AEC Tech Journeys with Mayur Mistry

L121 : Cities of the Future: Neurotech, AI & Reimagining Urbanism with Firas Safieddine

Firas is an architect working across multiple disciplines including neurotechnology, AI, and the metaverse. He shares his background and journey getting into architecture, including his masters studies at IAAC in Barcelona.Firas talks about his early interests in the human body, technology, coding architecture, and responsive environments. He created interactive installations and explored how neurotechnology can inform architecture, such as through brain-building interfaces.
He founded the Barcelona chapter of NeuroTechX, a global neurotechnology community. He also started a podcast exploring the intersection of neurotechnology and design. Firas is working on a neurotechnology hackathon happening soon.Professionally, Firas has worked on architectural and urban design projects around the world. He also creates art projects incorporating AI, neurotechnology and virtual environments.Looking ahead, Firas is further exploring metaverse development, aiming to create a more democratized and accessible version compared to current game-engine based metaverses. He is also planning an educational neurotechnology roadtrip to engage young people with DIY neurotech devices.Firas shares key concepts relating to his work - virtual urbanism, rule-based urbanism, understanding scale in the metaverse, city-as-world thinking, address ecologies, tokenizing life, attention economies, and more.He envisions architects designing directly for human perception via brain implants, rather than external mediums. Firas also discusses rethinking architectural practice itself towards decentralized governance models suited for metaverse collaboration. Overall, Firas is exploring new territories in architecture and urban design at the intersection of neuroscience, AI, and digital environments. He aims to engage these technologies for more participatory, experiential and ecologically-aligned outcomes.
00:00 - Introduction
05:00 - Educational background
10:00 - Early work exploring technology and architecture
15:00 - Getting into neurotechnology
20:00 - Community building and events
25:00 - Architectural practice work
30:00 - Art and speculative projects
35:00 - Key concepts and ideas
45:00 - Getting involved in the metaverse
55:00 - Rethinking architectural practice
1:05:00 - Tokenizing cities and infrastructure
1:10:00 - Neurotechnology and the future
1:15:00 - Rapid fire questions
1:20:00 - Closing thoughts
neurotechnology, metaverse, virtual urbanism, neuroarchitecture, responsive architecture, interactive installations, artificial intelligence, urban design, Barcelona, masters degree, architect, coding architecture, podcast, hackathon, decentralized governance, virtual environments, brain-computer interfaces, neuroscience, perceptual engineering, participatory design, experiential design, ecological design, attention economy, tokenizing life

L120 : Tech Visionary Reveals Keys to Construction Innovation with KP Reddy, Shadow Ventures

