How the Revit Myth & Broken BIM Are Blocking Real Innovation in AEC – Trent Leinenbach & Travis Voss

In Part 2 of this special edition, Jeff Sample continues the conversation with Travis Voss, Director of Innovative Technology and Fabrication at SMACNA and Trent Leinenbach Vice President of Customer Experience at Stratus as they unpack deeper industry-wide challenges and opportunities. The focus shifts to the future of BIM, what it means today, how it's often misused, and whether VDC might be the better path forward.

They also discuss the need for better leadership structures to support women in construction, and highlight emerging safety innovations driven by AI and real-time jobsite data. If you're looking for thoughtful insights on where the industry is headed, this episode delivers.

Key Learnings:

• “BIM” as a term is outdated and often misunderstood in the field.
• Virtual Design & Construction (VDC) may be a more functional evolution of BIM.
• Leadership styles directly impact retention, especially among women in construction.
• Many companies overestimate the effectiveness of their mentorship programs.
• Transformational leadership yields stronger performance and morale.
• AI-driven safety platforms offer predictive alerts to reduce site risks.
• GPS-based tracking systems may redefine jobsite planning and coordination.

Timestamps:

[00:00] - Introduction 

[00:50] - “BIM is Dead” – redefining BIM and its purpose  

[10:42] - Misuse of BIM vs. rise of VDC and digital collaboration  

[12:55] - Women in construction: leadership gaps and the need for sponsorship  

[22:23] - AI for jobsite safety and real‑time hazard detection  

[28:52] - The future of integrated planning and predictive safety tech 

Follow The Guest (Travis Voss)

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/travis-voss/ 
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/travis.voss.336 
• Website: https://www.constructiondorks.com/ 

Follow The Guest (Trent Leinenbach)

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/trent-leinenbach-plmb-466018177/ 
• Twitter: https://x.com/BimminAintEasy  

Reference Links: 

• https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/bim-dead-long-live-briefish-commentary-past-present-future-olcott-jbxmf/?trackingId=XSkRE3UsQiagIlk1W4wvtw%3D%3D
• https://www.enr.com/articles/60595-steel-construction-institute-announces-ai-clark-and-supports-tariff-policies 
• https://arxiv.org/abs/2503.14331
• https://www.businessinsider.com/ai-for-worker-site-safety-in-construction-2025-4

Follow The ConTech Crew:

• Website: https://thecontechcrew.com/ 
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCBDRThvRmSpyTZmMWY4EAjg 
• LinkedIn: