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Why AEC Is Failing (And Who Can Fix It)

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Content provided by KP Reddy. All podcast content including episodes, graphics, and podcast descriptions are uploaded and provided directly by KP Reddy or their podcast platform partner. If you believe someone is using your copyrighted work without your permission, you can follow the process outlined here https://ppacc.player.fm/legal.

In this special episode of KP Unpacked, the number podcast in AEC, Jeff Echols sits down with Hope Alexander, senior advisor at KP Reddy Co., to spotlight the one voice often missing in AEC innovation: the owner.

From her days helping grow a startup into a 2,000-person firm (later acquired by AECOM) to building BIM with Frank Gehry, Hope’s career has centered around understanding what owners actually need—and why the AEC industry keeps missing the mark.

You’ll hear about:

  • Why owners are the most important (and overlooked) force in AEC innovation
  • The hard truths behind BIM adoption and why owners hesitated
  • How Hope and KP plan to fix that with the Integrated Owners Forum
  • What research is uncovering about industry gaps—and what’s next
  • A hot take on AI, decision fatigue, and the leadership vacuum in large capital projects

If you’re in AEC, emerging tech, or real estate, this is a must-listen. Because if you’re not talking to owners, you’re missing half the story.

Ignite what's next

We're launching something new... It’s called Catalyst.

It’s a space for AEC forward-thinkers are reimagining what’s next. This is where the top minds in the industry are sharing ideas, leading change, and pushing the future of AEC forward.

Sounds like you? Join the waitlist at https://kpreddy.co/

Check out one of our Catalyst conversation starters, AEC Needs More High-Agency Thinkers

Hope to see you there!

  continue reading

Chapters

1. Why AEC Is Failing (And Who Can Fix It) (00:00:00)

2. Welcome to KP Unpacked (00:01:26)

3. Hope's Journey in Real Estate and AEC (00:04:56)

4. From McClure to AECOM to Gary Tech (00:08:51)

5. Understanding Owner Perspectives Across Industries (00:15:02)

6. The Labor Shortage and Standardization Need (00:22:23)

7. Research Methodology and Owner Forum (00:29:10)

8. Future Predictions and Research Impact (00:32:33)

9. Everyone Needs a Seat at the Table (00:35:54)

79 episodes

Artwork
iconShare
 
Manage episode 484165529 series 3237497
Content provided by KP Reddy. All podcast content including episodes, graphics, and podcast descriptions are uploaded and provided directly by KP Reddy or their podcast platform partner. If you believe someone is using your copyrighted work without your permission, you can follow the process outlined here https://ppacc.player.fm/legal.

In this special episode of KP Unpacked, the number podcast in AEC, Jeff Echols sits down with Hope Alexander, senior advisor at KP Reddy Co., to spotlight the one voice often missing in AEC innovation: the owner.

From her days helping grow a startup into a 2,000-person firm (later acquired by AECOM) to building BIM with Frank Gehry, Hope’s career has centered around understanding what owners actually need—and why the AEC industry keeps missing the mark.

You’ll hear about:

  • Why owners are the most important (and overlooked) force in AEC innovation
  • The hard truths behind BIM adoption and why owners hesitated
  • How Hope and KP plan to fix that with the Integrated Owners Forum
  • What research is uncovering about industry gaps—and what’s next
  • A hot take on AI, decision fatigue, and the leadership vacuum in large capital projects

If you’re in AEC, emerging tech, or real estate, this is a must-listen. Because if you’re not talking to owners, you’re missing half the story.

Ignite what's next

We're launching something new... It’s called Catalyst.

It’s a space for AEC forward-thinkers are reimagining what’s next. This is where the top minds in the industry are sharing ideas, leading change, and pushing the future of AEC forward.