The video features an interview between KP Reddy, founder and managing director of Shadow Ventures. They have a wide-ranging discussion touching on Reddy's career highlights, innovation and technology in the AEC industry, Reddy's thoughts on startups and entrepreneurship, and the future of the AEC industry.
Reddy shares stories from his long career as a tech entrepreneur, including founding a construction tech startup during the dot-com boom. He discusses shadow ventures and his approach to investing in construction technology startups. Reddy provides perspective on opportunities for innovation in areas like AI, VR, computer vision and blockchain to transform the AEC industry. He talks about the importance of focusing on solving real problems versus chasing revenue in early stage startups. Reddy also shares advice for students and talks about the need for more collaboration and openness in the industry. The interview offers an insightful insider's view into technology's role in the future of the AEC industry.
00:00 - Introduction
00:42 - Early career highlights - working at startups
01:18 - Running Georgia Tech's incubator
01:53 - Launching Shadow Ventures
02:13 - Key lessons from running an incubator
03:01 - Learning about the startup ecosystem
03:43 - Advice for launching a new startup today
04:07 - Innovation opportunities in construction sectors
05:38 - Rethinking construction productivity
06:34 - Applications of computer vision in construction
07:48 - Starting small and focusing regionally
08:28 - Making hackathons impactful
09:00 - Rapid fire questions
10:53 - Role models and influences
11:18 - The importance of critical thinking
11:51 - Passions outside of work
12:16 - Formula 1 fandom
12:44 - Rant about the AEC industry
13:20 - Open source business models
14:53 - Misconceptions about open data
15:16 - Generational differences in data sharing
16:37 - Adoption timeline for AI tech
17:48 - Allowing failure in a risk-averse industry
18:36 - The need for generational change
19:16 - An example of generational attitudes
20:15 - Engaging digital natives
21:55 - Software market dynamics
23:10 - Authentic belief in industry disruption
24:05 - Challenges combining services and products
25:31 - Externalizing innovation
27:11 - TT's approach to innovation
28:52 - Leadership mindset driving disruption
30:02 - Complacency about disruption
30:47 - Opportunities for ground up innovation
32:04 - Applying blockchain thinking
33:08 - Adoption challenges for open source
34:13 - IP misconceptions
35:15 - Millennial attitudes on sharing
36:37 - Encouraging transparent collaboration
37:48 - Timeline for integrating AI
39:27 - Improving multidisciplinary education
41:07 - Focusing on applied innovation
42:20 - Solving real problems to force adoption
44:00 - Prioritizing tech development
45:50 - Finding early customer budgets
46:09 - Solving real problems brings customers
48:00 - Building tech that feels like magic
49:18 - Timing challenges with new tech
51:20 - Rethinking the industry with a blank check
52:29 - Examples of being early to market
53:46 - Patience required for transformation
55:01 - Founder mindset for focus
56:55 - Origins and impact of Shadow Summit
59:00 - Bringing the nerd conversations to Summit
innovation, technology, architecture, engineering, construction, AEC industry, collaboration, multidisciplinary work, problem solving, revenue, blockchain, AI, failure, IP sharing, creativity, education, siloed thinking, Shadow Ventures, summit, conference, industry insights

L119 : Architecture to AR Prototype Engineer at Magic Leap with Alessio Grancini

The interview covers the journey of Alessio Grancini, a senior AR prototype engineer at Magic Leap, who transitioned from an architecture background into XR development. Grancini discusses leveraging his architectural skills in 3D modeling and visualization when first working in gaming studios. He then realized the potential of XR technologies like AR and VR in architecture and wanted to deepen his technical skills in areas like Unity development.
Grancini shares insights on bridging architecture and technology, including the need for computational thinking and strong technical foundations. He advocates for defined industry roles to drive XR adoption and highlights Magic Leap's enterprise focus on healthcare, transportation, and other fields. Looking ahead, Grancini sees XR expanding into specialized use cases like surgery, manufacturing, and architecture overlays. He emphasizes the importance of solving real problems with XR while envisioning a future where these immersive technologies become seamlessly integrated into daily life.
Learning Resources:
Dilmer Valecillos    / dilmerv  
Unity Learn https://learn.unity.com/
Unity certifications
AWE https://www.awexr.com/
AR Foundation(Unity) - AR Kit (iOS) - ARCore (Android) - Vuforia - Lightship SDK
Spark AR - Studio Lens - Effect House
XRI Toolkit (Open XR) Unity
Magic Leap Developer Portal
Twitter @alessiograncini
EverthingEverywhereXR Discord :   / discord  00:00 - Intro
02:38 - Background and Journey in AR/VR
13:15 - Pivoting to Focus on AR/VR Career
22:28 - Challenges integrating AR/VR in Architecture
34:19 - Making the Leap to AR/VR Industry
44:41 - Day in the Life at Magic Leap Alessio
51:09 - Virtual Keyboard Project
57:22 - Future of AR/VR Alessio
1:03:04 - Increasing Adoption in Architecture/Engineering
#xr #magicleap #architecture

L118 : Revolutionizing construction supply chain at DigiBuild with Robert Salvador

