"A tech-enabled general contractor reduced construction costs by 30% and build times by 25% - not by replacing trades, but by empowering them with better tools."In today's episode of Bricks and Bytes, we had Salman from Mosaic who shared how they're revolutionizing the built-to-rent housing sector by bringing together software and construction expertise.Tune in to find out about:✅ How Mosaic achieves 30% cost reduction compared to traditional commercial GCs✅ Their approach to "gentle disruption" that works with existing trades rather than replacing them✅ How they're scaling to 2,000 units under construction with just 60 employees✅ Why the future of construction might be in data granularity rather than new materials or roboticsListen to the full conversation on Spotify and learn how Mosaic is addressing the housing crisis by making construction more efficient without reinventing the wheel.--------Chapters00:00 Intro03:30 Introduction and Mishaps04:36 The Mission Behind Mosaic07:35 Understanding Technology-Powered General Contracting10:50 Current Projects and Clientele15:21 Value Proposition for Developers15:49 Exploring Built-to-Rent Communities21:12 Cost Efficiency and Scheduling Benefits23:50 The Secret Sauce of Technology30:39 Minimizing Third-Party Behavior Change37:42 Management Tools and Future Innovations39:04 Core Business Artifacts and Cost Models41:02 Leveraging Historical Data for Costing44:03 Granular Cost Representation and Construction Practices45:34 Mosaic's Team Structure and Efficiency Metrics46:34 Profitability and Growth Dynamics at Mosaic49:11 Future Growth and Market Expansion Strategies51:48 Licensing Technology and Productization57:14 Cultural Mindset for Achieving Profitability1:01:25 Enhancing Trade Relationships through Technology1:04:52 Collaborative Cost-Saving Dynamics in Construction1:08:54 Identifying Opportunities for Cost Savings
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Bricks & Bytes
"Tariffs Will Bankrupt Contractors" - Contracts Hiding Risk & Free Solution from Document Crunch
"Knowledge is power when dealing with tariffs. The lack of it caused numerous contractors to go out of business during the last supply chain disruption. We're not going to let that happen again."In today's episode of Bricks and Bytes, Josh Levy from Document Crunch shared how they're helping construction companies navigate the recent tariff changes with China, Canada, and Mexico - completely free.Tune in to find out about: ✅ Document Crunch's growth to 100+ countries as a document compliance platform ✅ The free Tariff Risk Assessment Tool that audits contracts for tariff-related risks ✅ Why cost isn't the only risk - supply chain disruptions will follow ✅ How contractors can protect themselves against material price escalationListen now on Spotify to learn how to protect your projects from unexpected costs and delays Get free access to their Tariff Assessment Tool here : https://www.documentcrunch.com/2025-tariffs----------------Sign up to the #1 Newsletter In Construction Tech. Join over 1,000 like-minded Founders, Investors and Techies disrupting the way we build. Forever : https://bricks-bytes.beehiiv.com/subscribe-----------Chapters00:00 Introduction to Document Crunch and Recent Growth02:56 Evolution of Document Crunch's Services05:48 Impact of Geopolitical Changes on Construction09:03 Introduction of the Tariff Risk Assessment Tool11:48 Industry Response to Rising Costs14:52 Functionality and Use of the Tariff Risk Assessment Tool18:00 Final Thoughts and Call to Action
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Bricks & Bytes
Disrupt Autodesk? This Ex-Autodesk CEO Has Some Advice - Amar Hanspal
"The battle is always the speed between which a startup gets distribution and an incumbent gets innovation." - Amar Hanspal's provocative insight on industry disruption
In this episode, we had Amar Hanspal, former co-CEO of Autodesk, and we got to learn about the challenges of building successful products, the importance of team dynamics, and crucial lessons for startups in the AEC space.
Tune in to find out about:
✅ Why it takes 7-10 years to build a successful company in AEC
✅ The importance of focusing on cash flow over profit for young companies
✅ How to determine if your MVP is truly viable
✅ Why execution matters more than the initial idea
✅ Balancing growth and sustainability in startup development
Listen to the full episode on Spotify to gain invaluable insights from Amar's 30+ years of experience in product development and startup growth.
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Sign up to the #1 Newsletter In Construction Tech. Join over 1,000 like-minded Founders, Investors and Techies disrupting the way we build. Forever : https://bricks-bytes.beehiiv.com/subscribe
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BuildVision is a procurement network for the $5T commercial construction market. We are transforming the commercial construction supply chain by bringing contractors, manufacturers, and project stakeholders onto a single software platform—revolutionizing how every component is sourced, purchased, and financed.
