AI AEC Show

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In this episode of the AI AEC Show, Aarni Heiskanen sits down with Steve Karp, Chief Innovation Officer at Unanet, a leading provider of ERP and CRM solutions for government contractors and AEC firms. With over 30 years of experience in tech and finance, Steve shares a unique perspective on how AI is reshaping proposal writing and contract acquisition in the AEC industry.

Steve unpacks findings from Unanet’s AEC Inspire report, revealing a growing divide between tech-forward firms and those lagging in digital maturity. He discusses the pivotal role of data—not just its management, but its availability—in enabling AI-driven efficiencies. From surfacing relevant past projects to generating 70% of a proposal draft, AI is already cutting response times by up to 70% and halving costs.

Listeners will gain practical advice on how AEC firms can get started with AI, avoid common pitfalls, and plan for a future where integrated, intelligent platforms redefine business development workflows.

If you’re looking to boost efficiency, reduce proposal fatigue, and future-proof your firm, this episode offers both inspiration and actionable strategies.

Connect with Steve on LinkedIn and learn more about Unanet at unanet.com.

Watch the interview on YouTube.

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In this episode of the AI AEC Show, I sat down with Cristina Andersson, a Finnish robotics pioneer whose journey from educator to EU-level robotics strategist is as fascinating as it is inspiring. From launching the EU Robotics Week in Finland to advising ministries on AI and robotics in healthcare, Cristina has a front-row seat to the robotics revolution.

Our conversation dove into the current state and future of robotics, especially as service robots become more intelligent and ubiquitous. Cristina highlighted how robots could free up medical professionals from mundane tasks, like hauling laundry or managing logistics, allowing them to focus on patient care.

We also touched on the construction sector’s cautious but growing adoption of robotics. Cristina envisions robots monitoring job sites, sorting demolition waste, and helping workers as exoskeletons to reduce physical strain. It starts with fantasy, she said, then fact-finding and ROI calculations. But it always begins with imagination.

One of the most striking takeaways was Cristina’s belief that robots could one day help the elderly live independently longer; not by doing everything for them, but by acting as motivational companions.

Cristina reminded us that robotics is not about replacing humans but empowering them. As AI becomes the brain behind increasingly human-like machines, it's time we reimagine not only how we build but also who we build with.

Connect with Cristina on LinkedIn and visit her homepage at cristinaandersson.com.

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In this episode of the AI AEC Show, I sat down with Josh Kanner, Senior Director of Product and Strategy at Oracle Construction & Engineering, to explore how AI is transforming construction.

Josh, a seasoned AI-driven construction tech expert, shared insights on how Oracle is helping its customers harness AI for smarter decision-making, risk mitigation, and efficiency gains.

This is Josh’s second time on the podcast—his first was back in 2021 when he was CEO of Newmetrix, an AI-powered job site safety startup. Now, at Oracle, he’s shaping the future of AI in construction at a whole new level.

Tune in to hear:

• How AI is being used right now on construction projects
• The biggest opportunities (and challenges) AI presents
• What the future holds for AI-powered construction

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AI can help companies win new business by enabling them to use existing digital assets efficiently and finding new ways to communicate with potential clients. These are some of the findings of my discussion with OpenAsset’s Rachelle Ray and Eric Liou on this episode of the AI AEC Show. Tune in!

Our topics

In this interview, we discussed:

• The role of AI in the AEC industry: A tool or a game-changer?
• Where AI can make the most significant difference
• How AI will change how we grow our business
• The challenges and opportunities of generative AI
• Automating digital asset management
• How OpenAsset’s customers benefit from the AI-powered features
• What’s up next at OpenAsset

About the guests

OpenAsset is an AEC-industry-focused digital asset management software company. It helps clients efficiently manage their digital assets – images, and files –  to visualize and showcase projects and create winning proposals. The company offers AI tools for everyday AEC tasks to simplify tagging, searching, and categorizing images.

With over 15 years of experience as an AEC marketer, Rachelle profoundly understands the industry’s unique challenges. Having recently joined OpenAsset as the Head of AEC Marketing Innovation, she is passionate about helping AEC marketers streamline workflows and leverage technology to improve efficiency, storytelling, and business growth.

As the Chief Product Officer, Eric leads OpenAsset’s product and design teams, focusing on integrating AI and automation to enhance digital asset management. With over 20 years of experience in product development, including six years working with AI, Eric is an AI-first product leader who understands how to apply technology to solve real-world business problems in the AEC space.