The video features an interview with Robert Salvador, CEO of DigiBuild, a blockchain and construction management software company. Robert discusses his background growing up around construction projects and getting into blockchain after discovering its potential to enable trust in the construction industry. He outlines how DigiBuild started out building general construction management software but pivoted to focus specifically on supply chain and procurement where they are addressing major pain points. Other topics include the challenges of getting construction companies to adopt new technologies like blockchain, ideas for using blockchain and web3 to align incentives and enable new behaviors in the industry, thoughts on crowdfunding and network states, and recommendations for how construction firms can start exploring and implementing blockchain. Overall, the discussion centers around using blockchain and web3 to digitize and transform processes in the traditionally slow-to-change construction industry.
00:00 - Introduction
00:55 - Robert's background and entry into blockchain
03:30 - Founding DigiBuild and pivoting the business model
06:05 - Overcoming friction when introducing blockchain to construction companies
09:00 - Emerging blockchain use cases in construction
15:00 - The future of blockchain, web3 and crowd funding in real estate
23:00 - Fundraising journey and advice for startups
26:05 - DigiBuild's roadmap and future plans
41:00 - Network states and blockchain ecosystems
48:00 - Preparing construction firms for blockchain adoption
51:00 - Censorship resistance and decentralization
56:00 - Accessibility and crowdfunding for smaller contractors
59:10 - Robert's background and interests
blockchain, construction, construction management, construction technology, supply chain, procurement, digitization, innovation, web3, incentives, trust, software, construction industry, transformation, emerging technology, interview, ceo

L117 : How Cove.tool Cracked the Code on Energy Modeling Software with Patrick Chopson

The interview with Patrick Chopson, co-founder of Cove.tool, covers his entrepreneurial journey building a software company in the architecture, engineering and construction (AEC) industry. Patrick discusses the highlights of getting the daylight simulation engine and energy modeling engine working after years of bootstrapping and consulting work. He explains how they validated the product idea through extensive customer research and finally launched their MVP in 2017. Since then, Cove.tool has expanded the product capabilities, raised funding from investors like Robert Downey Jr., and grown to over 20,000 users. Looking ahead, Patrick shares his vision for creating a building information network by connecting people and data through APIs. Throughout the interview, he provides insights on startup challenges, company culture, recruiting, sales, pricing, and more based on his experience as a technical founder and CEO in the AEC tech space.
00:00 - Introduction
00:18 - Patrick's background and getting started with Cove.Tool
01:23 - Developing the daylight simulation engine
02:30 - Bootstrapping the business in the early days
03:21 - Bringing on technical co-founder to build the product
04:26 - Launching the MVP at Greenbuild 2017
05:13 - Raising funding and growing the team
06:09 - Developing the product based on customer feedback
07:38 - Selling to architects and overcoming skepticism
08:36 - Learning from old research papers for efficient computations
09:03 - Developing business and sales skills
10:36 - The challenges of extensive business travel
11:58 - Advice for founders - listen to feedback but believe in your vision
13:20 - Upcoming product launches and the building information network
14:25 - Advice for pitching and finding the right investors
15:00 - Growing the product team in 2022
15:44 - Leveraging APIs and integrations with other platforms
16:29 - The biggest challenge is articulating the value proposition
17:18 - Middle managers as the biggest roadblock to tech adoption
18:59 - The potential of AI in architecture and construction
20:06 - The infrastructure needed to apply AI and generative design
20:25 - The importance of linking geometry and data in generative tools
21:51 - Perspective on blockchain and the metaverse
23:27 - The problem solving culture and rapid iteration cycles at Cove.Tool
24:50 - Recruiting and demonstrating the exciting things happening
25:41 - Patrick's advice for new founders
26:29 - Cove.Tool's global customer base
27:53 - Pricing based on the value delivered to customers
29:01 - Starting with the largest addressable market
30:50 - Getting the first customers through face-to-face meetings and trust
32:15 - Similarities in architecture globally
33:35 - Closing thoughts - focus on the fundamentals and math
startup, entrepreneurship, SaaS, AEC industry, architecture, construction, energy modeling, simulation, validation, customer research, MVP, fundraising, investors, Robert Downey Jr., product development, building information, APIs, technical founder, CEO, startup challenges, company culture, recruiting, sales, pricing
#covetool #sustainability #architecture

