In this brutally honest episode of KP Unpacked, the number one podcast in AEC, KP Reddy and Jeff Echols take a sledgehammer to one of the industry's most overused and misunderstood buzzwords: digital twin.

What even is a digital twin? KP unpacks why most people using the term don’t know what it really means, why having a 3D model doesn’t qualify, and how the lack of real-time sensing, integration, and meaningful data makes the concept nearly useless in today’s built world.

From hilarious real-world anecdotes to blunt industry truths, KP explains how chasing digital twin hype makes the whole AEC industry look foolish and what we should be focusing on instead.

You’ll hear about:

• Why BIM ≠ digital twin (and never did)
• The difference between useful models vs. empty tech flexes
• The real ROI (or lack of) in pursuing true digital twins
• Why too many people use tech to avoid getting on job sites
• How AI is learning from the wrong people

Plus: A sneak peek into the launch of Catalyst, KP Reddy Co.’s new community for forward-thinkers in AEC.

This episode is packed with insight, no-BS takes, and the kind of field-first perspective the industry desperately needs. If you’ve ever used or been confused by the term "digital twin," this one’s a must-listen.

Ignite what's next

We're launching something new... It’s called Catalyst.

It’s a space for AEC forward-thinkers are reimagining what’s next. This is where the top minds in the industry are sharing ideas, leading change, and pushing the future of AEC forward.

Sounds like you? Join the waitlist at https://kpreddy.co/

Check out one of our Catalyst conversation starters, AEC Needs More High-Agency Thinkers

Hope to see you there!

Every AEC firm faces it: Do we build our own AI tools or buy what's already on the market?

In this episode of KP Unpacked, the number one Podcast in AEC, Jeff Echols and Frank Lazaro dive deep into the strategic dilemma that's dominating boardrooms and innovation teams across the built world.

From skyrocketing subscription costs to the reality of custom bot deployment in under 10 minutes, they unpack the tradeoffs, timing, and total cost of ownership behind the build vs. buy decision.

You’ll hear:

• Why most firms overestimate the need to build
• The real ROI of custom AI tools
• How low-code platforms are changing the game
• The hidden cost of falling in love with building

Six sharp takeaways to guide your AI investment strategy

1. Start with the problem, not the tool.
   No AI investment works unless it maps to a real pain point.
2. Speed > perfection.
   Getting something into the hands of your team beats endless deliberation.
3. Adoption is your signal.
   Give teams low-stakes tools first — and watch what they build around them.
4. Cost strategy matters.
   $20 tools add up. But so does maintaining custom code. Run the real math.
5. Don’t build for your ego.
   The most overengineered tools often become the least used.
6. Don’t wait.
   Action beats analysis. Start with buy, evolve to build. But move.

Whether you’re a 5-person studio or a 5,000-person firm, this conversation will challenge how you think about innovation, adoption, and what it actually takes to future-proof your tech stack.

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We're launching something new... It’s called Catalyst.

It’s a space for AEC forward-thinkers are reimagining what’s next. This is where the top minds in the industry are sharing ideas, leading change, and pushing the future of AEC forward.

Sounds like you? Join the waitlist at https://kpreddy.co/

Check out one of our Catalyst conversation starters, AEC Needs More High-Agency Thinkers

Hope to see you there!

In this episode of KP Unpacked, the number one podcast in AEC, Jeff Echols sits down with Frank Thalakotur, Senior Research Advisor at KP Reddy Co., to dig into one of the core issues holding the AEC industry back—chronic misalignment between design, delivery, and owner value.

Frank brings experience across HVAC engineering, MEP project management, startup innovation, and owner’s rep work. But in his current role, he’s stepping back from solutions and going deep into problem discovery.

Together, they unpack:

• Why the AEC industry keeps solving symptoms instead of root causes
• How contracts—not outcomes—are driving behavior
• Why owners remain disconnected from the value chain
• What it takes to shift from isolated innovation to system-level alignment
• Why “data is the new concrete”—and what happens when no one’s pouring it

This is real research, real voices, and real stakes. If you’ve ever asked “Why does this keep happening?” in AEC, you’ll want to listen in.

