How Digital Consultants Lead the Way in AEC Transformation Success – Ep 066

January 27, 2025

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In this episode, I talk with Zak Kostura, P.E., associate principal and digital services portfolio leader for Americas East at Arup, about how digital consultants transform the AEC industry by streamlining workflows, enhancing collaboration, and delivering innovative, game-changing project outcomes.

***The video version of this episode can be viewed here.***

Engineering Quotes:

Here Are Some of the Questions I Asked Zak:

What is the role of digital consultants in helping engineering firms innovate and improve?
How do you develop and sustain expertise in emerging technologies within your team and organization?
In what ways is artificial intelligence reshaping engineering workflows, and what opportunities exist for its broader adoption?
What challenges do engineers face when transitioning to technology-focused roles, and how can they overcome them?
How can companies ensure that digital solutions effectively address the practical needs of professionals?
What advice would you give engineers who want to grow their careers in digital technologies and excel in tech-driven roles?

Here Are Some Key Points Discussed in This Episode About How Digital Consultants Lead the Way in AEC Transformation Success:

Digital consultants bridge the gap between technology and operations by identifying organizational challenges and implementing tailored solutions using tools like AI, digital twins, and data-driven insights. They drive innovation by improving internal processes, enhancing client outcomes, and encouraging industry collaboration to adopt emerging technologies effectively.
Understanding the adoption curve helps organizations position themselves strategically with new technologies. By balancing early innovation with delivering scalable solutions, teams efficiently use resources and maximize impact while promoting continuous learning and teamwork to stay ahead.
AI transforms engineering workflows by streamlining tasks, improving decision-making, and enabling innovative approaches like generative AI for BIM models. As AI tools become more advanced, they create opportunities for consultants and engineers to guide clients and deliver impactful outcomes.
Engineers transitioning to tech-focused roles adapt to new domains, standards, and certifications while navigating the destabilizing shift from traditional expertise. Approaching the challenge with an open mind provides significant growth opportunities in an evolving field.
By evaluating business cases and adopting the most suitable solutions, organizations ensure that digital tools meet professionals’ practical needs. Engaging stakeholders early and balancing innovation with scalability ensures solutions are both effective and aligned with user requirements.
Young engineers must embrace career agility and recognize that their roles and skills should evolve due to advancements like AI. Senior leaders should empower experimentation and innovation among junior team members to encourage growth and ensure the organization remains future-ready.

More Details in This Episode…

About Zak Kostura, P.E.

Zak Kostura is an experienced engineering leader passionate about bridging the gap between technology and human-centered design. With a background in software engineering and a deep understanding of organizational dynamics, Zak has successfully led teams to deliver innovative solutions that drive business growth and improve operational efficiency. Zak is committed to fostering a culture of collaboration, continuous learning, and data-driven decision-making. He believes that effective engineering management requires a blend of technical expertise, strong leadership skills, and a focus on human dynamics.

In his current role as digital services leader, Zak has had the opportunity to work with diverse teams across various industries. His experience includes advising industry and data center companies on digitally enabled modular strategies for building asset delivery, managing the deployment of an AI-powered decision support system for state-level government agencies, and leading the deployment of digital ecosystems for major infrastructure and resilience projects across the United States. Zak is excited to share his insights and experiences with the Engineering Management Institute community and contribute to the ongoing conversation about the future of engineering leadership.

About the Host: Nick Heim, P.E.

Nick Heim, P.E., is a civil engineer with seven years of experience in the repair and restoration of existing structures and host of the AEC Engineering and Technology Podcast (“AECTECH”), where he brings valuable insights and expertise to listeners worldwide.

Nick’s interests lie at the intersection between the built world and technology, and he can be found looking for the ever-changing answer to the question, “How can we do this better?” Nick can be found on LinkedIn, producing content about the use of technologies in his civil engineering career and small business.