L116 : From VR Thesis Projects to Crafting Real-World AR at Niantic - Ian Curtis’ Winding Path to XR

The interview features Ian Curtis, a development support engineer at Niantic who has an architectural background. He discusses his journey from studying architecture to working in AR/VR, key projects he has worked on, and advice for others looking to get into the XR industry.
Some highlights:
- Ian studied architecture in university but got interested in AR/VR through experimenting with early Oculus headsets. He started incorporating VR into his architectural presentations.
- For his thesis project, he created a full VR walkthrough as well as an AR app for a proposed virtual reality research center in Tokyo. This helped showcase his interest in XR.
- After working briefly at an architecture firm, Ian was laid off during COVID. He decided to pivot fully to AR/VR, taking an XR bootcamp and applying widely before getting hired at 8th Wall/Niantic.
- At Niantic, Ian helps external developers build AR experiences using their tools. He focuses on the creative design aspects rather than heavy coding.
- Advice for getting into XR - build up a strong portfolio showcasing a range of skills, don't be intimidated by code, apply widely, and rock the interview by storytelling around your projects.
The key is that Ian's architectural background transfers well to AR/VR creative roles. He took opportunities to build up relevant skills and pivot his career. His passion for designing experiences shines through.
Links
* ⁠⁠https://iancurtisdesign.myportfolio.c...⁠⁠
* ⁠⁠https://cofolios.com/⁠
00:06 - Introduction
00:39 - Ian's career highlights
01:00 - Ian's passion for creating AR experiences
01:39 - Ian's dream project
02:23 - Ian's background and path to XR
03:15 - Pivotal moment trying VR in architecture school
04:02 - Incorporating VR into architecture thesis project
05:41 - First XR job after architecture school
06:18 - Getting laid off due to COVID
07:09 - Pivoting to focus on XR
08:02 - Joining 8th Wall and getting acquired by Niantic
09:07 - Key learnings from XR bootcamp
11:42 - Focusing on XR design and experience building
13:11 - Current role as developer support engineer at Niantic
17:00 - Typical day and projects
21:27 - Thoughts on how VPS will affect architecture
24:57 - Portfolio tips for getting an XR job
31:32 - Interview process and focus on portfolio
41:00 - Advice for getting an XR job
45:00 - Career growth and goals
54:11 - Educational course on XR for architects
58:35 - Rapid fire questions
augmented reality, virtual reality, AR, VR, XR, architecture, Niantic, career journey, career change, portfolio, projects, creative design, user experiences, UX, interview, advice, development, coding, opportunities, passion, skills, storytelling

L115 : How to Drive Construction Tech Adoption: Eveart Foster, BuiltWorlds Shares His Vision

The video features an insightful interview with Eveart Foster, Director of Technological Adoption at Built Worlds, where he shares his career journey from mechanical engineering into construction technology and data analytics. Foster provides advice to founders on user-centric design, easy integration, and leveraging influencers to promote adoption. He discusses emerging technologies like VR/AR, 5G, computer vision, blockchain payments, and centralized data lakes. Foster advocates for open data sharing to enable machine learning and metaverse digital twins that connect entire project teams. He envisions an AI system that analyzes contracts and documents to automate compliance, payments, and risk management. Overall, Foster offers a forward-thinking vision of technology's potential to transform construction through open data ecosystems, automation, and immersive collaboration platforms.
00:01 - Introduction
00:44 - Early career background
07:00 - Pivotal career moment
13:00 - Most challenging aspects when starting new roles
18:31 - Key insights from "How to Win Friends and Influence People"
25:24 - User interface and experience driving adoption
32:26 - Impact of VC funding on construction tech Darwinism
39:29 - Centralized data structure benefits
44:47 - Metaverse myths and potential
49:27 - Data ownership
51:51 - Addressing safety, quality and risk management
56:07 - Dream startup idea combining computer vision and language processing
construction technology, artificial intelligence, machine learning, VR, AR, virtual reality, augmented reality, 5G, computer vision, blockchain, data analytics, open data, data ecosystems, digital twins, metaverse, automation, compliance, payments, risk management, user-centric design, integration, influencers, adoption, collaboration platforms, construction innovation, construction digital transformation, construction tech, construction tech adoption, construction technology adoption