🎧 Powered by KP Reddy Co.
🎙 Hosted by Jeff Echols, Executive Director of Catalyst
🧠 Featuring Frank Thalakotur, Senior Research Advisor, KP Reddy Co.

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We're launching something new... It’s called Catalyst.

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Check out one of our Catalyst conversation starters, AEC Needs More High-Agency Thinkers

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Welcome back to KP Unpacked, the #1 podcast in AEC.

In this episode, KP Reddy (Founder & CEO of Shadow Ventures) and Jeff Echols (Executive Director at Catalyst) unpack a powerful metaphor that’s reshaping how we think about startups, business models, and the built environment.

We’re not just talking features or fixes. We’re talking about delivering outcomes that actually cure real industry problems. From aligning incentives in AEC to rethinking how firms deliver value, this episode is packed with strategy, story, and sharp insights.

🔍 Featured in this episode:

• KP Reddy, Founder & CEO of Shadow Ventures
• Jeff Echols, Executive Director at Catalyst by KP Reddy Co.

📌 Main Topics Covered:

• Why “being useful” isn’t enough in an AI-driven world
• The real difference between vitamins, painkillers, and cures (and where your product fits)
• What AEC firms get wrong about value and deliverables
• How misaligned compensation models destroy innovation
• What NFL stadium designers can teach us about asymmetric business models
• Why the future of the industry belongs to those who think beyond specs and software

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We're launching something new... It’s called Catalyst.

It’s a space for AEC forward-thinkers are reimagining what’s next. This is where the top minds in the industry are sharing ideas, leading change, and pushing the future of AEC forward.

Sounds like you? Join the waitlist at https://kpreddy.co/

Check out one of our Catalyst conversation starters, AEC Needs More High-Agency Thinkers

Hope to see you there!

🎙 Featuring:
 Jeff Echols, Chief Executive Director Catalyst, KP Reddy Co.
David Niewadomski, Senior Research Advisor, KP Reddy Co.

In this episode of KP Unpacked, the number one podcast in AEC, host Jeff Echols sits down with David Niewadomski, Senior Research Advisor at KP Reddy Co., to dive into the inefficiencies of construction—and how rethinking them through the owner's lens could change everything.

David shares insights from his journey across construction, development, and Lean Six Sigma. Together, they unpack what’s broken in our current workflows, why data fragmentation costs more than we think, and how the Integrated Owners Forum is designed to surface the real issues facing today's built environment.

From fragmented systems to missing feedback loops, this is a conversation about connecting the dots before solving the problem.

Ignite what's next

We're launching something new... It’s called Catalyst.

It’s a space for AEC forward-thinkers are reimagining what’s next. This is where the top minds in the industry are sharing ideas, leading change, and pushing the future of AEC forward.

Sounds like you? Join the waitlist at https://kpreddy.co/

Check out one of our Catalyst conversation starters, AEC Needs More High-Agency Thinkers

Hope to see you there!

On this episode of KP Unpacked—the number one podcast in AEC—Jeff Echols sits down with Alan Montpellier, Principal and Chief Innovation Officer at PAE, to explore what it really takes to embed innovation into the DNA of an AEC firm.

Alan shares how PAE shifted from ad hoc ideas to a fully resourced innovation group, why innovation can't live in a silo, and how they prioritize experimentation—without sacrificing project delivery or profitability.

You’ll learn:

• How PAE structured its innovation group and budget
• Why innovation should come from everywhere—not just the “innovation team”
• How to balance client deadlines with long-term experimentation
• Real-world examples of tools, AI pilots, and failed-but-smart experiments
• What to do when PMs block innovation because of fees

This is a playbook for firms who want more than buzzwords—who actually want to build something new and better.

Ignite what's next

We're launching something new... It’s called Catalyst.

It’s a space for AEC forward-thinkers are reimagining what’s next. This is where the top minds in the industry are sharing ideas, leading change, and pushing the future of AEC forward.

Sounds like you? Join the waitlist at https://kpreddy.co/

Check out one of our Catalyst conversation starters, AEC Needs More High-Agency Thinkers

Hope to see you there!

In this episode of KP Unpacked, the number one podcast in AEC, Jeff Echols, Executive Director at Catalyst, KP Reddy Co. kicks off a brand-new series featuring the in-house research team at KP Reddy Co. He’s joined by Senior Research Advisor Ted Kenney, who brings years of experience in AEC technology and building product specifications.

They explore the untapped potential of specifications in driving collaboration across architecture, engineering, and construction. Ted explains why specs are often overlooked, how they act as the connective tissue across stakeholders, and what’s missing from the current software landscape.

They also dive into the research goals of the Integrated Owners Forum—KP Reddy Co.’s initiative to empower owners with actionable insight—and why discovering core problems is more valuable than surface-level disruption.

If you work in AEC, product development, or innovation, this episode will shift how you think about specs, data silos, and the future of collaboration.

🎧 Hosted by Jeff Echols, Executive Director at Catalyst
 🎙 Guest: Ted Kinney, Senior Research Advisor at KP Reddy Co.
 🔍 Topic: AEC specs, owner-driven innovation, qualitative research, and SaaS licensing hot takes

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We're launching something new... It’s called Catalyst.

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Check out one of our Catalyst conversation starters, AEC Needs More High-Agency Thinkers

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This week on KP Unpacked—the number one podcast in AEC—Jeff Echols and KP Reddy unpack the Sunday Scaries post that broke the internet (or at least LinkedIn).

It all started with a Talking Heads lyric and a throwback photo… but quickly sparked a bigger conversation:
What’s your 10-year plan—for yourself, not your startup?

KP shares hard-won lessons from building (and walking away from) multimillion-dollar businesses, why too many founders confuse “in flight” with “on course,” and how to evaluate whether you're heading to Mars—or just orbiting Earth.

You’ll learn:

• Why quick exits are the exception, not the rule
• How to identify when to abort, pivot, or persevere
• The 5 elements every founder’s 10-year life plan should include
• How to separate identity from startup ego
• Why financial, health, family, and passion alignment matter more than vanity metrics

This episode isn’t just for startup founders—it’s a personal gut check for anyone on a high-stakes path.

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We're launching something new... It’s called Catalyst.

It’s a space for AEC forward-thinkers are reimagining what’s next. This is where the top minds in the industry are sharing ideas, leading change, and pushing the future of AEC forward.

Sounds like you? Join the waitlist at https://kpreddy.co/

Check out one of our Catalyst conversation starters, AEC Needs More High-Agency Thinkers

Hope to see you there!

In this episode of KP Unpacked—the number one podcast in AEC—Jeff Echols sits down with architect and senior research advisor Zig Rubel to explore a bold question: What if the biggest issues in AEC aren’t what we think they are?

Zig brings his unique lens—from massive healthcare projects to tech startups—to unpack why most industry “solutions” may be missing the mark. Together, they dig into how KP Reddy Co.’s research team is flipping the script—asking not how we fix problems, but whether we’re chasing the right ones to begin with.

In this episode:

• The surprising reason most AEC “problems” are just symptoms
• How architects, engineers, and owners view the process differently
• Why the research team is talking to everyone—from executives to project doers
• What Zig expects to hear in 200+ interviews (spoiler: it’s bigger than tech)
• Why now is the time to question how the built environment really impacts us

If you’re tired of surface-level fixes and ready to rethink AEC’s future—this one’s for you.

Ignite what's next

We're launching something new... It’s called Catalyst.

It’s a space for AEC forward-thinkers are reimagining what’s next. This is where the top minds in the industry are sharing ideas, leading change, and pushing the future of AEC forward.