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In this episode of the AI AEC Show, host Aarni Heiskanen is joined by Charlie Sheridan, Chief Data and AI Officer at Nemetschek Group. The discussion delves into artificial intelligence's transformative impact on the architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) industry.

Charlie shares his extensive technology background, from his early days at Intel, where he focused on automation and robotics, to his role in the Internet of Things (IoT) and smart city initiatives. The conversation highlights how Nemetschek Group is leveraging AI in software development to enhance productivity and profitability in the AEC sector.

Connect with Charlie on LinkedIn.

Tune in to explore the intersection of technology and innovation in shaping the future of construction!

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In this episode of the AI AEC Show, host Aarni Heiskanen welcomes Dr. Sam Zolfagharian, co-founder and president of YegaTech, a consulting firm focused on AI strategies for the architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) industry.

Dr. Zolfagharian shares her background in structural engineering and her journey into the world of AI. She discusses her firsthand experiences on construction sites, where she recognized the need for modernization through technology. 

With a PhD in design computation and data management from Georgia Tech, she emphasizes the importance of AI in enhancing productivity and efficiency within AEC firms. 

Tune in to explore the transformative potential of AI in the industry and learn how YegaTech is helping leaders develop effective AI strategies.

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Welcome to another insightful episode of the AI AEC Show, where we delve into the intersection of technology and innovation in the architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) industry. I'm your host, Aarni Heiskanen. I had the pleasure of speaking with Amr Raafat, the Chief Innovation Officer at Windover Construction and the host of the Autodesk series "On the Road with Amr."

In this episode, we explored how Building Information Modeling (BIM) and Artificial Intelligence (AI) can create real value in construction projects. Amr shared how Windover Construction is leveraging technology to push the boundaries of what's possible, focusing on challenging projects and using innovation to mitigate risks and ensure everything is built according to plan.

One of the key highlights of our conversation was a groundbreaking project in the UAE, where Windover combined BIM and AI to streamline the code compliance process for building submissions. Amr explained how they developed software to convert 2D drawings into 3D models using generative design, significantly reducing the time and effort required for code compliance checks. This innovative solution improved efficiency and received positive feedback from architects and municipalities, showcasing its potential for global application.

Amr also discussed the importance of a culture of innovation at Windover, emphasizing the need to take intelligent risks and adopt new technologies. He shared valuable lessons from their projects, including the significance of working on a global scale and understanding different building codes.

For those considering AI for their projects, Amr advised having a solid working system and using AI as a catalyst to enhance existing processes rather than as a standalone solution. He also addressed common misconceptions about AI, reassuring that it empowers professionals rather than replaces them.

As we wrapped up, Amr highlighted the potential of AI and IoT sensors to improve safety and efficiency on construction sites. He encouraged listeners to stay connected through various events and platforms to continue pushing the boundaries of innovation in the AEC industry.

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In this episode of the AI AEC show, host Aarni Heiskanen discusses the integration and challenges of AI in the architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) industry with Antti Ainamo, a keynote speaker and an associate professor at the University of Tartu. 

Antti shares his journey from a business background to AI research and explores three institutional pillars—regulative, normative, and cultural cognitive—that impact AI adoption in AEC. He emphasizes the necessity of balancing traditional and technological approaches and highlights the roles of business strategy, technology integration, and ecosystem evolution in driving industry transformation.

Antti underscores the importance of understanding user needs within the AEC industry. The adoption of AI should not be a top-down imposition of technology; rather, it should be a collaborative process that considers the perspectives of all stakeholders involved, including decision-makers and end-users such as construction workers, architects, and engineers. 

The discussion concludes with a preview of Antti's upcoming keynote at the AI in AEC conference.

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In this episode of the AI AEC Show, host Aarni Heiskanen welcomes Ajoy Bhattacharya, Director of Technology Strategy at Microsoft and keynote speaker at the upcoming InfraBIM Open 2025 conference. They discuss Microsoft's strategy for the Architecture, Engineering, and Construction (AEC) industry, highlighting the transformative role of AI and innovation in construction. 

Ajay shares insights from his decade-long experience at Suffolk Construction, a leader in digital technologies. He emphasizes the importance of open standards and partnerships in shaping the future of digital technologies within the sector.

Microsoft's strategy in the AEC industry revolves around leveraging partnerships and integrating diverse digital tools to create a cohesive ecosystem. This approach aims to enhance efficiency and foster innovation within the sector.

Tune in for an engaging conversation on how to disrupt and change construction processes for the better.

