Engineering Management Institute

AECT - AEC Engineering and Technology Podcast

AECT 019: How to Boost Your Productivity and Get More Done as an Engineer

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boost your productivityIn this episode, I talk with Aaron Moncur, CEO and founder of Pipeline Design & Engineering about how to boost your productivity as an engineer, master time management, and honing effective communication skills. He also take us on his personal journey from being laid off to becoming a thriving business owner and explain how you can do it too!

***You can view the video version of this episode here.***

Engineering Quotes:

boost your productivity

boost your productivity

Here Are Some of the Questions I Ask Aaron:

  • Can you explain your process from generating an idea to executing it and eventually launching a product?
  • How do you maintain focus on your goals and stay productive both individually and as a team leader?
  • Do you have a specific time management system, like your system for lists, long-term goals, and short-term task planning, that you utilize?
  • What strategies do you use to ensure clear communication, resolve conflicts, and address any misunderstandings effectively?
  • Could you please share some insights into your experience of starting your own business after being laid off and provide advice for others in a similar situation?
  • Is the choice between being an employee and an entrepreneur a subjective decision that depends on individual preferences and fulfillment?
  • Do you have any advice for individuals aspiring to become entrepreneurs or pursue careers in mechanical engineering or product development?

Here Are Some Key Points Discussed in This Episode About How to Boost Your Productivity as an Engineer:

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AECT 018: Exploring the Cutting-Edge World of Digital Inspection and Non-Destructive Testing

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Digital InspectionIn this episode, we dive into digital inspection and non-destructive testing (NDT) with Hamed Layssi, PEng, Ph.D., the co-founder of FPrimeC Solutions Inc. We explore digital inspection applications, innovative NDT methods for evaluating concrete structures, and NDT’s role in new construction projects.

***You can view the video version of this episode here.***

Engineering Quotes:

Digital Inspection

Digital Inspection

Here Are Some of the Questions I Ask Hamed:

  • How has digital inspection revolutionized the field of non-destructive testing (NDT), and what notable advancements have been made in recent years?
  • How has the market changed in terms of available products and industry advancements since early 2002?
  • Can you provide an overview of innovative non-destructive testing (NDT) methods and concrete inspection techniques, and how they work?
  • Can you explain the difference between non-destructive testing (NDT) and traditional inspection, including both digital and non-digital approaches?
  • Are there cases in structure inspection where the involvement of a licensed engineer is essential, while other tasks can be performed by skilled technicians who do not require licensing, similar to the distinction between medical technicians and doctors?
  • Can you provide insights on the applications of non-destructive testing (NDT) in new construction and how it is utilized in that context?
  • Are there core principles of NDT that can be universally applied regardless of whether it’s for new construction or inspection of existing assets?
  • Is the key to the successful implementation of NDT more reliant on the engineer’s use and interpretation of the technology rather than the technology itself?
  • How can the presentation of NDT data be improved to enhance understanding for laypeople and asset owners?
  • What upcoming developments or advancements in the NDT field are you particularly enthusiastic about within the next three to five years?

Here Are Some Key Points Discussed in This Episode About the Digital Inspection and Non-Destructive Testing:

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AECT 017: A Journey into Civil Engineering Software Development

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Civil Engineering SoftwareIn this episode, I talk to Dimitrios C. Konstantakos, P.E., the founder of Deep Excavation LLC, who has developed highly effective civil engineering software. We delve into his remarkable journey of creating this software from scratch and explore the crucial role that engineers play in shaping the future of our cities and infrastructure.

