Recognizing Future AEC Leaders

I recently learned about the European Federation of Engineering Consultancy Associations' fifteenth Future Leader's Competition. On May 23, the organization awarded four individuals.

Diego Apellániz Quintana from Germany was the overall winner. He created an innovative tool that integrates AI, structural design, and CO2 assessment.

The Digital & New Technologies award went to 29-year-old Matias Hirvikoski of the Finnish AINS Group. I know Matias personally and can attest to his tech-savviness.

Matias developed Vibmapper, a tool for analyzing railway-induced vibrations. It collects open data from various sources, models the impact of structure-borne noise and vibration on tens of thousands of properties, and helps identify appropriately scaled mitigation solutions. The application has improved quality, significantly saved money and materials in several railway projects, and has the potential for internationalization.

Giving Young Talent a Chance

Recognizing leaders in the industry can boost their careers and inspire other young professionals. It also highlights the importance of supporting these champions within companies.

As a young professional, I had the privilege of working for Professor Erik Kr?kstr?m. He had seen computers used for design at Berkeley University and wanted to explore emerging CAD technology within his architecture practice.

Together with two wonderful colleagues, Christer Finne and Winni Ekelund, we started applying and developing CAD for architectural design.

Our work at the time was pioneering. The visionary leadership, willingness to invest in new tech (despite its high cost), and the freedom given to young professionals led to great results within a few years. I saw similar progress in other Finnish companies.

Competitive advantage potential

Nowadays, technology is more accessible and affordable compared to the 1980s. What we still need is support for young innovators. AEC company owners and management teams must allow them to explore and use new technologies.

As industry professionals, they are not just experimenting with cool tech. They are developing solutions that can provide a competitive advantage for the company in the long run.

I hosted a panel discussion earlier this week with construction company CEOs. They agreed that investing in development is necessary even during this construction downturn. "There's no other way," one of them concluded.

PS. The WDBE Awards call is open until June 16! Submit your research project, solution, collaborative concept, or anything relevant to one of the six categories promoting sustainable digitalization in the built environment.

FROM AEC BUSINESS

Boosting Construction Productivity with AR

In this episode of the AEC Business Podcast, I interview Alexander Sidorov , the COO at Gamma Technologies, a company specializing in visualizing BIM models on construction sites. With a background in corporate finance, Alexander shares insights into his transition to construction technology. He discusses his experience working on various projects, from cryptocurrency exchanges to hotel restructurings, highlighting the industry’s diverse challenges.

Tune in for valuable perspectives on leveraging technology to enhance construction productivity!

Listen to or watch the interview

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I know many of you are involved in R&D projects. My company helps with planning and communication, especially for multi-organizational projects. Here are my tips for successful R&D project communication and promotion.

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SMART CONSTRUCTION NEWS

European Construction is Special—and Why You Should Care

European construction firms are renowned for their distinctive attributes that set them apart globally. These firms face unique challenges, such as diverse regulations and dense urban landscapes, driving them toward innovative design and project management solutions. Central to their strategy is the embrace of digital transformation. Technologies like BIM and digital twins revolutionize managing projects, fostering better collaboration and efficiency. European leaders in the sector prioritize sustainability, employing stringent environmental regulations and aiming for a circular economy. Moreover, the collaboration with U.S. tech giants helps integrate cutting-edge digital solutions, although data privacy remains a critical concern. This blend of innovation, craftsmanship, and strategic partnerships ensures that European construction remains a leader on the world stage. This article was contributed by Olivier LEPINOY as a part of BuiltWorlds’ Verified Contributor Program.

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INDUSTRIALIZED CONSTRUCTION NEWS

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Charting the Prefabrication Journey in Five Phases

The article from Contractor Magazine outlines the five phases of a successful prefabrication journey in the construction industry, highlighting key logistical, financial, technological, and cultural challenges. Phases include starting small with minimal resources, expanding operations and facilities, and integrating Building Information Modeling (BIM) for multi-trade assemblies. Industry experts Aaron Heilbrun and Ward Smith emphasize the importance of organizational buy-in, iterative learning, and collaboration among trades. Each phase brings unique challenges, from initial skepticism to the need for skilled labor and space optimization, ultimately leading to significant improvements in efficiency and productivity.

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AI NEWS

Test AI now, but know the risks, panelists say

At the Building Innovation Conference in Washington, D.C., industry leaders discussed incorporating generative artificial intelligence into construction workflows to improve productivity and address workforce challenges. With AI, construction professionals can generate text, images, and videos, potentially easing the burden of repetitive tasks and knowledge transfer as seasoned workers retire. Panelists, including CEOs Stephen Hagan of Hagan Technologies and Ivan Panushev of TwinKnowledge, highlighted AI’s potential to streamline operations and enhance accuracy despite concerns about data reliability and security. Effective evaluation of AI tools, like the “gorilla test,” remains crucial for successful implementation. For more details, subscribe to Construction Dive.

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The State of AI in Architecture: Insights from 1,200+ Architects & Designers

Chaos once again teamed up with Architizer to survey 1,227 architecture professionals. We aimed to understand how AI is currently used in architectural practices. The survey delves into AI’s impact on design processes, from concept to completion, and examines its broader implications for the profession.

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5 Best AI Interior Design Tools (May 2024)

Here’s Unite.ai’s list of 5 of the best AI interior design tools:

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NOTE

The online workshop The Modular Advantage: Strategies for Business Success has been rescheduled. I'll let you know the new date!

AEC BUSINESS PARTNERS

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