The Society for Construction Solutions (SCS)’s Post

In a time when housing shortages and sustainability challenges loom large, Automated Architecture (AUAR) -a construction technology startup co-founded in 2019 by Gilles Retsin and Mollie Claypool emerges from London as a pioneer in innovative building solutions. Check out what they have to say on revolutionizing housing with automation and innovation! Click below!

How do construction companies ACTUALLY innovate? Do you know how Rogers-O'Brien Construction tackles problems before they even think about solutions? Or how EllisDon is shaking up the industry by running experimental tech side-by-side with traditional methods? In this week's Bricks & Bytes Bulletin, we’re unlocking the innovation playbooks of five AEC giants: ‣ Learn how Rogers O'Brien’s focus on desired outcomes reshapes their entire approach to building. ‣ Discover how Barton Malow empowers EVERY employee to innovate through their “Pitch” program. ‣ See why Implenia keeps an eye out for the next big thing, balancing in-house innovation with external partnerships. ‣McKinsey & Company breaks down how integrating tech into core strategies can transform adoption and scaling. ‣ EllisDon’s 18-month ConTech Accelerator is where startups get to play and refine without the pressure of immediate returns. Curious about how these insights can shape your strategy? Get your exclusive peek into the strategies transforming AEC. Subscribe to the Bricks & Bytes Bulletin today. Link in comments.

I believe that learning from failure is the key to success. In this article Daniel Davis details the rise and fall of the high-profile AEC (Architecture, Engineering, and Construction) startup, Katerra. The most valuable outcome of the Katerra AEC start-up's bankruptcy may be the insights gained by the hundreds of architects and engineers who witnessed first-hand what succeeded and what failed. Katerra’s Co-founder and former CEO, Michael Marks, wanted to repeat what he had successfully done in the electronics field and transform Katerra into the one-stop shop for building materials. However, the ambition to control all aspects of construction proved to be too expensive and complex. In 6 years Katerra grew from a small team to a company of 7,500 employees while spending nearly 1 million dollars per day. So, despite having clients and projects, a worthy mission, and cash, Katerra struggled with profitability and filed for bankruptcy in June 2021. What went wrong? To find out, Daniel Davis interviewed several senior employees and industry experts. What emerged from those conversations was that Katerra’s descend is mainly attributable to the lack of focus, the wrong talent, and the inability to generate efficiencies using vertical integration. These are the lessons learned passed on by Katerra: ➡ Strategic integration plan ·      Start small and expand gradually based on proven success. ·      Strategically integrate new acquisitions into the existing framework, developing a cohesive product platform in line with the vision and your operational capabilities. ·      Encourage collaboration. Foster a culture of iterative learning where feedback and mistakes are used to improve processes and design better strategies. ➡ Relevant industry expertise ·      Ensure you have industry-specific knowledge to balance fresh perspectives with practical experience. ·      Innovate within realistic constraints. ➡ Clear and focused business strategy ·      Cater to specific customer needs and ensure your products/services fulfil those needs. ·      Be open to changing course to better align with market demands and operational realities. Despite the negative outcome, Katerra’s idea to streamline building construction was, and still is, a good one. Sharing the “lessons learned” is a step forward to future success and will be of great help to anyone willing to make it work.

Supporting life science startups is critical to the continued growth of the sector. With funding in place and early stage trials approved, attention turns to the physical asset and the need to create a space that supports the science and the expansion of their operations. Emily Richardson and I partnered up with the RICS to draft this article which explores many of the considerations that need to be thought through when selecting, designing and building out space for startup companies. It aims to offer some insight into the types of professionals that are available and needed to support through the process. Turner & Townsend are proud to be supporting clients of all sizes within the sector with their capital projects. Please get in contact if you’d like to learn more. #turnerandtownsend #startups #lifesciences #projectmanagement #costmamagement #programmanagement

Architecture

Construction Tech: Where The Gold Lies | #ExcerptsFromExperts_ The construction technology sector is booming, with billions of pounds pouring in. But for startups, success isn't just about having a great product. It's about understanding the unique landscape of construction and tailoring your go-to-market strategy accordingly. In our latest blog post, we've gathered insights from industry leaders like KP Reddy, Parker Mundt, and Lisa Giuffra Diaz to help you navigate the complexities of the construction tech market. We explore the key strategies for success, including: - Solving real problems, not hypothetical ones - Prioritising user-friendliness - Cultivating relationships - Harnessing the power of data and analytics 🔑 We also showcase startups that have successfully adapted their playbooks, such as OpenSpace, Procore, and Assignar. Ready to strike gold in construction tech? Read our full blog post to learn how you can position your company to thrive in this exciting market. 🚀 Read it here : https://lnkd.in/e8dFQJ-m .#ConstructionTech #Innovation #GoToMarket #ExpertInsights #DataAnalytics

Today a new article was published on Startups Magazine about how digitalisation is transforming the construction and timber industry. David De Jong was asked about his insights on this topic as a start-up CEO in this industry. It is a slow process as we have seen in the past few years, but the balance is tilting and we expect the momentup to pick up. We are honoured to be mentioned in the latest publication by Startups Magazine and invite you to read the whole article in the link below. #innovation #structuraltimber #timbertrade #startups #digitalisation https://lnkd.in/eT5d5uZ5

