Confluence

Hosted by Evan Troxel & Randall Stevens

Technology Arts Design Education

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Jun 2026

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About the show

The Confluence podcast is the director's commentary track for AEC industry software. Go behind the scenes with us to learn how and why decisions were made in the creation of your favorite software for the architecture, engineering, and construction industries. It's a collaboration between Randall Stevens of AVAIL and Evan Troxel of TRXL.

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25 recent

June 4, 20261 hr 11 min

Why Digital Twins Need an Intelligence Layer

Michael Jansen and Dr. Prasanta Bose join Evan Troxel and Randall Stevens to talk about what it takes to put an intelligence layer on top of a digital twin. Bose traces the idea back through reinforcement learning, Lockheed Martin satellites, and Starbucks before explaining why a real twin needs both a sensing layer and a cognitive one. They get specific about the decisions behind TwinMaster: refusing to build another design authoring tool and instead embedding their Arch-e copilot inside Revit, Archicad, and MicroStation; building a semantic, systems-oriented model so the AI can reason about a wall as more than two planes; and tuning existing models with context rather than training their own.This episode is especially relevant for design technologists, BIM leads, and AEC software teams weighing how AI actually fits into established tools instead of replacing them. Jansen makes the case that architects, who create the original twin, could sell and maintain it as an ongoing service and move past one-time fixed fees. You will come away rethinking where the value sits after the drawings are done.Episode Links:Connect with the guestsDr. Prasanta Bose, CEO and co-founder — LinkedInMichael Jansen, Chief Business Officer and co-founder — LinkedInTwinMasterWebsite and company LinkedInArch-e joins the Bentley EcosystemTwinMaster: ChatGPT for Architects, in 3D (AEC Business)Tools and ecosystems mentionedAutodesk (Revit, AutoCAD), Bentley (MicroStation, iTwin), Graphisoft Archicad, Trimble (SketchUp, Connect), McNeel Rhino, Nemetschek, ChaosPeople and ideas referencedAndrew Barto and Richard Sutton, 2024 Turing Award, Santa Fe Institute, Falkonry, Cityzenith, Gaussian splatting, regenerative designWatch this episode on YouTube.-----The Confluence podcast is a collaboration between TRXL and AVAIL, and is produced by TRXL Media.Learn more about them at https://trxl.co/media and https://getavail.comLearn more about the Confluence podcast at https://confluence.getavail.com/podcastLearn about the Confluence events at https://confluence.getavail.com

May 20, 202653 min

How AECOM is Revolutionizing Reality Capture

Welcome to season 3 of the Confluence podcast! In this episode, AECOM’s Matthew Anderle joins Randall Stevens and Evan Troxel to break down how AECOM is pushing reality capture forward with custom-built robotics—rovers for “old dirty basements,” pipe crawlers for long culverts, and aquatic platforms for below-water inspections. They discuss layering environmental sensing on top of LiDAR point clouds, why digital twins must be operational (not just “great existing conditions models”), and what it means to help deliver LA28 as the first Olympics delivered in BIM.This episode is a tour through AECOM’s “mobile autonomous reality capture” toolkit, purpose built to extend scanning into places people can’t (or shouldn’t) go.They discuss:Why AECOM built a robotics program for reality capture: safety, access, and repeatability in harsh/confined environments“Sensorium” point clouds: humidity, temperature, air quality/particulates, and other context layered onto spatial dataHardware + workflow highlights: wireless FPV, safety tethers, modular payloads, off-the-shelf tool batteries, and custom electronicsThe “fiducial arm” problem: how to create registration targets inside smooth pipes so 500’ scans actually alignMakerspaces, trains, and hands-on fabrication as a pipeline for future STEM + AEC careersLA 2028: transforming ~60 venues on an immovable deadline, and what it means to run the program’s common data environmentLinks from the episodeAECOM: https://aecom.com/Matt Enderle on LinkedInLA28: https://la28.org/Digital twin (overview): https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Digital_twin-----The Confluence podcast is a collaboration between TRXL and AVAIL, and is produced by TRXL Media.Learn more about them at https://trxl.co/media and https://getavail.comLearn more about the Confluence podcast at https://confluence.getavail.com/podcastLearn about the Confluence events at https://confluence.getavail.com

