkedin.com/in/sophie-montenot-0879639/

The hardest problems on a mega-project are rarely the ones the strategy slides anticipated. They show up in the gap between a digital plan and what a hundred engineers actually do at 9am on a Tuesday.

Sophie Montenot, Global Digital Delivery Lead at Surbana Jurong (SJ Group), has spent twenty years closing that gap. From the Singapore Sports Hub to Changi Airport Terminal 5, her career maps to the moments when digital construction stopped being theory and started being delivered. This conversation traces what she learned about deploying BIM at scale, harmonising joint ventures, and translating engineering problems into digital solutions that engineers actually use.

Sophie also reflects on what changes when you move from project delivery into a global digital role across an acquired group of firms, and on her work mentoring women into aviation and construction.

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Episodes: https://www.digitalconstructionpodcast.com/episodes

Episode notes: https://www.digitalconstructionpodcast.com/episode/35-years-in-digital-construction-with-john-benstead

Host: Andrea Ciaffi https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrea-ciaffi/

Guest: John Benstead https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnbenstead/

John Benstead is the Digital Engineering Manager at School Infrastructure New South Wales, the government agency responsible for planning, delivering, and maintaining over 2,200 public schools serving more than 800,000 students. With a career spanning toolmaking in the UK, large-scale GIS implementation across nine European countries, BIM leadership on major Australian projects, and now five years on the client side of public infrastructure, John brings a perspective that is rare: someone who has seen digital engineering from every angle.

If you work in digital construction, public infrastructure, or are thinking about moving from the private to the public sector, this one is worth your time.

00:00:00 – Intro

00:01:50 – Best career advice: understand the problem first

00:04:45 – Career journey: toolmaking to digital engineering

00:08:35 – What working across 9 countries taught about standards

00:10:55 – The real lesson from the CAD to BIM transition

00:15:55 – School Infrastructure NSW: scale, mission, and complexity

00:24:10 – Public vs private sector: what actually changes

00:32:30 – Innovation agenda: standardisation, automation, integration

00:36:55 – How MMC and DFMA are reshaping school delivery

00:40:40 – AI, digital twins, and the future of digital delivery

00:49:05 – Career advice for professionals entering digital construction

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Episodes: https://www.digitalconstructionpodcast.com/episodes

Episode notes: https://www.digitalconstructionpodcast.com/episode/pdf-is-not-dead-the-data-foundation-your-construction-AI-strategy-needs-with-shanoc-halliday

Host: Andrea Ciaffi  https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrea-ciaffi/

Guest: Shanoc Halliday  https://www.linkedin.com/in/captainbimcad/

Most construction firms have tools they are not fully using. Not because people are resistant to change, but because the software is deployed without a process built around it. The result is the same pattern everywhere: a few teams doing excellent work, and everyone else operating well below the tool's potential.

Shanoc Halliday is a Senior Enterprise Customer Success Manager at Bluebeam, working with large-scale engineering and construction organisations across the globe. His role sits at the intersection of technology and business outcomes, helping firms understand not just how to use their software, but how to align it to what they are actually trying to achieve. In this conversation, Shanoc shares what he sees across hundreds of client engagements: where adoption breaks down, what separates high-performing teams from the rest, and why foundations matter more than features.

If your team's digital tool adoption has plateaued, or you are wondering how to build the kind of clean data foundation that makes future AI integration possible, this is a conversation worth your time.

00:00:00 – Best career advice received

00:02:30 – What does a Customer Success Manager actually do?

00:07:25 – From BIM practitioner to CSM: the career transition

00:12:45 – Most common workflow challenges across clients

00:15:40 – How to help clients prioritise digital improvements

00:18:40 – Why Bluebeam remains relevant in a BIM-first world

00:23:40 – Using Bluebeam across the full project lifecycle

00:27:25 – Standardisation, culture, and driving digital adoption

00:32:40 – AI, clean data, and what's next for Bluebeam

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Episodes: https://www.digitalconstructionpodcast.com/episodes

Episode notes: https://www.digitalconstructionpodcast.com/episode/how-deep-space-is-empowering-mid-sized-builders-with-startup-co-founder-luke-johnson

Host: Andrea Ciaffi  https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrea-ciaffi/

Guest: Luke Johnson https://www.linkedin.com/in/lukesjohnson/

✉️ Subscribe to our Free Newsletter for updates: https://digitalconstructionpodcast.substack.com/

Most construction businesses have more software than they can manage. And yet meaningful digital change remains rare. The gap between deploying a tool and getting people to actually use it is wider than most teams expect, and the reasons are rarely about the technology itself.

