207: ‘The Tech Leader’s Compass: Risk, Value, and Timing’, with Craig Barbieri
A conversation with Craig Barbieri exploring strategies for effective digital transformation in architecture, addressing the importance of ongoing training, aligning specifications with tools, and leveraging AI to enhance productivity in design and operations.
Craig Barbieri joins the podcast to talk about his experience of hard-won lessons from the trenches. We get practical about what actually moves the needle in firms: training culture vs. one-off sessions, reality capture as “cheap insurance,” ACC-era coordination, and taming tool sprawl with strategy. We also dig into framing ROI so leaders and teams align, where AI is quietly helping today (think specs and submittals), and how to bring VDC thinking upstream.
Connect with the Guest
AI Tools and Emerging Technologies
- Autodesk Forma — early-stage analysis (massing, context, quick studies) with handoffs to documentation. As discussed when weighing “form” for early design. Official site.
- Snaptrude — concept-to-BIM modeling in the browser focused on speed and iteration. Official site.
- Arkio — collaborative spatial design/VR sketching that connects to BIM tools. Official site.
- Giraffe — site-scale planning tied to data/metrics for early decisions. Official site.
- Autodesk Construction Cloud (ACC) — connected construction platform for docs, coordination, cost, submittals. Official site.
- Assemble Systems (now part of Autodesk) — model-based quantity takeoff & construction insights; acquired by Autodesk in 2018. Acquisition announcement.
- Reality Capture for QA/QC — examples used widely in AEC
Visualization & Design Tools
- Rhino 3D — freeform modeling; pairs with Grasshopper for visual programming. Official site.
- Rhino.Inside.Revit — run Rhino/Grasshopper inside Revit for fluid workflows. Discover.
- Autodesk Revit — BIM for design, documentation, and coordination. Overview.
- Ideate Software — Revit add-ins for quality, data, and documentation control. Site.
- LinkedIn Learning (AEC) — on-demand courses for teams leveling up. Browse AEC courses.
Events and Networks
- Autodesk University (AU) — community, classes, and case studies; a pivotal venue in this conversation. AU.
- BILT (DBEI) — practitioner-run conference on BIM and design technology. Event series.
About Craig Barbieri:
Craig is a CTO-level AEC technologist with 18+ years of experience delivering digital innovation for global AEC firms and clients like Google and Merck. He is a recognized thought leader on AI, digital project delivery, and emerging technologies in the built environment.