***You can view the video version of this episode here.***

Engineering Quotes:

Civil Engineering Software

Civil Engineering Software

Here Are Some of the Questions I Ask Dimitrios:

  • How did Deep Excavation’s civil engineering software, used by thousands of engineers worldwide, come to be from essentially nothing? Can you share more about how it all started and the process of deep excavation on the software side?
  • Could you talk about the process of starting with a minimum viable product to ensure market demand and how it led to quick success for your business?
  • From 2006 to 2010, what were some of the specific challenges that you faced in gaining traction for Deep Excavation’s civil engineering software within the industry, and how did you overcome them?
  • Can you provide more information on Deep Excavation, including its civil engineering software and target audience?
  • How is augmented reality becoming significant in the construction industry, especially in terms of providing more simplified and visual information for owners?
  • How is marketing different in the context of construction projects, and how are trends in visualization helping to educate project owners?
  • How are younger engineers utilizing your software, and what advice would you give to them as they begin their careers?
  • What is the importance of output verification in technology, software, and artificial intelligence, and how can we ensure accurate results?
  • How do mid to senior-level engineers and project managers utilize the software, and does this change the previous question’s answer on the importance of output verification and relying on experience and expertise?
  • What is the timeline for the shift from hourly rates to lump sum pricing becoming more common in the industry?
  • What is the value of human-to-human connection in engineering and how does the increasing use of software to translate verbal instructions into work products affect that value?
  • With all the advancements in technology, what are the reasons why a competent engineer in the seat won’t be replaced by AI?
  • Could you provide some real-life project examples of how deep excavations are being utilized in today’s construction industry?
  • What is the extent of your software’s usage in different countries around the world?
  • How do you envision your clients all over the world utilizing Deep Excavation software to shape the infrastructure of cities in the next 10 to 15 years, and what role does it play in helping them solve the world’s emerging problems?
  • How do you envision the future for your company and what developments are currently on your radar?

Here Are Some Key Points Discussed in This Episode About A Journey into Civil Engineering Software Development:

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AECT 016: Unlocking the Power of Drones for AEC Data Collection

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data collectionIn this episode, I talk with Ted Strazimiri, the president of SkyDeploy, a drone service provider based in Canada about his experience and involvement in drone data collection for the architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) industry. Ted sheds light on the challenges encountered in this field and the ad industry’s adoption of drone data collection and shares his insights on parking utilization analysis.

***You can view the video version for this episode here.***

Engineering Quotes:

data collection

data collection

Here Are Some of the Questions I Ask Ted:

  • In the past five to six years, how has the usage of drones impacted the challenges and methods of data collection?
  • With all the advancements and improvements in drone technology and data collection, do you think the next five years will be an interesting period of convergence for the industry?
  • Where have you observed the AEC industry fully embracing the utilization of drones for data collection, and what factors do you think have contributed to this point of acceptance?
  • Do you believe that the scalability of drone technology, and not having to worry about the technical details, ultimately benefits the end consumer, specifically the AEC professionals who use drones for data collection?
  • What skills are necessary for a drone operator to perform complex tasks like façade or bridge inspection in the AEC industry?
  • What is the importance of having a technology consultant in an AEC firm who can bridge the gap between the firm and the service provider when it comes to data collection using tools like drones, 360-photography, or LIDAR?
  • What is the growing gap between high-fidelity 3D data and the actual ability of service providers to provide it, and what are some of the trends related to this issue?
  • What is hindering the adoption of high-fidelity 3D geospatial products, and how can the industry improve the sharing and viewing of high-bandwidth data for better accessibility and user-friendliness?
  • What are some effective ways to improve parking utilization and how can technology assist in this task?
  • What are some potential benefits of using predictive analytics for asset maintenance in parking lots, and how can this data help owners with maintenance planning and decision-making?
  • What other insights and discoveries have been made beyond the ones already discussed in the conversation, and how has the initial idea about the project changed as the work has progressed?
  • Can you explain how the concept of paralytics encompasses all the insights and data you’ve discussed so far?
  • How does the “bring your own data” approach in Paralytics enable the expansion of use cases and help more people compared to the previously limited approach?
  • What are some other potential applications for drone data capture that you have observed in the AEC industry?
  • How can the use of drones in the AEC industry help technical professionals focus on their core tasks and make data collection more accessible in terms of time and cost?
  • How do you envision the future of drones and data collection in the AEC industry?