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What if you could have a conversation with your construction management tool? In this episode of the AI AEC Show, we dive into how Buildots’ innovative AI assistant, Dot, is making that a reality.

Aarni Heiskanen interviews Amir Berman, the Director of Product Management at Buildots. They discuss the game-changing impact of AI on construction management and the capabilities of Dot.

Amir shares insights into Buildots’ mission to enhance business predictability and efficiency in the construction industry, emphasizing the importance of data-driven decision-making. 

Tune in to discover how Buildots is using innovative technology to help organizations navigate the complexities of construction.

The AI in AEC 2025 Conference
The world's first artificial intelligence conference series for the built environment continues on March 19-20, 2025. Come and meet the industry's AI experts on-site or virtually. Get your tickets now! Early Bird tickets are available until January 15, 2025. 

See you there!

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In this episode of the AI AEC Show, host Aarni Heiskanen interviews Aaron Szymanski and Francesco Iorio, the visionary founders of Augmenta, to explore how generative AI is revolutionizing building design. Augmenta’s platform gives designers superpowers by automating complex workflows, doubling productivity, and enabling better, faster decision-making.

Discover the fascinating origin story of Augmenta, born from the intersection of industrial design frustration and cutting-edge AI research. 

Aaron and Francesco share how their backgrounds in manufacturing, design, and technology led them to tackle inefficiencies in the construction industry—starting with electrical raceway design. They reveal how their AI-powered tools save time and optimize designs for cost, sustainability, and constructability.

Listeners will gain insights into real-world applications, such as how Augmenta helped design an entire school’s electrical system in hours, not weeks. 

The conversation also delves into the future of construction, including multi-trade design integration, AI agents, and the role of design in driving sustainability and innovation.

Whether you’re a contractor, engineer, or innovator, this episode will leave you inspired by the possibilities of AI in transforming the way we design and build. 

Tune in to learn how Augmenta is reshaping the industry and giving construction professionals the tools to create smarter, better buildings.

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In this inaugural episode of the AI AEC Show, I sat down with Alexander De Ridder, a technology visionary and founder of SmythOS. We discuss AI agents and how they will change our everyday.

SmythOS is a platform that aims to revolutionize human-AI interaction by enabling seamless collaboration through AI agents. SmythOS was one of the first 40 companies to launch in the ChatGPT plugin store.

The platform allows users, from startup founders to rural teachers, to build sophisticated AI networks easily. SmythOS is committed to creating technology that enhances human creativity and purpose rather than replacing it.

Our topics include

• AI agents and multi-agents
• Collaborative intelligence and workflows
• Combining deterministic and non-deterministic systems
• SmithOS for collaborative teams
• Empowering users to create workflows
• AI agents’ marketing challenges
• The new agent-building experience
• AI agents’ transformative capabilities

You can connect with Alexander on LinkedIn and learn more about SmythOS on their website.

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In this episode of the AI AEC Show, I interview Stjepan Mikulić, founder of AI in AEC and keynote speaker for the upcoming AI in AEC conference in Helsinki. Is AI a hype, or should the construction sector embrace it as the next significant technological innovation? Find out on the AI AEC Show.

The topics

Our discussion topics include

• Stjepan’s professional journey and what sparked his interest in AI within this industry.
• AI in AEC’s mission and focus
• The BIM AI Hub features over 1,400 AI tools for AEC. What insights has Stjepan gained from analyzing them?
• Some of the biggest misconceptions about AI in the AEC space
• The most significant opportunities for AEC firms to leverage AI today
• Key challenges companies face when adopting AI technologies
• Stjepan’s vision for the future of AI in AEC, both for the industry and yourself personally

You can connect with Stjepan on LinkedIn. Also, visit his website at aiinaec.com.

Experience Stjepan’s keynote and many other engaging presentations at the AE in AEC conference, held on March 19-20, 2025, in Helsinki and online. Early bird tickets are available until January 15, 2025.

About Stjepan

Stjepan is the founder of AI in AEC, a company that educates architects, engineers, and construction professionals in the practical use of AI. Although young, this company has gained clients in more than 60 countries across the entire globe! Before embarking on his solopreneur journey, Stjepan has worked as a Constructing Architect at Europe’s largest engineering practice Sweco, and as a Project BIM Lead in the world-renowned architectural studio BIG (Bjarke Ingels Group). Stjepan’s main piece of work is the world’s largest database of AI tools for the AEC industry, called the AEC AI Hub, accessible to everyone for free and recognized by more than 20k LinkedIn professionals.