Sounds like you? Join the waitlist at https://kpreddy.co/

Check out one of our Catalyst conversation starters, AEC Needs More High-Agency Thinkers

Hope to see you there!

  continue reading

Chapters

1. Why AEC Is Failing (And Who Can Fix It) (00:00:00)

2. Welcome to KP Unpacked (00:01:26)

3. Hope's Journey in Real Estate and AEC (00:04:56)

4. From McClure to AECOM to Gary Tech (00:08:51)

5. Understanding Owner Perspectives Across Industries (00:15:02)

6. The Labor Shortage and Standardization Need (00:22:23)

7. Research Methodology and Owner Forum (00:29:10)

8. Future Predictions and Research Impact (00:32:33)

9. Everyone Needs a Seat at the Table (00:35:54)

79 episodes

All episodes

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K
KP Unpacked
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Welcome to KP Unpacked , the #1 podcast in AEC. In this episode, KP Reddy and Jeff Echols unpack a movement that's flipping tech, venture, and entrepreneurship on its head: vibe coding. What started as a LinkedIn post sparked one of the most active polls in Catalyst history, and it turns out, 73% of this high-performing AEC community is already doing it. They dive into: Why vibe coding is displacing CRMs (and entire startups) How a skeptical sales exec built a GC-specific CRM in 20 hours What this shift means for tools, venture capital, and the next era of startups Why early adopters will always win, even if it's messy Plus, KP shares his private equity wine-country story, a bold new startup funding model (no VC required), and how the team might be accidentally launching a hackathon. 📚 Mentioned in this episode: KP’s book: Creating the Intangible Enterprise Connect with KP on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/kpreddy Follow KPR Co.: https://www.linkedin.com/company/kpreddy Ignite what's next We're launching something new... It’s called Catalyst . It’s a space for AEC forward-thinkers are reimagining what’s next. This is where the top minds in the industry are sharing ideas, leading change, and pushing the future of AEC forward. Sounds like you? Join the waitlist at https://kpreddy.co/ Check out one of our Catalyst conversation starters, AEC Needs More High-Agency Thinkers Hope to see you there!…
 
K
KP Unpacked
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Welcome back to the number one podcast in AEC, KP Unpacked , where AI, innovation, and the built world collide. In this episode of the AI in AEC series, Jeff Echols (Executive Director, Catalyst ) is joined by Frank Lazaro (Head of Advisory , KP Reddy Co.) for a strategic deep dive into how AEC firms can assess and improve their innovation readiness before adopting AI or any new tech. They break down the DIAL Framework , a free assessment designed to benchmark your firm's innovation posture across six critical pillars: Internal Innovation External Innovation Culture Ecosystem Tech Adoption Blue Sky Thinking You’ll hear real-world insights from working with dozens of AEC firms, stories of siloed departments unknowingly duplicating efforts, and practical advice for creating sustainable innovation systems across your organization. Whether you're a disruptor, adopter, or laggard, this episode gives you the tools to find out where you stand, what to fix, and how to move forward. 🔗 Resources and Links Mentioned: Take the DIAL Assessment (Free) : https://kpreddy.co/dial San Francisco Event (July 29) : https://kpreddy.co/event-highlight 🔧 Key Takeaways: Do not start with tools. Start with understanding your culture and capacity for innovation. DIAL helps uncover organizational blind spots before tech investments fail. AI success in AEC depends more on alignment and execution than access to tools. Internal communication and cross-departmental knowledge sharing are key to progress. The most innovative firms often still struggle with consistent adoption, and that is okay. Subscribe, rate, and share this episode with the leaders shaping what is next in AEC. Ignite what's next We're launching something new... It’s called Catalyst . It’s a space for AEC forward-thinkers are reimagining what’s next. This is where the top minds in the industry are sharing ideas, leading change, and pushing the future of AEC forward. Sounds like you? Join the waitlist at https://kpreddy.co/ Check out one of our Catalyst conversation starters, AEC Needs More High-Agency Thinkers Hope to see you there!…
 