Sounds like you? Join the waitlist at https://kpreddy.co/

Check out one of our Catalyst conversation starters, AEC Needs More High-Agency Thinkers

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In this episode of KP Unpacked, the number one podcast in AEC, Jeff Echols and Frank Lazaro unpack the rising wave of custom GPTs—and why every forward-thinking AEC firm should be building one. From knowledge centers to proposal bots, this episode dives into how AI tools like Azure Foundry and ChatGPT Projects are reshaping how firms capture experience, accelerate onboarding, and win more work.

What you’ll learn:

• The two AI tools leading the charge in AEC: Azure Foundry vs ChatGPT Projects
• Why centralizing your firm’s knowledge gives you a serious edge
• How to turn your senior team’s experience into a searchable asset
• Smart use cases: proposal bots, resume finders, SOP assistants
• The one con firms overlook before building a custom GPT
• A simple, no-code starting point to test this today

If your firm’s expertise lives in people’s heads or buried folders—this episode is your roadmap to change that.

Ignite what's next

We're launching something new... It’s called Catalyst.

It’s a space for AEC forward-thinkers are reimagining what’s next. This is where the top minds in the industry are sharing ideas, leading change, and pushing the future of AEC forward.

Sounds like you? Join the waitlist at https://kpreddy.co/

Check out one of our Catalyst conversation starters, AEC Needs More High-Agency Thinkers

Hope to see you there!

In this special episode of KP Unpacked, the number podcast in AEC, Jeff Echols sits down with Hope Alexander, senior advisor at KP Reddy Co., to spotlight the one voice often missing in AEC innovation: the owner. 

From her days helping grow a startup into a 2,000-person firm (later acquired by AECOM) to building BIM with Frank Gehry, Hope’s career has centered around understanding what owners actually need—and why the AEC industry keeps missing the mark.

You’ll hear about:

• Why owners are the most important (and overlooked) force in AEC innovation
• The hard truths behind BIM adoption and why owners hesitated
• How Hope and KP plan to fix that with the Integrated Owners Forum
• What research is uncovering about industry gaps—and what’s next
• A hot take on AI, decision fatigue, and the leadership vacuum in large capital projects

If you’re in AEC, emerging tech, or real estate, this is a must-listen. Because if you’re not talking to owners, you’re missing half the story.

Ignite what's next

We're launching something new... It’s called Catalyst.

It’s a space for AEC forward-thinkers are reimagining what’s next. This is where the top minds in the industry are sharing ideas, leading change, and pushing the future of AEC forward.

Sounds like you? Join the waitlist at https://kpreddy.co/

Check out one of our Catalyst conversation starters, AEC Needs More High-Agency Thinkers

Hope to see you there!

In this episode of KP Unpacked—the number one podcast in AEC—Jeff Echols and KP Reddy go deep on awards, ethics, and why it’s time to rethink how innovation gets recognized in the built environment.

KP unpacks the launch of the 2025 AEC Innovators Award in collaboration with Zweig Group, and doesn’t hold back on the industry's pay-to-play culture. From shady award models to what makes innovation actually count, this episode lays out why the best ideas don’t always get the spotlight—and how that’s about to change.

Inside this episode:

• Why most industry awards don’t mean anything—and what KP’s doing about it
• How to actually evaluate innovation in AEC (hint: it’s not about buying Revit)
• The real reason RFP processes fail to recognize new thinking
• What the AEC Innovators Award will reward—and what won’t make the cut
• A call for submissions that actually matter to owners, teams, and impact

This isn’t just another award. It’s a challenge to the industry to do better—and a chance to show what real progress looks like.

Ignite what's next

We're launching something new... It’s called Catalyst.

It’s a space for AEC forward-thinkers are reimagining what’s next. This is where the top minds in the industry are sharing ideas, leading change, and pushing the future of AEC forward.

Sounds like you? Join the waitlist at https://kpreddy.co/

Check out one of our Catalyst conversation starters, AEC Needs More High-Agency Thinkers

Hope to see you there!

AI isn’t just about flashy tools—it’s about transforming how AEC firms research, analyze, and make decisions. In this episode of KP Unpacked - the number one Podcast in AEC, Jeff Echols and Frank Lazzaro dive deep into the power of AI research tools and how you can use them to work smarter, not harder.

