Story of £240M at Foster + Partners: Structures, Innovation, Enquiry & Discovery | Sheriff Tarabishy
What does technology mean for the UK's #1 architecture firm?
Join Sheriff Tarabishy - Associate Partner of Foster + Partners as he reveals the innovation, sustainability and design driving the groundbreaking work at Foster + Partners. He takes us behind the scenes to reveal how they're using advanced technology to push boundaries in architecture.
Hear how the guys at Foster + Partners are developing their own cloud-based tools like Hermes for seamless work collaboration – and how they’re using machine learning to optimise design.
Sheriff shares his thoughts on our journey with AI and his take on the imminent changes that technology will bring to construction.
Key Takeaways:
How Foster + Partners uses custom tools and new technologies to drive innovation at work
The game-changing potential of machine learning and generative AI for architectural design
Overcoming challenges through cloud-based collaboration platforms
Knowledge management strategies to capture and publish institutional expertise
The future mindset of architects
And a lot more.
Tune in and take a peek into the future of design.
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Timestamps:
(00:00:00-00:03:30) Intro
(00:03:30-00:09:25) About Sherif's Journey
(00:09:25-00:18:10) How Does Sherif's Day Looks Like
(00:18:10-00:29:40) Discussion on Exciting Tech Like Machine Learning and Generative AI
(00:29:40-00:37:47) Process That Sherif's Team Follow
(00:37:47-00:47:14) Future Role of Architect
(00:47:14-00:47:49) Outro
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Bricks & Bytes
Battling Rework: How Firmus is Saving Millions in Construction Errors
"Sometimes I walk and I see buildings and I'm like, I can't believe that humans did it. We're so small and we were able to build this. That's almost unbelievable to me sometimes."
In today's episode of the Bricks and Bytes Podcast, we had Shir Abecasis, Founder and CEO of Firmus, and we got to learn about how AI is transforming the pre-construction phase, the challenges of training AI to read construction drawings, and the massive impact of design errors on project costs.
Tune in to find out about:
✅ How Firmus uses AI to detect design issues before construction begins
✅ The staggering cost of rework in construction projects
✅ Why pre-construction is becoming increasingly important in the industry
✅ The delicate balance between AI vision and providing immediate value
Listen now on Spotify to hear Shir's insights on the future of construction tech and valuable lessons for aspiring founders in the AI space.
Welcome to the Bricks & Bytes Broadcast (BBBC) with Patric Hellermann of Foundamental.
This format of episode is a weekly dive into the latest construction tech news from the perspective of investors.
From innovations to fundings, market insights, and VC-isms, if you’re building in construction tech, investing in construction tech, or intersecting between the tech and physical world, then we’ll help you keep your finger on the pulse.
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In this episode, Patric discusses the underserved areas in ConstruTech, including common data environments, on-site robotics, and the pre-construction space.
The pre-construction phase is particularly challenging as estimations need to be accurate to win projects and avoid cost overruns. Ediphi, a company that focuses on construction estimating, recently raised a $12 million series A round.
The US construction estimating software market is valued at $1.4 billion, with a predicted compound annual growth rate of 8.9% from 2023 to 2030.
Differentiating in the construction estimating market is crucial, and Ediphi offers cloud-based collaboration and access to accurate cost data. Other companies in the space include 1Build and SpotLock.
The conversation also touches on the challenges of pricing bespoke projects, the importance of a collaborative estimation process, and the history of Ediphi and its competition.
The episode concludes with discussions on rapid funding rounds, the perception of founders with previous exits, and upcoming projects in construction technology, including a super series and an under-the-radar robotics company.
Takeaways
Underserved areas in ConstruTech include common data environments, on-site robotics, and the pre-construction space.
Accurate estimations in the pre-construction phase are crucial to winning projects and avoiding cost overruns.
Ediphi, a company focused on construction estimating, recently raised a $12 million series A round.
The US construction estimating software market is valued at $1.4 billion, with a predicted compound annual growth rate of 8.9% from 2023 to 2030.
Differentiation in the construction estimating market is important, and Ediphi offers cloud-based collaboration and access to accurate cost data.
Timestamps:
00:00 Underserved Areas in ConstruTech
01:16 The Importance of Pre-Construction Phase
04:27 The Market Size of Pre-Construction Space
05:57 Ediphi's Series A Funding and Market Opportunity
07:23 Differentiation in the Construction Estimating Market
09:30 Challenges in Pricing Bespoke Projects
11:29 Collaborative Estimation Process
13:44 Ediphi's Origin Story and Competition
15:18 Rapid Funding Rounds and Reasons Behind Them
21:17 Upcoming Super Series in Construction Technology
21:59 Under the Radar Robotics Company
22:58 Discussion on Modulus and Lessons Learned
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Bricks & Bytes
Procore's AI Strategy & Implementation - AI's Role in Modern Construction
"AI agents could eliminate 20% of time spent searching for information on construction projects"In today's episode of Bricks & Bytes, we had Rajitha Chaparala, VP of Product Data and AI at Procore, share fascinating insights about the future of construction technology and AI implementation.Tune in to discover:✅ How AI agents are transforming daily construction workflows - from submittal reviews to schedule updates✅ Why the construction industry is finally embracing AI after years of hesitation✅ The three-pillar approach Procore is taking with AI: Co-pilot, Automation, and Insights✅ How reality capture technology combined with AI is revolutionizing progress trackingWant to learn more about how AI is reshaping construction? Listen to the full episode here:-------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 Intro05:07 Introduction to AI in Construction10:15 The Impact of LLMs on Construction15:23 Understanding AI Agents21:22 The Future of AI Agents in Construction27:13 Data Infrastructure Challenges in Construction37:29 Leveraging AI for Data Capture39:07 Enhancing Accuracy through Human-AI Collaboration41:13 The Role of RealityCapture in Construction43:12 Navigating the Rapidly Changing AI Landscape47:15 Defining AI's Role in Construction Tech50:12 Flexibility in AI Model Utilization53:04 Procore's AI Strategy and Team Dynamics57:18 Leveraging Data for Construction Insights59:19 The Optimistic Future of AI in Construction1:03:07 Understanding Customer Needs in Construction Tech------ #podcast #construction #constructionindustry #bricksandbytes #startups #architecture #design #civilengineering #engineering #constructiontechnology #engineer #architect #civilengineer #concrete #podcaster #podcasting #entrepreneur #podcasts #podcastlife #startups #entrepreneurship
How China Builds Nuclear Plants Cheaper, Construction's $860bn Problem, Robotics in Solar & Trump 2.0 Germany Effects
EXPOSED: How China is Building Nuclear Power for 90% Less While the West Falls Behind"Every level that you move up the construction chain, you're saving 50 bips of interest. From capital provider to owner to GC to sub to supplier to manufacturer rep - seven, eight steps, 4%. That's why a million-dollar generator costs owners $1.7 million." - Mike Powers, BuildVisionIn this episode of Bricks, Bucks & Bytes, our hosts dive into why China can build nuclear reactors at a fraction of Western costs while the US and Europe struggle with massive delays and budget overruns.Key topics include:Why China can build nuclear reactors for $2.7B while Western projects balloon to $40B+The efficiency secrets behind China's massive infrastructure projectsSmall Modular Reactors (SMRs) as a potential solution to nuclear's problemsGermany's trillion-dollar infrastructure investment planHow robotics is revolutionizing solar panel installationWhy industry events might be useful for startups but painful for everyone else"Nuclear is a cash machine when you operate it, but it ruins you when you build it, when you have to maintain it, when you have to repair it, and it completely ruins you once you have to decommission it." - Patric------------Chapters:00:00 Introduction to Nuclear Energy and Global Context06:06 Cost Disparities in Nuclear Energy Projects12:02 China's Nuclear Ambitions and Infrastructure Efficiency19:54 Understanding the Economics of Nuclear Energy31:46 The Future of Small Modular Reactors (SMRs)36:31 Energy Independence and Nuclear Power39:44 Germany's Political Landscape and Infrastructure Spending48:55 AI in Construction: Ownership of Workflows54:23 Streamlining Construction Financing and Working Capital01:08:52 Market Dynamics and Demand Aggregation01:10:46 Introduction of James Emerick and Cosmic Robotics01:11:52 Innovations in Construction Robotics01:14:42 Expanding Robotics Applications Beyond Solar01:18:05 Global Competition in Robotics and Solar Installation01:19:50 Future Projections for Solar Demand01:21:24 Business Models in Robotics01:23:10 Path to Becoming a Robotics Engineer01:24:20 The Role of Events in Networking and Business01:31:52 Event Experiences and Startup Strategies
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Bricks, Buck$ And Bytes
Construction Crash Coming - Our NEW Host, US Economy Contracts 0.3%, Trump Tariffs Hit Construction, Autodesk vs Procore Battle, AI, Biggest Construction Tech Failures
Is Construction Headed for a Slowdown, or a Full-Blown Crash?
This week on Bricks, Bucks & Bytes, things get spicy.We dig into the 0.3% drop in US GDP—and why it might just be the beginning for the construction sector. But tariffs and rate hikes are only half the story. The real drama? AI hype cycles, Autodesk vs. Procore, and why most “AI for construction” startups are just faucets with no bathtub.