May 15, 20251 hr 4 min

Unlocking Ancient Secrets with AI

In the final episode of season 2 of the Confluence podcast, Brent Seales of University of Kentucky joins the show to talk about his groundbreaking work using AI and CT scanning to digitally unwrap ancient Herculaneum scrolls buried by Mount Vesuvius, making previously unreadable texts accessible. The conversation includes insights on collaboration with Nat Friedman, the Vesuvius Challenge, and the intersection of technology and humanities scholarship, along with Seales' new role directing an AI and Humanities Institute funded by Eric Schmidt's foundation.Episode Links:Brent Seales on LinkedInUniversity of Kentucky websiteConfluence S2E8 - Audacity, Antiquity, and AI with Brent’s colleague Christy ChapmanThe Vesuvius Challenge websitePics of the scrolls and the fragments60 Minutes EpisodePBS DocumentaryNBC News StoryUniversity of KentuckyWatch this episode on YouTube or Spotify.About Brent Seales:Dr. W. Brent Seales is the Stanley and Karen Pigman Chair of Heritage Science and Professor of Computer Science at the University of Kentucky. He earned a Ph.D. in Computer Science at the University of Wisconsin-Madison and has held research positions at INRIA Sophia-Antipolis, UNC Chapel Hill, Google (Paris), and the Getty Conservation Institute. The Heritage Science research lab (EduceLab) founded by Seales at the University of Kentucky applies techniques in machine learning and data science to the digital restoration of damaged materials. The research program is funded by the National Science Foundation, the National Endowment for the Humanities, the Arts and Humanities Research Council of Great Britain, the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation, and Google. Seales is a co-founder of the Vesuvius Challenge, an international contest formed around the goal of the virtual unwrapping of Herculaneum scrolls. He continues to work with challenging, damaged material (Herculaneum Scrolls, Dead Sea Scrolls), with notable successes in the scroll from En-Gedi (Leviticus), the Morgan MS M.910 (The Acts of the Apostles), and PHerc.Paris.3 and 4 (Philodemus / Epicureanism). The recovery of readable text from still-unopened material has been hailed worldwide as an astonishing achievement fueled by open scholarship, interdisciplinary collaboration, and extraordinary leadership generosity.-----The Confluence podcast is a collaboration between TRXL and AVAIL, and is produced by TRXL Media.Learn more about them at https://trxl.co/media and https://getavail.comLearn more about the Confluence podcast at https://confluence.getavail.com/podcastLearn about the Confluence events at https://confluence.getavail.com

April 30, 20251 hr 41 min

Navigating The Evolution of AEC Tech

Richard Harpham of Skema joins the podcast to talk about his insights from decades of experience in AEC technology. From witnessing the early days of BIM adoption to leading new software development initiatives, Harpham discusses the industry's evolution and current transformation. He explores how emerging technologies are reshaping architectural workflows, the challenges of market education, and his optimistic vision for the future of AEC software. This engaging conversation offers valuable perspective on where the industry has been and where it's heading.Episode Links:Richard on LinkedInSkema websiteSkema on LinkedInWatch this episode on YouTube.-----The Confluence podcast is a collaboration between TRXL and AVAIL, and is produced by TRXL Media.Learn more about them at https://trxl.co/media and https://getavail.comLearn more about the Confluence podcast at https://confluence.getavail.com/podcastLearn about the Confluence events at https://confluence.getavail.com