Key takeaways from this episode:

• Why AI research tools are changing the game for AEC firms
• Frank’s personal formula for finding 12 minutes of efficiency daily using AI
• Real-world examples of how AI tools outperform traditional research methods
• The top AI tools you should be using: ChatGPT Deep Research, Storm, and Perplexity
• How to avoid AI's common pitfalls in data analysis and research workflows
• Actionable tips to start using AI research tools in your business today

Ignite what's next

We're launching something new... It’s called Catalyst.

It’s a space for AEC forward-thinkers are reimagining what’s next. This is where the top minds in the industry are sharing ideas, leading change, and pushing the future of AEC forward.

Sounds like you? Join the waitlist at https://kpreddy.co/

Check out one of our Catalyst conversation starters, AEC Needs More High-Agency Thinkers

Hope to see you there!

Are Gen Z professionals really unambitious, entitled, and disconnected—or just playing by a different set of rules? In this bold episode of KP Unpacked, KP Reddy and Jeff Echols break down the generational clash transforming AEC firms, sparked by this LinkedIn post from KP.

They cover:

• Why “pay your dues” thinking no longer works
• How Gen Z’s ambition is faster and bigger
• What real relationships look like in a remote-first world
• Why merit > networking for this generation
• How inauthenticity kills trust instantly

 This isn’t just a culture chat—it’s a blueprint for modern leadership. 

🧠 Insights from KP & Jeff

• Boomers and Gen X often confuse different values with lack of ambition.
• Gen Z sees through performative workplace behavior and calls out inefficiency.
• Innovation doesn’t come from doing things “the way we’ve always done them.”
• Leadership must adapt to more frequent check-ins and faster execution cycles.
• Legacy systems and tenure-based promotions feel rigged to younger professionals.

This is the number one podcast in AEC.
Let’s unpack. 

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We're launching something new... It’s called Catalyst.

It’s a space for AEC forward-thinkers are reimagining what’s next. This is where the top minds in the industry are sharing ideas, leading change, and pushing the future of AEC forward.

Sounds like you? Join the waitlist at https://kpreddy.co/

Check out one of our Catalyst conversation starters, AEC Needs More High-Agency Thinkers

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What if your “too early” is actually right on time?

In this episode of KP Unpacked - the number one podcast in AEC, Jeff Echols sits down with structural engineer turned AI innovator Kevin Jeswani to unpack one of KP Reddy’s boldest articles: Your Career Deserves a Firestarter Moment. 

Kevin’s story is the ultimate proof that you don’t need a senior title to start driving change in the AEC industry.

From automating his own workflows to launching data-driven initiatives at startups, Kevin shares how he broke out of the traditional career path, embraced AI before it was trendy, and built a role that didn’t exist on any job board.

🚀 Key takeaways:

• Why "waiting your turn" is a career killer in the age of AI
• How engineers can transition into innovation roles without starting over
• The real mindset shift behind disrupting yourself before you're disrupted
• What early-career professionals really need to hear about leadership

This episode is a wake-up call for anyone stuck in the loop of outdated career advice. Whether you’re five months or fifteen years into your career—it’s time to spark your own fire.

Ignite what's next

We're launching something new... It’s called Catalyst.

It’s a space for AEC forward-thinkers are reimagining what’s next. This is where the top minds in the industry are sharing ideas, leading change, and pushing the future of AEC forward.

Sounds like you? Join the waitlist at https://kpreddy.co/

Check out one of our Catalyst conversation starters, AEC Needs More High-Agency Thinkers

Hope to see you there!

AI is building faster than the law can keep up. In this episode of KP Unpacked — the number one podcast in AEC — Jeff Echols and Frank Lazaro dive into a messy question every firm needs to answer: Who owns the work when AI creates it?

From copyright law updates to court cases nobody’s talking about yet, they break down where the real risks are for architects, contractors, owners, and innovators. You'll learn why "lazy AI" is a legal nightmare, where the real landmines are for your firm, and why your next big project needs strong AI policies before the first line is drawn.