In this brutally honest episode of KP Unpacked , the number one podcast in AEC, KP Reddy and Jeff Echols take a sledgehammer to one of the industry's most overused and misunderstood buzzwords: digital twin . What even is a digital twin? KP unpacks why most people using the term don’t know what it really means, why having a 3D model doesn’t qualify, and how the lack of real-time sensing, integration, and meaningful data makes the concept nearly useless in today’s built world. From hilarious real-world anecdotes to blunt industry truths, KP explains how chasing digital twin hype makes the whole AEC industry look foolish and what we should be focusing on instead. You’ll hear about: Why BIM ≠ digital twin (and never did) The difference between useful models vs. empty tech flexes The real ROI (or lack of) in pursuing true digital twins Why too many people use tech to avoid getting on job sites How AI is learning from the wrong people Plus: A sneak peek into the launch of Catalyst , KP Reddy Co.’s new community for forward-thinkers in AEC. This episode is packed with insight, no-BS takes, and the kind of field-first perspective the industry desperately needs. If you’ve ever used or been confused by the term "digital twin," this one’s a must-listen. Ignite what's next We're launching something new... It’s called Catalyst . It’s a space for AEC forward-thinkers are reimagining what’s next. This is where the top minds in the industry are sharing ideas, leading change, and pushing the future of AEC forward. Sounds like you? Join the waitlist at https://kpreddy.co/ Check out one of our Catalyst conversation starters, AEC Needs More High-Agency Thinkers Hope to see you there!…
 
Every AEC firm faces it: Do we build our own AI tools or buy what's already on the market? In this episode of KP Unpacked, the number one Podcast in AEC, Jeff Echols and Frank Lazaro dive deep into the strategic dilemma that's dominating boardrooms and innovation teams across the built world. From skyrocketing subscription costs to the reality of custom bot deployment in under 10 minutes, they unpack the tradeoffs, timing, and total cost of ownership behind the build vs. buy decision. You’ll hear: Why most firms overestimate the need to build The real ROI of custom AI tools How low-code platforms are changing the game The hidden cost of falling in love with building Six sharp takeaways to guide your AI investment strategy Start with the problem, not the tool. No AI investment works unless it maps to a real pain point. Speed > perfection. Getting something into the hands of your team beats endless deliberation. Adoption is your signal. Give teams low-stakes tools first — and watch what they build around them. Cost strategy matters. $20 tools add up. But so does maintaining custom code. Run the real math. Don’t build for your ego. The most overengineered tools often become the least used. Don’t wait. Action beats analysis. Start with buy, evolve to build. But move. Whether you’re a 5-person studio or a 5,000-person firm, this conversation will challenge how you think about innovation, adoption, and what it actually takes to future-proof your tech stack. Ignite what's next We're launching something new... It’s called Catalyst . It’s a space for AEC forward-thinkers are reimagining what’s next. This is where the top minds in the industry are sharing ideas, leading change, and pushing the future of AEC forward. Sounds like you? Join the waitlist at https://kpreddy.co/ Check out one of our Catalyst conversation starters, AEC Needs More High-Agency Thinkers Hope to see you there!…
 
In this episode of KP Unpacked , the number one podcast in AEC, Jeff Echols sits down with Frank Thalakotur , Senior Research Advisor at KP Reddy Co., to dig into one of the core issues holding the AEC industry back—chronic misalignment between design, delivery, and owner value. Frank brings experience across HVAC engineering, MEP project management, startup innovation, and owner’s rep work. But in his current role, he’s stepping back from solutions and going deep into problem discovery. Together, they unpack: Why the AEC industry keeps solving symptoms instead of root causes How contracts—not outcomes—are driving behavior Why owners remain disconnected from the value chain What it takes to shift from isolated innovation to system-level alignment Why “data is the new concrete”—and what happens when no one’s pouring it This is real research, real voices, and real stakes. If you’ve ever asked “Why does this keep happening?” in AEC, you’ll want to listen in. 🎧 Powered by KP Reddy Co . 🎙 Hosted by Jeff Echols , Executive Director of Catalyst 🧠 Featuring Frank Thalakotur , Senior Research Advisor, KP Reddy Co. Ignite what's next We're launching something new... It’s called Catalyst . It’s a space for AEC forward-thinkers are reimagining what’s next. This is where the top minds in the industry are sharing ideas, leading change, and pushing the future of AEC forward. Sounds like you? Join the waitlist at https://kpreddy.co/ Check out one of our Catalyst conversation starters, AEC Needs More High-Agency Thinkers Hope to see you there!…
 
