The Off Site Podcast

Construction is one of the largest industries in the world, yet the way we talk about it has not evolved at the same pace as the technology reshaping it.In this episode, we turn the microphones around on Owen and Martin, the founders of Bricks & Bytes. Owen is a quantity surveyor by background and Martin a structural engineer, both having run their own construction businesses before building one of the most recognised media platforms in construction tech. They share why they started the podcast, what they saw missing in the industry conversation, and how their experience on real projects shapes the way they approach media.We get into why many construction events feel disconnected from project reality, the tension between niche tech audiences and boots-on-the-ground professionals, and whether AI and robotics are moving toward real adoption or just another hype cycle.

In this episode of the Off Site podcast, Jason and Carlos are joined by Andrew Chapman, CEO of the Queensland Major Contractors Association (QMCA), to discuss the changing landscape of major project delivery in Queensland as the state prepares for a significant decade of infrastructure investment ahead of the Brisbane 2032 Olympics. The conversation explores the broader pressures facing the construction industry, including workforce capacity, delivery timelines, productivity, and the role of long-term planning in supporting sustainable growth. It also touches on how major events can act as catalysts for infrastructure investment, and the importance of ensuring these projects deliver lasting value beyond fixed deadlines.A wide-ranging discussion offering context and perspective on what it takes to deliver major infrastructure programs at scale, and what the coming years may mean for Queensland’s construction and engineering sectors.

In this episode, Jason and Carlos sit down with Martin Roby, Head of Planning at Volker Fitzpatrick and Volker Stevan. Martin brings decades of experience from major UK contractors, including Balfour Beatty and BAM, and has earned deep respect across the industry.The conversation takes an unexpectedly philosophical turn as Martin challenges some fundamental assumptions about how construction projects actually work. Using everything from sat-nav analogies to stories about Friday nights in the pub 30 years ago, he unpacks why the industry might be making things harder for itself than necessary. There's a fascinating discussion about what's changed in construction culture over the past few decades and what that means for how teams operate today. Martin also shares some provocative thoughts about where the real problems lie, and they're probably not where you think.If you've ever wondered why construction projects sometimes feel more complicated than they need to be, this conversation might just reframe how you think about delivery.Timestamps:01:40 - Establishing the core challenge04:09 - Understanding project navigation through analogy18:45 - Cultural shifts in construction over three decades34:19 - The natural tendency to react rather than prepare

Will Thompson and Mitch Corrigan traded the predictability of Australia's tier-one contractors for something most people said was impossible: helping build a rail business from scratch in the United States.In this episode, they pull back the curtain on what it actually takes to compete in one of the world's toughest construction markets and why the approach that's working might surprise you. We explore the uncomfortable truths about why talented people leave construction, what happens when you strip away the layers of approval processes, and the counterintuitive hiring strategy that's attracting people from completely unexpected backgrounds.If you've ever wondered why some companies feel completely different to work for, or what it really takes to break into a new market as an international contractor, this conversation will give you answers you won't hear anywhere else. Topics covered: Breaking into the US market, building culture that retains top talent, unconventional hiring approaches, fast-moving project delivery, and what makes some contractors fundamentally different from others.

In this episode, Jason and Carlos are joined by Thomas Schultz and special guest Peter Fitzpatrick, Project Commercial Director, to explore a role that's either fundamental to how construction projects work or potentially unnecessary, depending on where you stand. The conversation examines how quantity surveyors and commercial teams operate on major projects, unpacking the significant differences between markets like the UK and Australia. The team debates specialised roles versus the generalist engineer approach, discussing what gets lost and gained when responsibilities shift between team members.  he discussion moves into the relationship dynamics between engineers and QSs, bridging technical knowledge with commercial reality, and how contract structures like NEC shape collaboration on major infrastructure projects. Peter shares insights on disputes, contract administration, and whether the burden of process actually prevents bigger problems down the line.The episode wraps with each guest proposing one change they'd make to contract structures or delivery models to drive better outcomes.Timestamps:04:46 - How the QS role differs between the UK and Australia22:25 - Do disputes cost more than prevention?30:53 - Can contracts force collaboration, or is it all about culture?39:59 - If you could change one thing about contracts, what would it be?