Key takeaways:

• Why the U.S. Copyright Office says human authorship is still king
• How firms can protect themselves when using AI-generated content
• Where AEC companies are most vulnerable — and why graphics pose bigger risks than text
• Why starting with your own work matters more than ever
• How upcoming lawsuits could change the rules again — fast

Whether you’re drafting, rendering, or pitching, understanding AI ownership could save your firm a lot more than pride.

📍 Two Gen X guys talking AI, risk, and the future of your work — tune in and protect what you build.

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We're launching something new... It’s called Catalyst.

It’s a space for AEC forward-thinkers are reimagining what’s next. This is where the top minds in the industry are sharing ideas, leading change, and pushing the future of AEC forward.

Sounds like you? Join the waitlist at https://kpreddy.co/

Check out one of our Catalyst conversation starters, AEC Needs More High-Agency Thinkers

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In this episode of KP Unpacked,  the number one podcast in AEC, KP Reddy and Jeff Echols go full throttle on the one thing most AEC startups get completely wrong: ignoring the owner.

You’re selling to GCs. You’re marketing to architects. But if the owner doesn’t see the value, you’re just noise in the vendor stack. KP unpacks the real reason BIM didn’t deliver, why most conferences are a year behind, and how smart startups are turning owners into their secret sales weapon.

🔹 Why your value prop must include the owner — or you’re toast
🔹 The Intel Inside playbook (and what startups can steal from it)
🔹 Why most AEC tech still hasn’t delivered on its promise
🔹 How to turn a project requirement into a marketing weapon
🔹 Conferences, echo chambers, and the lost art of original thinking
🔹 The LinkedIn "like" trap and career-limiting behavior

👀 Plus: A callout to every AEC founder — are you building something that adds value… or just more noise?

💡 This episode might sting a little — especially if your startup is stuck in sales limbo.

Ignite what's next

We're launching something new... It’s called Catalyst.

It’s a space for AEC forward-thinkers are reimagining what’s next. This is where the top minds in the industry are sharing ideas, leading change, and pushing the future of AEC forward.

Sounds like you? Join the waitlist at https://kpreddy.co/

Check out one of our Catalyst conversation starters, AEC Needs More High-Agency Thinkers

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 In this episode of KP Unpacked (AI in AEC edition), Jeff Echols and Frank Lazaro—KP Reddy Co.'s in-house AI expert—tackle one of the biggest blind spots in AI adoption: training your team. 

Everyone’s talking about AI. Few are doing anything useful with it. From underused tools to forgotten policies, they break down why most firms are missing the mark—and how to fix it. 

As always, the number one podcast in AEC brings you practical, no-fluff insights designed to help you move fast and build smarter. 

🔹 Why tossing your team into ChatGPT is not a strategy
 🔹 The “12-minute rule” that unlocks 10,000+ hours of productivity
 🔹 What your AI policy is probably missing (hint: actual training)
 🔹 Train-the-trainer vs. send-everyone: Which model works best?
 🔹 The playbook strategy every AEC firm should adopt
 🔹 How lunch & learns can quietly drive AI transformation 

💡 Key takeaway: AI adoption without training is like CAD without a mouse. Build the system. Create the culture. Track the ROI. 

🎧 Plus: How to handle prompt hoarding, office power outages, and becoming your firm’s AI guru (cape optional). 

Ignite what's next

We're launching something new... It’s called Catalyst.

It’s a space for AEC forward-thinkers are reimagining what’s next. This is where the top minds in the industry are sharing ideas, leading change, and pushing the future of AEC forward.

Sounds like you? Join the waitlist at https://kpreddy.co/

Check out one of our Catalyst conversation starters, AEC Needs More High-Agency Thinkers

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🎙️ In this episode of KP Unpacked, we’re calling out the innovation fluff—and the leaders who can’t pitch their way out of a checklist.

Host Jeff Echols sits down with KP Reddy to unpack one of his most pointed LinkedIn posts yet: “Does your AEC innovation group have a pitch deck?” Spoiler alert—if it’s just two slides with drones and BIM screenshots... you’re doing it wrong.