Luke Johnson is co-founder of Deep Space, an all-in-one AI construction management platform built for mid-sized commercial builders. In this conversation, Luke draws on his path from BIM coordinator to software founder to explain why digital adoption in construction so consistently falls short, and what it takes to change that.

00:00:00 – Best career advice: don't fall in love with your creation

00:01:15 – From BIM professional to tech founder

00:03:30 – The founding problem: data silos and communication gaps

00:04:35 – What Deep Space is and why the mid-market is underserved

00:08:40 – Selling tech in construction: trust over features

00:11:10 – State of digital adoption across Tier 1 and mid-market

00:12:40 – Why leadership mandate drives adoption

00:14:15 – Implementation vs deployment: meet users where they are

00:19:55 – Helping clients uncover the real problem

00:20:45 – AI's real impact and what tech is overhyped

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Episodes: https://www.digitalconstructionpodcast.com/episodes

Episode notes: https://www.digitalconstructionpodcast.com/episode/from-iran-to-australia-reinventing-a-career-with-ati-hezarian

Host: Andrea Ciaffi

Guest: Ati Hezarian

Ati Hezarian joined us to share why we must never stop learning and stay curious, as tools and titles will always change. She reflected on her ten-year journey from Iran to Australia, describing the "marathon" of rebuilding a professional network and why she founded the IBASA Network to help others map their pathways. Ati sees digital construction as a puzzle where the real magic happens by integrating people and tools across the whole project lifecycle. As an "automation accelerator," she believes AI and digital twins are no longer optional but are the essential defaults for our future. We dived into her work with Women in BIM, where she advocates for visibility and mentorship to bring more women into leadership. Her advice to everyone is simple: don't wait for the "perfect time" to start; just jump in and stay relevant. It’s a holistic, inspiring look at our industry's transformation that you simply have to hear!

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Episodes: https://www.digitalconstructionpodcast.com/episodes

Episode notes: https://www.digitalconstructionpodcast.com/episode/an-ai-native-tool-that-is-reshaping-project-reporting-with-christian-pallaria

Host: Andrea Ciaffi

Guest: Christian Pallaria

Christian Pallaria, Digital Leader at AECOM and founder of WisyPlan, joined me to share how he’s humanizing digital transformation. He reflected on a journey that led to managing mega-projects in Australia.

Christian opened up about the "why" behind WisyPlan: the desire to help project managers that struggle with fragmented, unstructured data buried in millions of documents. This drove him to build an AI-native ecosystem that doesn't just plug in a co-pilot but sits at the core to connect costs, risks, and schedules in real-time. His goal is clear: giving leaders time back for their families.

Note: His participation at Digital Construction Posdcast is in a personal and professional capacity and does not represent the views of AECOM.

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Episodes: https://www.digitalconstructionpodcast.com/episodes

Episode notes: https://www.digitalconstructionpodcast.com/episode/how-a-university-is-training-the-next-generation-of-digital-engineers-with-julie-jupp

Host: Andrea Ciaffi

Guest: Julie Jupp

Professor Julie Jupp is a leading voice in digital engineering and a director at both buildingSMART Australia and Women in BIM.

In this episode, Julie explains why education at UTS prioritizes data literacy and systems thinking over simple software training, helping students navigate the messiness of real-world projects where best practice is often optional.

We also discuss the critical mission of buildingSMART and the role of Women in BIM in moving diversity from participation to genuine technical influence.

Looking to the future, Julie talks about the rise of connected data environments, AI, and the essential skills required to lead the change.

Her final advice for success is to build core principles first and never become tool-defined.

This episode is a masterclass in bridging the gap between academia and industry.

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Episodes: https://www.digitalconstructionpodcast.com/episodes

Episode notes: https://www.digitalconstructionpodcast.com/episode/bim-lessons-from-an-autodesk-expert-elite-with-gary-cowan

Host: Andrea Ciaffi

Guest: Gary Cowan

We recently sat down with Gary Cowan, Head of Digital Construction at Kane Group and member of the Autodesk Expert Elite, to talk about his twenty-year journey in the industry.

He shared how he applies a manufacturing mindset to MEP delivery, using DfMA to turn construction sites into assembly yards. We discussed his passion for "insanely high" LOD models that drive accurate digital take-offs and his use of the technology to maintain a live source of truth between the office and the site. Gary also delivered a blunt warning against "AI bluffers," stressing that emerging tools are only useful if you have the technical knowledge to know when the machine is telling lies.

If you are ready to stop cutting corners and start building with real success, this is the episode for you.

