From building prefab factories in the sky to incubating the next generation of AEC tech startups, our 2019 class of AEC Innovators demonstrates that the industry is poised for a shakeup. Meet BD+C’s 2019 AEC Innovators.
1. Jennifer Abuzeid, Senior Director–Global Design Strategies, Marriott International
Marriott International embraces modular construction: The hotel giant has more than 50 projects in the works that incorporate prefab guestrooms or bathrooms. READ STORY
2. BuroHappold’s Computational Collective
How engineering giant BuroHappold democratizes tech innovation: The firm's Computational Collective initiative presents employees with “a different way of thinking and working.” READ THE STORY
3. Bob Clark, Chairman and CEO, Clayco
Clayco seeks the cutting edge as a competitive advantage: Innovation has been in Clayco’s DNA since this general contractor was founded in 1984. READ STORY
4. Matt Gough, Director of Innovation and Work Winning, Mace Group
Mace Group built working factories on top of under-construction skyscrapers: The six-story factories eliminated the need for tower cranes, and increased productivity to the point where crews could complete 18 floors in 18 weeks. READ STORY
5. Dane Stokes, Design Technology Specialist, ZGF Architects
Improving architectural designs through iteration: Computational design lets ZGF Architects see patterns that renderings and even models can’t show. READ STORY
6. Ron Klemencic, PE, SE, Hon. AIA, Chairman and CEO, Magnusson Klemencic Associates
Structural engineer speeds skyscraper construction with novel building core design: With its Speed Core composite core wall system, Magnusson Klemencic Associates thinks it’s found a faster way to complete high-rise buildings. READ STORY
7. Burcin Kaplanoglu, PhD, Co-founder, Oracle Construction and Engineering Innovation Lab
Oracle’s replica of a construction jobsite creates an immersive environment for AEC professionals: The Oracle Construction and Engineering Innovation Lab allows visitors to walk through five different stages of construction work, to test new AEC technologies and training techniques. READ STORY
Related Stories
Daylighting | Aug 18, 2022
Lisa Heschong on 'Thermal and Visual Delight in Architecture'
Lisa Heschong, FIES, discusses her books, "Thermal Delight in Architecture" and "Visual Delight in Architecture," with BD+C's Rob Cassidy.
Laboratories | Jun 29, 2022
The "collaboratory" brings digital innovation to the classroom
The Collaboratory—a mix of collaboration and laboratory—is a networking center being designed at the University of Denver’s College of Business.
Building Materials | Jun 20, 2022
Early-stage procurement: The next evolution of the construction supply chain
Austin Commercial’s Jason Earnhardt explains why supply chain issues for the construction industry are not going to go away and how developers and owners can get ahead of project roadblocks.
Healthcare Facilities | Jun 20, 2022
Is telehealth finally mainstream?
After more than a century of development, telehealth has become a standard alternative for many types of care.
AEC Business Innovation | Jun 15, 2022
Cognitive health takes center stage in the AEC industry
Two prominent architecture firms are looking to build on the industry’s knowledge base on design’s impact on building occupant health and performance with new research efforts.
Wood | Apr 13, 2022
Mass timber: Multifamily’s next big building system
Mass timber construction experts offer advice on how to use prefabricated wood systems to help you reach for the heights with your next apartment or condominium project.
AEC Tech | Apr 13, 2022
A robot automates elevator installation
Schindler—which manufactures and installs elevators, escalators, and moving walkways—has created a robot called R.I.S.E. (robotic installation system for elevators) to help install lifts in high-rise buildings.
Hotel Facilities | Apr 12, 2022
A virtual hotel to open in the metaverse
A brand of affordable luxury hotels that launched in 2008, citizenM has announced it will purchase a digital land site in The Sandbox, a virtual game world owned by Animoca Brands.
Modular Building | Mar 31, 2022
Rick Murdock’s dream multifamily housing factory
Modular housing leader Rick Murdock had a vision: Why not use robotic systems to automate the production of affordable modular housing? Now that vision is a reality.
AEC Tech Innovation | Mar 9, 2022
Meet Emerge: WSP USA's new AEC tech incubator
Pooja Jain, WSP’s VP-Strategic Innovation, discusses the pilot programs her firm’s new incubator, Emerge, has initiated with four tech startup companies. Jain speaks with BD+C's John Caulfield about the four AEC tech firms to join Cohort 1 of the firm’s incubator.