#035 - Matthew Byrd - Current state of Reality Capture and scanning industry
đ§ Tune in to the latest episode of Bricks and Bytes!
In this episode, we chat with Matthew Byrd - a great speaker and founder of Reality Capture about his journey in construction, technology and how he got involved in laser scanning and how it transformed his career path.Â
We also discuss:
potential of RealityCapture for creating digital replicas of physical assets and sites
benefits of this technology and the opportunities it presents for different industries
digital twins, 3D models and their future in construction industry.
If youâre enjoying our podcast, please leave us a review! This helps us get more amazing guests to give you guys the best and most informative content on technology in the built world.
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Matthew Byrd | Founder of Reality Capture | Podcast & Conference Host | Speaker
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Today's Sponsor: beta - Construction and technology network platform - connecting the tech industry with traditional partners.
Chek www.the-beta.com
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Timestamps:
00:00:00 --> 00:01:23 - Intro
00:01:23 --> 00:02:05 - Sponsor
00:02:05 --> 00:06:15 - Matthew's background and involvement in Reality Capture
00:06:15 --> 00:11:20 - Adaption of Reality Capture in the construction industry
00:11:20 --> 00:15:45 - Discussion of iPhone's LiDAR technology and its potential uses in scanning
00:15:45 --> 00:19:20 - Explanation of laser scanning and its benefits
00:19:20 --> 00:23:53 - 3D modeling, digital twins and their potential applications in different industries
00:23:53 --> 00:27:50 - Matthewâs tips on how to get started in laser scanning
00:27:50 --> 00:32:47 - Potential use of digital twins in construction industry
00:32:47 --> 00:34:55 - Lack of awareness about a certain service as a difficulty in its adaptation
00:34:55 --> 00:36:26 - Differences in development of software versus hardware
00:36:26 --> 00:40:25 - Matthewâs history on how the technology changed his career path
00:40:25 --> 00:42:00 - Reality Capture Network events and communityÂ
00:42:00 --> 00:43:40- Reality Capture during construction and the potential for growth in the industry
00:43:40 --> 00:46:55 - Matthewâs great communication skills and who has inspired himÂ
00:46:55 --> 00:48:16 - Variety of projects Matthew has worked on
00:48:16 --> 00:49:30 - More about MatthewÂ
00:49:30 --> 00:49:48 - Outro
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Bricks & Bytes
#039 - Daniel Leech - Construction innovation, off-site and culture
Our todayâs guest is Daniel Leech, the CEO of D4S (Design for Structures). With over 22 years of experience in the industry, Dan shared his journey of transforming his business from a steelwork detailing company to a full-service structural design consultancy.
In this episode, we uncover:
- Transition from 2D CAD to 3D BIM and the impact on professionals
- The potential of modular construction
- Innovation and pain points in construction industry
- Construction culture and things that need changing
- Many more!
If youâre enjoying our podcast, please leave us a review! This helps us get more amazing guests to give you guys the best and most informative content on technology in the built world.
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Daniel Leech CEO at Design4Structures
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Today's Sponsor:Â â betaâ Â - Construction and technology network platform
- connecting the tech industry with traditional partners.
Chek â www.the-beta.comâ
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Timestamps:
00:00:00 --> 00:01:18 - Intro
00:01:18 --> 00:01:57 - Sponsor
00:01:57 --> 00:06:19 - Dan's background and the evolution of D4S
00:06:19 --> 00:09:42 - Dan's role as CEO and the transition from a hands-on approach
00:09:42 --> 00:11:18 - Hiring strategies and the balance between recruitment and workload
00:11:18 --> 00:14:38 - The role of technology in the construction industryÂ
00:14:38 --> 00:18:23 - Challenges in utilising BIM and digital tools effectively
00:18:23 --> 00:19:03 - Overcoming the challenges: changing the culture
00:19:03 --> 00:23:39 - Creating a collaborative and problem-solving environment
00:23:39 --> 00:26:38 - The challenge of staying up-to-date in a rapidly evolving market
00:26:38 --> 00:28:25 -Â The need for a shift from the lowest price to the best price
00:28:25 --> 00:34:00 - The potential of integrated project insurance (IPI) collaboration and respectful partnerships in construction
00:34:00 --> 00:37:30 - Staying on top of innovation in large / medium size companiesÂ
00:37:30 --> 00:38:08 - Exploring the percentage of residential and commercial projects in modular construction
00:38:08 --> 00:47:19 - Is modular construction the solution to the housing shortage?
00:47:19 --> 00:50:40 - Danâs ways to relaxÂ
00:50:4 --> 00:51:01 - More about Dan
00:51:01 --> 00:51:17 - Outro
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#063 - James Swanston - An Ex-Army Officer's Guide to Entrepreneurial Success
In todayâs episode of Bricks & Bytes, we have James Swanston, the CEO and co-founder of Voyage Control and an ex-officer in the British Army.