March 20, 20251 hr 26 min

An Aspiration and Appetite to Innovate

In this episode of the Confluence podcast, hosts Randall Stevens and Evan Troxel welcome John Cerone, Principal at SHoP Architects. John discusses his journey with SHoP Architects, emphasizing the integration of technology and design in architecture. He shares insights into SHoP’s use of 3D modeling, digital twins, and collaborative processes to streamline construction, reduce costs, and deliver better-built environments. Highlights include the Barclays Center project, automation in construction, empathy in design, and the future of data-driven architecture.Episode Links:John Cerone on LinkedInSHoP Architects websiteSHoP Architects on InstagramConfluence S1E5 - “Looking Forward with AI in AEC”, with Adam ChernickUpcoming Confluence EventsSan Fransisco, CA - April 23, 2025 (open to everyone)Lexington, KY - October 9-11, 2025 (by invitation)Watch this episode on YouTube.-----The Confluence podcast is a collaboration between TRXL and AVAIL, and is produced by TRXL Media.Learn more about them at https://trxl.co/media and https://getavail.comLearn more about the Confluence podcast at https://confluence.getavail.com/podcastLearn about the Confluence events at https://confluence.getavail.com

February 27, 202555 min

Innovating with AI in Civil Engineering

Rob Sinclair of Wade Trim joins hosts Randall Stevens and Evan Troxel on the Confluence podcast to talk about how their innovative AI initiatives and their strategic partnership with Yegatech has evolved their business. Rob shares insights on the firm's AI journey, from establishing an AI task force to developing enterprise-level chatbots and automated image recognition tools. The episode also highlights the cultural challenges of AI adoption and the importance of ongoing education and communication. Additionally, Rob recounts his fascinating international work on reality capture projects in Italy, showcasing the integration of cutting-edge technology with historic preservation. EPISODE LINKSRob on LinkedInWade Trim on LinkedInPaul Aubin on LinkedInYegatechWade Trim Innovation Alley podcast on AIWatch this episode on YouTube.-----The Confluence podcast is a collaboration between TRXL and AVAIL, and is produced by TRXL Media.Learn more about them at https://trxl.co/media and https://getavail.comLearn more about the Confluence podcast at https://confluence.getavail.com/podcastLearn about the Confluence events at https://confluence.getavail.com

February 13, 20251 hr 16 min

Audacity, Antiquity, and AI

In this episode of the Confluence Podcast, hosts Randall Stephens and Evan Troxel are joined by special guest Christy Chapman from the University of Kentucky to discuss how AI has unlocked antiquity.The discussion focuses on the origins of the Vesuvius Challenge, highlighting its key figure, Brent Seales, a research professor at the University of Kentucky. Christy, who works closely with Brent, shares insights about the ambitious goal to virtually unroll and read ancient scrolls carbonized by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius.Using advanced technology and AI, Christy explains the significant progress made, including the pivotal role of the open-source contest funded by Nat Friedman from GitHub. The conversation covers the technical and human aspects of the project, emphasizing the importance of clear communication, community involvement, and the relentless pursuit of seemingly impossible ideas.Later in the interview, the discussion around communication in technical projects has direct implications for both the Architecture, Engineering, and Construction (AEC) industry and software development teams. Just as the Vesuvius Challenge team had to bridge the gap between technical experts and conservators, AEC professionals and software developers must effectively communicate complex technical solutions to various stakeholders, from clients and product managers to contractors and end users. The emphasis on understanding stakeholder concerns, building trust, and creating clear communication channels is particularly relevant when implementing new technologies or methodologies in construction projects and software development cycles. The conversation highlights how successful innovation requires not just technical excellence, but also the ability to bring people along through empathy, clear explanation, and careful consideration of their perspectives and concerns.Episode Links:Brent Seals - University of KentuckyVesuvius ChallengeForbes: AI Peers Inside Burned 2,000-Year-Old Vesuvius Scroll, Finds ‘Disgust’How students teamed up to decode 2,000-year-old texts using AI on the GitHub blogA team of students deciphered a 2000-year-old papyrus scroll, with some help from AI - interview with Brent Seals on NPREn-Gedi Scroll (Wikipedia)KaggleDiamond Light Source facilityUncovering ancient text from the Oxford Herculaneum scrollThe Vesuvius challenge solved! We can read the first scroll60 Minutes - Deciphering the ancient scrolls of Herculaneum-----The Confluence podcast is a collaboration between TRXL and AVAIL, and is produced by TRXL Media.Learn more about them at https://trxl.co/media and https://getavail.comLearn more about the Confluence podcast at https://confluence.getavail.com/podcastLearn about the Confluence events at https://confluence.getavail.com