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Episodes: https://www.digitalconstructionpodcast.com/episodes

Episode notes: https://www.digitalconstructionpodcast.com/episode/from-automation-leader-to-solution-architect-at-autodesk-with-adam-sheather

Host: Andrea Ciaffi

Guest: Adam Sheather

We recently sat down with Adam Sheather, who shared incredible insights derived from his journey, from pioneering BIM consulting to a Solution Architect at Autodesk,. Adam’s philosophy on automation is straightforward: it’s about reducing low-value tasks through a computerised process, not necessarily magic or complex code.

A common mistake is focusing on automating "cool" systems rather than tackling the repetitive, boring, but high-impact tasks that truly save time. When building computational workflows, the key is understanding the existing software capabilities to avoid unnecessarily rewriting functions, as complexities usually stem from people and inconsistent business processes, not just the technology.

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Episodes: https://www.digitalconstructionpodcast.com/episodes

Episode notes: https://www.digitalconstructionpodcast.com/episode/who-are-the-real-industry-disruptors-with-steven-coyle

Host: Andrea Ciaffi

Guest: Steven Coyle

Steven Coyle shares his refreshingly practical take on digital transformation at Arcadis. He's adamant that IP dies quickly and believes the industry needs to be more open about sharing tools and knowledge rather than hoarding them. Steven prioritizes client-facing work to stay relevant and connected to real problems, emphasizing that accountability is key to managing digital initiatives across a global organization. He's skeptical of "digital advisory" as a term, preferring to focus on genuinely solving client problems through collaboration. Steven stresses that innovation only happens through working together, whether with clients, vendors, or even competitors. He reveals how his team measures success through metrics that track time saved and value created, not just tool development. Steven champions bringing computer scientists into engineering teams as enablers and believes the biggest barrier to data connectivity is education and investing time upfront. His advice for future digital leaders is simple: be inquisitive, challenging, and take advantage of everything your organization offers.

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Episodes: https://www.digitalconstructionpodcast.com/episodes

Episode notes: https://www.digitalconstructionpodcast.com/episode/the-reality-for-young-BIM-technicians-with-dane-carroll

Host: Andrea Ciaffi

Guest: Dane Carroll

We had a fantastic chat with Dane Carroll, Senior Drafter at BG&E, who shared his secrets on mastering the art of drafting and career advancement. Dane stressed that career success starts with the mindset: strive to be a leader, not a follower, constantly questioning the status quo, and refusing the phrase 'this is how we’ve always done it'.

We discussed how modern technicians sometimes rely too much on software automation for speed, leading to a neglect of foundational drafting and visualization skills, especially since quality documentation remains paramount for many projects.

Dane highlighted the crucial role of mentors in shaping his career, noting that good mentorship involves providing patience, setting high standards, and giving younger professionals genuine responsibility, allowing them to make fixable mistakes.

His ultimate advice for progression? Always say yes to opportunities to diversify your skills, as this adds value to yourself and your company. Also, build genuine professional relationships, as most career opportunities come from the people who know and trust you. Remember, careers are built slowly over time, not overnight.

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Episodes: https://www.digitalconstructionpodcast.com/episodes

Episode notes: https://www.digitalconstructionpodcast.com/episode/the-bim-pirate-how-to-sell-bim-services-with-simon-dilhas

Host: Andrea Ciaffi

Guest: Simon Dilhas

What an insightful and challenging discussion with Simon Dilhas, the one and only BIM Pirate!

Simon definitely brings a rebellious spirit, fighting against the direction BIM has taken, often becoming an industry decoupled from real value creation in projects. He argues that applying BIM as an "extra thing" just creates busy work, increasing overhead and waste.

For Simon, the biggest barrier for digital adoption is the business model itself. He pointed out that since many construction companies earn money by selling time, deploying BIM to save time is essentially "nonsense".

The key is fixing that underlying business case first. He hopes in five to ten years, we won't even need to talk about BIM anymore.

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Episodes: https://www.digitalconstructionpodcast.com/episodes

Episode notes: https://www.digitalconstructionpodcast.com/episode/bim-and-small-contractors-with-alex-harris

Host: Andrea Ciaffi

Guest: Alex Harris

We were thrilled to have Alex Harris, Digital Engineering Leader at Bilby, join us to discuss navigating digital delivery from a small contractor's perspective. Alex shared invaluable, real-world lessons in doing more with less. He stressed that Tier 2 contractors must adopt the 'Jack of all trades' mentality and be leaner.

His key takeaway? Prioritize quality outputs and avoid the rush to submit things too quickly.

Since BIM isn't a consistent requirement yet, the strategy focuses on "less is more", detailing the model only to the level that adds actual value, because perfection is the enemy of good.