Join Jason, Carlos, and returning guest Thomas Schultz as they tackle one of construction's most fundamental yet unresolved challenges: how should master schedules actually function in project delivery?🏗️ Core Questions Explored: Can one schedule serve both contract reporting and day-to-day construction coordination? The tension between commercial requirements and construction team autonomy Why detailed master schedules often conflict with on-site realities The trade-offs between control, flexibility, and project speed⚖️ Key Discussion Areas: The gap between planning teams and construction delivery Resource allocation and schedule ownership across project phases How contract structures influence scheduling approaches The challenge of updating versus adapting to site conditions🎯 Timestamps: 00:00 – Introduction from South London, Clapham & Germany05:35 – Why master schedules play multiple roles on projects14:06 – The trust gap between planning and construction teams28:53 – Commercial recovery vs. delivery optimization46:06 – Should schedules be planned to Level 5 detail?1:00:04 – Connecting everything to one schedule: promise or problem?Check out the Off Site Newsletter: https://offsite.aphex.co/

Join Jason and Carlos for their 100th episode, joined by members of the Aphex team with construction backgrounds. Kelvin (Engineer), Thomas Schulz (Engineer/Quantity Surveyor), and Cam Rainger (Engineer).Breaking away from polished industry success stories, the team discusses why the most valuable learning in construction comes from project failures. The conversation explores professional mistakes and their consequences, covering trust and verification on construction teams, documentation failures, commercial risk management, and the balance between proactive problem-solving and following procedures. Key Timestamps: 00:00 - Episode 100 introduction and celebration 03:24 - Team introductions and new format explanation 08:06 - Cam's Story 16:01 - Thomas' Story 25:40 - Carlos' Story 32:38 - Kelvin's Story  Check out the Off Site Newsletter: https://offsite.aphex.co/

Join Jason, Carlos, and special guest Sam Hanisch as they dive into three developments shaping the global construction landscape:🏗️ Southeast Asia's Construction Giants: Explore the $500 billion Southeast Asian construction market growing at 6% annually. Discover major players from state-owned Indonesian contractors to international specialists, plus massive projects like the $40 billion Trans-Sumatra Highway.🤖 Trunk Tools' $40M AI Revolution: Analyse the construction AI startup's massive Series B funding and their RAG platform connecting construction documents, drawings, and schedules. Examine what this means for AI in construction versus existing solutions.⚡ The Future of Planning Professionals: Discuss a controversial post claiming expensive planners earning $200-400K are becoming obsolete. Evaluate whether technology will replace traditional planning roles or transform them.Key Timestamps:00:00 - Introduction02:26 - Southeast Asian construction market analysis12:40 - Trunk Tools funding and technology breakdown34:29 - The obsolete planner debateCheck out the Off Site newsletter hereFollow Carlos on Linkedin | Follow Jason on Linkedin | Check out Aphex

Join Jason and Carlos as they tackle three construction industry topics:🏗️ China's Mega Dam Project: Exploring the $140 billion Yarlung Zangbo Dam - three times larger than Three Gorges Dam and requiring 12.5 miles of tunnels through Tibet's deepest canyon.📊 Mega Project Success Framework: Analyzing MACE's 10 pillars for successful delivery of large-scale infrastructure projects and what separates winners from costly failures.🤝 ConTech Sales Strategy: Examining whether construction technology companies should sell directly or through reseller partnerships - and what this means for customers. Key Timestamps:00:00 - Introduction03:05 - China's Yarlung Zangbo Dam09:46 - MACE's Project Delivery Report24:16 - Construction Tech Go-to-Market StrategyCheck out the Off Site newsletter hereFollow Carlos on Linkedin | Follow Jason on Linkedin | Check out Aphex

Join Jason and Carlos as they explore three major developments in construction and technology:🏗️ Mega Projects Surge: Analysis of Mace's new report showing 11,000+ live megaprojects worth $15 trillion globally - a 4x increase since 2010. Why are projects getting bigger, and what's driving this trend?🌐 AI Browser Revolution: The emerging battle between Perplexity, OpenAI, and Google for AI-enabled browsers that could automate construction workflows from form-filling to document control.💰 UK Infrastructure Wave: Major project approvals including Sizewell C nuclear, A66 highway expansion, and the Midlands Rail Hub connecting 50 stations.Key Timestamps:00:00 - Intro02:32 - Mace’s Mega Project Report19:00 - AI Browser Revolution32:23 - UK Infrastructure WaveCheck out the Off Site newsletter hereFollow Carlos on Linkedin | Follow Jason on Linkedin | Check out Aphex

Join Jason and Carlos in this episode of The Offsite Podcast as they tackle three fresh topics from the world of construction:🎯 Design Management Best Practices: Explore the persistent challenges of scheduling and coordinating design in construction projects. Discover why design delays plague major projects and examine effective strategies for managing complex design workflows, resource constraints, and multi-disciplinary coordination.⚖️ Oracle Licensing Controversy: Dive into the contentious terms of service surrounding Oracle's Primavera P6 software. Uncover the implications of data ownership policies and licensing requirements that are sparking industry-wide debate about customer rights and software vendor practices.🤝 Who Should Own The Project's Tech: Analyse a LinkedIn discussion about who should drive technology decisions on construction projects. Examine the pros and cons of clients, contractors, or supply chain partners taking the lead on software selection and implementation.Key Timestamps:00:00 - Introduction & Autonomous Highway Construction03:22 - Design Management Deep Dive16:41 - Oracle Licensing Terms Analysis29:36 - Who Should Own The Project's TechCheck out the Off Site newsletter hereFollow Carlos on Linkedin | Follow Jason on Linkedin | Check out Aphex

