Friction slows down decision-making in construction—but removing it doesn’t mean replacing expertise.

In this episode of Activating Curiosity™, Ryan Ware sits down with Scott Reynolds, Co-Founder and CEO of UpCodes, to explore how construction leaders can reduce friction in decision-making while maintaining control, judgment, and expertise.

This conversation reframes a critical challenge in the AEC industry: too much time is spent searching, verifying, and stitching together fragmented information. Instead, Scott introduces the concept of decision infrastructure—systems that organize building codes, products, and data so leaders can focus on making better choices, not just finding information. 

From building code accessibility to AI-powered workflows, this episode explores how technology can support—not replace—human decision-making. The focus isn’t automation for its own sake, but enabling architects, engineers, and builders to act with more clarity, speed, and confidence.

This isn’t just about digital tools—it’s about restoring agency in an industry constrained by time, complexity, and information overload.

What you’ll learn:

•  Why friction—not lack of expertise—slows construction decision-making 
•  How “decision infrastructure” improves speed, clarity, and outcomes 
•  The role of AI in supporting (not replacing) human judgment 
•  Why better access to codes and product data unlocks innovation 
•  How reducing friction gives leaders back time to focus on high-value work 

Who this is for:
Architects, engineers, contractors, and AEC leaders focused on digital transformation, construction leadership, and managing change in complex environments.

Chapters

03:46 From Architecture Practice to Technology Problem-Solving
09:29 The Hidden Friction in Construction Decision-Making
15:21 Building Systems That Support Choice, Not Defaults
26:46 How AI Can Reduce Friction Without Replacing Expertise
39:20 Product Selection, Manufacturers, and Real-World Constraints
57:36 Defining Success in a Technology-Enabled Built Environment

Guest

Scott Reynolds is Co-Founder and CEO of UpCodes, a platform making building codes and compliance data more accessible for the AEC industry. With a background in architecture and experience in global cities like New York and Hong Kong, Scott focuses on reducing friction in construction workflows through better access to information, technology, and decision-support systems.

Send us your thoughts, ideas, questions

Connective Consulting Group
Helping construction leaders simplify change, strengthen trust, and move forward with clarity.

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