This episode is brought to you by Shft—the BIM partner you need to fill the gap in your digital skills and tackle your BIM needs, end-to-end.
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bricks-bytes/
X/Twitter: https://twitter.com/bricksbytespod
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCmNbunUTIIQDzbJgGJt9_Zg
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bricksbytes/
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Timestamps
00:00 Amar Hanspal's Journey: From Autodesk to Startups
05:44 The Current State of Design Tech
11:55 Challenges in Disrupting Incumbents
23:34 12 Lessons on Product Development
01:03:07 The Future of Entrepreneurship in Tech
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#podcast #construction #constructionindustry #bricksandbytes #startups #architecture
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Bricks & Bytes
3D Scan To BIM - Building Documentation Is Wrong 80% Of The Time
"I started Integrated Projects with $12,000 in what I thought was emergency funds. Looking back, probably the silliest decision." - Jose CruzIn today's episode of Bricks & Bytes, we had Jose Cruz of Integrated Projects (IPX) sharing his journey from bootstrapping to raising venture funding.Tune in to find out about:✅ How growing up in his parents' pizza shop gave Jose a "cheat code" for understanding business✅ The problem with building documentation (8 out of 10 landlords start projects with inaccurate as-built drawings)✅ How IPX is revolutionizing Scan-to-BIM technology by combining 3D scanning and modeling✅ Why Jose bootstrapped for 5 years before raising capital ($12K savings to $1.2M revenue)Listen to the full conversation to learn how IPX is scaling to meet the challenge of digitizing 1.6 billion existing buildings worldwide:-----------------Sign up to the #1 Newsletter In Construction Tech. Join over 1,000 like-minded Founders, Investors and Techies disrupting the way we build. Forever : https://bricks-bytes.beehiiv.com/subscribe-----------------LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bricks-bytes/X/Twitter: https://twitter.com/bricksbytespodYoutube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCmNbunUTIIQDzbJgGJt9_ZgInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/bricksbytes/------------------Chapters00:00 Intro04:20 The Leap into Entrepreneurship07:08 Foundations of Confidence and Experience10:11 The Early Days of IPX13:20 Understanding the Need for Digitization16:23 Target Audience and Market Dynamics19:21 Case Study: Tesla's Use of IPX Services22:25 The Shift from CAD to BIM25:06 The Role of Building Owners in Digital Asset Management28:24 The Process of Scanning and Modeling31:22 Advancements in Scanning Technology34:22 The Future of Scan-to-BIM Automation41:54 Building Trust with Customers44:03 Securing Enterprise Clients46:29 The Bootstrapping Journey50:24 Deciding to Fundraise52:50 Navigating Investor Relationships55:47 Transitioning from Founder-Led Sales58:45 Marketing Strategies for Growth01:02:11 The Role of Community in Business Growth01:05:21 Personal Reflections on Venture Capital01:09:54 Key Advice for AEC Entrepreneurs
Vibe Coding Will Die, nPlan CTO Warning, Woodchuck $3.75M Raise, Parsepec $20M Series A,
Construction companies are claiming they're "software companies" now - but this dangerous trend could destroy the industry.In this episode of Bricks, Bucks & Bytes, Owen and Patric dive deep with Alan Mosca (CTO of nPlan) about the AI revolution that's both exciting and terrifying the construction world. Plus, we hear from Todd Thomas of Woodchuck AI about turning construction waste into profit, and Forest from Parspec Inc on their 20 million Series A raise.Key topics discussed:Why contractors thinking they can "vibe code" critical software is setting them up for disasterThe DocuSign problem: why you can't just prompt your way to enterprise securityThe AI paradox that could kill coding platforms when they get too goodHow Woodchuck AI is reducing waste costs by 30% while creating new revenue streamsWhy GCs are "pressurizing a chamber that's already at incredible high pressure"Travis Kalanick's physics breakthrough claims and what they reveal about AI hypeThe real applications of AI that are actually working in constructionKey quote: "That is basically pressurizing a chamber that is already at incredible high pressure with very thin walls. Because GCs run on insanely thin margins with very little time to spare and everything feels like you got it done by a miracle most of the time." - Alan MoscaThis episode doesn't hold back on the hard truths about AI in construction. Listen now to understand what's really happening behind the hype.
