“Don't tell, ask, because questions are like keys. They unlock things and they'll open doors. When you tell, you lose the ability to do that.” – Phil Walton

n this episode of Building Stories - The Podcast, powered by Deep Space, we sit down with Phil Walton, a safety and risk specialist with over 20 years of experience across construction, infrastructure, and public sectors.

Phil dives into the critical role of safety and risk management in an evolving industry, highlighting the challenges of knowledge loss as experienced workers near retirement. He explores practical approaches to capturing tacit knowledge, the importance of consultation and co-design, and why embedding safety into organisational culture is vital for future success.

From navigating complex safety environments to sharing lessons on resilience and risk mitigation, Phil’s insights provide a powerful blueprint for leaders looking to drive safer, smarter workplaces.

Key Sections:

• Early Inspiration: Castles, Lego & Safety Foundations – 02:38
• Resilience and Lessons from Career Challenges – 14:30
• The Growing Risk of Knowledge Loss in Safety – 23:09
• Practical Steps for Future-Proofing Safety Practices – 29:28
• The Role of Consultation in Risk Management – 40:33

• Quick Fire Round: Tools, Insights, and Christmas Plans – 46:41

Building Stories is powered by Deep Space – Mission Critical Construction AI.

“All of the tech and the digital stuff that we do, all helps us build faster, build under budget, build on time” – Sellwyn Dsouza

In this episode of Building Stories, powered by Deep Space, we sit down with Sellwyn Dsouza, a passionate engineering professional and self-proclaimed construction nerd. Sellwyn takes us on a journey through his career, from his early fascination with how things are built to becoming an expert in BIM and 360 Reality Capture.

We discuss the importance of practical solutions for digital transformation, the future of reality capture in replacing traditional BIM for operations, and the challenges of introducing innovation to a historically traditional industry. Sellwyn also shares his insights on why data simplicity and mentorship are crucial for the next generation of construction professionals.

Key Sections:

1. Sellwyn’s Early Fascination with Construction – 02:08
2. The Transition from BIM to Reality Capture – 12:01
3. Practical Solutions for Digital Transformation – 19:33
4. Challenges in Adopting New Technology – 24:00
5. Mentorship and Knowledge Transfer in Construction – 32:45
6. The Future of Sustainable Construction Materials – 36:43
7. Quick Fire Round: Sellwyn’s Thoughts on Tools and Tech – 43:03

Building Stories is Powered by Deep Space - Mission Critical Construction AI.

“Data is anything that I can use to make a decision.” – Brett Settles

In this episode of Building Stories, powered by Deep Space, we sit down with Brett Settles, Director of Customer Success at Allied BIM. Brett shares his journey from traditional construction methods to embracing real-time data and automation in construction. He discusses how data isn’t just numbers, but a tool for smarter, faster decision-making that transforms project outcomes.

We dive into the challenges of adopting new technology in construction, how data-driven insights are changing the way we approach labor productivity and prefabrication, and the importance of practical solutions that make a real impact on-site. Brett offers a fresh perspective on how data can drive meaningful change in the construction industry.

Key Sections:

1. Brett’s Early Career in Construction and Move into Tech – 00:00

2. Understanding Data as a Tool for Decision-Making – 08:30

3. The Role of Automation in Site Efficiency – 17:15

4. Overcoming Technology Adoption Challenges – 24:40

5. The Power of Real-Time Data in Prefabrication – 33:05

6. Advice for Construction Professionals Embracing Data – 42:20

7. Quick Fire Round: Future Tech and Industry Insights – 49:55

Building Stories is Powered by Deep Space - Mission Critical Construction AI.

“At the end of the day, AI doesn’t build anything—it just improves the data.” – Kristian Butcher

In this episode of Building Stories, powered by Deep Space, we sit down with Kristian Butcher, CEO and founder of BuildAI. Kristian takes us through his journey from traditional construction roles to becoming a leader in AI-driven construction technology. He shares how AI and technology aren’t replacing jobs but enhancing decision-making by improving the quality and accessibility of data.

We dive into the real-world challenges the construction industry faces, the slow adoption of technology, and how BuildAI helps teams optimize material movement and labor productivity. Kristian also discusses how data-driven decisions in the early stages of a project can have a transformative impact, unlocking major efficiency gains.