For low-cost, high-impact digital wins, Alex hailed AI as a game-changer. It has made scripting accessible and has allowed them to solve problems without buying expensive commercial platforms. He noted that collaboration and compromise, learned through his multidiscipline experience, are critical to avoiding project silos. Regarding the Queensland infrastructure landscape, he sees the digital bar rising sharply, driven mostly by state government mandates. Alex is excited about new, innovative software players challenging the status quo and young engineers coming straight from university equipped with digital engineering concepts.

Listen now for these practical insights!

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Episodes: https://www.digitalconstructionpodcast.com/episodes

Episode notes: https://www.digitalconstructionpodcast.com/episode/drones-in-construction-with-scott-major

Host: Andrea Ciaffi

Guest: Scott Major

G'day, folks! Today we speak with Scott Major, digital engineering practice lead and chief remote pilot at Seymour Whyte.

The discussion focuses on the growing role of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) or drones in revolutionizing construction projects, including their use in digital surveys and reality capture. Scott shares his career path, transitioning from drafting and working at companies like AECOM, WSP and Arup to his current role managing all aspects of UAV operations, including regulatory compliance under the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA). He emphasizes that drones have moved from being a novelty to an integral part of construction workflows, primarily for applications such as aerial surveying, progress monitoring, volumetric analysis, and enhancing site safety by keeping personnel out of hazardous areas.

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Episodes: https://www.digitalconstructionpodcast.com/episodes

Episode notes: https://www.digitalconstructionpodcast.com/episode/how-to-build-a-business-in-construction-using-digital-tools-with-greg-wilkes

Host: Andrea Ciaffi

Guest: Greg Wilkes

Get ready to be inspired by Greg Wilkes, an award-winning construction business coach, property developer, and author, as he opens up about his journey!

Greg shares how he learned the hard way after his first construction company went bust, ultimately rebuilding it the right way and developing his powerful five-pillar framework to success: Plan, Attract, Convert, Deliver, and Scale.

You'll discover crucial insights into attracting ideal clients, crafting a compelling digital brand and his strategies for winning bigger projects.

Tune in to learn practical, actionable advice that can transform your construction business!

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Episodes: https://www.digitalconstructionpodcast.com/episodes

Episode notes: https://www.digitalconstructionpodcast.com/episode/the-BIM-handbook-in-2025-with-marzia-bolpagni

Host: Andrea Ciaffi

Guest: Marzia Bolpagni

Get ready for an insightful chat on the Digital Construction Podcast with Marzia Bolpagni, Head of BIM International, Associate Director at Maze and co-author of the BIM Handbook.

Marzia, who led the development of ISO 7817 Part 1, shares her journey in standardizing the Level of Information Need. Discover the crucial difference between LOD and this framework, which emphasizes defining the purpose, timing, and recipient of information to ensure projects receive the right information at the right time, avoiding waste and fostering lean practices.

Learn about the upcoming Part 2 (guidance for application) and Part 3 (a data schema for machine-interpretable requirements) of ISO 7817, aiming to bridge the gap between specified requirements and delivered information.

As a NIMA ambassador, Marzia highlights its role in promoting digital transformation and how the updated BIM Handbook (4th edition) offers global case studies and new concepts like digital twins.

She also discusses bridging the gap between academia and industry through better communication and collaboration.

Finally, Marzia shares her view on future trends like AI and ethics, automation, hybrid communication, digital minimalism, and the increasing importance of human leadership.

Don't miss this engaging conversation!

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Episodes

Episode notes

Host: Andrea Ciaffi

Guest: Josip Bandur

Step into the Digital Construction podcast for a candid conversation with Josip Bandur, a BIM leader with over two decades of experience.

Josip shares his deep passion for the craft of drafting and offers a raw, honest perspective from the trenches of project delivery. He dives into the worrying decline of drawing standards, linking it to intense pressures on timelines and budgets, and highlights how the shift to 3D models can sometimes compromise the final documentation quality.

You'll hear Josip's take on the crucial role of technicians, the industry's growing mentorship gap, and the hidden costs of heavy reliance on outsourcing, which he argues suppresses local talent development and fuels burnout.

As a unique leader who remains deeply involved in the "doing," Josip champions authenticity, adaptability, and open communication to foster an environment where quality truly comes first.

Tune in for his invaluable insights into leadership disconnects, the escalating number of RFIs, and what it truly takes to deliver exceptional projects in today's fast-paced environment.

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Episodes

Episode notes

Host: Andrea Ciaffi

Guest: Veer Dhaliwal

Dive into the legal landscape of digital construction with Veer Dhaliwal, a finalist for 2024 Construction and Infrastructure Lawyer of the Year!

Veer explains why construction professionals and BIM managers must care about legal aspects, detailing major challenges like data ownership, liability for incorrect models, and protecting intellectual property in collaborative environments.

