Wired to Build

Hosted by Nick Caravella

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Oct 2026

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The construction industry doesn't have an innovation problem. It has an understanding problem. Every conversation on Wired to Build goes deeper than the tool, the trend, or the technology — into the systems behind the project, the humans shaping them, and the friction that makes both of them real. Nick Caravella is a registered architect and construction technologist who left working in the industry to work on it. If you've ever stood in the middle of a project and thought there has to be a better way to understand this — you're in the right place. Wired to Build is powered by Avicado

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November 12, 2026Episode 1744 min

Stop Selling Every Tool You Build: In-House AI, Product Traps, and Scaling AEC Software with Dr. Sam Zolfagharian

Most AEC firms are rushing to adopt AI by chasing shiny tools, while others are spending hundreds of thousands of dollars building in-house software they think they can turn around and sell. But having the code to build an application doesn't mean you should run a software business—and feeding unvetted information into an LLM only turns your data lake into an unmanageable swamp. In this episode of Wired to Build , host Nick Caravella sits down with Dr. Sam Zolfagharian , co-founder and president of YegaTech . Bringing an extensive background that spans childhood jobsite exposure in Iran, structural engineering, design computing, BIM product leadership at Autodesk, and technology strategy, Dr. Sam works directly with AEC leadership to navigate real, enterprise-grade organizational transformation. Dr. Sam breaks down why firms get paralyzed trying to "boil the ocean" to clean up 15 years of legacy project data, explaining why establishing forward-looking processes matters far more than attempting to scrub the past. She pulls back the curtain on the technical mechanics of BIM—from the days of AutoCAD 14 to why rigid boundary representation (BREP) creates tens of thousands of false clashes—and outlines how AI knowledge graphs can finally unlock the rich, hidden metadata sitting dormant in building models. The conversation takes a hard look at the reality of build vs. buy in an era where anyone can generate software. Dr. Sam and Nick discuss why custom internal solutions rarely warrant outside monetization, how complex legacy platforms like Revit became "built for everyone and therefore built for no one," and why the real opportunity for small-to-midsize firms lies in pairing clear governance with strategy to deliver a 10x return on investment. This is Part 1 of a 2-part conversation. In Part 2, Dr. Sam and Nick dig into the operational guardrails of AI governance—treating artificial intelligence like fire: powerful enough to warm a house, but dangerous enough to burn down the entire town if left unchecked. Guest: Dr. Sam Zolfagharian – Co-Founder and President of YegaTech (https://www.linkedin.com/in/samzolfagharian/) Resources & Books Mentioned: YegaTech – Strategic technology consultancy helping AEC organizations navigate AI transformation, data readiness, and organizational scale. Autodesk (Revit / AutoCAD) – Industry-standard design and BIM software platforms shaping architecture, engineering, and construction delivery. Winning the Brain Game by Matthew E. May – Groundbreaking book on cognitive problem-solving, introducing "framestorming" and problem definition before jumping to solutions. Disrupt It – Dr. Sam Zolfagharian's book exploring technology adoption, systems, and transformation across the built environment.

October 29, 202656 min

Why Floating Data Centers Are the Future of AI | Cooling, Brownfields, and Modular Power with Gabe Andrews

Building massive data centers on land is running into a wall. Campuses sprawl for miles, local power grids are tapped out, and neighbors don't want their water supplies drained. The practical workaround isn't trying to build even bigger footprints on dirt—it's moving directly to the water. In this episode of Wired to Build , Nick Caravella catches up with Gabe Andrews , Chief Delivery Officer at Mousterian . Gabe brings over 25 years of field experience across combat arms and mission-critical construction, now leading the push for purpose-built floating data centers. Gabe breaks down how barge-mounted facilities actually work and why fears of "boiling the ocean" miss the mark. Instead of burning through treated drinking water, these vessels borrow non-potable, brackish water using open-loop heat exchange systems that industrial plants have relied on for decades. Stacking these systems vertically cuts the physical footprint by 25% and slashes raw materials like steel and copper by up to 60%. They also dig into borrowing fixes from outside the tech bubble, including how trauma ERs cut patient mortality by adopting Formula 1 pit crew routines. Gabe explains why designing for predictable failure points makes equipment easier to maintain, how floating assets de-risk abandoned industrial brownfields, and why Small Modular Reactors are the real endgame for clean baseload power. This is Part 2 of a two-part conversation. If you missed Gabe’s take on high-risk operational tolerance and his path through critical facilities, check out Part 1 first. Listen to Part 1 here . Guest: Gabe Andrews – Chief Delivery Officer at Mousterian Resources & Tools Mentioned: Mousterian – Next-generation digital infrastructure developer pioneering purpose-built floating data centers and sustainable brownfield revitalization. Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) – Next-generation compact nuclear reactors providing dedicated, carbon-free baseload power to bypass grid congestion. Open-Loop Heat Rejection – Proven thermal exchange technology borrowing industrial/brackish water to cool systems without chemical additives.

