AECO Tech Talk

AECO Technology Adoption and Evolution with Jeff Sample

In this episode, Dr. Johnny Fortune talks with Jeff Sample, the "Ironman of IT," about what it really takes to adopt new technology in the construction industry. Drawing from his background completing five Ironman triathlons, Jeff explains that transforming a company through technology requires the same long-term discipline, endurance, and training as a race, rather than expecting sudden, overnight success. They discuss the realistic future of AI, noting that software companies must focus on solving real business problems and evolving to keep up with changing markets. Finally, they look at better ways to share industry data through tools like the Common Data Exchange (CDX), and explain why construction conferences need to shift toward interactive, team-based workshops instead of traditional lectures. Keywords: AECO, construction technology, tech stack, organizational training, AI, AECO evolution, technology adoption, CDX, conferences, interoperability, technology, construction “You want to be a technology enabled company and if you want to do that, realize it’s not going to happen tomorrow. It’s going to take a really long time, and you’re going to have to train a bunch of muscles that you don’t want to train.”  * Jeff Sample Takeaways: * Technology adoption is not an instant overhaul, and long-term transformational success requires discipline and sustainable scaling * Baseline habits and established training is what people fall back on in pivotal moments, so you must train people with the technology you are adopting * The tech solutions that survive the AI boom will be the ones that deeply understand their clients' business scaling and workflows, effectively wrapping software around specialized industry expertise

Closing the Gap Between Human Capability and Technology With Susan Brattberg

In this episode of AECO Tech Talk, Dr. Johnny Fortune is joined by Susan Brattberg, Founder & Chief Customer Officer at Global eTraining (GeT). They discuss some of GeT’s background, industry milestones from a global perspective, and how training can help with the critical workforce challenges in the AECO industry. Key Takeaways * Covid changed the world because people learned they could work and learn anywhere * Good instructional design is not easy, and well-implemented AI integration can be a game changer for those who need instructional content * Productive instruction is based in learning theory, both in synchronous and asynchronous environments, and needs to be done in interactive and dynamic ways “Technology changes quickly and human capability [does] not [change] so fast, so we have this widening gap and we have to change our ways.”  * Susan Brattberg Keywords AECO, workforce challenges, tech stack, learning theory, instructional design, training, institutional knowledge, knowledge capture, technology, AI

The Revolution of the AEC Workforce with Micaela Socci

In this episode of AECO Tech Talk, Johnny Fortune interviews Michaela Socci, CEO of WeMotor, discussing the innovative insourcing model that addresses workforce challenges in the AEC industry. They explore the generational shifts in the workforce, the importance of communication and culture in remote teams, and the need for a simplified tech stack. Michaela shares success stories of clients who have embraced this model, emphasizing the significance of trust and accountability in achieving quality outcomes. The conversation concludes with insights on navigating HR challenges and the future of the AEC industry. Key Takeaways * The AEC industry is facing a major workforce shortage, as generational differences are impacting workforce integration * Insourcing allows for a more integrated approach – improving community, culture, and quality assurance * “Outsourcing works, but not as a long term, scalable solution” “Integrate them into your team, and you will see the difference” -Micaela Socci Keywords: AEC, insourcing, outsourcing, workforce challenges, remote work, staffing solutions, technology stack, communication, quality assurance, HR

Applying Advanced Technology to Historic Preservation with Dr. Catherine G. Cooper

