The Voice of the Business of Engineering
Engineering Influence is the official award-winning podcast of the American Council of Engineering Companies (ACEC).
ACEC is the trade association representing America's engineering firms; the businesses that design our built environment. Subscribe to the podcast for a variety of content ranging from interviews with newsmakers and elected officials to in-depth conversations on business trends, the economy, technology and what's next for the engineering and design services industry.
Visit us online at www.acec.org
Follow us on Twitter at @ACEC_National
ACEC reserves the right to moderate episodes on its channel and make editorial decisions on the inclusion or deletion of comments posted by listeners. Direct any questions to comms@acec.org.
Episodes
Friday Oct 04, 2024
Achieving Technical Excellence in Engineering and Architecture
Friday Oct 04, 2024
Friday Oct 04, 2024
Welcome to this episode of Engineering Influence, a podcast from the American Council of Engineering Companies. In this insightful discussion, we delve into the essence of technical excellence in the engineering and architecture sectors. Our host, Jeff, is joined by three experts from HDR: Pratibha Basrao, Applied Technology Director; Brad Johnson, Professional Services Director; and Doug Wignall, Architecture President.Pratibha Basrao shares her perspective on integrating advanced technologies to enhance design practices and outcomes. Brad Johnson expands the conversation to encompass professional excellence, emphasizing the importance of expertise and client service. Doug Wignall discusses the confluence of technical and design excellence in architecture, highlighting the importance of consistent and intelligent design processes.The episode also covers how HDR implements policies and procedures to maintain high standards, the role of technology in advancing these standards, and the company's commitment to continuous professional development. Tune in to learn how HDR fosters a culture of technical and professional excellence and how it positions itself as a trusted advisor to clients seeking innovative and complex design solutions.
Thursday Oct 03, 2024
Navigating Cybersecurity and AI in AEC: Insights from WPM Technology
Thursday Oct 03, 2024
Thursday Oct 03, 2024
Welcome to Engineering Influence, a podcast from the American Council of Engineering Companies. In this episode, we're joined by Jim Jacoby, CIO for Walter P. Moore and Director for Walter P. Moore Technology (WPM Technology), to discuss the suite of services WPM Technology offers to the AEC industry, focusing on cybersecurity, IT services, and more.
Jim shares the origins of WPM Technology, which was founded in 2017 to leverage 25 years of IT experience at Walter P. Moore. We explore the critical importance of cybersecurity in the AEC industry, the challenges of digital transformation, and the impact of AI since the release of ChatGPT. Jim highlights the need for robust enterprise IT infrastructure to fully benefit from emergent technologies.
We also dive into WPM Technology's five service verticals: managed IT services, consulting, cyber practice, software development, and AI integration. Jim discusses the importance of having a trusted partner for technology services and the value of adhering to nondisclosure agreements to maintain client trust.
The conversation shifts to the transformative potential of AI in the AEC industry, the importance of a balanced approach to AI adoption, and the evolving skill sets required in modern engineering firms. Jim emphasizes the need for firms to embrace technology to stay competitive and how WPM Technology can support this transition.
For more information, visit WPM Technology and learn how they can help your firm navigate the complexities of cybersecurity and AI in the AEC industry.
Wednesday Oct 02, 2024
Empowering the Future: Digital Transformation in Engineering
Wednesday Oct 02, 2024
Wednesday Oct 02, 2024
Welcome to the Engineering Influence podcast from ACEC, hosted by Thomas Grogan, Senior Director of Economics and Market Intelligence at ACEC. In this episode, we are joined by Justin Webster, Chief Technology Officer at HDR, to explore the concept of digital transformation and its impact on engineering firms.Justin shares his insights on how digital transformation means applying technology in innovative ways to enhance efficiency, modernize processes, and deliver better value to clients. He discusses his role at HDR, emphasizing the importance of aligning technology strategies with business goals and enabling employees to leverage new skills and tools.The conversation delves into the challenges and opportunities of implementing emerging technologies like virtual reality, blockchain, and AI, while maintaining a balance between efficiency and innovation. Justin also provides practical advice for firms of all sizes on developing a technology strategy that supports their business aspirations.Tune in to learn about the top risks and opportunities in digital transformation and how engineering firms can position themselves as industry leaders by embracing technology.
Wednesday Oct 02, 2024
Navigating Construction Claims: Understanding EJCDC Contracts
Wednesday Oct 02, 2024
Wednesday Oct 02, 2024
Welcome to the Engineering Influence Podcast from the American Council of Engineering Companies. In this episode, we delve into the critical topic of the Engineering Joint Contract Documents Committee (EJCDC) and its significance for member firms. Joining us is Kevin O'Beirne from HDR, who shares his expertise on EJCDC contracts and their application in engineering projects.
Kevin provides an in-depth overview of EJCDC documents, focusing on their role in managing construction claims arising from differing site conditions and delays. He explains the categories of construction claims, such as subsurface conditions, underground facilities, and hazardous materials, and how EJCDC documents address these issues.