He stresses the importance of clearly defining who owns the BIM model (designers, contractors, or project owners) right from the project's start, and clarifying usage rights in contracts.

Discover what 'fitness for purpose' truly means for digital models and the significant legal implications if they don't meet their intended function, potentially leading to delay claims or misuse of IP.

Veer highlights how legal frameworks differ internationally and offers practical advice for managing legal risks, including using bespoke contract clauses and ensuring comprehensive BIM execution plans. He envisions construction law evolving to foster innovation through licensing agreements and better alignment across fragmented project teams.

Don't miss this insightful discussion on securing your digital assets and navigating legal complexities!

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Episodes

Episode notes

Host: Andrea Ciaffi

Guest: Jacob Hoare

Join Jacob Hoare, Digital Lead for Asia at Aurecon, as he shares his career-best advice.

He details his role, driving Arecon's digital strategy, including AI and automation, across diverse Asian markets. Jacobs discusses Aurecon's digital capabilities, focusing on human-centered solutions that address genuine problems, like their AI tools "Recall" for instant information retrieval and "Clarify" for generating RFI responses with human oversight. Jacob challenges the misconception that AI will eliminate jobs, asserting it frees people from repetitive, boring tasks, thereby enhancing individual skills for problem-solving and strategic thinking. He also touches on the booming APAC data center market, noting its massive growth driven by AI, and how digital tools are crucial for their rapid, repetitive nature. Finally, he encourages everyone in the construction industry to ask: "How can technology and digital enhance the current task I'm doing?" to foster continuous improvement.

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Episodes

Episode notes

Host: Andrea Ciaffi

Guest: Tim Rawling

Join Tim Rawling, co-founder and CPO of CalcTree, as he shares his journey from structural engineer at Arup to building a startup.

Discover how CalcTree transforms engineering calculations and project data management by addressing data fragmentation and manual errors. Learn how CalcTree serves as a collaborative workbench, blending manual calculations with Python scripting, enabling engineers to create reusable templates.

Tim discusses challenges in developing intuitive software for engineers, the shift from product-led growth to B2B, and CalTree's transparency-first approach. He also delves into the future of engineering software, highlighting AI agents and CalcTree's exciting roadmap, including advanced reporting and version history.

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https://www.digitalconstructionpodcast.com

Episodes:

https://www.digitalconstructionpodcast.com/episodes

Episode notes:

https://www.digitalconstructionpodcast.com/episode/digitizing-tunnelling-and-geotechnical-engineering-with-rajat-gangrade

Host:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrea-ciaffi-548413113

Guest:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/rajatgangrade/

Join Rajat Gangrade, Co-founder of Ground Up, as we explore digital transformation in tunnelling and geotechnics. Rajat outlines the digital-first project lifecycle, from data digitisation and digital twins to real-time construction monitoring. He assesses North America's low digital maturity and details the critical problem of underutilised geotechnical data.

Discover how smarter data management and visualising uncertainty improve project outcomes. Rajat discusses automation's efficiency versus inertia in delivering projects. He suggests the industry isn't "AI ready" for complex tasks, suggesting initial routine automation, with Agentic AI as the future for unique projects. Rajat shares Ground Up's aim to streamline geotechnical data analysis via a cloud platform. Expect accelerated adoption of digital twins, and cloud collaboration, powered by growing digital literacy in the next decade.

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https://www.digitalconstructionpodcast.com

Episodes:

https://www.digitalconstructionpodcast.com/episodes

Episode notes:

https://www.digitalconstructionpodcast.com/episode/digital-engineering-with-adam-favaloro

Host:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrea-ciaffi-548413113

Guest:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/adam-favaloro-34572aa/

Adam Favaloro, a veteran digital leader at GHD, offers insights from his 20+ years in digital engineering. He explains that Digital Engineering (DE) has evolved from merely visualising projects to becoming crucial for optimising civil infrastructure lifecycles, enabling early 3D problem-solving that significantly saves construction time and costs. Adam underscores DE's growing importance for efficient asset management and preventative maintenance post-construction, which he sees as the industry's biggest opportunity for growth. Key challenges include demonstrating DE's return on investment amidst persistent budget constraints, overcoming industry resistance to change, standardising diverse digital practices across multidisciplinary teams, and achieving true data interoperability across different software platforms. He notes a talent gap in mid-career experts (5-15 years experience) due to past outsourcing strategies. For new DE professionals, understanding construction, strong communication (being extroverted), and a drive for continuous innovation are non-negotiable skills. Adam believes AI, machine learning, and cloud collaboration will profoundly shape DE's future, with open Standards being vital yet challenging to achieve.