October 15, 2026Episode 1536 min

25-Years of Data Center Evolution | Military Mindset, High Risk, and Mission-Critical Scale with Gabe Andrews

The infrastructure race has escalated beyond standard builds. Projects that used to measure capacity in 100-kilowatt blocks now demand full gigawatts, pushing grid reliability, land availability, and operational playbooks to their absolute limits. In this episode of Wired to Build , host Nick Caravella sits down with Gabe Andrews , Chief Delivery Officer at Mousterian . Bringing over 25 years of hands-on data center delivery experience alongside a combat arms military background, Gabe has guided mission-critical programs across design, construction, commissioning, and operations through every major technological transformation in modern infrastructure. Gabe breaks down the 25-year evolution of data center delivery, tracking the journey from answering support lines at APC with zero tech background to pioneering modular deployments and early liquid cooling long before they became table stakes. He shares how a combat arms mindset built an exceptionally high tolerance for operational risk, why getting reprimanded for "not overreacting" proved to be his greatest crisis asset, and how leaning into curiosity and asking basic questions uncovers solutions when no playbook exists. The discussion also dives into Mousterian’s strategy to bypass community backlash and grid bottlenecks by reactivating industrial brownfields—transforming decommissioned mills, petrochemical facilities, and steel plants with existing power and water access into future-proof digital engines. Gabe explains why real innovation demands an agile craft instead of an bureaucratic aircraft carrier, setting the stage for what comes next. This is Part 1 of a 2-part conversation. In Part 2, Gabe and Nick take on Mousterian’s most controversial and disruptive frontier: floating data centers. Guest: Gabe Andrews – Chief Delivery Officer at Mousterian (LinkedIn Profile) Resources & Companies Mentioned: Mousterian – Data center developer focused on brownfield site revitalization, cutting-edge cooling systems, and next-generation mission-critical infrastructure. APC (American Power Conversion / Schneider Electric) – Power and physical infrastructure provider where early modular and transportable data center systems were pioneered. DICE (Data Center Investment Conference & Expo) – Leading industry summit convening digital infrastructure developers, operators, and capital investors. Avicado – Founding sponsor of Wired to Build, helping capital project owners and delivery teams connect technology strategy with field execution (visit avicado.com ).

October 2, 2026Episode 1453 min

Can Robots Actually Dig Dirt? | The Reality of Autonomous Excavators and Field Buy-In with Rachael Ferrera

