In this episode, I talk with Joseph Viscuso, PE, PLS, ENV SP, Senior Vice President and Director of Strategic Growth at Pennoni, and Markus Weidner, MS, Chief Innovation Officer at Pennoni, about how tech adoption in AEC projects is revolutionizing the industry. We explore the rapid integration of emerging technologies, the challenges of tech adoption, and the future of project delivery in an increasingly digital world.
***The video version of this episode can be viewed here.***
Engineering Quotes:
Here Are Some of the Questions I Asked Joseph and Markus:
- How is tech adoption in AEC projects transforming project delivery methods, and what future advancements do you foresee?
- Can you discuss Pennoni’s use of AI in project delivery and how tech adoption has benefited these initiatives?
- What significant challenges arise when adopting new technology, and how can firms successfully navigate them?
- How can automation and AI enhance product accuracy, efficiency, and project timelines?
- What strategies help firms balance technological innovation with client expectations and budget constraints?
- What role does leadership play in promoting a culture of tech adoption within AEC firms?
- How can AEC professionals stay ahead in a rapidly evolving digital landscape?
- How do you ensure seamless collaboration between technical teams and technology experts to enhance tech adoption in workflows?
- What final piece of advice would you give to AEC professionals looking to embrace tech adoption for career growth?
Here Are Some Key Points Discussed in This Episode About Exploring the New Era of Tech Adoption and Innovation in AEC:
- The AEC industry is undergoing a transformation with intelligent object-based modeling and seamless tech adoption, leading to enhanced collaboration and reduced errors.
- Pennoni is at the forefront of tech adoption, leveraging AI-driven solutions for civil engineering tasks like pavement analysis and water leak detection, making assessments more objective and efficient.
- Skepticism about new technologies in engineering remains high due to the critical nature of infrastructure projects, but increasing client receptiveness is driving more effective tech adoption.
- AI advancements are enabling proactive infrastructure maintenance, optimizing resource allocation for long-term sustainability.
- A strategic, staged approach to tech adoption helps align new innovations with project goals while managing risks effectively.
- Leadership plays a pivotal role in tech adoption, ensuring teams stay updated with emerging trends through continuous education and engagement.
- AEC professionals must embrace tech adoption to enhance project visualization and client interactions, leading to more dynamic and impactful engagements.
- Effective collaboration between engineers and technology experts is critical for refining and implementing new technologies in real-world applications.
- Thriving in an era of rapid tech adoption requires professionals to anticipate future trends and adapt to the evolving AEC landscape.
More Details in This Episode…
About Joseph Viscuso, PE, PLS, ENV SP
Mr. Viscuso is the senior vice president and director of strategic growth, which includes involvement in all new initiatives and technologies. Joe is responsible for overseeing the top-line growth of Pennoni and manages both the business development and corporate communications teams. Joe co-manages Pennoni’s digital lab’s team to assist in the use and vetting of newly developed technologies. He has also spoken at many conferences on the use of technology for project delivery by consulting engineering firms.
He also assists with the firm’s mergers and acquisition activities. Furthermore, he has over 40 years of experience in a wide range of projects involving urban land engineering, roadway and highway design, utility and drainage design, environmental infrastructure, energy and sustainability, survey and mapping, traffic signalization, planning and environmental studies, municipal engineering, project specifications, cost estimating and contract and construction administration.
He is a member of the American Society of Civil Engineers. Mr. Viscuso has also served as an adjunct professor at Widener University, teaching a course in the land development approval process. He has authored numerous articles on the approval and entitlement process for both developers and communities.
Joe earned a bachelor’s degree from Widener and a master’s degree from Villanova University. A resident of Downingtown, PA, he has served on many boards and commissions, including the Chester County Chamber of Business and Industry, the Advisory Board for Widener University’s School of Engineering, the Chester County Planning Commission, and the YMCA of the Greater Brandywine.
About Markus Weidner, MS
Markus Weidner serves as chief innovation officer for Pennoni, a 1500-person consulting engineering firm headquartered in Philadelphia, with offices and projects throughout the United States. Markus holds a strong belief that innovation and creativity supply the necessary differentiators for modern businesses. With that principle in mind, he works with teams on a wide variety of projects that serve to both improve the experience of Pennoni colleagues and deliver cutting-edge technologies and creative design solutions to clients.
Before joining Pennoni as chief innovation officer in 2017, he held several technology management positions at both Pennoni and related industry companies during his career. His work included client-directed custom software development, transformational ERP implementations, HRIS system rollouts, and project collaboration systems modernization.
Markus Weidner attended Temple University for both his bachelor of science in civil engineering and a master’s in management information systems.
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.
Sources/References:
Pennoni
Bentley
Connect with Joseph Viscuso, PE, PLS, ENV SP, on LinkedIn
Connect with Markus Weidner, MS, on LinkedIn
We would love to hear any questions you might have or stories you can share on the new era of tech adoption and innovation in AEC.
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