Join Jason and Carlos in episode 95 of The Offsite Podcast as they tackle three complex topics shaping modern construction delivery:🏗️ Construction Roles Decoded: Jason and Carlos break down the confusing world of mega project delivery roles - from general contractors to delivery partners and managing contractors. They explore when you'd use each role and how risk flows through these contractual relationships.📋 Framework Projects Deep Dive: The duo discuss the rising trend of framework-style project delivery that's reshaping infrastructure. They examine why clients choose frameworks over traditional delivery and the unique challenges of managing geographically dispersed work.🚢 Tanzania's $10 Billion Port Gamble: The pair analyses the on-again, off-again mega port project backed by China's Belt and Road Initiative. They discuss the trade-offs countries face with international infrastructure funding and 99-year lease agreements.Key Timestamps:00:00 - Introduction & Bridge Design Disasters03:09 - Construction Delivery Roles Analysi 20:17 - Framework Projects Discussion37:26 - Tanzania Port Project UpdateCheck out the Off Site newsletter hereFollow Carlos on Linkedin | Follow Jason on Linkedin | Check out Aphex

Join Jason and Carlos in Episode 94 of The Offsite Podcast as they explore three major developments shaping the construction industry:🛣️ Abidjan-Lagos Corridor: They dive into the $15 billion, 1,000-kilometre coastal highway connecting five West African nations. The duo explores funding challenges and potential contractors for this transformative infrastructure project serving 300 million people.🤖 Contractor AI-Powered Tools: They explore how contractors like Skanska and Granite Construction are using AI to build custom solutions like "Asphalt Guru" and "Safety Sidekick." Does this fundamentally change the build-versus-buy equation for construction technology?💰 Outcomes as a Service in Construction: They analyse the emerging pricing model where companies pay for results rather than software access. The hosts examine the benefits and complexities of this approach, from risk allocation to outcome measurement challenges.Key Timestamps:00:00 - Introduction01:42 - West African Highway Project07:58 - AI Development in Construction Companies24:23 - Outcomes-as-a-Service Deep DiveCheck out the Off Site newsletter hereFollow Carlos on Linkedin | Follow Jason on Linkedin | Check out Aphex

Join Jason and Carlos in Episode 93 of The Off Site podcast as they explore three topics shaping the construction industry:🔗 The First End-to-End Tendering Platform: Dive into the merger between Australian platform E1 and UK-based C-Link, creating the industry's first connected solution from quote to contract. Discover why the gap between pre-contract estimating and post-award procurement has persisted for so long.💰 The VC Money Rush: Analysis of the record-breaking $3-4 billion flowing into construction tech startups in early 2025. Explore whether this venture capital influx actually benefits contractors, including the hidden costs of VC-backed software and how investor expectations shape products.🏆 League Table Shake-Up: Acciona tops the UK contractor league table for the first time with a £400 million waterworks win. What does this mean for competition and international contractors in the UK market?Key Timestamps:00:00 - Introduction & German Bunker News05:08 - E1 and C-Link Merger Analysis19:51 - Construction Tech VC Investment Discussion30:50 - Acciona's League Table WinCheck out the Off Site newsletter hereFollow Carlos on Linkedin | Follow Jason on Linkedin | Check out Aphex

Join Jason and Carlos as they dive into three compelling construction topics:🚄 Poland's €30 Billion Transport Hub: Poland's most ambitious infrastructure project, combining a new airport with 2,000km of high-speed rail - can they deliver by 2032?🏗️ Motif vs Autodesk: Former Autodesk CEO launches cloud-based design platform to challenge the industry giant's dominance in construction software.👷 The Strategic Corporal: How individual site leaders can make or break technology adoption on construction projects, plus the key personas that shape change. Key Timestamps:00:00 - Introduction & 3D Printed Bridge Discussion03:41 - Poland's Central Communications Port Project12:06 - Motif vs Autodesk: The Design Software Battle24:20 - Construction Project Personas & Tech AdoptionCheck out the Off Site newsletter hereFollow Carlos on Linkedin | Follow Jason on Linkedin | Check out Aphex

Join Jason and Carlos as they explore three major infrastructure and technology developments:🚄 Japan's $60 Billion Maglev Project: Explore Japan's ambitious $60 billion Chuo Shinkansen Maglev project connecting Tokyo to Nagoya in 40 minutes. Discover the engineering challenges of building 250 kilometres of tunnel through earthquake-prone terrain and fault lines deep underground.💰 Germany's €500 Billion Bet: Germany announces a massive infrastructure fund to transform its roads, railways, and digital networks. Learn how this fiscally conservative nation plans to double its infrastructure spending over the next decade.🏗️ Construction Tech Headlines Test: Jason, Carlos, and producer Olu examine whether construction technology companies communicate their services through a guessing game, analysing real website headlines to see if they can identify what each company does.Key Timestamps:00:00 - Introduction & AI Blackmail Discussion04:58 - Japan's Maglev Project Deep Dive11:52 - Germany's €500 Billion Infrastructure Fund22:01 - Construction Tech Headline ChallengeCheck out the Off Site newsletter hereFollow Carlos on Linkedin | Follow Jason on Linkedin | Check out Aphex