Here Are Some Key Points Discussed in This Episode About Unlocking the Power of Drones for AEC Data Collection:

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AECT 15: Empowering Engineers Through Workflow Automation and Democratization

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Workflow AutomationIn this episode, I talk with Anande Bergman, one of the founding members and the Chief Growth Officer of VIKTOR, about workflow automation in design. He shares some valuable insights on the creation of VIKTOR, a one-of-a-kind automation tool, the significance of streamlining workflows through automation, the possible drawbacks, and his perspective on the future of design automation.

***You can view the video version of this episode here.***

Engineering Quotes:

Workflow Automation

Workflow Automation

Here Are Some of the Questions I Ask Anande:

  • What is the story behind VIKTOR?
  • What are the unique features or aspects of VIKTOR that set it apart from other automation design tools in the market?
  • How does VIKTOR simplify the process of communicating with computers to complete design automation tasks, and how does it leverage the logical thought process of engineers?
  • How would you describe your vision for design automation and why do you believe it’s crucial to automate these workflows?
  • Can you provide a specific example of using design automation that can help users understand the details and how it can be applied to their specific use cases?
  • How do you handle edge cases and other challenges that users encounter when using design automation software?
  • Can you share some real-world scenarios where VIKTOR has been used and provide examples that you’ve seen from yourself, your colleagues, or customers?
  • How does using software to automate engineering calculations increase efficiency and productivity, ultimately benefiting material, time, scope, cost, and hundreds of people’s jobs?
  • How can the use of sensors and machine learning models in engineering allow teams to free up time for other tasks and reduce constraints on their work?
  • What is the current state of design automation from your perspective, and what are you excited about in the future of the industry?
  • How can our audience learn more about you and your work with design automation tools?

Here Are Some Key Points Discussed in This Episode About Empowering Engineers Through Workflow Automation and Democratization:

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AECT 014: Exploring the Potential Benefits and Implications of Design Automation in Engineering

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Design AutomationIn this episode, I have the pleasure of chatting with Dillon Mitchell, P.E., who is the founder of Kowabunga Studios and the host of the Construction Corner Podcast. We discuss the topic of automation in design, its potential benefits for engineering firms in terms of saving time and money on projects, and the implications it may have for the people involved in the process.

***You can view the video version of this episode here.***

Engineering Quotes:

Design Automation

Design Automation

Here Are Some of the Questions I Ask Dillon:

  • What is design automation, and how can it benefit architects and engineers?
  • In your experience at your company, are there any tasks or processes that should not be automated?
  • What sets Kowabunga Studios apart from other companies in the same industry?
  • Can you discuss the return on investment for your company, either quantitatively or qualitatively?
  • What are some of the common factors contributing to stress and long working hours for engineers?
  • What are some of the challenges or issues you have observed within the AEC industry at large?
  • What advice would you offer to listeners who are contemplating implementing design automation in their projects?

Here Are Some Key Points Discussed in This Episode About Exploring the Potential Benefits and Implications of Design Automation in Engineering:

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AECT 013: Safeguarding AEC Firms: Insights on Cybersecurity and Responding to Breaches

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CybersecurityIn this episode, we talk to Tom Kirkham, the founder, and CEO of IronTech Security, about the importance of protecting AEC firms from cyberattacks with cybersecurity. Tom also explain what engineering firms can do right away when they experience a security breach.

***You can view the video version of this episode here.***

Engineering Quotes:

Cybersecurity

Cybersecurity

Here Are Some of the Questions I Ask Tom:

  • How vulnerable are AEC firms to cyberattacks?
  • What can individual employees do to help protect their firms against these types of attacks?
  • How do you see artificial intelligence affecting the cybersecurity space?
  • Could you talk about the return on investment that a firm is going to see by taking a preventative approach to cybersecurity?
  • What should an AEC firm be doing if they don’t have preventative maintenance or a system in place and they get hacked?
  • Could you give our listeners and viewers a sneak peek into why you wrote these books and what they’re all about?
  • What advice would you like to share with the audience today, taking into consideration all the topics we’ve discussed?

