AI Copilots, Drones, and Blockchain: The New Blueprint for Building

In this episode, Brian sits down with Mike Zeppieri, Vice President of Emerging Technology at Skanska, to explore how construction is evolving through a wave of quiet but powerful innovation. From drones and 3D coordination models to AI copilots and the resurgence of sustainable materials like mass timber, Mike shares how his background in the military and aerospace informs a systems-driven approach to transforming one of the world’s most risk-conscious industries.

The conversation explores:

• How construction evolved from blueprints to 3D coordination models and virtual design
• Why drones and 360 cameras became essential tools in the field, not just by leadership
• What slows innovation in construction (hint: it's not the builders)
• How AI copilots and data lakes are changing project planning, without replacing people
• Why mass timber is back and how blockchain is helping certify its sustainability

Mike also dives into the culture clash between Silicon Valley startups and on-site crews, why some “disruptive” ideas fail before the building is even finished, and how to partner with industry rather than just pitch to it.

In the Post-Fix Brian unpacks the lessons from construction tech adoption:

• Why “move fast and break things” doesn’t work when you’re building hospitals and airports
• How real-world constraints shape responsible, scalable innovation
• What tech founders and investors need to learn from this industry’s approach to risk

This episode is a must-listen for product leaders, venture-backed founders, innovation teams, and anyone trying to scale technology in complex, legacy industries.

Time Stamps:

• * () 
• *(00:51) Rapid Fire Questions: Technology and Nostalgia
• *(10:58) The Evolution of Construction Technology
• *(23:06) Sustainability in Construction: Wood vs. Steel
• *(32:39) Controlling Material Waste in Construction
• *(36:48) Adoption of Drones and 360 Cameras
• *(46:40) Challenges in Technology Adoption
• *(57:26) Balancing Disruption and Practicality
• *(01:05:38) The Double-Edged Sword of AI Content
• *(1:19:13) The Post-Fix

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Solving for Tomorrow is sponsored by Geisel Software. We help you create products that seamlessly automate the physical and virtual worlds using robotics, machine learning, and so much more. Find out more at Geisel Software.

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Links

Follow Mike Zeppieri on LinkedIn

Follow Brian Geisel on LinkedIn

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