Building Conversations

Hosted by STO Building Group

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Jul 2026

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About the show

Welcome to Building Conversations, an STO Building Group podcast dedicated to exploring the trends driving the real estate, architecture, engineering, and construction industry forward.

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July 31, 20261 hr 37 min

Beyond BIM: The Future of Digital Construction

What does better information management look like in modern construction? In this episode of Building Conversations, host Harry Lewis, BIM/VDC Leader at Structure Tone Dublin, is joined by Ryan Ford, BIM Manager at Structure Tone Dublin, and Davitt Lamon, Head of BIM at the National Standards Authority of Ireland (NSAI), for a deep dive into BIM, ISO 19650, and the evolving role of digital construction. From Structure Tone Ireland’s journey to ISO 19650 certification to the wider impact of Ireland’s BIM mandate, the conversation explores how standardized information management is transforming project delivery.

July 10, 20268 min

Ask the Expert: Rethinking Mass Timber with DFMA with Pete Kobelt

What is Design for Manufacturing and Assembly (DFMA), and why is it becoming a gamechanger for mass timber construction? In this episode of Ask the Expert, Pete Kobelt, Director of Mass Timber Solutions at STO Building Group, answers questions about how DFMA is transforming project planning, manufacturing, and delivery.

June 26, 202618 min

Innovation Expo: Otto Smart Ladder System

In this episode of the STO Building Group’s Innovation Expo Series, host Rob Leon sits down with Ellen Giuntini, Founder and CEO of Otto Tech Systems, to discuss how the Otto Smart Ladder System is helping improve jobsite safety—from real-time alerts and digital inspections to data-driven insights.

June 12, 202651 min

Leading the Jobsite: Lessons in Operational Excellence

What drives operational excellence on a construction project? Recorded live at the Superintendent Convention this panel discussion explores what drives operational excellence on a construction project—from managing complex projects to supporting mental health in the field, the conversation is packed with real-world experiences and practical insights on building strong teams and delivering successful projects.

May 22, 20261 hr 2 min

Future-Proofing Construction Scheduling with Outbuild

In this episode of Building Conversations, Lisa Dunmeyer, Tech Ops Project Manager at BCCI, is joined by Neil Ascione, President of RC Andersen; Josh Anger, Senior Superintendent at BCCI; and Franco Giaquinto, Founder and CEO of Outbuild, to discuss how Outbuild is transforming construction scheduling through real-time collaboration between office and field teams. The conversation explores how modern planning tools improve visibility, save time, and help contractors build more efficiently.

May 15, 202631 min

Strong Foundations: Supporting Mental Health in Construction

What happens when stress and distractions become hidden safety risks on the jobsite? In this episode of Building Conversations, host Greg Dunkle—STO Building Group’s Chief Operating Officer—is joined by Robert Labbe, Vice President of Risk Engineering Services at American Global, and Jeff Matthews, Safety Director of Structure Tone Philadelphia, to discuss why mental health and suicide prevention must be part of the construction safety conversation.

April 24, 202611 min

Ask the Expert: Cost, Sustainability & Long-Term Value with Jennifer Taranto

When it comes to construction costs, it’s easy to focus on what’s right in front of you—but what happens after the project is complete? In our latest Ask the Expert series, STOBG’s Vice President of Sustainability, Jennifer Taranto, dives into the balance between capital costs and long-term operational savings—and why thinking beyond the upfront investment can make all the difference.

April 3, 202636 min

The Life Sciences Boom: Investment, Innovation & the Future of Global Growth

In this episode of Building Conversations, STO Building Group's Vice President and Life Sciences Sector Leader, Jennie Taveras, and Nick Oddy, Strategy Director at Structure Tone London, explore the rapid growth of the life sciences sector and why London is emerging as a global hub for investment, innovation, and development.

March 27, 202633 min

More Than a Seat at the Table: From Uncertainty to Confidence

What does it take to lead with authenticity, build trust, and create lasting impact in construction? In this special Women’s History Month episode of Building Conversations, host Christie Mullen—Director of Business Development at Structure Tone New Jersey—sits down with Wendy Castro, Director, Design & Construction at Rockefeller Group, and Christine Bunner, Project Manager at RC Andersen for an honest conversation about mentorship, inclusive team culture, problem-solving, and the power of women supporting women across complex projects.

March 6, 202650 min

Leaning Forward: Advancing Women in Construction

What does it truly take to advance women in construction—not just recruit them, but retain, support, and elevate them into leadership? In this episode of Building Conversations, Claudia Healy—STO Building Group’s Chief Human Resources Officer—sits down with NAWIC CEO Sheronda Carr and Northeast Regional Director Jillian Penkin to unpack the real retention challenges—bias, culture, and the difference between mentorship and sponsorship.