Key Sections:

1. Kristian’s Early Career and Move into Construction – 00:00

2. The Origins of Build AI and Embracing Technology – 13:20

3. AI’s Role in Improving Labor and Material Efficiency – 21:45

4. Why Early Adoption of AI and Data Matters – 34:50

5. Kristian’s Advice to the Next Generation of Builders – 44:08

6. The Future of AI in Construction – 37:18

7. Quick Fire Round: Tools and Technology – 49:05

Building Stories is Powered by Deep Space - Mission Critical Construction AI

“Why create information if we’re not able to use it?” – Chris Pynn

In this episode of Building Stories, powered by Deep Space, we sit down with Chris Pynn, a leader with over 30 years of experience in engineering and digital construction. Chris takes us through his fascinating journey from a chance entry into the world of construction to his leadership roles in some of the world’s most iconic projects. We explore his thoughts on the evolution of BIM, data-driven design, and the ongoing challenge of improving project delivery through digital transformation. Chris also shares key insights on overcoming industry barriers, the importance of quality over quantity in engineering, and the power of collaboration in major infrastructure projects.

Key Sections:

1. Chris Pynn’s Early Journey in Construction – 00:00

2. The Role of Data in Modern Construction – 06:38

3. Managing Large Projects and the Evolution of BIM – 11:54

4. Challenges of Digital Engineering and Adoption – 18:40

5. Advice for Engineers and Consultants in the AEC Industry – 19:17

6. Future Opportunities in Data and Digital Workflows – 30:49

7. Quick Fire Round: Chris’s Thoughts on Tools and Technology – 49:52

Building Stories is Powered by Deep Space - Mission Critical Construction AI

"If you love doing something, keep doing it, but automate the things you don’t enjoy.” – Stjepan Mikulić

In this episode of Building Stories, Luke Johnson interviews Stjepan Mikulić, founder of AI in AEC. Stjepan discusses his journey from working at prominent firms like Sweco and BIG to starting his own venture, which focuses on educating architects, engineers, and construction professionals about the transformative power of AI. Stjepan shares his unique business philosophy of sharing all his knowledge for free and only charging for custom solutions. He also explains how his platform, AEC AI Hub, became the world’s largest database of AI tools for the AEC industry, completely free to access. The episode dives deep into the future of AI in the AEC industry and its role in creating a more efficient and sustainable world.

Key Sections:

1. Introduction and Early Interest in Design and Construction – 00:00

2. The Evolution of Technology in the AEC Industry – 06:00

3. From Individual Projects to Global Impact – 13:46

4. Bridging the Gap: AI in AEC – 19:02

5. The AEC AI Hub: Empowering Professionals with AI Tools – 23:36

6. Unique Pricing Model: Lifetime Access and Updates – 28:01

7. Following Your Passion in the AEC Industry – 32:08

8. Data as a Means of Communication in AEC – 41:17 Building Stories is Powered by Deep Space - Mission Critical Construction AI 7f757a74839b1571f057f4facd5ce90a5cb7073f

• Balancing technology, processes, and people is crucial for successful digital transformation in the construction industry.
• Implementing change in organizations requires change management strategies and a focus on re-engineering processes.
• The construction industry is slowly evolving with the adoption of digital technologies, but progress is slower compared to other industries.
• The construction industry plays a vital role in the global economy and is a key driver of economic activity.
• Projects like NEOM and the Museum of the Future showcase the scale and innovation in the construction industry. Take the time to understand the construction industry as a whole before focusing on a specific career path.
• Mistakes can lead to valuable course adjustments and learning experiences.
• Data is essential in construction and can be used to make informed decisions.
• The future of construction involves digital transformation, industrialized design and construction, sustainability, AI, and data analytics.
• Saudi Arabia is attracting talent and focusing on upskilling its citizens to drive innovation.

Sound Bites

"Making change happen in an organization only really works if you find the right balance between the topic of technology, process, and people." "NEOM is being the largest project currently being done in the world. So largest turnover, just looking at the unprecedented scale of this project." "I've always been at the forefront of these digital transformation activities." "The construction industry is a great industry to work in." "Don't go too fast. Try to understand the industry." "Mistakes can lead to course adjustments."