In this episode, I talk with Ish Keener, SE, PE, director of building enclosures at Sustainable Building Partners, about building enclosure commissioning and its role in turning design into real building performance verification. We delve into how forensic engineering in construction improves future projects, and how AI in engineering workflows is reshaping the way teams operate.
Engineering Quotes:
Here Are Some of the Questions I Ask Ish Keener, SE, PE:
- What are some main challenges in turning a building design into a durable, high-performing structure, and how can engineers help make sure it meets expectations?
- Please explain what building enclosure commissioning is, and do you have an example of how it’s used to meet an owner’s goals?
- Can you share a specific project where you tested for things like air tightness, and explain whether that was something the owner specifically asked for or was it part of a larger goal?
- Are there any emerging technologies you’re excited about, and how do you see them changing the way you and your team work?
- How do you help team members, who aren’t naturally drawn to AI, understand its value and to start using it?
- If AI saves time on deliverables, how do you think firms should adapt their business models to stay profitable?
- Do you think switching from hourly billing to lump sum contracts makes sense for firms using AI and other time-saving tools?
- What’s the biggest difference between working on new construction and existing buildings, and what insights can engineers gain from retrofit or forensic projects?
- What final piece of advice would you give younger professionals who are just starting out or trying to keep up with all the changes happening in the industry?
Here Are Some Key Points Discussed in This Episode About How AI and Building Enclosure Commissioning Are Revolutionizing AEC Projects:
- Translating design into performance requires coordination, verification, and clear alignment with the owner’s goals throughout the project. Engineers support this by commissioning test systems, confirming performance, and guiding collaboration from design through occupancy.
- Building enclosure commissioning is the process of bringing a building into proper working order by validating performance across every project phase. It helps owners meet their objectives through defined expectations, performance testing, and continuous feedback during design and construction.
- In a recent renovation at Penn State, the owner emphasized long-term durability, which made air tightness and leak prevention a priority. The team developed a test plan to verify performance at key transitions using ASTM methods based on the owner’s stated requirements.
- Artificial intelligence tools significantly reduce time spent on repetitive and technical tasks. Teams now explore solutions like ChatGPT and Replit to create internal tools and improve workflow across all phases of a project.
- Encouraging others to try AI tools through real project examples and hands-on use is the most effective approach to help them understand its value. Once they experience what technology can do, they often recognize its benefits and say they wish they had started sooner.
- Firms benefit by shifting focus from billing time to delivering value. Clients pay for solutions, not effort, so faster work powered by AI should still command fair compensation.
- Project lump sum models align better with AI-driven efficiency because they reward results instead of time spent. This structure helps firms improve margins while still meeting client expectations.
- Existing building work reveals hidden conditions that frequently differ from the original plans, requiring careful investigation. These insights help engineers understand what has failed in the past and guide smarter decisions for future designs.
- Engineers grow by stepping into uncomfortable situations and asking questions, even when uncertain. Developing strong communication and writing skills is essential and remains one of the most valuable assets in a changing industry.
More Details in This Episode…
About Ish Keener, SE, PE
Ish Keener, SE, PE is a licensed structural engineer with deep expertise in building structures and enclosures. His career spans the full lifecycle of buildings—from concept and design through construction, commissioning, performance verification, and forensic analysis. Ish is driven by a passion for delivering durable, high-performing buildings that fulfill their design intent in the real world.
With a collaborative approach and a strong commitment to quality, Ish bridges the gap between vision and execution, ensuring that what’s imagined on paper performs as intended in practice. He is especially interested in how emerging technologies like artificial intelligence and blockchain are set to transform the way we design, build, and manage the built environment. He approaches each project with a comprehensive, performance-driven mindset, using data to guide decisions and deliver long-term value. A champion of measurable building performance, Ish blends innovation with practical experience to help move the AEC industry forward.
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 the host of the AEC AI & Tech Strategy Podcast (“AECT”), 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:
Pennsylvania State University (Penn State)
Missouri University of Science and Technology (Missouri S&T)
Intertek
ASTM International
Replit
Guild AI
Sustainable Building Partners
Connect with Ish Keener, SE, PE on LinkedIn
AEC PM Certification
AEC PM Connect
Project Management Accelerator™
Engineering Leadership Accelerator™
Keynote Speaking
About AECIQ:
AECIQ is a service-infused technology platform that helps firms in the AEC industry connect with top-tier, passive talent. Their approach goes beyond traditional recruiting—they find, analyze, and deliver warm introductions to your most sought-after candidates, with guaranteed interviews and no hiring fees. To learn more, visit aeciq.com.
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