Inside this episode:Why the US economy is wobbling—and how it's already hitting constructionThe real reason projects are stalling (hint: it’s not just input costs)The “bathtub vs. faucet” theory of AI—and how it exposes weak GTM strategiesAutodesk: overpriced legacy? Or sleeping giant ready to crush Procore?The top 20 construction tech failures—modular startups dominate the list
Plus:What BuildingConnected could have become (and why Autodesk isn’t using it)Why not having pricing certainty is killing dealsThe Katerra excuse that made everyone on the show wince
Key Quote:
"You're not solving the problem. You're just identifying the problem for someone else to win." - Dustin DeVan
If you’re in AEC and want to see the next wave coming before it hits... this one’s required listening.
------Chapters00:00 Intro01:35 Introduction and Welcome02:43 US Economy Contraction and Recession Concerns08:38 Impact of Tariffs on Construction Costs13:37 Short-term vs Long-term Economic Perspectives19:40 Global Supply Chain and Trade Dynamics25:34 AI's Role in Construction and Economic Resilience31:35 Business Strategies in a Volatile Market38:25 Innovative Content Formats in AI and Supply Chains40:06 The Role of AI in Construction Economics42:57 AI as a Commodity: The Bathtub Metaphor49:26 Disrupting the Authoring Space: Challenges and Opportunities56:44 Investing in Autodesk: A Critical Analysis01:11:11 Procore's Challenges and Market Dynamics01:13:44 Marketing Strategies in Construction Tech01:15:55 Potential Disruptors: Google and Microsoft01:20:15 Mergers and Acquisitions in Construction Tech01:21:47 Top Construction Tech Failures: A Game01:27:00 Lessons from Construction Tech Failures
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Bricks, Buck$ And Bytes
VCs Are NOT Always The Answer - Bootstrapping Benefits & Sustainable Growth from Funding Experts
"Venture capital in PropTech increased 82X from $200M to $15B in just 15 years - but is VC money right for construction tech founders right now?"In today's episode of Bricks, Bucks and Bytes, we got to learn about J.P. Bowgen's journey from AlphaSites to Macy's corporate innovation team to becoming a partner at Camber Creek.We got to learn about how Camber Creek de-risks investments by testing startups with their 300+ real estate and construction LP network before investing.Also, we learned about J.P.'s hot take that PropTech and ConTech might not actually be mature enough for venture capital money right now - with only 1 in 4 companies spending more than 1% of revenue on digitization.Tune in to find out about: ✅ How Camber Creek operates as an "outsourced R&D department" for real estate companies ✅ Why construction tech is 5-7 years behind PropTech but might soon leapfrog it ✅ The shift in ConTech companies selling upstream to owners instead of just GCs ✅ The importance of personal brand building for VCsListen now on Spotify to hear the full conversation with J.P. Bowgen.-----------Chapters00:00 Introduction and Personal Updates01:10 Journey into Venture Capital05:30 Transition from Macy's to Camber Creek14:51 Establishing a Presence in Europe16:23 Camber Creek's Investment Thesis and Origins18:29 The Digital Transformation of Real Estate19:55 De-risking Investments through Strategic Engagement21:21 The Role of Strategic Investors in Venture Capital23:41 Navigating the Landscape of Venture Capital26:26 The Importance of Media in Deal Flow30:29 Building a Personal Brand in Venture Capital33:41 Opportunistic Investing in PropTech and Construction Tech37:30 The Shift in Technology Adoption in Construction39:36 Debunking Misconceptions about Venture Capital
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Bricks, Buck$ And Bytes
US VC Returns Underperform Globally - Market Saturation & Hidden Opportunities from Construction Unicorns
"The US VC market is the worst performing of all VC markets across the world in terms of financial performance." In today's episode of Bricks, Bucks and Bytes, we got to learn about BuildOps securing $127 million in Series C funding and achieving unicorn status with a $1B valuation.We also explored the structural differences between US and European contractor software markets, where European contractors are typically smaller and 5-10 years behind in software adoption compared to their US counterparts.Additionally, we gained insight into how fund size impacts investment strategy, with smaller VC funds avoiding obvious competitive spaces that larger funds eagerly pursue.Tune in to find out about:✅ Why BuildOps and Service Titan succeed with modular software for contractors✅ How SaaS business models justify higher valuations than traditional services✅ Why European construction software is following a roll-up strategy✅ The difference between investing in "the business" versus "the share price"------Chapters00:00 Introduction and Recent Developments04:50 BuildOps: A New Unicorn in Construction Tech19:06 Comparing BuildOps and ServiceTitan27:49 Valuation Insights and Market Dynamics
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