Joining us is Thai Nguyen, Director of Innovation with Hensel Phelps, the construction management and GC firm that recently launched Diverge, an investment company specializing in construction innovation and technology. Topics include:
- In terms of working with innovation partners and tech startups, how will Diverge be different from what Hensel Phelps had already been doing for the past decade?
- How many of Hensel Phelps’ employees are involved in Diverge, and what is Diverge’s vetting process, in terms of requirements of applicants and the time it takes for evaluation and approval? And what is your firm’s financial commitment to Diverge in its first year?
- There are quite a few accelerators and incubators in the ConTech space. How is Diverge’s mission different?
- Hensel Phelps is, on one hand, looking to be an industry disruptor, and on the other hand looking to influence technology that would be specific to your firm’s business. Is the company looking to get in on the ground floor of innovations that, ultimately, would be proprietary, or will new innovations and technologies be shared with the broader industry?
- Can you give me a few examples of where Hensel Phelps might see near-term benefits from Diverge?
Related Stories
Smart Buildings | Oct 26, 2020
World’s first smart building assessment and rating program released
The SPIRE Smart Building Program will help building owners and operators make better investment decisions, improve tenant satisfaction, and increase asset value.
Architects | Oct 14, 2020
The Weekly Show: AI for building facade inspections; designing a world-class architecture firm
The October 15 episode of BD+C's "The Weekly" is available for viewing on demand.
AEC Tech Innovation | Sep 18, 2020
New Innovation Center should heighten Port San Antonio’s tech profile
The facility will include a 2,500-seat arena and serve as new home for the city’s S&T museum.
AEC Tech Innovation | May 11, 2020
A resort with a giant artificial wave basin is being planned for southern California
Technology claims to offer surfers the longest ride in a man-made setting.
AEC Tech Innovation | Apr 27, 2020
Exclusive research: 130 AEC Giant Firms Reveal Their Top Technology and Innovation Initiatives
This free 17-page PDF report includes the complete findings from BD+C's survey of the nation's largest architecture, engineering, and construction firms.
AEC Tech Innovation | Apr 23, 2020
When Buildings Design Themselves
Architect, designer, and author Lance Hosey explores the implications of a built environment completely designed and built by computers.
AEC Tech Innovation | Apr 23, 2020
Beyond BIM: Getting Your Systems in Sync
Architect Carlos Cardoso demonstrates Beyer Blinder Belle's proprietary software tool for sharing project information in real time with all parties (think: BIM meets Google doc).
AEC Tech Innovation | Apr 23, 2020
Leveraging Computational Design in the Realm of Occupancy Evaluations
Design technology whiz Dane Stokes discusses how his firm is using computational design tools to refine its design process, optimize building performance, and enhance client collaboration.
AEC Tech Innovation | Apr 23, 2020
Bionic Practice: Data Rich Design?
What happens to the design process when computers can deliver information that is accurate, instant, and supports design that is 'provable' to be the best?
AEC Tech Innovation | Jan 30, 2020
Get the lead out: A roadmap for creating an agile, tech-focused AEC practice
AEC tech consultant Nathan Miller talks about how design and construction firms can move toward agile, digital solutions that capitalize on near-term innovation.