They dive into the real talk around:

🔹 Why most innovation teams don’t deserve a seat at the table
🔹 How storytelling separates lazy thinkers from actual builders
🔹 The pitch that breaks the checklist (and lands real deals)
🔹 Why your innovation brand should look nothing like your parent company
🔹 What happens when your innovation team is more valuable than your core business

From fake marketing budgets to borrowed GC innovation squads, this one’s got sharp takes and smarter strategies. If you lead innovation—or think you do—this episode will either light your fire or hurt your ego.

Ignite what's next

We're launching something new... It’s called Catalyst.

It’s a space for AEC forward-thinkers are reimagining what’s next. This is where the top minds in the industry are sharing ideas, leading change, and pushing the future of AEC forward.

Sounds like you? Join the waitlist at https://kpreddy.co/

Check out one of our Catalyst conversation starters, AEC Needs More High-Agency Thinkers

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In this episode of AI Unpacked, Jeff Echols is joined by Frank Lazaro, KP Reddy Co.'s in-house AI expert, to dive into the latest trends and innovations in AI for the AEC industry. Together, they break down how AI is transforming business operations, from improving efficiencies to boosting productivity.

In this bite-sized, actionable episode, Jeff and Frank explore the various AI tools reshaping the AEC world, offering insights that you can implement in your firm today. Whether you're new to AI or looking to optimize existing tools, this episode has you covered.

Key Takeaways:

• How AI is streamlining business operations across the AEC industry
• The role of AI in enhancing productivity and cutting down on manual work
• Frank’s insights on the most effective AI tools for AEC professionals
• The benefits of embracing AI for both short-term wins and long-term scalability

Tune in to learn how AI can help you work smarter, not harder in the AEC space.

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We're launching something new... It’s called Catalyst.

It’s a space for AEC forward-thinkers are reimagining what’s next. This is where the top minds in the industry are sharing ideas, leading change, and pushing the future of AEC forward.

Sounds like you? Join the waitlist at https://kpreddy.co/

Check out one of our Catalyst conversation starters, AEC Needs More High-Agency Thinkers

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Proposal writing is the backbone of AEC firms—but it's also a time-consuming and resource-intensive process. In this episode of AI in AEC, Jeff Echols and Frank Lazaro break down how AI-powered tools are transforming the way firms create proposals, saving time, improving efficiency, and boosting win rates.

From ChatGPT and Microsoft Copilot to industry-specific tools like Joist AI, WorkOrb, and Uninet’s AI-powered proposal system, we explore how AI streamlines proposal creation by repurposing past content, ensuring consistency, and reducing the workload on technical staff.

Key Takeaways:

• How AI reduces proposal creation time, freeing up billable hours
• Why AI-driven proposals lead to improved consistency and quality
• The best AI-powered proposal tools for AEC firms
• The real ROI: How saving just 12 minutes a day can add up to $6,000+ per employee per year

Tune in to learn how AI can help your firm work smarter, not harder in the proposal process.

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We're launching something new... It’s called Catalyst.

It’s a space for AEC forward-thinkers are reimagining what’s next. This is where the top minds in the industry are sharing ideas, leading change, and pushing the future of AEC forward.

Sounds like you? Join the waitlist at https://kpreddy.co/

Check out one of our Catalyst conversation starters, AEC Needs More High-Agency Thinkers

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The AEC industry isn’t just stuck—it’s dying. In this episode of KP Unpacked, KP Reddy and Jeff Echols pull no punches in discussing why the industry's obsession with mediocrity and outdated methods is dragging us down. From stagnating leadership to a lack of true innovation, this conversation exposes the uncomfortable truths that no one wants to face.

How can AEC finally break free from its comfort zone? What’s holding us back from truly disrupting the industry? And how can we push past the status quo to unlock the real potential of AEC? This episode will challenge everything you thought you knew about the future of the built environment.