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https://www.digitalconstructionpodcast.com

Episodes:

https://www.digitalconstructionpodcast.com/episodes

Episode notes:

https://www.digitalconstructionpodcast.com/episode/a-community-delivering-digital-projects-with-graham-kelly

Host:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrea-ciaffi-548413113

Guest:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/grahamkellybim/

Graham Kelly shares the story of Okana and its unique business model that includes a collaborative network of 15 organisations and people distributed in different parts of the world.

Graham shares his insights about the differences between the UK and Australian markets.

He also shares the experience of delivering one of the first digital twins for the Sydney Opera House in 2013 when it wasn't even called digital twin.

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https://www.digitalconstructionpodcast.com

Episodes:

https://www.digitalconstructionpodcast.com/episodes

Episode notes:

https://www.digitalconstructionpodcast.com/episode/road-design-and-BIM-with-matthew-jedniuk

Host:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrea-ciaffi-548413113

Guest:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthew-jedniuk-b423835b/

The episode of the Digital Construction Podcast welcomes Matthew Jedniuk, Digital Delivery Lead for Transport at GHD, who has extensive experience in BIM across major companies like WSP, Mott MacDonald, and AECOM.

Matthew shares his career journey, starting as a drafter before moving into road design and then into the digital engineering space to help coordinate design models, eventually becoming a DE lead on major projects in Sydney.

The conversation focuses on designing roads with BIM, managing teams and projects, particularly in the infrastructure sector.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

https://www.digitalconstructionpodcast.com

Episodes:

https://www.digitalconstructionpodcast.com/episodes

Episode notes:

https://www.digitalconstructionpodcast.com/episode/from-BIM-technician-to-technical-sales-consultant-with-ben-byrnes

Host:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrea-ciaffi-548413113

Guest:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/ben-byrnes-4b5859138/

In this episode of the Digital Construction Podcast, we welcomed Ben Byrnes to discuss his transition from a BIM technician to a technical sales consultant. Ben shared insights into his career journey, beginning with a structural drafting apprenticeship and working on significant projects like Metro Martin Place. He described this as a 'classic career of BIM technician'. Ben explained his move away from drafting and modeling, which was his "first true love". The opportunity in technical sales arose, and despite initial nerves about being in front of people, particularly as someone who considers himself more technical and potentially introverted, he took the chance.

Ben believes his experience in BIM gives him an advantage, enabling him to understand technical jargon and the struggles clients face because he's "been on the other side".

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https://www.digitalconstructionpodcast.com/

Episodes:

https://www.digitalconstructionpodcast.com/episodes

Episode notes:

https://www.digitalconstructionpodcast.com/episode/the-role-of-data-in-construction-with-josh-symonds

Host:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrea-ciaffi-548413113

Guest:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshrsymonds/

In this episode of the Digitial Construction Podcast, we have Josh Symonds, seasoned data leader with a career at Arup and Aurecon.

Josh recounted his varied career journey from surveying through council to consulting engineering at SMEC and then Arup, where his career in the data space "exploded". He believes data is the "missing link" between design and asset management in construction, noting that data capture during construction has historically lagged behind design. Regarding BIM, Josh observed a push for richer data and the increasing role of automation. He stressed that a key principle of effective data management is having a standard way of structuring data, even if it's not perfect, along with metadata tracking. Challenges in managing large datasets include over-verticised geometry and the lack of interoperability between different software packages. Josh emphasized the importance of consolidating disparate data sets to enable effective reporting and decision-making. An example of data's impact was a light rail project where BIM data was used to assess the carbon impact of design options. For information security, Josh advocated for a zero-trust approach and highlighted the risks of accidental data breaches.

Legally, data ownership, especially post-project, and data residency are crucial considerations. To ensure data accountability, Josh suggested having data custodians. Common data management mistakes include collecting absolutely everything without a clear purpose and neglecting data lineage, which is critical for data trust.

For training teams, Josh recommended "rigid flexibility" in data standards and fostering communication between different project teams. Looking to the future, Josh sees a significant impact from AI and machine learning for reporting, validation, and populating missing data, as well as the continued growth of digital twins. He is also excited about the potential to leverage data from older projects using new technologies.

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https://www.digitalconstructionpodcast.com/

Episodes:

https://www.digitalconstructionpodcast.com/episodes

Episode notes:

https://www.digitalconstructionpodcast.com/episode/online-training-and-digital-adoption-with-susan-brattberg

Host:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrea-ciaffi-548413113

Guest:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/susan-brattberg-40a3b711/

In this episode of the Digital Construction Podcast, Susan Brattberg, Co-founder and Chief Customer Officer of Global e-Training, discussed the role of virtual training in the construction industry and its impact on technology adoption.