Chapters00:00 Intro01:05 Introduction to AI in Construction03:05 Challenges with AI in Construction09:53 The Future of Vibe Coding16:15 The Role of AI in Business and Investment21:16 AI Generated Content and Marketing Strategies27:35 The Influence of Extremes on Public Opinion28:10 Marketing Strategies in the Age of AI29:13 The Dangers of Intellectual Laziness in Content Creation30:03 The Rise of Vibe Coding in Construction30:57 The Challenges of Software Solutions in Construction34:05 Point Solution Fatigue in General Contracting36:56 The Slippery Slope of DIY Software Solutions40:05 Woodchuck's Innovative Approach to Waste Management41:56 AI's Role in Sustainable Construction Practices45:09 The Importance of Pre-Sorting in Waste Management47:54 The Future of Waste Management and Compliance53:07 Funding and Expansion Plans for Woodchuck57:19 The Rise of Tesla Robot Taxis01:02:10 AI in Construction Material Sourcing01:09:24 Challenges in E-commerce for Construction01:15:48 Lessons from Startup Growth
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Bricks, Buck$ And Bytes
Big Tech Rethinks Construction, Palantir $100M Nuclear Deal, Data Center Capacity Crisis & Nvidia AI Profits
Big Tech is Quietly Taking Over Construction (And Making Billions Doing It)In this episode of Bricks, Bucks & Bytes, Owen, Martin, and Patric dive deep into how tech giants are reshaping the construction industry - and who's really profiting from the AI boom.What we cover:How big tech companies are forcing construction firms to completely rethink project deliveryWhy Palantir just signed a $100 million deal with a nuclear company (and what it means for the industry)The shocking truth about where all the AI money actually goesWhy 22-28% of the world's GDP comes from projects - and what that means for capacity vs. softwareThe wild world of fundraising scams targeting desperate startupsWhether usage-based pricing models are about to collapseWhy most construction startups are solving the wrong problemsKey quote: "Why would I invest in software rather than the factory? I would invest in the factory, right? If I want to have access to space and monopolize the access to space, dude, I'm not building software. I'm building a fucking launch ramp and a reusable rocket." - PatricPlus, the hosts try (and fail spectacularly) to guess the World Economic Forum's top 10 emerging technologies of 2025. Spoiler: nobody saw "green nitrogen fixation" coming.------------------Sponsors:BuildVision - streamlining the construction supply chain with a unified platform - www.buildvision.io4M Analytics - Instant, reliable utility data you can trust and verify - https://www.4manalytics.com/-----------------------Chapters00:00 Intro01:21 Heat Waves and Air Conditioning Trends05:23 Big Tech's Influence on Construction11:20 Capacity Challenges in Construction17:14 Palantir's Nuclear Operating System Partnership30:27 Navigating the Complexities of General Contracting33:45 The Role of Private Equity in General Contracting37:56 Emerging Technologies and Their Impact40:40 The Future of Fundraising and Scams in Startups52:35 Understanding the Venture Investment Ecosystem55:25 Navigating Fundraising Challenges58:20 The Role of Fundraising Advisors01:02:30 Effective Messaging in Marketing01:07:18 Competition vs. No Competition in Market01:11:22 Debating Usage-Based Pricing Models
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Bricks, Buck$ And Bytes
ChatGPT Makes Us Dumber, LIVE from House Factory, Vibe Designing Is Here
Does AI Actually Make Us Dumber? MIT Study Reveals Shocking Truth + $15B DocuSign vs. Tiny AI Startup In this episode of Bricks, Bucks & Bytes, hosts Owen, Martin, and Patric dive deep into the controversial world of AI and its impact on our brains, plus exclusive behind-the-scenes access to Cuby's revolutionary construction process.Key topics discussed:MIT study proves ChatGPT users show "lowest brain engagement" and get lazier over timeDocuSign's $15 billion empire threatened by AI-built copycat app - is this the future?Exclusive live tour of Cuby's construction site where entire house interiors are built in just 16 hoursWhy 95% of billion-dollar companies were NOT venture-backed (and what this means for startups)SnapTrude's game-changing V3 launch that's making architects question their pricingThe brutal truth about why top VCs avoid construction tech despite massive profit marginsLive demo of "vibe designing" - the future of architectural workflowsPlus special guests:Alex from Cuby giving exclusive construction site accessAltaf from SnapTrude revealing their revolutionary new product launchShub with insights from APAC and MENA