L114 : Sustainable Construction Reimagined: Alicia Nahmad on AI, Robotics and Micro-Factories

The interview covers Alicia Nahmad's background growing up in Mexico City, studying architecture, and working in construction before moving to the UK to pursue digital design methods. She discusses her fascination with using robotics and digital fabrication for efficient and sustainable construction, and her research bringing advanced fabrication techniques to local tradespeople and communities globally. Nahmad explains projects creating flexible micro-factories to make complex geometries accessible, using AI and robots, while training local workers. She emphasizes the need to engage industry in terms of efficiency and sustainability when presenting new technologies. Overall, the discussion focuses on Nahmad's mission to democratize digital fabrication and empower local economies worldwide through participatory design and upskilling.
00:14 - Introductions
01:00 - Alexia's background and career journey
06:00 - Moving to the UK and discovering digital design
09:00 - Building complex structures in Mexico
12:00 - Alexia's varied interests and being a generalist
16:00 - Encouraging more women in construction tech
23:00 - Democratizing digital fabrication tools
29:00 - Adopting new technologies in the industry
38:00 - Advice for taking advanced fabrication back home
43:00 - Interdisciplinary education
45:00 - On-site micro-factory in Honduras
54:00 - Micro-factory box for on-site fabrication
59:00 - Facade retrofitting project
- digital fabrication - robotics - construction technology - sustainable building - AI - micro-factories - participatory design - upskilling workers - empowering local communities - efficient construction - democratizing technology - Mexico - architecture - building industry - construction industry - future of construction - green building

L113 : Cinematography of architecture : Process and Workflows with Eva Khan

Eva Khan shares insights into her futuristic, dystopian cyberpunk-inspired master's thesis project "Molten Memories". She explains how memories shape us and our environment, and how new technologies like machine learning and neural links could allow us to store, transfer, and modify memories in immersive 3D environments.Khan details the narrative, concepts, characters, environments, vehicles, and technical workflow behind her project. She discusses key influences like the film Ghost in the Shell, finding inspiration in sci-fi architecture and intangible realities. Khan walks through her process of developing assets, animations, rigging, lighting, scenes, and camera work to bring her vision to life. She shares tips on software, modeling techniques, iteration, and more. Khan emphasizes the importance of storytelling, pacing, and cinematic techniques in architectural visualization. Overall, her project offers a masterclass in worldbuilding, visual effects, and using emerging tools to create fully-realized visions of the future.
00:00 - Introduction00:17 - Inspiration from Ghost in the Shell movie01:13 - Overview of Molten Memories project concepts02:21 - Introduction to the cyborg Duran03:10 - Process of memory manipulation04:15 - Bim corpuscles for data collection05:28 - City scale data aggregation07:15 - Vehicles designed for the city08:46 - Scene setup in Unreal Engine09:59 - Breakdown of scenes and transitions18:54 - Ghost in the Shell movie inspiration20:18 - Narrative and environment creation43:57 - Final rendered cinematic video47:48 - Summary and closing
cyborg design - futuristic architecture - dystopian worldbuilding - Maya 3D modeling - ZBrush digital sculpting - Houdini VFX - Unreal Engine environments - RAM garment - neural links - visual storytelling - cinematic editing - conceptual ideation - thesis project breakdown - behind the scenes - breakdown

L112 - Finding Product-Market Fit in AEC Tech with Satya Basu

Finding Product-Market Fit in AEC Tech with Satya Basu