Join Jason and Carlos for episode 90 of The Off Site podcast as they explore three industry topics:⚡ Germany's Largest Offshore Wind Farm**: Examining a massive 960-megawatt project in the German North Sea and what it means to work on entirely privately-funded infrastructure versus government-backed projects.🇬🇧 UK-EU Trade Deal Reset**: Breaking down the new trade agreement's potential impact on construction costs, material imports, and workforce mobility across British building sites.💼 Construction vs Sales Background Hiring**: Discussing the ongoing debate around whether construction tech companies should prioritise industry experience or traditional sales expertise when building their teams.Key Timestamps:00:00 - Introduction04:05 - German Wind Project13:20 - UK-EU Trade Deal24:05 - Industry Hiring DiscussionCheck out the Off Site newsletter hereFollow Carlos on Linkedin | Follow Jason on Linkedin | Check out Aphex

Join Jason and Carlos on The Off Site Podcast as they explore three major developments shaping the construction technology landscape: 💰 WakeCap's $28M Series A: The Saudi-based construction tech company secures major funding for smart hard hat workforce tracking. Explore the competitive landscape of labour productivity tracking, privacy concerns, and the technology debate between wearables, apps, and camera-based solutions.🎪 The State of Construction Events: A candid discussion about the current conference landscape in construction - what's working, what's not, and creative ideas for making industry gatherings more valuable for attendees who sacrifice site time to attend.🎯 Market Strategy Debate: Examining a thought-provoking LinkedIn post about go-to-market approaches in construction tech. Should startups focus on niche markets or aim broadly? The hosts debate the merits of different growth strategies in a fragmented industry.Key Timestamps:00:00 - Introduction & Autodesk's controversial ad05:32 - WakeCap's funding and workforce tracking21:20 - Construction events discussion33:22 - Market strategy debateCheck out the Off Site newsletter hereFollow Carlos on Linkedin | Follow Jason on Linkedin | Check out Aphex

Join Jason and Carlos as they explore three key topics shaping the construction landscape:⚡ Empire Wind Project Suspension: A look at New York's $5 billion offshore wind farm recently halted by a federal stop work order, and what project suspensions mean for construction teams.🤖 AI Liability in Construction: Who's responsible when AI tools provide inaccurate information? The hosts examine the complex relationship between users, technology providers, and legal frameworks.🏗️ The Long Tail of Construction: Should construction tech companies focus on the ENR 400 or the thousands of smaller firms? The hosts debate the merits of both approaches.Follow The Offsite Podcast for weekly insights into construction and infrastructure.00:00 - Intro03:10 - Empire Wind Farm15:15 - AI Liability in Construction30:40 - The Long Tail of ConstructionCheck out the Off Site newsletter hereFollow Carlos on Linkedin | Follow Jason on Linkedin | Check out Aphex

Join Jason and Carlos as they explore three topics in construction and technology:💰 Contractors as Tech Investors: Examine the trend of major contractors like Turner launching venture capital arms to invest in construction technology, questioning whether this strategy delivers real value or creates conflicts of interest.📋 Effective Planning Routines: Dissect a viral LinkedIn post on seven key planning habits for construction projects, evaluating which practices actually keep projects on schedule versus creating unnecessary administrative burden.🔍 ConTech's Missing Pieces: Discover the untapped opportunities in construction technology, from comprehensive commercial forecasting tools to integrated field data capture systems that could bridge critical gaps in project delivery.Key Timestamps:00:00 - Intro & Weekend Recap03:45 - Contractors as Tech Investors18:37 - Planning Habits Analysis32:27 - ConTech Opportunities Check out the Off Site newsletter hereFollow Carlos on Linkedin | Follow Jason on Linkedin | Check out Aphex

Join Jason and Carlos in this in-studio episode of The Offsite Podcast as they explore three hot topics in construction technology:🏗️ Data Centre Construction Trends: Is Microsoft's recent cancellation of select data centre projects a sign of market slowdown, or just a blip in an industry experiencing explosive growth? The hosts dive into surprising statistics about global data centre construction and what's driving this massive infrastructure boom.🧩 Oracle's Construction Tech Strategy: What's happening with Oracle's collection of construction software products, such as Primavera P6 and Aconex? Jason and Carlos debate whether Oracle has a cohesive strategy in the construction tech space as competitors like Procore and Autodesk continue to evolve their unified platforms. 💻 The ConTech Vaporware Question: The hosts tackle a provocative LinkedIn post claiming that most construction technology solutions are overrated. They explore the challenges of building truly valuable construction software and the potential impact of new AI development tools on the industry.Key Timestamps:00:00 - Introduction & Random Construction News03:43 - Data Centre Construction Market10:41 - Oracle's Position in Construction Tech22:42 - ConTech Value Proposition DebateCheck out the Off Site newsletter hereFollow Carlos on Linkedin | Follow Jason on Linkedin | Check out Aphex