Here Are Some Key Points Discussed in This Episode About Safeguarding AEC Firms: 

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AECT 012: Designing Your Personal Brand: Tips for AEC Professionals

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Your Personal BrandIn this episode, I talk to Aaron Klimisch, P.E., the co-founder at Shingle, who shares with us the story of how Shingle came to be, the tools and resources available on the platform, and how it helps engineers quickly set up their own firms and make connections with clients. We also discuss the importance of relationship-building in the AEC industry, the amount of writing engineers do, and the potential of AI writing assistants. If you’re an engineer looking to build your personal brand and stay ahead of the changes in the industry, this episode is for you!

***You can view the video version of this episode here***

Engineering Quotes:

Your Personal Brand

Your Personal Brand

Here Are Some of the Questions I Ask Aaron:

  • Can you tell us a little more about what Shingle does specifically, the significance of its name, and who can benefit from the service?
  • Would you say that giving engineers a lower-risk environment to test the waters of entrepreneurship is an apt description of Shingle?
  • Is there any limit as to who can join Shingle as a freelancer, such as electrical engineers?
  • What have you guys learned from the beta phase of Shingle?
  • How did you find the niche of engineers who want to build their personal brand online?
  • What was your hunch that Shingle would work out?
  • What is the potential of AI writing assistants in the context of engineering?
  • Can you talk a little bit more about the amount of writing engineers do?
  • What are the other tools on the platform and how are they benefiting users?
  • What can firms get out of the platform and what can individuals get out of it?
  • What’s one piece of advice you would give to our listeners when it comes to building a personal brand?

Here Are Some Key Points Discussed in This Episode About Designing Your Personal Brand: Tips for AEC Professionals:

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AECT 011: How Software, Computational Design, and AI Can Assist the AEC Industry

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Computational DesignIn this episode, I talk to Nat MacDonald, P.E., a product manager at TestFit, about his insights on transitioning from design engineering to tech. He discusses the role of software, computational design, and artificial intelligence in assisting engineers and the AEC industry.

***You can view the video version of this episode here.***

Engineering Quotes:

Computational Design

Computational Design

Here Are Some of the Questions I Ask Nat:

  • Could you provide more information on TestFit and its benefits for professionals in the AEC Industry?
  • How much time can TestFit save, and what are the key features that contribute to its efficiency?
  • What inspired you to transition from HVAC engineering to a technical role, and what was the experience like?
  • Can you explain the components of computational design and process implementation in engineering firms?
  • Why do you believe AI can complement but not replace engineers?
  • What software do you see as having the most potential for growth, and how can AEC professionals transition to using it?
  • How can networking and joining communities support career growth in engineering?
  • What advice would you like to share with our listeners?

Here Are Some Key Points Discussed in This Episode About How Software, Computational Design, and AI Can Assist the AEC Industry:

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AECT 010: How Reality Capturing can Benefit Firms in the AEC Industry

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Reality CapturingIn this episode, I talk to Matthew Byrd, the president and founder of Nexus 3D Consulting, and founder/host of the Reality Capture Network (RCN), about reality capturing and how it can benefit firms in the AEC industry.

Engineering Quotes:

Reality Capturing

Reality Capturing

Here Are Some of the Questions I Ask Matthew:

  • What is the Reality Capture Network and what does it focuses on?
  • What are some of the benefits of reality capturing?
  • Who Needs to Use Reality Capture Technologies?
  • What opportunities does the generation coming into engineering have to be game-changers in the organizations they work for when it comes to implementing reality capture technology?
  • What are some examples of the types of physical spaces where reality capture shines?
  • What is the difference between terrestrial laser scanning and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs)? How can companies identify which one of these two will fit their needs?
  • What is a point cloud and what kind of firms could benefit from using it?
  • Where do you see the model of educating people in reality capture technology going in the AEC?
  • Do you have any examples of how reality capture technology is creating — and not taking away — opportunities?

Here Are Some Key Points Discussed in This Episode About How Reality Capturing can Benefit Firms in the AEC Industry:

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