She shared her journey, noting that Global e-Training began 16 and a half years ago, initially offering a single AutoCAD course. Today, the company provides over 450 courses and has evolved into a technology partner helping architecture, engineering and construction companies drive technology adoption.

Susan highlighted a significant shift in the acceptance of online learning—especially post-pandemic—with senior leadership now recognizing training as essential for both technology adoption and talent retention. She emphasized the importance of continuous learning in a rapidly evolving industry.

Susan addressed common misconceptions about online training, such as a lack of time or budget, arguing that the cost of not training outweighs the investment. She stressed the importance of balancing quick answers with foundational learning. Tools like smart assessments help create custom learning paths and competency-focused training. Tailoring content to be company- and project-specific enhances relevance and knowledge retention.

She also differentiated training approaches for new hires versus experienced workers, recommending assessments for new employees to identify skill gaps. On the topic of synchronous vs. asynchronous learning, Susan advocated for a hybrid model—using on-demand, asynchronous training for prerequisites and live, synchronous sessions for interactive discussions and real-world application.

To maximize engagement and retention, she emphasized the value of interactive learning methodologies that cater to various learning styles. Susan said that a training plan is a crucial "insurance policy" for successful technology adoption—yet it’s often missing from BIM Execution Plans.

She also addressed the challenge of training diverse generations, noting that their templates are designed to support all learners—from basic knowledge to advanced levels.

Measuring the return on investment (ROI) in training, Susan pointed to metrics like:

• Project efficiency
• Technology adoption rates
• Staff retention
• Mitigation of liability through documented training

Global e-Training is also embracing AI, incorporating it into course development with an AI-powered course creation tool to accelerate the creation and customization of training content.

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https://www.digitalconstructionpodcast.com/episode/smart-buildings-explained-with-pete-swansons

In this episode of the Digital Construction Podcast, Andrea welcomed Pete Swanson, the digital technology lead at Mott MacDonald, to discuss smart buildings.

Pete shared his career journey, starting in audiovisisual technology and developing a passion for delivering effective tech solutions in various environments, eventually leading him to the smart buildings industry. He highlighted his experiences as a contractor, a consultant at WSP, and his time at Lendlease, emphasizing his interest in the operational phase of buildings.

Pete explained that for him, a smart building is an aspiration to deliver great experiences, performance, and sustainable outcomes using technology, emphasizing that it's a concept rather than a product. He further elaborated on the main enabling technologies, contrasting traditional buildings with smart buildings by focusing on the integration of systems through connectivity and security. Pete stressed the importance of data sharing in a structured way, drawing a parallel with the Common Data Environment in digital construction. He also advocated for an approach using various applications for different functionalities rather than a single monolithic platform to allow for flexibility and adaptability.

Pete highlighted the availability of various energy optimization solutions and the importance of understanding the value being pursued and how these solutions integrate with existing teams and workflows. Regarding sustainability goals, Pete affirmed the significant role of smart buildings in reducing energy consumption and carbon impact, considering it a win-win situation that aligns with growing cultural awareness of climate change. He also extended the sustainability perspective to include occupant health and well-being through technologies like ambient audio and lighting, emphasizing a holistic approach beyond just energy reduction. Andrea then raised the topic of smart buildings potentially improving productivity. Pete agreed but noted the challenge in proving this metric directly, distinguishing between ROI-based solutions and those focused on experience improvement. He suggested that occupancy rates could be an indicator of value but cautioned against assuming direct causation between building technology and productivity. The conversation then shifted to safety and security in smart buildings and the associated privacy concerns raised by data collection. Pete acknowledged that access control, CCTV, and video analytics are part of smart building technologies but stressed the need to carefully manage occupier-centric data with privacy and security implications in mind. Andrea also explored how smart buildings can assist with maintenance, moving from reactive to predictive approaches. Pete provided examples such as occupancy-based cleaning and bin monitoring, as well as detecting potential equipment degradation. He emphasized that these solutions require integration with existing workflows and responsible personnel to act on the alerts. The discussion then broadened to the concept of smart cities and how smart buildings can integrate into a larger infrastructure and share data. Pete noted that smart cities are often assemblages of buildings and highlighted the opportunity for beneficial data sharing between buildings, such as for energy management, while acknowledging the current challenges in achieving this due to varying systems and ownership.

