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 explo…

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…

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 …

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 experi…

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 h…

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. …

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 resear…

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 ambiti…

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…

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 …

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 did…

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 ma…

🎙️ 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 screensho…

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 …

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 indu…

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 f…

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 con…

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…

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? Ba…

Meetings are a necessary part of AEC firms, but they often lead to wasted time, forgotten action items, and inefficient follow-ups. This week on AI in AEC, Jeff Echols and Frank Lazaro unpack AI-powered note-taking tools that can transform how firms capture, summarize, and act on meeting insights. From built-in AI companions in Zoom and Teams to th…

The future of AEC isn't just about AI disrupting the status quo—it's about AI accelerating innovation and transforming the way we approach design, construction, and operations. In this episode of KP Unpacked, KP Reddy and Jeff Echols dive deep into the disruption happening in the AEC industry, focusing on how AI is changing the game and why staying…

In this episode of KP Unpacked, we challenge one of the biggest misconceptions in AEC startups: the idea that working harder equals faster results. Spoiler alert—it doesn’t. Host Jeff Echols sits down with Nick Heim, a structural engineer turned senior innovation engineer, to dissect a key passage from KP Reddy’s book What You Know About Startups I…

The future of AEC isn't just about AI replacing jobs—it's about AI enhancing the way we design, build, and operate. In this new series on KP Unpacked, Jeff Echols and Frank Lazaro break down the real impact of AI in the built environment—beyond just ChatGPT. How are industry leaders actually using AI? What tools are solving real-world problems? And…

In this episode of KP Unpacked, we dive into one of the biggest mindset shifts that can define your career: Are you high agency? Host Jeff Echols sits down with Abby Coleman, a rising force in AEC and an Innovation XR Specialist at IMEG, to unpack KP Reddy’s latest Sunday Scaries article: Are You High Agency? What About Your Team? They explore why …

In this episode of KP Unpacked, KP Reddy takes on one of his most explosive LinkedIn posts: Why do so few general contractors self-perform anything? And if their answer is "risk"—what does that really mean? The AEC industry loves tradition, but KP isn't buying the excuses. He and Jeff dive into: 🔹 The myth of risk management—are GCs actually mitiga…

In this episode of KP Unpacked, we dive into a major shift happening in engineering and construction: the rise of tech-enabled services and AI-driven tools. Host Jeff Echols is joined by Iman Warsame, a civil engineer turned software developer, to break down one of KP Reddy’s latest LinkedIn posts on the changing landscape of AEC startups. They dis…

In this episode of KP Unpacked, KP Reddy breaks down one of his most talked-about LinkedIn posts: the massive, untapped business opportunity in construction technology system integration. The construction industry is fragmented, innovation deployment is inconsistent, and startups struggle with scalability—so why hasn’t anyone built a company to sol…

What does it take to stay calm under pressure, take risks, and excel at the highest level? In this episode of KP Unpacked, Jeff sits down with Hollywood stuntman Theo Kypri—a man who has literally put his life on the line for some of the biggest names in film. With over 30 years in the industry, Theo has been Johnny Depp’s stunt double in Pirates o…

In this episode of KP Unpacked, KP and Jeff break down a major theme from one of KP’s recent LinkedIn posts: the perfect storm brewing in the AEC industry. With inflation, tariffs, labor shortages, and rapid advancements in AI and robotics, how can firms stay ahead instead of being swept away? KP shares his take on why change in AEC isn’t a matter …

Jeff is joined by architect and digital innovator Zig Rubel, FAIA, to unpack one of KP’s latest thought-provoking LinkedIn posts: "I'm not an architect, but why did they lose the master builder position and why have they never taken it back?" With KP out of the hot seat, Jeff and Zig dive deep into the historical and evolving role of architects, qu…

In this episode of KP Unpacked, KP and Jeff tackle a critical question inspired by one of KP’s recent LinkedIn posts (https://www.linkedin.com/posts/kpreddy_why-are-aec-firms-social-media-posts-a-steady-activity-7287558443270299649-RJW8/): Why are AEC firms’ social media strategies stuck in a loop of project announcements, staff hires, and work ann…

In this episode of KP Unpacked, KP and Jeff explore a vital but often misunderstood role in today's C-suite: the Chief Sustainability Officer (CSO). As the corporate landscape evolves, sustainability leadership is increasingly becoming strategic rather than just regulatory. KP shares why today's CSOs must transcend traditional compliance roles, mas…

Startups are living organisms, constantly regenerating and evolving—much like human cells. In this episode of KP Unpacked, KP Reddy dives into the parallels between biology and business, sharing insights inspired by his recent LinkedIn post. Together with Jeff, they discuss how startups must continually adapt, refine teams, and restructure prioriti…