In this episode of AECO Tech Talk, Dr. Katherine G. Cooper of the National Center for Preservation Technology and Training (NCPTT) shares how her background in archaeological chemistry led her to a unique role applying scientific and digital technologies to historic preservation. She explains how tools such as XRD, PXRF, and FTIR help analyze materials, diagnose failure mechanisms, and guide long-term conservation decisions. Dr. Cooper also highlights the use of reality capture—Matterport, terrestrial laser scanning, and photogrammetry—to document at-risk structures, support emergency response, and preserve cultural heritage and community stories. She emphasizes the importance of fit-for-purpose technology, the value of community involvement, and the rapidly growing potential of AI, AR/XR, and sensor integration in digital preservation. Her insights offer AECO professionals a compelling view of how advanced technology intersects with preservation, resilience, and storytelling.   Key Takeaways * Reality capture is a powerful preservation tool when you use the right tool for the context, from high-density laser scans to rapid-response documentation. * Advanced scientific instruments (XRD, PXRF, FTIR) provide forensic-level insight into building materials and failure mechanisms. * Digital twins for historic sites are emerging, combining scan data, environmental sensors, and oral histories into integrated, lasting records. “It’s very important to keep the communities involved when we’re working with historic preservation because it’s not necessarily our story to tell. We create the platform and provide the technology, but it is very much a partnership.” - Dr. Catherine G. Cooper Links Vanishing Spaces Project with Invisible Histories (Scorpio Lounge):  https://discover.matterport.com/account/kwfaGM4sq25 [https://discover.matterport.com/account/kwfaGM4sq25]Slave and Tennant Project Youtube Playlist:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H23aTV_jLwQ&list=PL2m2mHd_iGy0rW7AiTvElIrHf514q2vc1 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H23aTV_jLwQ&list=PL2m2mHd_iGy0rW7AiTvElIrHf514q2vc1]Overall playlists: https://www.youtube.com/@ncptt/playlists [https://www.youtube.com/@ncptt/playlists]Matterport for interpretation:  https://www.nps.gov/articles/000/psv39n1_3d-tech-puts-focus-on-children-s-world-in-early-mills.htm [https://www.nps.gov/articles/000/psv39n1_3d-tech-puts-focus-on-children-s-world-in-early-mills.htm]BB babies:  https://www.instagram.com/p/CVnX1QiLBIk/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA== [https://www.instagram.com/p/CVnX1QiLBIk/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==]Schlimmbesserung (an improvement that makes things worse):  https://germanyinusa.com/2017/12/22/word-of-the-week-schlimmbesserung/ [https://germanyinusa.com/2017/12/22/word-of-the-week-schlimmbesserung/] Keywords historic preservation technology, reality capture and laser scanning, material forensics XRD PXRF FTIR, digital twins for existing buildings, cultural heritage documentation, community-centered preservation

Digital Delivery's Evolution: Moving Past Buzzyness to Business

Summary In this episode, host Dr. Johnny Fortune speaks with Marcus Farquhar, Assistant Vice President of Digital Delivery at WSP and a leader with experience across the entire building lifecycle—including a key role leading the BIM program for Microsoft's global facilities. Marcus cuts through the hype surrounding new technologies, focusing on delivering genuine business value and the necessity of a pragmatic, use-case-driven approach, summarized by his core question: "Digital twin for what?" The discussion explores the evolution of Digital Delivery, the challenge of standardizing data across global portfolios, and the crucial distinction between static BIM data and a live, operational digital twin. Marcus identifies organizational change management as the single biggest hurdle to successful technology implementation. He also advises on the necessity of data quality and contractual clarity, and provides practical, scalable advice for small-to-medium AECO firms. The conversation concludes with a forward-looking caution to executive leaders regarding the unique liability risks introduced by AI-generated content in the engineering and design field. Key Takeaways * Business Case Drives Terminology: The term used—BIM, VDC, or Digital Twin—should be defined by its specific business use case (e.g., design intent, construction risk capture, or operations value) within the larger framework of Digital Delivery. * The "Digital Twin for What?" Principle: It is essential to define the specific business problem you are solving (e.g., energy monitoring, water conservation, causal analysis) to ensure a measurable return on investment (ROI). * Organizational Change is the Primary Hurdle: Successful technology adoption requires effective change management to align daily habits and routines with new digital processes. * Technology Scales: Affordable technology can provide immediate, high ROI for even small firms by mitigating existing conditions risk. * Data Quality Assurance is Non-Negotiable: Digital deliverables must be subjected to the same rigorous quality control processes (e.g., check and sign-off) as any other engineering or design deliverable. * The Rate of Learning is Critical: Given the rapid pace of technological change, firms must prioritize and plan for an increased rate of learning to maintain digital maturity. * Caution on AI-Generated Content: Future adoption of AI will be complicated by questions of professional liability and the increased time required for engineers to review and stamp machine-generated deliverables. Significant Quote "The innovation isn't quite the gadgets and the tech. It’s the contract language and the perception of risk. That's a new thing for this industry… to articulate..." — Marcus Farquhar Keywords Digital Delivery, Business Value, AECO Industry, Change Management, Data Quality, Technology Adoption, BIM vs. Digital Twin, Reality Capture, Executive Leadership, AI Liability, Rate of Learning This episode was originally published on Oct 16, 2025, and is being re-added as part of our move to a new hosting platform.