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https://www.digitalconstructionpodcast.com/

Episodes:

https://www.digitalconstructionpodcast.com/episodes

Episode notes:

https://www.digitalconstructionpodcast.com/episode/openbim-ai-coding-why-engineers-should-care-with-dr-yatong-nie

Host:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrea-ciaffi-548413113

Guest:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/yatong-nie-18a123108/

In this episode of the Digital Construction Podcast, host Andrea speaks with Dr. Yatong Nie, a Digital Engineering Coordinator at GAMUDA, about the evolving role of digital engineering in construction. Yatong explains how digital engineering is not just about 3D models but also encompasses data automation, visualization, and workflow integration across design, construction, and operations. She shares her journey, starting with a PhD in AI and deep learning applications in engineering, followed by roles at consulting firms like WSP, where she gained hands-on experience in automation and open data formats such as IFC. Now working on large infrastructure projects, she focuses on making construction more efficient by leveraging digital models and data-driven decision-making.

Discussing digital tools in construction, Yatong highlights how cloud-based platforms and common data environments have transformed how teams collaborate. She explains that relying on outdated paper drawings often leads to confusion, while digital tools ensure all teams work with the latest, most reliable data. The conversation delves into OpenBIM and IFC file formats, with Yatong describing them as the "universal adapters" that allow different software ecosystems to exchange data seamlessly without compatibility issues. This, she argues, is key to improving coordination between disciplines and reducing rework—one of the biggest challenges in construction.

The discussion also touches on the role of Python and automation in engineering workflows. Yatong, a strong advocate for programming in construction, shares how Python is used for data extraction, workflow automation, and structural analysis, drastically improving efficiency. She also emphasizes the importance of low-code platforms like Dynamo and Grasshopper, which make automation accessible to engineers without deep programming expertise.

Looking ahead, Yatong predicts that AI and machine learning will play a major role in predictive design and decision-making once higher-quality structured data becomes available. She also sees augmented reality (AR) being widely adopted on construction sites, allowing teams to overlay 3D models onto real-world environments for better project visualization. However, she notes that the biggest barrier to OpenBIM adoption is mindset and industry resistance, as many professionals remain comfortable with proprietary software workflows.

The conversation concludes with Yatong encouraging engineers to stay curious, keep learning, and embrace digital tools to stay ahead in the industry.

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Addressing challenges in reality capture, Michael points out issues like site access restrictions, security concerns, environmental obstructions, and the difficulties of handling large datasets and aligning scans with models. He explains how reality capture is used to verify construction accuracy, detect discrepancies early, and reduce costly rework. It also plays a crucial role in condition assessments and heritage preservation. Looking ahead, Michael sees AI and machine learning making a significant impact by enabling automated feature recognition and condition assessments. He also expects increased use of drones, robots, and wearable technology for site monitoring, along with wider adoption of cloud-based solutions for real-time collaboration.

Michael shares examples of reality capture applications, including heritage and industrial site scans at Sugar Australia and Melbourne Airport, infrastructure projects such as tram corridor upgrades and rail network documentation, and building plant room and equipment replacements. He emphasizes that reality capture is becoming mainstream, with the biggest game-changer being the ability to view and analyze data online rather than relying on high-performance local computing. He concludes by stressing the importance of planning, selecting the right tools, and understanding client needs to maximize the benefits of reality capture.

Website:

https://www.digitalconstructionpodcast.com/

https://www.digitalconstructionpodcast.com/episode/reality-capture-101-laser-scanning-bim-and-digital-twins-with-michael-alder

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Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Rishi opens by suggesting that transitioning to producing models without drawings would be a transformative shift, reducing time spent on documentation and improving quality. He emphasizes that BIM should no longer be considered a mere output but rather a discipline integral to digital engineering.

Andrea highlights the importance of standards such as ISO 19650 and explores their adoption across industries, with Rishi noting that while such standards are increasingly used in major projects, there remains a need for broader awareness and education to ensure consistent application.

They also delve into technological advancements like automation, data-driven design, and artificial intelligence (AI), with Rishi cautioning against blindly integrating AI without preserving engineering integrity but acknowledging its potential to handle mundane tasks and enhance efficiency.

Sustainability is another critical focus, with Rishi pointing out that BIM can significantly contribute to carbon tracking and achieving sustainable development goals through proper planning and metadata embedding. The discussion also touches on the industry's past with technologies like AR, VR, and IoT, which Rishi believes entered the market prematurely but are now finding practical, functional applications. Regarding education, Rishi reflects on the training gaps in digital engineering, stressing the need for structured pathways, grassroots initiatives, and regional accreditation to attract and prepare new talent. Looking ahead, both agree that AI, machine learning, and digital twins are poised to shape the future of the industry, with Rishi advocating for a focus on leveraging technology for functional use and sustainability.

Website

https://www.digitalconstructionpodcast.com/episode/the-state-of-bim-in-2025-rishi-jobanputra

Youtube video

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SB61k1cUMVQ

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