Join Jason and Carlos as they welcome special guest Kelvin Kumangai to explore three industry topics: 🔧 Career Advice for New Engineers: Kelvin shares essential guidance for those entering construction today, drawing from his extensive industry experience. 🤖 Construction Hardware Innovations: The team examines non-software technologies revolutionising job sites, from automated brick-laying to advanced rigging systems. 🌍 EU's Warning on International Contractor Underbidding: Explore the growing tensions between domestic and international contractors competing for major infrastructure projects.Key Timestamps:00:00 - Introduction04:26 - Career Advice for New Engineers20:26 - Construction Hardware Innovations30:37 - International Contractor UnderbiddingCheck out the Off Site newsletter hereFollow Carlos on Linkedin | Follow Jason on Linkedin | Check out Aphex

Join Jason and Carlos in this episode of The Offsite Podcast as they dive into:⚡ Canada's Site C Dam: This massive hydroelectric project's engineering challenges and environmental trade-offs. 🛠️ Procore's Growth Strategy: Analysing the construction tech giant's new product announcements and what they signal for the industry. 🎸 Construction Sites as Cultural Spaces: When a French band films in the Toulouse Metro tunnel, is it an opportunity or a disruption?Key Timestamps:00:00 - Intro & Universal Studios UK03:19 - Site C Dam discussion09:57 - Procore's Groundbreak event30:38 - Bouyge's underground concert Check out the Off Site newsletter hereFollow Carlos on Linkedin | Follow Jason on Linkedin | Check out Aphex

Join Jason and Carlos in this episode of The Off Site podcast as they explore three key construction industry topics: 🚇 Hudson Tunnel Project: Examining America's most urgent infrastructure project - the $16 billion connection between New Jersey and New York, and the engineering challenges of building beneath the Hudson River.💰 Tech Vendor Pricing: Debating whether contractors should be wary of construction technology vendors offering suspiciously low prices, and the trade-offs between innovation and stability.🏟️ Brisbane Olympics 2032: Analyzing Queensland's newly unveiled Olympic delivery plan and the decision to spread venues across multiple cities throughout the state.Key Timestamps:00:00 - Intro03:58 - Hudson Tunnel Project15:06 - Construction Tech Pricing28:54 - Brisbane Olympics 2032Check out the Off Site newsletter hereFollow Carlos on Linkedin | Follow Jason on Linkedin | Check out Aphex

Join Jason and Carlos in this special in-person London recording as they tackle three hot topics in construction and infrastructure:🚄 HS2 Reset Strategy: Examine the significant changes coming to the UK's ambitious high-speed rail project under new leadership. With Mark Wild stepping in as CEO following his Crossrail success, discover what this means for Britain's largest infrastructure project and the future of its delivery.📦 The Package Size Debate: Does size matter in infrastructure contracts? Explore the fascinating dilemma facing mega-project planners when deciding between large consolidated packages versus smaller, specialized contracts, and the ripple effects these choices have on project outcomes.🏙️ Bradfield City Center: Critical analysis of Australia's newly announced "first city in 150 years" adjacent to Western Sydney's new international airport. Is this truly a city-scale development or something else entirely?Key Timestamps:00:00 - Introduction & Episode Overview02:55 - HS2 Project Discussion16:05 - Package Size in Infrastructure Projects28:30 - Bradfield City Center DevelopmentCheck out the Off Site newsletter hereFollow Carlos on Linkedin | Follow Jason on Linkedin | Check out Aphex

Join Jason and guest host Sam Hanisch as they examine three noteworthy construction and infrastructure topics:🚄 Lyon-Turin High-Speed Rail: The hosts analyze the Lyon-Turin high-speed rail's timeline challenges and what makes this Alpine project significant despite obstacles.🏗️ Major Australian Builder's Collapse: Jason and Sam explore Robert's Co Victorian Arm entering administration and what this reveals about construction's precarious business model.⚖️ $14M Legal Fees for $5M Victory: The duo examines a revealing Colorado highway dispute, using it to explore construction's litigation culture and industry priorities.#Construction #Infrastructure #ConstructionRiskTimestamps:00:00 - Introduction06:42 - Lyon-Turin High Speed Rail Project14:31 - Roberts Co Victorian Arm Collapse26:50 - Legal Costs in Construction DisputesCheck out the Off Site newsletter here**Follow Carlos on Linkedin | Follow Jason on Linkedin | Check out Aphex**