Learn about military leadership principles applied to business and entrepreneurship, war strategies to improve decision-making, how military principles work in business, and much more!
Tune in to find out about:
Serving as an army officer and key lessons learned
Applying war principles to business decisions
Making long-term plans and dealing with uncertainty
Stress management and discipline for entrepreneurs
If you enjoy todayâs episode, leave us a comment. And donât forget to subscribe to our channel!
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James Swanston | CEO and Co-founder of Voyage Control | ConTech
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Todayâs Sponsor: â â â betaâ â â â Construction and technology network platform
â connecting the tech industry with traditional construction partners.
Check â â â â â â www.the-beta.comâ â
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Timestamps:
(0:00-2:59) - Intro
(2:59-6:40) - Background on military experience
(6:40-9:45) - Key lessons as an army officer
(9:45-12:01) - War principles relevant to business
(12:01-15:16) - Motivation for starting Voyage Control
(15:16-16:19) - Teamwork lessons from military
(16:19-17:09) - Principles for hiring people
(17:09-15:53) - Leadership principles
(15:53-24:00) - Decision-making process in military
(24:00-27:39) - Dealing with unexpected challenges
(27:39-29:29) - Stress management
(29:29-31:49) - Discipline lessons learnt
(31:49-40:09) - Logistics experience
(40:09-40:37) - Outro
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Bricks & Bytes
#028 - Delia Visan - A Masterclass in Customer Success
How do you get your customers to fall in love with your brand?
On today's podcast we have Delia Visan, a master, influencer and advocate in the world of customer success.
Delia is currently the head of Customer Success at Bright Spaces and is one of the top 25 CS Leaders of 2023.
Getting existing customers to spend more is far easier than obtaining new customers. And in this episode we chat about how CS can result in improved customer retention and a higher customer lifetime value.
In this episode, we discuss:
Why customer success is important and why startups NEED it
How small businesses can integrate customer success into their operations
Current and future trends in customer success
How to learn (and dream in) new languages
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Delia Visan
Head of Customer Success @Bright Spaces || 25 Most Creative CS Leaders of 2023 by EverAfter || 2022 Top Influencers in the CS Space by Custify
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Today's Sponsor: Beta Construction and technology network platform - connecting the tech industry with traditional partners.
Check www.the-beta.com
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Timestamps:
(00:00:00-00:02:01) - Intro
(00:02:01-00:04:06) - Tech world in Romania
(00:04:06-00:04:56) - Is Romania exporting tech outside?
(00:04:56-00:05:42) - Are tech teams based in Romania?
(00:05:42-00:07:18) - When did you discover customer success and what did you love about it?
(00:07:18-00:08:02) - Is customer success different in proptech then the other industry?
(00:08:02-00:08:54) - What is customer success?
(00:08:54-00:10:27) - What is the checklist for customer success?
(00:10:27-00:11:59) - From where the customer success starts?
(00:11:59-00:13:47) - Customer success implementations
(00:13:47-00:15:18) - When should companies implement customer success?
(00:15:18-00:17:21) - Customer obsession and customer is not always right
(00:17:21-00:20:07) - What is bright spaces?
(00:20:07-00:21:54) - Customer success with lease owner
(00:21:54-00:22:04) - Is bright spaces designed for Romanian market?
(00:22:04-00:23:42) - Future plans
(00:23:42-00:24:34) - Delia other passion
(00:24:34-00:26:18) - What are some future trends you see right now?
(00:26:18-00:27:51) - Segmentation of the customers
(00:27:51-00:29:12) - Should startup approach customer success differently then other businesses?
(00:29:12-00:30:13) - Customer satisfaction
(00:30:13-00:32:14) - How to deal with customer that you don't like?