Calling All Manufacturers, Retailers and Industry Experts in Construction & Sustainability! 🌍 My startup is developing a software solution aimed at tackling a critical issue in the construction sector: the environmental impact of construction practices. As one of the largest contributors to carbon emissions and waste, the construction industry faces significant challenges in meeting sustainability goals and adhering to evolving regulations. Our mission is to empower manufacturers, retailers and stakeholders to effectively monitor the environmental impact of their materials and transparently share this vital information with partners and consumers. By providing a clear pathway to sustainability, we aim to facilitate informed choices and reduce the industry's ecological footprint, ultimately contributing to saving our planet for future generations. I’m excited to be part of the Innovative Entrepreneurs Programme, headed by University of Leeds and Nexus Leeds, supported by the West Yorkshire Combined Authority. This initiative offers startups like mine tailored support, coaching and mentorship, providing access to valuable resources and a network of industry experts focused on fostering innovation. Delivered in partnership with a consortium of 12 partners, who include University of Bradford, Leeds Beckett University, The University of Huddersfield, Impact Hub Bradford, NorthInvest, RTC North, 3M Buckley Innovation Centre, Arup, KPMG, HSBC and Munroe K, the programme nurtures impactful ideas that solve global problems and helps transform them into successful businesses. I'm looking to connect with: * Manufacturers facing challenges in sustainability tracking and compliance. * Retailers eager to enhance transparency around product sustainability for their customers. * Industry experts with insights into sustainability initiatives in construction or related fields. * Associations that are shaping sustainability practices and regulations in construction. If you or anyone in your network fits this description, I would greatly appreciate the opportunity for a brief chat to understand your challenges and needs better. Your insights will be invaluable in shaping our solution. Additionally, if you’re interested in getting involved as we build this startup, I’d love to hear from you! Whether you have expertise, ideas, or simply a passion for using technology for good, your input could help us create a meaningful impact. While our primary focus is on improving sustainability in the construction industry, I’m also keen to connect with professionals from other sectors who have valuable insights that could inform our approach. Feel free to comment below or DM me directly. Thank you for your support! #Sustainability #Construction #EcoFriendly #GreenBuilding #SaveThePlanet #EnvironmentalImpact #Startup #Manufacturing #Retail #Innovation #CircularEconomy #CarbonFootprint #InnovativeEntrepreneurs

The Artistry of Architecture and Entrepreneurship: Where Self-Belief Meets Innovation 🏙️🌟 Imagine standing at the foot of a soaring skyscraper, its glass façade reflecting the sky like a shimmering mirror 🏙️. Each angle and curve tells a story of vision and creativity, where architects blend artistry with functionality to redefine city skylines. In entrepreneurship, it's akin to crafting a blueprint for success ✨. Entrepreneurs are modern-day architects of their dreams, daring to envision what others can't yet see. They build ventures from the ground up, embodying resilience and adaptability in every brick laid. Self-belief is the cornerstone of this journey. It's the unwavering confidence that fuels innovation 🌟. Just as an architect sees beyond the bare bones of a structure, entrepreneurs see possibilities where others see challenges. They turn ideas into reality through sheer determination and belief in their vision. Innovation, like architecture, is about pushing boundaries. It's about daring to think differently, to challenge norms, and to create something extraordinary 🚀. From cutting-edge technologies to sustainable designs, both fields strive to leave a lasting impact on the world. Together, they form a symphony of creativity and courage, where each idea and endeavor stands as a testament to human ingenuity. So, whether you're sketching blueprints or drafting business plans, remember: the beauty lies in the journey of turning dreams into landmarks of success.

We do not live in a digital world! When we talk about innovation, digital advancements like AI often steal the spotlight. Yet, the world we live in remains fundamentally physical. From your toothbrush in morning, over the laptop you`re reading this on to the buildings we live in, our daily lives are filled with tangible things. The construction industry is a testiment for this reality and while digization of it`s processes is a big driver, we are looking at fundamental transformations through workforce shortages, the need for green buildings or simply changing the way we build. At Wood_Space, a venture we built in partnership with Rubner Timber Engineering, we're at the forefront of this change. Wood_Space is on a mission to make construction as easy, quick, affordable, and sustainable as possible with their prefabricated, modular wooden buildings. Since 2019, they've installed hundreds of these units across Europe, preventing the release of 1,200 tons of CO2 annually. Under the leadership of Thomas Gschwendtner & Stefan Perkmann Berger, the company has seen rapid growth, including a new facility increasing production capacity by 400% and securing a 7-digit investment from Tauros Capital. This year, their success was recognized when they were named PropTech Startup of the year. So, the next time you think about innovation, remember the indispensable impact of the physical world. It's not just about what's digital; it's about improving our tangible reality, one plank of wood at a time. #Innovation #ConstructionTech #SustainableBuilding #ModularConstruction #VentureBuilding PS. In the picture I am standing in a building made of Wood_Space modules 😉 on our strategy retreat at WhatAVenture - Corporate Venture Builder