Join Jason and guest host Sam Hanisch as they explore three hot topics in construction and technology: 🏙️ NEOM Project Developments: Shocking revelations about Saudi Arabia's ambitious megacity project, including a staggering cost blowout from $500B to $8.8T, and the challenges of mega-project management. 🚇 Stockholm Metro Expansion: Stockholm's innovative approach to underground transit infrastructure, comparing construction methodologies and highlighting the benefits of strategic infrastructure planning. 👨‍💼 Leadership Transition at Procore: A significant leadership change at construction technology giant Procore and its implications for the industry amid rapid technological transformation. Key Timestamps:00:00 - Introduction04:03 - NEOM discussion20:35 - Stockholm Metro30:49 - Procore leadership changesCheck out the Off Site newsletter hereFollow Carlos on Linkedin | Follow Jason on Linkedin | Check out Aphex

Join Jason and Carlos in this episode of The Off Site Podcast as they explore three new topics from the world of construction: 🚇 Toulouse Metro Line C Expansion: A €3.4 billion project using innovative variable density tunnel boring machines to create a 27km line with 21 stations, combining underground tunnels and elevated viaduct sections scheduled for completion by 2028. 💻 Autodesk's Restructuring: The tech giant lays off 1,350 employees (9%) as it shifts from a sales-led approach to a self-serve model, focusing on cloud, AI and core software in response to increasing market competition. 🏗️ Software and Competitive Advantage: The hosts debate whether construction software provides real competitive advantage when widely adopted across the industry, or if it simply becomes a necessary "tax" for staying in the game. Key Timestamps:00:00 - Introduction03:20 - Toulouse Metro Project14:30 - Autodesk Restructuring24:32 - Software & Competitive Advantage Check out the Off Site newsletter hereFollow Carlos on Linkedin | Follow Jason on Linkedin | Check out Aphex

Join Jason and Carlos in this episode of The Off Site Podcast as they explore three topics from the world of construction:🚇 Grand Paris Metro: Europe's most extensive metro project - a €40 billion transformation with 200km of new lines, 68 stations, and a 75km orbital line. This project aims to create multiple business hubs across Paris, reduce central congestion, and serve 7 million daily riders by 2030 using driverless trains and innovative single-bore tunnel designs.📉 Boom-Bust Cycles in Construction: Examine the pattern of boom-bust cycles that severely impact construction. From initial surges triggered by low interest rates to labor shortages, cost inflation, and eventual downturns when funding dries up. With data center spending doubling in 2024 and $300 billion planned for 2025, is this sustainable growth or the next bubble?🏢 Manhattan's New Prison Complex: Tudor Perini's $3.8 billion project replacing Rikers Island with a modern 1,000-inmate facility in Manhattan. Scheduled for completion in 2032, this represents New York City's shift toward more rehabilitation-focused correctional facilities despite the premium cost of prime Manhattan real estate.Key Timestamps:00:00 - Introduction03:06 - Grand Paris Metro Project13:03 - Boom-Bust Cycle Discussion27:56 - Manhattan Prison ComplexCheck out the B1M's Video hereCheck out the Off Site newsletter hereFollow Carlos on Linkedin | Follow Jason on Linkedin | Check out Aphex

From floating bridges to billion-dollar tech partnerships, Jason and Carlos explore three recent developments from the world of construction:🏔️ Discover Norway's audacious E39 Highway project replacing ferry crossings along 1,000km of fjord-lined coastline with groundbreaking engineering solutions. Norway is building the world's longest subsea tunnel (27km), a 5km floating bridge, and potentially the world's first submerged floating tunnel, cutting travel time by 11 hours. 💻 Jason and Carlos analyze the recently announced $1 billion partnership between Microsoft and engineering giant WSP. Microsoft aims to accelerate data center construction to support AI initiatives, while WSP secures a steady stream of work in one of construction's fastest-growing sectors. 🏠 The duo examines HiArc's impressive technology that converts simple 2D sketches into fully-formed 3D models with real-time cost estimates. Currently focused on residential buildings, this innovation could revolutionize design meetings, field changes, and subcontractor engagement. Timestamps:00:00 - Intro05:52 - Norway's E39 Highway project20:44 - Microsoft-WSP $1 billion partnership31:44 - HiArc's 2D to 3D design conversion technologyCheck out the Off Site newsletter hereFollow Carlos on Linkedin | Follow Jason on Linkedin | Check out Aphex

Join Jason and Carlos in this episode of The Off Site Podcast as they explore three major developments reshaping the global infrastructure landscape:⚛️ Nuclear Power's Learning Curve: Dive into the UK's nuclear ambitions through Sizewell C and Hinkley Point C projects. Discover how Hinkley's budget grew from £18 billion to £46 billion, the challenges of replicating designs, and what this means as 31 countries plan to triple their nuclear capacity by 2050.🏅 Brisbane Olympics 2032 Infrastructure Challenge: An in-depth analysis of the $50 billion infrastructure pipeline needed for the games, including the demand for 10,000+ workers, 14,000 hotel rooms, and multiple transport projects. Compare this with London 2012's successful legacy and explore the risks of concentrated construction activity in Southeast Queensland.🤖 Project France AI: Explore France's ambitious €109 billion AI infrastructure investment, including Europe's largest data center development. Understand how this positions France against the US's Project Stargate and examine different national approaches to AI infrastructure development.Key Timestamps:00:00 - Introduction04:33 - Nuclear Power Discussion16:44 - Brisbane Olympics Infrastructure Analysis29:25 - French AI Investment PlansCheck out the Off Site newsletter hereFollow Carlos on Linkedin | Follow Jason on Linkedin | Check out Aphex