construction marketsKey quote: "We as a venture community obsess about pumping more money into the next AI, the next software, trying to be number 101. We should stop trying to be number 101 and just try to rebuild the other 1,050 companies which have not been touched." - PatricWarning: Contains heated debates about intellectual property theft, the "muscle atrophy" effect of AI dependency, and why one VC called construction founders "cockroaches" (it's actually a compliment).Sponsors:BuildVision - streamlining the construction supply chain with a unified platform - www.buildvision.io4M Analytics - Instant, reliable utility data you can trust and verify - https://www.4manalytics.com/Chapters00:00 Intro01:36 Introduction and Setting the Scene04:23 The Impact of AI on Critical Thinking08:18 Thought Experiment: The Drug of Supernatural Abilities12:09 The Ethics of AI and Intellectual Property24:48 Guest Introduction and Transition to Cuby Discussion26:59 Documentary Insights and Community Impact29:51 Building in Real Time: A Hands-On Approach38:18 The Future of Construction and Venture Capital48:37 Navigating the Project Economy: Opportunities and Challenges50:18 The Essence of Venture Capital51:31 Consultants vs. In-House Expertise52:33 Real Estate and Venture Capital Dynamics53:21 Innovations in Construction Technology54:26 Navigating Economic Trends in APAC56:34 Understanding Recession Dynamics59:41 Emerging Markets and AI Innovations01:02:38 Mega Projects in MENA01:08:16 The Future of Design and Workflow Solutions01:10:01 The Essence of Design: Vibes and Feelings01:10:45 The Evolution of SnapTree: From Concept to Completion01:14:28 Transforming Early Stage Design: Speed and Efficiency01:16:57 Revolutionizing Design Tools: The Power of SnapTree V301:19:44 Streamlining Communication in Design Projects01:21:47 Influencer Marketing: Expanding Reach and Engagement01:26:14 AI in Design: Myths and Realities01:27:52 The Impact of Technology on Workforce Dynamics
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Bricks, Buck$ And Bytes
Apple Kills Cold Calling, In Office Scares CEO’s, Insurance Proves Climate Change Fears
20 cold calls a day, $150 million in legal fees, and why the smartest CEOs are terrified of in-person competitors.In this episode of Bricks, Bucks & Bytes, hosts Owen, Martin, Dustin, and Patric are joined by Justin Levine, CEO of Shepherd, for a no-holds-barred discussion about the future of business, technology, and construction.What we dive into:Apple's new AI call screening feature and why it spells doom for sales teamsThe shocking reality of 20 cold calls per day (and why most are terrible)Remote vs. office work: which startup would you fear more as a competitor?Why VCs are hilariously bad at cold outreach emailsConstruction insurance secrets that could save companies millionsThe $270 million Millennium Tower disaster (where legal fees cost more than the actual fix)Why hiring remotely means you need more experienced peopleThe race to build the first $100 billion construction tech companyKey Quote: "If there's a competitor that's going to do exactly what we do - one fully remote, one five days in office - I am 100% more scared of the five day in office per week." - Justin LevineFrom San Francisco's absurd delivery fees to the future of AI gatekeepers, this episode reveals uncomfortable truths about modern business that every entrepreneur needs to hear.--------------------------------------------------------Chapters00:00 Intro01:20 Introduction and Coffee Talk04:20 Construction Assurance and Safety07:31 iOS Updates and Cold Outreach Challenges10:20 Innovations in Construction Insurance13:23 Wrap-Up Policies and Cost Efficiency16:22 Cold Outreach Strategies in 202519:11 The Future of AI in Sales and Marketing28:01 The Importance of Mindset in Growth28:39 Transparency in VC Interactions29:27 Challenges of Cold Outreach in VC30:24 The Role of Experience in Fundraising33:54 Finding the Right Investor Fit40:41 Understanding Investor Strike Zones43:41 Defining Alpha in Venture Capital44:59 The Long-Term Journey of Startups47:42 The Bathtub Analogy in AI and Data Ownership49:58 The Debate on Hustle Culture in Startups50:22 The Value of In-Person Work Culture58:59 The Challenges of Remote Work01:08:15 Remote Work Considerations in Different Industries01:09:11 Remote Work vs. Co-location in Tech and Hardware01:11:42 The Impact of Time on Productivity01:12:28 Rising Costs in Construction Insurance01:16:32 The Challenges of Construction Defects01:21:16 Reducing Insurance Premiums through Technology01:26:59 Business Models in Construction Insurance01:32:01 Future Trends in Construction Technology