Digital Disruption in the AEC Industry: Afternoon Panel

Digital Disruption in the AEC Industry

Jessica Chambers, Michael Baker International

James Chong, AECOM

Lana Graf, Nextera Robotics

Robert Salvador, DigiBuild

Allison Scott, Autodesk

Digital disruption won't wait for you to be ready.​ ​Our panel of tech experts will give you a high-level overview of the technology landscape as well as the boots-on-the-ground view. What technologies are coming down the road? Which ones are already on the street? And which are in the backyard?

Meet Jessica

Jessica Chambers has over 15 years of experience digitally transforming architecture, engineering, and construction firms through developing and implementing innovative design technology workflows. She recently joined Michael Baker International as the Associate VP and Director of Engineering Applications to drive and establish digital enablement solutions. Before joining Michael Baker, Chambers served as the Associate VP for Design Technologies at CHA Consulting, Inc. She successfully launched CHA’s reality capture program and expanded service offerings to include BIM Collaboration, Digital Twin Development, and technology advisory.

Meet James

James Chong is Director of Digital Innovation Consulting and Subject Matter Expert at AECOM providing leadership and cross-functional management of strategic programs globally. He is an entrepreneur and innovator in enterprise software, artificial intelligence, security, intelligent transportation and IoT. For over 25 years, he has helped build and grow tech start-ups to Fortune 500 global companies with focus on leveraging big data and analytics for smart cities, smart transportation and smart buildings. Chong was selected into International Data Group’s “InfoWorld Top CTO 25” and is the author of The Converging Roles of Physical and IT Security which was published in the book Security 3.0.

Meet Lana

Lana Graf is an expert in robotics with over 15 years experience in delivering robotic and automation solutions to multiple industrial verticals such as car manufacturing, bio tech, food processing, logistics and construction. Graf spent more than a decade as a corporate executive in the AI/Robotics sector. She has developed extensive expertise implementing advanced technologies and process automation solutions across several areas, including big data analytics, industrial IoT, AI/ML, cloud operations, and enterprise software platforms. In addition to her work at Nextera Robotics, Graf is an impact investor with the Disruptive Technologies and Funds Group at the International Finance Corp., (IFC), a private sector arm of the World Bank Group. There she focuses on artificial intelligence and machine learning, deep tech, and robotics aligned with the IFC's principles for Global Impact.

Meet Robert

Rob Salvador is the visionary driving force behind DigiBuild, an experienced builder, project manager and construction technologist. Since the age of 10, Salvador has witnessed what it was like, firsthand for his dad struggling to run his construction company. Salvador eventually started his own construction company and those experiences and the lack of change over that timespan led to his mission of creating a better way to operate construction projects and the construction community. His passion and previous cryptocurrency startup experience is what led to him becoming a blockchain expert. In 2017 he had his 'aha moment' and the idea of 'how to' apply blockchain to construction took form and DigiBuild was born. His background includes managing $500M+ in construction projects. He is a serial entrepreneur with a focus in: Construction Management, ConTech, Proptech, Blockchain Technology, Enterprise Blockchain Implementation, and Investment Analysis.

Meet Allison

Leveraging over a decade in the architecture and construction industries, Allison Scott is a “technology translator” who supports customer experience and industry advocacy within the Customer Success team at Autodesk. She oversees the strategy and execution of customer-centric programs that complement the customer journey to help construction teams gain the most value out of their innovation and technology investments, and foster loyalty and trust. Scott has been a key contributor for Autodesk’s leading-edge approach to customer engagement, including a highly rated global executive council program, a growing online community, and industry impact programs that help advocate for key issues like diversity, equity and inclusion in construction. Prior to this role, she supported the national Innovation group of Skanska USA's construction division helping to investigate and integrate game-changing tech like virtual design and construction technologies, wearables, IoT/sensors, and drones onto the jobsite, and built business strategy for new products and services inspired by innovation endeavors. Scott holds a Bachelor of Arts in Theatre and Arts Management from Emerson College and an MBA in Innovation and Design Management from Suffolk University’s Sawyer Business School.

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