Join Jason and Carlos as they unpack another three topics from the world of construction: 🚂 Canada's High-Speed Rail Ambitions: Deep dive into the proposed Toronto-Quebec City connection, examining how the project shifted from high-frequency to high-speed designation, the staggering $50-100 billion price tag, and why a journey that was faster in 1970 now needs such massive investment. 🤖 Practical AI Applications in Construction: Live demonstrations of five game-changing AI implementations anyone can use today - from automating concrete pour analysis and cost tracking to streamlining subcontractor pricing negotiations, and building an automated early warning system using site WhatsApp messages. 😊 Construction Happiness Insights: Analysis of the first Construction Happiness Barometer survey of 300 professionals, revealing why colleague relationships trump salary for job satisfaction, and what this means for project leadership and team retention. Key Timestamps:00:00 - Introduction06:02 - Canadian High-Speed Rail Project12:07 - AI Uses In Construction Right Now37:32 - Construction Happiness Barometer Check out the Off Site newsletter here Follow The Offsite Podcast for weekly insights into the biggest stories in construction and infrastructure. 

Join Jason and Carlos for the first episode of 2025 as they explore three major developments shaping the construction and infrastructure industry:🏗️ California High-Speed Rail's Ongoing Challenges: Dive into the latest analysis of America's most expensive railway project, examining how a $33 billion estimate ballooned to $120 billion, and the complex web of technical, political, and land acquisition challenges that continue to impact its progress.💻 Project Stargate: A deep dive into the newly announced $500 billion AI infrastructure initiative backed by tech giants including OpenAI, Microsoft, and SoftBank. Explore what this massive investment in data centres means for the construction industry and the potential challenges of delivering this ambitious project in just four years.🤝 Industry Consolidation: Analysis of two significant industry moves - Strabag's strategic acquisition of Australian contractor Georgiou and Lendlease's sale of its UK division, marking the potential return of the Bovis brand. What does this mean for the future of tier-two contractors and international expansion?Key Timestamps:00:30 - Introduction & UK Infrastructure Update04:42 - California High-Speed Rail Analysis14:00 - Project Stargate Discussion28:32 - Contractor Consolidation TrendsCheck out the Off Site Newsletter

As this week's episode is the final one of the year, Jason, Carlos and Sam take a look back at 2024 and have a conversation about:1. The most impactful construction and contech stories of the year.2. Their predictions for what will happen in 2025. Finally, the trio take part in a traditional quiz to end the year off!Follow Carlos on Linkedin | Follow Jason on Linkedin | Check out Aphex

This week, Jason and Carlos tackle the serious topic of the human cost of construction, citing the ITV documentary Kingdom Uncovered, which alleges that 21,000 workers have lost their lives on various Saudi projects. To help them understand this situation better, they have enlisted the help of an engineer with experience on those projects to shed more light.

This week, Jason and Carlos welcome Sam Hanisch back to the podcast, to get his experience and insight on the following topics: 1. Scheduling and planning software Outbuild, and its place in the rising wave of investment in planning tools.2. American contractor Tutor Perini's strategic shift to limit project bids to $500 million, and whether that's a sound strategy in today's climate.3. The unique Antwerp Port House, detailing the challenges of building a new structure over a heritage-protected building.Follow Carlos on Linkedin | Follow Jason on Linkedin | Check out Aphex

This week on the Off Site Podcast, Jason and Carlos have three big topics to get stuck into, starting with: 1. The Construction of the world's largest telescope being built in Chile's Atacama desert.2. Present the construction tech tools they think are ones to watch in the future.3. Discussing Webuild and Bouygues being awarded work on the Suburban Rail Loop and the impact of international contractors operating in Australia.Check out the tools Jason and Carlos mentioned here:https://www.dustyrobotics.com/https://trunktools.com/https://skrap.co.uk/homehttps://civillo.com/Follow Carlos on Linkedin | Follow Jason on Linkedin | Check out Aphex 

This week on the Off Site Podcast, Carlos returns from holiday to join Jason in tackling three pretty sizeable topics:1. Oracle's lawsuit alleging an ex-employee gave trade secrets to Procore when joining them.2. Ex-Autodesk CEO Amar Hanspal's 12 lesson for developing products from his recent appearance on the Bricks And Bytes podcast.3. FM Conway's acquisition by Vinci and whether this continued conglomeration of contractors is a good thing.Check out the article from Bricks And Bytes here. OR Listen to the episode here.Follow Carlos on Linkedin | Follow Jason on Linkedin | Check out Aphex