Welcome back to KP Unpacked , the #1 podcast in AEC. In this episode, KP Reddy (Founder & CEO of Shadow Ventures) and Jeff Echols (Executive Director at Catalyst) unpack a powerful metaphor that’s reshaping how we think about startups, business models, and the built environment. We’re not just talking features or fixes. We’re talking about delivering outcomes that actually cure real industry problems. From aligning incentives in AEC to rethinking how firms deliver value, this episode is packed with strategy, story, and sharp insights. 🔍 Featured in this episode: KP Reddy, Founder & CEO of Shadow Ventures Jeff Echols, Executive Director at Catalyst by KP Reddy Co. 📌 Main Topics Covered: Why “being useful” isn’t enough in an AI-driven world The real difference between vitamins, painkillers, and cures (and where your product fits) What AEC firms get wrong about value and deliverables How misaligned compensation models destroy innovation What NFL stadium designers can teach us about asymmetric business models Why the future of the industry belongs to those who think beyond specs and software Ignite what's next We're launching something new... It’s called Catalyst . It’s a space for AEC forward-thinkers are reimagining what’s next. This is where the top minds in the industry are sharing ideas, leading change, and pushing the future of AEC forward. Sounds like you? Join the waitlist at https://kpreddy.co/ Check out one of our Catalyst conversation starters, AEC Needs More High-Agency Thinkers Hope to see you there!…
 
🎙 Featuring: Jeff Echols , Chief Executive Director Catalyst, KP Reddy Co. David Niewadomski , Senior Research Advisor, KP Reddy Co. In this episode of KP Unpacked , the number one podcast in AEC, host Jeff Echols sits down with David Niewadomski , Senior Research Advisor at KP Reddy Co., to dive into the inefficiencies of construction—and how rethinking them through the owner's lens could change everything. David shares insights from his journey across construction, development, and Lean Six Sigma. Together, they unpack what’s broken in our current workflows, why data fragmentation costs more than we think, and how the Integrated Owners Forum is designed to surface the real issues facing today's built environment. From fragmented systems to missing feedback loops, this is a conversation about connecting the dots before solving the problem. Ignite what's next We're launching something new... It’s called Catalyst . It’s a space for AEC forward-thinkers are reimagining what’s next. This is where the top minds in the industry are sharing ideas, leading change, and pushing the future of AEC forward. Sounds like you? Join the waitlist at https://kpreddy.co/ Check out one of our Catalyst conversation starters, AEC Needs More High-Agency Thinkers Hope to see you there!…
 
On this episode of KP Unpacked —the number one podcast in AEC— Jeff Echols sits down with Alan Montpellier , Principal and Chief Innovation Officer at PAE, to explore what it really takes to embed innovation into the DNA of an AEC firm. Alan shares how PAE shifted from ad hoc ideas to a fully resourced innovation group, why innovation can't live in a silo, and how they prioritize experimentation—without sacrificing project delivery or profitability. You’ll learn: How PAE structured its innovation group and budget Why innovation should come from everywhere —not just the “innovation team” How to balance client deadlines with long-term experimentation Real-world examples of tools, AI pilots, and failed-but-smart experiments What to do when PMs block innovation because of fees This is a playbook for firms who want more than buzzwords—who actually want to build something new and better. Ignite what's next We're launching something new... It’s called Catalyst . It’s a space for AEC forward-thinkers are reimagining what’s next. This is where the top minds in the industry are sharing ideas, leading change, and pushing the future of AEC forward. Sounds like you? Join the waitlist at https://kpreddy.co/ Check out one of our Catalyst conversation starters, AEC Needs More High-Agency Thinkers Hope to see you there!…
 