(00:32:14-00:33:34) - Simple thing to do for customer success
(00:33:34-00:37:00) - Delia is multilingual
(00:37:00-00:37:42) - Books or resources
(00:37:42-00:38:28) - Course
(00:38:28-00:38:51) - More about Delia
(00:38:51-00:39:16) - Outro
2026 Construction Industry, $3 Billion Construction Tech Exits, Canvas Robotics Acquired, Pre-Con Debates & LinkedIn Content Crisis
Is $3 Billion the New Normal for Construction Tech Exits?In this episode of Bricks, Bucks & Bytes, Owen, Patric, Martin, and Dustin kick off 2026 with hot takes, bold predictions, and a no-holds-barred discussion on what's really happening in construction tech.What we cover:The 2026 construction industry trends everyone's talking about (data centers, manufacturing plateaus, and the office market reality)Why LinkedIn has become a wasteland of AI-generated garbage and what actually works nowPatric's spicy prediction: "$3 billion exits in construction tech in 2026"The great pre-construction debate: Can you really reduce years of work to minutes?Why most tech companies are marketing to VCs instead of actual customers (and how to spot the BS)Canvas Robotics gets acquired by JLG - what this means for the robotics waveSteve Dellorto from ConCntric joins to talk about his 26 years at Clark Construction and why pre-con is brokenThe most ridiculous products from CES 2026 (AI-powered hair clippers, anyone?)A heated debate on socialism, taxes, and why New York's mayor might be the worst businessman in AmericaKey quote: "It was never easier to start a business, but it was also never more difficult to build a great business." - PatricOur Sponsor:Aphex is the multiplayer planning platform where construction teams plan together, stay aligned, and deliver projects faster â check out aphex.coArchdesk - âThe #1 Construction Management Software for Growing Companies - Manage your projects from Tender to Handoverâ check archdesk.comBuildVision -  streamlining the construction supply chain with a unified platform - www.buildvision.ioChapters00:00:00 Intro00:01:09 Introduction to 2026 Construction Trends 00:04:09 CES Conference Highlights and Innovations 00:07:08 Shifts in Construction Project Types 00:10:21 The Impact of Social Media on Industry Trends 00:13:13 The Evolution of Content Creation and Marketing 00:16:09 The Future of Business Models in Tech 00:19:21 The Role of People in Business Success 00:22:09 Reflections on Quality in Content and Business 00:25:15 Closing Thoughts and Future Directions 00:28:26 Trends in Construction Mergers and Acquisitions 00:31:49 The Impact of Tariffs and Supply Chain Localization 00:35:34 Global Economic Shifts and Their Effects on Construction 00:40:02 The Rise of Offsite Manufacturing in Construction 00:43:03 Advancements in Robotics and AI in Construction 00:48:03 Green Building Mandates and Energy Challenges 00:53:38 Innovations in Pre-Construction Technology 00:59:47 Transitioning from Construction to Tech 01:01:14 Building Effective Teams in Tech 01:02:49 Customer Engagement in Tech 01:04:24 Project-First Focus in Construction Tech 01:06:16 The Reality of Pre-Construction 01:07:36 Building for Builders 01:09:01 Ridiculous Innovations from CES 01:16:07 Best Recent Purchases
A $100,000+ Christmas party, strip clubs as corporate bonding, and a secret betting ringâthis is how construction tech really celebrates.In this episode of Bricks, Bucks & Bytes, hosts Owen, Martin, and Dustin close out 2024 with Santa hats, sick days, and the unfiltered truth about the AEC industry's wildest traditions.In this festive year-end special, you'll hear about:The two-week closed beta of their AEC prediction market experiment and why it's harder to execute than anyone expectedDustin's legendary Building Connected Christmas party where they blew over $100K knowing they were about to get acquired (casino night, no budget limits, zero regrets)Why construction industry Christmas parties always end with at least one fight and HR scrambling the next dayEquipment Share's IPO filing and why 2026 could see three major AEC tech companies go publicThe leaderboard drama where Dustin bet big on himself for "best looking host" and actually won"I don't know if that time will ever come again because money was treated very differently." â Dustin DeVan on Silicon Valley's glory daysThe crew signs off until January 8th with holiday cheer, confession-booth honesty, and predictions for an even wilder 2026.Our Sponsor:Aphex is the multiplayer planning platform where construction teams plan together, stay aligned, and deliver projects faster â check out aphex.coArchdesk - âThe #1 Construction Management Software for Growing Companies - Manage your projects from Tender to Handoverâ check archdesk.comBuildVision -  streamlining the construction supply chain with a unified platform - www.buildvision.ioChapters01:06 Holiday Cheer and Predictions 03:52 Exploring Prediction Markets06:50 Reflections on Christmas Parties 09:45 Media Influence and Public Sentiment 12:37 Personal and Company Growth in 2025 18:01 Looking Ahead to 2026 in Construction Tech 25:16 The Software Selection Dilemma 27:07 The AI Landscape in Construction 28:34 Anticipating Acquisitions in 2026 31:20 The Great Debate: Cloud vs. Desktop Solutions 38:58 Innovative Marketing in Construction Tech 50:36 The Risk of Bold Marketing in AEC 52:50 Building Effective Marketing Teams for Startups 55:05 Navigating Marketing Strategies for Startups 56:34 Insights on Rebranding Strategies 57:52 The Future of Marketing in AEC 01:00:23 Debate Recap: AI in Construction Estimating 01:07:12 Christmas Traditions and Predictions for 2026