January 23, 202556 min

The Evolution of Computational Design and AI in Structural Engineering

Robert Otani of CORE Studio at Thornton Tomasetti joins the show to talk about about his journey from a structural engineer in the 90s to leading the CORE Studio at Thornton Tomasetti. This episode covers the importance of computational design, BIM, and the impact of AI and machine learning in the engineering and architecture industries. Rob also shares insights from their recent AEC hackathon, the creation of CORE Studio, and innovative projects like developing an AI tool by capturing the depth of knowledge shared in the emails of a late colleague. Episode Links:Connect with Rob Otani on LinkedInThornton Tomasetti’s CORE groupWatch this episode on YouTube or Spotify.-----The Confluence podcast is a collaboration between TRXL and AVAIL, and is produced by TRXL Media.Learn more about them at https://trxl.co/media and https://getavail.comLearn more about the Confluence podcast at https://confluence.getavail.com/podcastLearn about the Confluence events at https://confluence.getavail.com

January 8, 202552 min

Data Governance and the Cloud in AEC

Join us in this episode with special guest Aaron Vorwerk from Egnyte. Today Aaron tells us about Egnyte's role in AI and machine learning within the AEC industry. He shares his background, discusses data governance, the evolution of cloud platforms, and Egnyte's focus on cybersecurity. Listen as we explore how Egnyte enhances workflow efficiencies and manages content lifecycle, making it an indispensable tool for AEC professionals.Episode Links:Aaron on LinkedInEgnyte on LinkedInEgnyte websiteWatch this episode on YouTube or Spotify.-----The Confluence podcast is a collaboration between TRXL and AVAIL, and is produced by TRXL Media.Learn more about them at https://trxl.co/media and https://getavail.comLearn more about the Confluence podcast at https://confluence.getavail.com/podcastLearn about the Confluence events at https://confluence.getavail.com

December 20, 20241 hr 2 min

The Evolution of 3D Visualization

In this episode of the Confluence podcast, hosts Randall Stevens and Evan Troxel sit down with Phillip Miller from Chaos Group. The discussion navigates through Phil's extensive background in the 3D technology and AEC industry, highlighting his contributions to Autodesk, Adobe, and NVIDIA. Phil introduces Chaos Group’s latest product, Envision, a standalone real-time ray tracing tool designed for the architectural industry. He breaks down the journey of its development, the intended user personas, and its innovative features. Tune in to get a behind-the-scenes look at how Envision aims to revolutionize architectural visualization and animation workflows.Episode Links:Chaos Group - Learn more about real-time ray tracing and visualization tools: https://chaos.comChaos V-Ray - Visualize anything imaginable with V-Ray: https://www.chaos.com/vrayChaos Envision - Effortless storytelling & unmatched realism with Envision: https://www.chaos.com/envisionNVIDIA RTX Technology - Details about ray tracing hardware capabilities: https://www.nvidia.com/en-us/geforce/rtx/Autodesk 3ds Max History - Evolution of 3D modeling and rendering software: https://www.autodesk.com/products/3ds-max/overviewComputer Graphics History - Computer History Museum's perspective on the evolution of CG: https://computerhistory.org/blog/computer-graphics/Watch this episode on YouTube or Spotify.-----The Confluence podcast is a collaboration between TRXL and AVAIL, and is produced by TRXL Media.Learn more about them at https://trxl.co/media and https://getavail.comLearn more about the Confluence podcast at https://confluence.getavail.com/podcastLearn about the Confluence events at https://confluence.getavail.com