They Discuss:

• Why AEC’s ambition is falling short—and how that’s a death sentence
• The rise of ambitious leaders and why you need to follow them or get out of the way
• The real reason innovation is failing in AEC (hint: it’s not the tech)
• How AI and disruption are the only way to escape the mediocrity trap

Stop making excuses. If you're in AEC and not pushing for real change, you’re part of the problem. Listen, rethink, and start leading the transformation now.

Ignite what's next

We're launching something new... It’s called Catalyst.

It’s a space for AEC forward-thinkers are reimagining what’s next. This is where the top minds in the industry are sharing ideas, leading change, and pushing the future of AEC forward.

Sounds like you? Join the waitlist at https://kpreddy.co/

Check out one of our Catalyst conversation starters, AEC Needs More High-Agency Thinkers

Hope to see you there!

Ignite what's next

We're launching something new... It’s called Catalyst.

It’s a space for AEC forward-thinkers are reimagining what’s next. This is where the top minds in the industry are sharing ideas, leading change, and pushing the future of AEC forward.

Sounds like you? Join the waitlist at https://kpreddy.co/

Check out one of our Catalyst conversation starters, AEC Needs More High-Agency Thinkers

Hope to see you there!

The future of AEC isn’t just about adapting to AI—it’s about dominating the industry with AI-driven innovation. In this episode of KP Unpacked, KP Reddy and Jeff Echols dive into the heart of AEC transformation, unpacking how AI is fundamentally reshaping the way we design, build, and manage projects, and why old-school methods are quickly becoming obsolete.
How are industry leaders leveraging AI to their advantage? What’s holding back widespread adoption? And how can firms evolve beyond legacy processes to embrace smarter, faster ways of working? This episode delivers the hard truths about AI’s impact and why action is needed now.

They Discuss:

• Why AEC has been slow to change—and how AI is breaking the mold
• How AI enhances, not replaces, traditional construction practices
• How disruptors are stepping up and leaving legacy players behind
• The real deal on "managing risk"—and why it’s more complex than it seems

Every episode offers a dose of actionable insights and sharp perspectives to help you rethink what’s possible in AEC. Drop a comment with your thoughts, and let’s continue the conversation on how AI is flipping the script on the industry.

Ignite what's next

We're launching something new... It’s called Catalyst.

It’s a space for AEC forward-thinkers are reimagining what’s next. This is where the top minds in the industry are sharing ideas, leading change, and pushing the future of AEC forward.

Sounds like you? Join the waitlist at https://kpreddy.co/

Check out one of our Catalyst conversation starters, AEC Needs More High-Agency Thinkers

Hope to see you there!

In this episode of KP Unpacked, host Jeff Echols sits down with Robert Cooper (CEO of Imbue) and Abhi Sastri (CEO of Fluix) to break down one of the most pressing challenges facing the built environment: How do we meet the surging energy demands of data centers, buildings, and critical infrastructure before nuclear and hydrogen power are viable?

Based on KP Reddy’s Sunday Scaries post, they explore:

🔹 Why energy infrastructure can’t keep up with demand—and what that means for AEC
🔹 How smart buildings, virtual power plants (VPPs), and energy optimization are filling the gap
🔹 The hidden inefficiencies in data centers & commercial buildings—and how AI can solve them
🔹 How technology at the grid’s edge is turning energy pain points into profit centers
🔹 What design and construction professionals need to know to stay ahead

From automation in data centers to the role of AI in energy efficiency, this conversation unpacks the critical innovations shaping the future of power consumption, energy management, and the built environment.

If you're in AEC, real estate, or tech, this is a must-listen—because the energy crisis isn’t coming, it’s already here.

Ignite what's next

We're launching something new... It’s called Catalyst.

It’s a space for AEC forward-thinkers are reimagining what’s next. This is where the top minds in the industry are sharing ideas, leading change, and pushing the future of AEC forward.

Sounds like you? Join the waitlist at https://kpreddy.co/

Check out one of our Catalyst conversation starters, AEC Needs More High-Agency Thinkers

Hope to see you there!