The discussion highlights the importance of due diligence, risk allocation, and the need for a collaborative approach between engineers, owners, and contractors to ensure successful project outcomes. Tune in to gain valuable insights into the complexities of construction contracts and the practical application of EJCDC documents in the field.
Tuesday Oct 01, 2024
Building Tomorrow: ACEC Minnesota's Vision for Engineering Education
Tuesday Oct 01, 2024
Tuesday Oct 01, 2024
Welcome to Engineering Influence, a podcast by the American Council of Engineering Companies. In this episode, we delve into the creation and mission of the Engineering Education Foundation of America (EEFA), founded by ACEC Minnesota. John Curry, Executive Director of ACEC Minnesota, and Dan Larson, past treasurer of ACEC and CEO of AET, discuss the foundation's goals and its impact on workforce development and education.
John shares the driving forces behind EEFA, emphasizing the need to address workforce shortages and partner with educational organizations. The foundation focuses on four main initiatives: STEM education, post-secondary programs, industry retention and mentorship, and data-driven decision-making.
Dan Larsen explains his motivation for supporting EEFA, highlighting its role in fostering a future engineering workforce. He discusses the long-term vision and the importance of collaboration among various stakeholders to make engineering an exciting career choice for young people.
Tune in to learn more about EEFA's achievements, including the successful launch of a 501c3 organization, scholarship programs, and volunteer-driven initiatives. Discover how ACEC Minnesota's efforts aim to inspire the next generation of engineers and strengthen the consulting engineering industry.
Wednesday Sep 25, 2024
Unlocking Digital Transformation in Engineering: Insights from Arup’s Chief Data Officer
Wednesday Sep 25, 2024
Wednesday Sep 25, 2024
Welcome to another exciting episode of the Engineering Influence podcast from ACEC. Join our host, Thomas Grogan, Senior Director of Economics and Market Intelligence, as he sits down with Tembi Hommes, Global Chief Data Officer from Arup, to dive deep into the realm of digital transformation.
In this episode, Tembi shares her unique perspective on what digital transformation means beyond just technology. She emphasizes the importance of optimizing processes, ensuring data integrity, and setting up robust security measures. Learn how the AEC engineering industry can benefit from adopting standardized data language and achieving interoperability across systems.
Discover practical advice for smaller firms looking to embark on their digital transformation journey, and understand the critical role of training and change management in successful implementation. Tembi also discusses the potential of emerging technologies like GenAI and their transformative impact on engineering and design.
Whether you're a large firm or a small business, this episode offers invaluable insights into leveraging data and technology to drive innovation and achieve strategic business outcomes. Don’t miss out on this informative discussion!
Thursday Sep 19, 2024
From Engineer to CEO: Joe Sczurko’s Journey at WSP
Thursday Sep 19, 2024
Thursday Sep 19, 2024
In this episode, Jeff Urbanchuk, Senior Vice President of Communications and Marketing at ACEC National, sits down with Joe Sczurko, U.S. Region President of WSP.
Joe shares his career path from starting as a field engineer to leading one of the largest engineering firms in the United States. Joe discusses the importance of understanding clients, projects, and people, and how his diverse experiences in different sectors have shaped his leadership approach. The conversation also delves into WSP's strategic vision, focusing on resilience, innovation, and the evolving role of technology in the engineering industry.
Learn about the significant acquisitions by WSP, including the recent addition of Power Engineers, and how these moves are positioning the firm for future growth. Joe also highlights the critical need for attracting and retaining talent, and the importance of early engagement with potential future engineers. Tune in to discover how WSP is navigating the challenges and opportunities in today's engineering landscape and what the future holds for this dynamic industry.
Tuesday Sep 17, 2024
Unleashing the Future of AEC: A Deep Dive into Digital Transformation
Tuesday Sep 17, 2024
Tuesday Sep 17, 2024
Welcome to the Engineering Influence podcast from ACEC. In this episode, Thomas Grogan, Senior Director of Economics and Market Intelligence at ACEC, sits down with Jason Miller, Head of Innovation at Ramble, to explore the profound impact of digital transformation in the AEC industry.
Jason shares insights on how Ramble is leveraging digital tools to enhance data usage, streamline processes, and create greater value for clients. He emphasizes the importance of upskilling employees and fostering a culture that embraces change and innovation.
Discover the day-to-day challenges and opportunities faced by the Head of Innovation at Ramble and learn how the firm is navigating the complexities of technology integration, including AI and large language models. Jason also discusses strategies for smaller firms to adopt a data-driven approach and the significance of maintaining flexibility in a rapidly evolving tech landscape.
Tune in to gain valuable advice on starting a digital transformation journey, avoiding common pitfalls, and unlocking the potential of your team with the latest digital advancements. This episode is packed with practical tips and inspiring perspectives that can help any firm, big or small, thrive in the digital age.