AECO Tech Talk

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.

Mastering VDC Leadership: A Conversation with DBIA's Brian Skripac

In this conversation, Dr. Johnny Fortune interviews Brian Skripac, Director of VDC at the Design Build Institute of America. They discuss the significance of Virtual Design and Construction (VDC) in the design-build delivery method, emphasizing collaboration, the importance of formalizing VDC in contracts, and the evolving role of digital leadership in the AEC industry. Brian shares insights from his extensive experience, including the development of BIM standards and the value of VDC for owners. The discussion also highlights the upcoming VDC Leadership Exchange workshop and the need for continuous learning in the field. Key Takeaways * Collaboration is essential in VDC and design-build.VDC should be formalized in contracts to ensure accountability. * Educating non-VDC professionals is crucial for project success. * A well-defined BIM project delivery standard enhances usability. * Owners often have misconceptions about BIM and VDC. Level of Development (LOD) is critical for managing expectations. * Real-world experience is invaluable for technology applications. * VDC leaders should integrate technology into project processes. * Continuous learning is necessary for success in the AEC industry. * The VDC Leadership Exchange workshop fosters collaboration and education. "There's no replacing the real-world experience of the job... Once you get out on the job site or in the middle of a project, that's where you see all these things. Then apply your technology to that." (Brian Skripak) This episode was originally published on Aug 12, 2025, and is being re-added as part of our move to a new hosting platform.