In this episode of KP Unpacked , the number one podcast in AEC , Jeff Echols , Executive Director at Catalyst, KP Reddy Co. kicks off a brand-new series featuring the in-house research team at KP Reddy Co . He’s joined by Senior Research Advisor Ted Kenney , who brings years of experience in AEC technology and building product specifications. They explore the untapped potential of specifications in driving collaboration across architecture, engineering, and construction. Ted explains why specs are often overlooked, how they act as the connective tissue across stakeholders, and what’s missing from the current software landscape. They also dive into the research goals of the Integrated Owners Forum—KP Reddy Co.’s initiative to empower owners with actionable insight—and why discovering core problems is more valuable than surface-level disruption. If you work in AEC, product development, or innovation, this episode will shift how you think about specs, data silos, and the future of collaboration. 🎧 Hosted by Jeff Echols, Executive Director at Catalyst 🎙 Guest: Ted Kinney, Senior Research Advisor at KP Reddy Co. 🔍 Topic: AEC specs, owner-driven innovation, qualitative research, and SaaS licensing hot takes Ignite what's next We're launching something new... It’s called Catalyst . It’s a space for AEC forward-thinkers are reimagining what’s next. This is where the top minds in the industry are sharing ideas, leading change, and pushing the future of AEC forward. Sounds like you? Join the waitlist at https://kpreddy.co/ Check out one of our Catalyst conversation starters, AEC Needs More High-Agency Thinkers Hope to see you there!…
 
This week on KP Unpacked —the number one podcast in AEC — Jeff Echols and KP Reddy unpack the Sunday Scaries post that broke the internet (or at least LinkedIn). It all started with a Talking Heads lyric and a throwback photo… but quickly sparked a bigger conversation: What’s your 10-year plan—for yourself, not your startup? KP shares hard-won lessons from building (and walking away from) multimillion-dollar businesses, why too many founders confuse “ in flight ” with “ on course, ” and how to evaluate whether you're heading to Mars—or just orbiting Earth. You’ll learn: Why quick exits are the exception, not the rule How to identify when to abort, pivot, or persevere The 5 elements every founder’s 10-year life plan should include How to separate identity from startup ego Why financial, health, family, and passion alignment matter more than vanity metrics This episode isn’t just for startup founders—it’s a personal gut check for anyone on a high-stakes path. Ignite what's next We're launching something new... It’s called Catalyst . It’s a space for AEC forward-thinkers are reimagining what’s next. This is where the top minds in the industry are sharing ideas, leading change, and pushing the future of AEC forward. Sounds like you? Join the waitlist at https://kpreddy.co/ Check out one of our Catalyst conversation starters, AEC Needs More High-Agency Thinkers Hope to see you there!…
 
In this episode of KP Unpacked —the number one podcast in AEC — Jeff Echols sits down with architect and senior research advisor Zig Rubel to explore a bold question: What if the biggest issues in AEC aren’t what we think they are? Zig brings his unique lens—from massive healthcare projects to tech startups—to unpack why most industry “solutions” may be missing the mark. Together, they dig into how KP Reddy Co.’s research team is flipping the script—asking not how we fix problems, but whether we’re chasing the right ones to begin with. In this episode: The surprising reason most AEC “problems” are just symptoms How architects, engineers, and owners view the process differently Why the research team is talking to everyone —from executives to project doers What Zig expects to hear in 200+ interviews (spoiler: it’s bigger than tech) Why now is the time to question how the built environment really impacts us If you’re tired of surface-level fixes and ready to rethink AEC’s future—this one’s for you. Ignite what's next We're launching something new... It’s called Catalyst . It’s a space for AEC forward-thinkers are reimagining what’s next. This is where the top minds in the industry are sharing ideas, leading change, and pushing the future of AEC forward. Sounds like you? Join the waitlist at https://kpreddy.co/ Check out one of our Catalyst conversation starters, AEC Needs More High-Agency Thinkers Hope to see you there!…
 
In this episode of KP Unpacked , the number one podcast in AEC , Jeff Echols and Frank Lazaro unpack the rising wave of custom GPTs —and why every forward-thinking AEC firm should be building one. From knowledge centers to proposal bots, this episode dives into how AI tools like Azure Foundry and ChatGPT Projects are reshaping how firms capture experience, accelerate onboarding, and win more work. What you’ll learn: The two AI tools leading the charge in AEC: Azure Foundry vs ChatGPT Projects Why centralizing your firm’s knowledge gives you a serious edge How to turn your senior team’s experience into a searchable asset Smart use cases: proposal bots, resume finders, SOP assistants The one con firms overlook before building a custom GPT A simple, no-code starting point to test this today If your firm’s expertise lives in people’s heads or buried folders—this episode is your roadmap to change that. Ignite what's next We're launching something new... It’s called Catalyst . It’s a space for AEC forward-thinkers are reimagining what’s next. This is where the top minds in the industry are sharing ideas, leading change, and pushing the future of AEC forward. Sounds like you? Join the waitlist at https://kpreddy.co/ Check out one of our Catalyst conversation starters, AEC Needs More High-Agency Thinkers Hope to see you there!…
 