This week on the Off Site Podcast, Jason is joined by Sam Hanisch, who is filling in for Carlos while he's away at a wedding in South Africa. Together the duo have some big topics to discuss: The UK's recent budget announcement, and the construction project cancellations that have come with it. The challenges and importance of tracking production rates, even on those more complex construction projects. The recent competition to design the rebuild of war torn Kharkiv in Ukraine.Follow Carlos on Linkedin | Follow Jason on Linkedin | Check out Aphex

This week on the Off Site Podcast, Greg Lawton returns for the second part of the AI conversation cut short at the end of Greg's last appearance. Alongside that, Jason and Carlos also tackle:1. The Borumba Pumped Hydro project that's being planned in Queensland.2. Some of the assumptions technology companies make about the construction industry and whether they're accurate.

This week Jason and Carlos are joined by the CEO of Document Crunch, Josh Levy to talk about contracts in construction and his vision for the company. Before that conversation, the duo:1. Celebrate the Thames Tideway tunnel beginning operation.2. Discuss whether there is a solution to the current business model in construction off the back of ISG's collapse.Follow Carlos on Linkedin | Follow Jason on Linkedin | Check out Aphex

This week Greg Lawton, CEO of AI project management software, Nodes & Links, joins Carlos and Jason to provide insights on:The Belt and Road Initiative that is coming out of China. The two prevailing views on how planning should work on major projects. Whether the advancement of AI will lead to the downfall of SaaS businesses in the long run.Follow Carlos on Linkedin | Follow Jason on Linkedin | Check out Aphex

Sam returns to cohost with Jason & Carlos this week on the podcast.The trio start off discussing Nialli, a construction planning software looking to modernise the last planner system. They tackle the resurgence of nuclear power off the back of Microsoft's Three Mile Island announcement, before finishing on some of the lesser-known underground metro construction projects happening worldwide.

This week on the podcast, Jason and Carlos are eagerly joined by Ed Curbison, part of the UK team at Aphex. The trio sit down to cover the news of a potential alternative to the scrapped second phase of HS2. Next, they tackle the newly released 2024 contractor league table and whether their predictions from last year were accurate. Finally, they weigh in on Doxel, a reality capture solution promising to automate progress tracking completely.Follow Carlos on Linkedin | Follow Jason on Linkedin | Check out Aphex

In this week’s episode, Jason and Carlos have three more pieces of construction and tech news to dig into.The duo begin with the recent news of Mace’s accepted bid to develop Riyadh’s upcoming King Salman Airport; then they weigh in on a brand new subcontractor rating software named Trestle. Finally, they finish by discussing one of Europe’s biggest ongoing projects, the Lyon to Turin High-Speed Rail.Follow Carlos on Linkedin | Follow Jason on Linkedin | Check out Aphex

This week Jason & Carlos are joined by Mike, for the first in-person episode since the start of the podcast!The trio sit down to discuss Indonesia’s plans to build a new capital city in the jungle to replace Jakarta, they then talk through an emerging alternative to P6 in the CPM planning space called Planera, before finally celebrating the Viking wind farm’s connection to the UK grid and what it means for the country.Follow Carlos on Linkedin | Follow Jason on Linkedin | Check out Aphex

This week, with Jason overseas in Asia, Sam is back in the hosting seat alongside Carlos to cover some huge schemes across the world. The two cover the truly gargantuan road & Highway scheme coming out of India, the recent government approval of a plan to send Australian made power to Singapore, and then finish on Ukraine's focus on renewable energy to bolster its energy infrastructure.

Jason and Carlos have another 3 topics to run through this week on the podcast! The duo celebrate the opening of the newest section of the Sydney Metro network, and then talk about the most promising new AI tool they've seen called DocumentCrunch, before finally touching on Hawaii's $1.6 Billion plans for a new Metro in Honolulu.

This week on the podcast, Jason & Carlos are joined by returning guest and team member, Sam Hanisch, as another 3 topics are up for discussion.The trio talk through some of the most ambitious renewable energy projects that have gone under the radar, then discuss why more people should consider the construction technology space as a career option, before ending on the recent news of the acquisition of Crews By Core by Saudi company WakeCap.Top 10 Energy Infrastructure Projects: https://constructiondigital.com/top10/top-10-energy-infrastructure-projectsFollow Carlos on Linkedin | Follow Jason on Linkedin | Check out Aphex

This week in a totally purposeful bid to switch things up, Jason & Carlos are sinking their teeth into three different topics. The duo speculate on American construction giant Turner's recent acquisition of Irish firm Dornan before weighing in on the most expensive cities to build in globally, and finally shedding light on the emergence of contractors building software tools in-house.Follow Carlos on Linkedin | Follow Jason on Linkedin | Check out Aphex