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Bricks, Buck$ And Bytes
OpenAI Turner Mega Deal, OpenSpace Buys Disperse, Government Shutdown Impact on Construction & Startup Valuation Truth Bombs
In this episode of Bricks, Bucks & Bytes, Owen, Martin, Patrick, and Dustin break down what happens when a fully remote startup brings everyone together IRLâplus two major construction tech deals that have everyone talking.Dustin opens up about Ediphi's first all-hands offsite (spoiler: his team didn't win the escape room), before the crew dives into the chaos of government shutdowns and what they actually mean for construction.Then things get spicy with the OpenAI x Turner deal that's got LinkedIn in a frenzy, and Jeevan from OpenSpace and Oli from Disperse join to talk about their recently announced acquisition.Topics covered:Why company offsites are worth every penny for remote teamsThe real cost of government shutdowns on construction projectsTurner's $30M OpenAI deal and what it means for GCsInside the OpenSpace + Disperse acquisitionThe uncomfortable truth about startup valuations and M&A"You're not worth that much money when you raise at 30 million or 50 million. You're not truly worth that. It's buying a future." - Dustin DeVanPlus: Owen debuts the new Bricks & Bytes merch, Dustin reveals his founder health transformation (no Ozempic involved), and the team debates whether construction tech is ripe for consolidation.Our Sponsor: Archdesk - âThe #1 Construction Management Software for Growing Companies - Manage your projects from Tender to Handoverâ check archdesk.comBuildVision -  streamlining the construction supply chain with a unified platform - www.buildvision.ioAphex is the multiplayer planning platform where construction teams plan together, stay aligned, and deliver projects faster â check out aphex.coChapters00:00 Intro01:43 Introduction to Company Offsites 07:46 The Importance of Company Offsites 11:42 Government Shutdown in the U.S. 21:00 Turner Construction's Deal with OpenAI 24:20 Exploring OpenAI's Impact on Construction 27:18 The Challenges of Implementing AI in Estimation 29:53 Creative Commercial Deals and Revenue Sharing 31:19 The Role of AI in Streamlining Workflows 34:38 Standardizing Processes for Effective AI Integration 38:58 The Future of Legal Services in the Age of AI 42:21 The Human Element in Legal and Engineering Services 49:34 The Acquisition Journey: From Partnership to Integration 53:03 Leadership Changes and Strategic Growth 57:09 Product Roadmap and Customer Experience 1:00:05 Navigating Competition in Construction Tech 1:01:55 Future of Acquisitions in Construction Tech
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Bricks, Buck$ And Bytes
PlanGrid Founders Return to Construction, 27% of GCs Using Personal Funds, $9.2M Nextlight Raise, AI Go-To-Market Race, with Will Mitchell from Rabbit
27% of contractors are using PERSONAL MONEY to keep their businesses aliveâand it's worse than you think.In this episode of Bricks, Bucks & Bytes, Owen, Dustin, and Martin break down the biggest shakeups in construction tech, from the PlanGrid founders' surprise return to AI, to the shocking payment crisis threatening to sink contractors across the industry.Weâre joined by Will Mitchell from Rabbit, David from Nextlight, and Vardhan Mehta from Aislab to unpack what's really happening in construction payments, energy efficiency, and materials management.Key Topics:Tiger Eye's big pivot: Why Tracy Young and Ralph Gootee are bringing AI back to construction after PlanGridThe AI arms race: Will there be one winner or will construction tech fragment like consumer markets?Rabbit's 2025 Construction Payments Report: 44% of firms are getting paid late and 20% hit negative cash flowThe personal finance nightmare: Why nearly 1 in 3 GCs are dipping into their own pockets to cover payrollNextlight's $9.2M Series A: How smart window coatings can slash building energy costs by 25%Aislab's $13.5M raise: The two-sided marketplace that's won over half the top 100 AEC firms"None of these companies are building their own foundational models. They're using other people's models. So I think it's going to be a go-to-market race." â Dustin DeVanSponsors:BuildVision -  streamlining the construction supply chain with a unified platform - www.buildvision.ioArchdesk - âThe #1 Construction Management Software for Growing Companies - Manage your projects from Tender to Handoverâ check archdesk.comAphex is the multiplayer planning platform where construction teams plan together, stay aligned, and deliver projects faster â check out aphex.coChapters 00:00 Intro01:30 Introduction to New AI Player in Construction 04:16 Trimble Dimensions: Key Takeaways 07:10 The Future of AI in Construction 10:11 Trimble's Innovations and Market Position 12:56 Challenges in Construction Payments 15:50 Insights from the 2025 Construction Payments Report 38:35 The Challenges of Payment Processes in Construction 41:46 Incentives for Faster Payments42:44 The Impact of Payment Delays on Project Costs 45:26 Innovations in Payment Solutions 48:26 Advancements in Energy Control Coatings 51:22 The Future of Coating Technologies 57:17 The Role of Patents in Tangible vs. Software Businesses 59:10 Building a Robust Materials Management System 01:09:06 Funding and Growth Strategies for Startups
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