In this special episode of KP Unpacked , the number podcast in AEC , Jeff Echols sits down with Hope Alexander , senior advisor at KP Reddy Co., to spotlight the one voice often missing in AEC innovation: the owner. From her days helping grow a startup into a 2,000-person firm (later acquired by AECOM) to building BIM with Frank Gehry, Hope’s career has centered around understanding what owners actually need—and why the AEC industry keeps missing the mark. You’ll hear about: Why owners are the most important (and overlooked) force in AEC innovation The hard truths behind BIM adoption and why owners hesitated How Hope and KP plan to fix that with the Integrated Owners Forum What research is uncovering about industry gaps—and what’s next A hot take on AI, decision fatigue, and the leadership vacuum in large capital projects If you’re in AEC, emerging tech, or real estate, this is a must-listen. Because if you’re not talking to owners, you’re missing half the story. Ignite what's next We're launching something new... It’s called Catalyst . It’s a space for AEC forward-thinkers are reimagining what’s next. This is where the top minds in the industry are sharing ideas, leading change, and pushing the future of AEC forward. Sounds like you? Join the waitlist at https://kpreddy.co/ Check out one of our Catalyst conversation starters, AEC Needs More High-Agency Thinkers Hope to see you there!…
 
In this episode of KP Unpacked —the number one podcast in AEC — Jeff Echols and KP Reddy go deep on awards, ethics, and why it’s time to rethink how innovation gets recognized in the built environment. KP unpacks the launch of the 2025 AEC Innovators Award in collaboration with Zweig Group, and doesn’t hold back on the industry's pay-to-play culture. From shady award models to what makes innovation actually count, this episode lays out why the best ideas don’t always get the spotlight—and how that’s about to change. Inside this episode: Why most industry awards don’t mean anything—and what KP’s doing about it How to actually evaluate innovation in AEC (hint: it’s not about buying Revit) The real reason RFP processes fail to recognize new thinking What the AEC Innovators Award will reward—and what won’t make the cut A call for submissions that actually matter to owners, teams, and impact This isn’t just another award. It’s a challenge to the industry to do better—and a chance to show what real progress looks like. Ignite what's next We're launching something new... It’s called Catalyst . It’s a space for AEC forward-thinkers are reimagining what’s next. This is where the top minds in the industry are sharing ideas, leading change, and pushing the future of AEC forward. Sounds like you? Join the waitlist at https://kpreddy.co/ Check out one of our Catalyst conversation starters, AEC Needs More High-Agency Thinkers Hope to see you there!…
 
AI isn’t just about flashy tools—it’s about transforming how AEC firms research, analyze, and make decisions. In this episode of KP Unpacked - the number one Podcast in AEC , Jeff Echols and Frank Lazzaro dive deep into the power of AI research tools and how you can use them to work smarter, not harder. Key takeaways from this episode: Why AI research tools are changing the game for AEC firms Frank’s personal formula for finding 12 minutes of efficiency daily using AI Real-world examples of how AI tools outperform traditional research methods The top AI tools you should be using: ChatGPT Deep Research, Storm, and Perplexity How to avoid AI's common pitfalls in data analysis and research workflows Actionable tips to start using AI research tools in your business today Ignite what's next We're launching something new... It’s called Catalyst . It’s a space for AEC forward-thinkers are reimagining what’s next. This is where the top minds in the industry are sharing ideas, leading change, and pushing the future of AEC forward. Sounds like you? Join the waitlist at https://kpreddy.co/ Check out one of our Catalyst conversation starters, AEC Needs More High-Agency Thinkers Hope to see you there!…
 
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