In this episode of KP Unpacked, tune in as Jeff and KP explore: Why many architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) firms remain stuck in hourly billing The hidden costs of commodity-based pricing and how it penalizes efficiency How real value is created by the outcomes you deliver, not the hours you spend The mindset shift needed to de-comm…

What happens when ambition meets risk aversion in the high-stakes world of entrepreneurship? Imagine building a media empire or owning a Formula One team—these aren’t just pipe dreams for us. We share personal ambitions and dissect how these big visions shape our behaviors and decision-making, especially when resources are tight. Ambition isn’t one…

What if the future of architecture and the built environment lies in breaking free from traditional molds? Discover the transformative potential of our Mastermind meetups and the Catalyst Network, which bring together trailblazers from the AEC and tech sectors for groundbreaking collaboration. We draw inspiration from Hamilton, urging innovators to…

What if AI could offer more benefits without the cumbersome reliance on 3D models? KP revisits his 2011 textbook on BIM, reflecting on its promise and the reality a decade later. He shares his vision for a future where AI enhances value creation for building owners and developers, possibly without the traditional 3D visualization that BIM champions…

KP shares his wisdom on the importance of building a strong network of believers who align with your mission, offering a fresh perspective on securing investments and collaborations that resonate with your vision. Discover the vital role of conviction in a founder’s journey, and understand why it’s imperative to focus on finding believers over skep…

What if your Sunday Scaries could fuel your entrepreneurial journey instead of holding you back? KP juggles travel, writing newsletters, advising startups, and a recent relocation—all while sharing poignant life lessons from his son. Through the delightful metaphor of stacking pancakes, KP reveals the delicate act of balancing work and personal lif…

What if the traditional vendor-client dynamic is holding back innovation? Fifty CEOs and C-suite leaders recently came together in Miami at our [KP Reddy] executive briefing to spotlight challenges like the surging energy demands of data centers, the critical need for water management, and the role of building owners in driving strategic change. We…

Join KP Reddy, global authority on tech innovation and AI, as he previews his must-see presentation: “Thriving in the Tech Age: AI’s Role in Shaping A/E and the Changing Role of Consulting Engineers.” 📅 When: April 24-26, 2025 📍 Where: Savannah, GA ✨ What to Expect: - Insights from KP Reddy and other distinguished speakers - Exciting opportunities …

Ready to future-proof your career in AEC? This EXTENDED episode is filled with insights and opportunities tailored for early and mid-career professionals. Discover the compelling reasons behind the industry's struggles to attract and keep high-caliber professionals and what it means for your career trajectory. Why do young architects feel disillusi…

We're baaaaack! In this episode, KP dives into how AEC firms can step up their game to attract private equity investors. He takes a closer look at what financial sophistication really means for the industry, exploring lessons AEC firms can take from the medical world’s shift to commoditized services and predictable revenue models. KP breaks down ke…

Can remote work truly offer the same career-boosting benefits as face-to-face interactions? Drawing on recent conversations with mid-career professionals, KP highlights the stark differences between the productivity of remote work and the irreplaceable advantages that in-person interactions bring to career advancement. Switching gears, KP explores …

As we journey through KP's recent experiences within Abu Dhabi and Dubai’s startup ecosystems, we glean fresh insights on the ever-evolving job market, emphasizing the importance of community involvement and crafting your own definition of success. Our conversation challenges the well-trodden narrative, suggesting joy in one’s career is a culminati…

In this episode, KP takes us down the unexpected paths that lead to leadership, celebrating the diverse backgrounds of founders who rise to the challenge of becoming CEOs. Understand the power of peer learning, the commitment to continuous self-improvement, and the key to anticipating the next wave of technological innovation. KP explains the irrep…

To open today's episode, we peel back the layers on why a fresh identity matters in today's market, delving into the nuances of personal brand equity, and confronting the maze of brand confusion. As we shift our gaze to the construction sector, get ready to unveil how AI is poised to rewrite the rules of the game. We're talking about computer visio…

This week's conversation is a treasure trove for founders eyeing the horizon of innovation and the built environment sectors, ready to make strategic leaps without compromising their vision. We shed light on the tightrope walk between adapting to investor demands and holding steadfast for the ideal financial partnership, all while navigating throug…

Ever felt the cold sweat of fear as you stand on the precipice of failure? KP reveals how turning failures into lessons creates a pathway to success. He shares a treasure chest of strategies, including the transformative power of documenting missteps, that anyone can use to navigate through failure and emerge resilient. KP illustrates how leaders w…

In today's episode, we're reminded that the entrepreneurial path is not just about ambition and achievement, but the delicate balance with family life. KP pulls back the curtain on the emotional toll of chasing a dream, offering a lifeline of advice from his book "Everything You Know About Startups Is Wrong" to fellow founders and their partners sa…