186: ‘Bringing a Bazooka to a Banana Fight’, with Clifton Harness
A conversation with Clifton Harness about exploring the future of architectural technology, challenging industry norms, and the importance of innovation in architecture. Clifton Harness discusses how professionals must adapt to thrive in a changing AEC landscape.
Clifton Harness joins the podcast to talk about the future of architectural technology, the challenges of competing with established software giants, and the importance of staying true to a focused vision. Clifton shares insights about TestFit's journey, the role of AI in architecture, and why attempting to compete directly with Revit might be missing the bigger opportunity. We also explore the human side of architecture, discussing the industry's spirit, its challenges, and the passionate people who make it what it is.
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Connect with the Guest
Books and Philosophies
- The Practice of Adaptive Leadership by Ronald Heifetz
- Amazon Link
- Explores leadership and strategic thinking relevant to CEOs transitioning from hands-on roles to strategic oversight.
- Antifragile: Things That Gain from Disorder by Nassim Nicholas Taleb
- Amazon Link
- Philosophies related to resilience and innovation—highly applicable to the evolution of architectural practice and business.
Tools and Technology Concepts
- TestFit
- TestFit Official Website
- Explore TestFit’s automation approach, discussed by Clifton, to site planning and feasibility studies.
- Figma
- Figma Official Website
- Understand how Figma’s collaborative, web-based approach is inspiring a new generation of design tools within AEC.
- Procedural Generation
- Procedural Generation Overview - Wikipedia
- Learn about procedural generation, the technology underlying TestFit’s automated solutions.
Events and Networks
- Autodesk University
- Autodesk University Official Website
- Annual event focused on the latest innovations and challenges in BIM and design automation tools, discussed by Clifton.
- Real Estate Technology Conference (CREtech)
- CREtech Official Website
- Network and explore innovation in real estate development, aligning with Clifton’s insights on the development industry’s innovation mindset.
Business & Industry Change
- OnlyPlans: Clifton Harness’ Blog
- OnlyPlans website
- Clifton’s own writing and thinking on the future of architecture, technology integration, and cultural change within the industry.
- Understanding Design-Build and Architect-Owner Contracts
- AIA Contract Documents
- Deepen your understanding of contracts, which Clifton identifies as pivotal to transforming AEC industry business models.
Psychology and Personal Development
- Thinking, Fast and Slow by Daniel Kahneman
- Amazon Link
- Explore cognitive biases and decision-making strategies, important for leaders navigating strategic shifts.
- Leaders Eat Last by Simon Sinek
- Amazon Link
- Understand leadership dynamics and team-building philosophies echoed in Clifton’s discussion about culture and team management.
About Clifton Harness:
Clifton has been obsessed with building things—even from a very early age. While obtaining his Bachelor of Architecture from the University of Texas at Austin, he was the first B.Arch to obtain certifications from the McCombs School of Business in Business and in Real Estate. After graduation, Clifton joined Streetlights Residential—a Dallas-based Real Estate development company.
Prior to starting TestFit, Clifton worked with college roommate Ryan Griege after work and on weekends. This work would become Residential Engine, the precursor to TestFit. Clifton is based in Dallas where he continues his passion for improving AECO with technology.