Most construction robotics look great in a controlled pitch deck, but put them on an active highway project with unpredictable conditions and the illusion quickly falls apart. Real jobsite autonomy isn't about replacing the workforce; it’s about unlocking capacity in an industry where 40% of the labor pool is retiring within the next five years. In this episode of Wired to Build , host Nick Caravella sits down with Rachael Ferrera , Manager of Investments and Ideation at Zachry Corporation . A civil engineer who spent nearly two decades inside Zachry moving through estimating, enterprise ERP overhauls, and corporate document management, Rachael now connects heavy civil operations with emerging technologies and strategic investments. Rachael reveals the story of Zachry's deployment of Bedrock Robotics' autonomous excavators—moving from an initial panel meeting to executed agreements and hardware installation on an active machine in under a week. She breaks down why autonomy requires a fundamental shift away from prescribed "Roomba-style" site automation toward true machine learning, LiDAR processing, and Waymo-grade engineering capable of handling complex interactions between autonomous machines and human crews. We also explore the operational realities of introducing frontier tech to boots-on-the-ground operators. Rachael details why field buy-in cannot be achieved through top-down mandates, sharing how sitting in pickup trucks with skeptical foremen, actively listening to survey teams, and creating rapid feedback loops is the true secret sauce to preventing pilot fatigue and building tech that actually survives the jobsite. This is Part 2 of a 2-part conversation. If you missed our breakdown of Zachry’s internal systems, operational overhauls, and early-stage startup alignment, make sure to catch Part 1. Watch Part 1 here: https://youtu.be/3PMQogR_yO8 Guest: Rachael Ferrera – Manager of Investments and Ideation at Zachry Corporation Resources & Tools Mentioned: Bedrock Robotics – Autonomous heavy civil excavation and yellow iron robotics built on advanced machine learning and autonomy systems. Trimble Business Center – Survey and field data management software used to model surfaces and drive stringless machine control. Prime Points – AI platform creating knowledge graphs from construction plans and specs to query documents, extract RFIs, and automate submittals. SmartPM – Automated schedule analysis platform optimizing CPM scheduling performance and project risk management. Planera – Visual, collaborative CPM scheduling and planning software built for construction project teams. ALICE Technologies – AI-driven construction optioneering and schedule simulation platform. Nodes & Links – Project controls and scheduling risk-mitigation tool powered by machine learning. Ruckit (Pit Ticket Pro / Command Alkon) – Digital ticketing and material-tracking platform streamlining field receipt matching and cost controls. Avicado – Founding sponsor of Wired to Build , partnering with capital owners and delivery teams to align tech investment with real outcomes (learn more at avicado.com ).

September 16, 2026Episode 1327 min

Solving Real Field Problems: Systems, Startups, and Staying Curious with Rachael Ferrera

Construction technology is often evaluated at the point of sale, but the people best positioned to judge whether a tool can survive the work are those who have lived inside the operational systems trying to change. In Part 1, Nick Caravella sits down with Rachael Ferrera , Manager of Investments and Ideation at Zachry Corp . With nearly two decades of experience spanning estimating, enterprise ERP rollouts, and document management, Rachael bridges the gap between field-level operational reality and emerging technology. We go inside the real-world mechanics of heavy civil innovation: moving beyond bespoke project silos, securing buy-in from the ground up, and replacing top-down assumptions with hands-on field testing. Rachael shares how her background as a civil engineer informed her transition from concrete batch plants to building company-wide enterprise frameworks—and why successful technology adoption depends on solving genuine pain points rather than creating digital busywork. From there, we look at the contractor-startup dynamic: navigating the build-versus-buy mindset, evaluating tools alongside bullpen estimators, and what it takes for Silicon Valley tech to survive boots-on-the-ground conditions. Rachael breaks down the importance of intellectual humility, staying curious, and partnering with founders willing to listen to the field. This is Part 1 of 2. Stay tuned for Part 2, where we dig into Zachry's deployment of autonomous excavators with Bedrock Robotics. Guests: Rachael Ferrera — Manager of Investments and Ideation at Zachry Corporation Resources mentioned: Zachry Corporation — Heavy civil construction, materials, and infrastructure enterprise Bedrock Robotics — Autonomous construction equipment partnership

July 30, 2026Episode 1253 min

Redefining Success: Authenticity, Failure, and Owning Your Path with Kyle Majchrowski & Megan Schroeder

The career path looked defined. The question is whether it was yours. In Part 2, Nick Caravella , Kyle Majchrowski , and Megan Schroeder explore the concept of success — where our traditional definitions come from, how external expectations shape our choices, and why true success in the built environment requires stepping out of the prescribed box. We go inside the exercise of redefining success out loud: what happens when career metrics clash with personal authenticity, how early upbringing shapes our professional expectations, and why embracing vulnerability isn't a liability, but a strength. Megan shares her journey from farm roots to redefining her career choices, while Nick discusses stepping away from traditional architectural practice to show up authentically. From there, we look at team dynamics: how navigating failure, taming the internal critic, and fostering psychological safety ultimately create better creative output and stronger accountability. Nick and Megan dive into the importance of self-compassion, learning from mistakes, and supporting team members on their unique growth paths. This is Part 2 of 2. Start with Part 1 if you haven't. https://open.spotify.com/episode/4Uh3MI5XmHA3rqxMtdGeKy?si=5c861e454c0f473e Guests: Kyle Majchrowski — Ripple Intent Megan Schroeder — Business Development at Development Consortium, Ripple Intent Resources mentioned: Ripple Intent — A community exploring human-centric leadership and curiosity in the built environment American Institute of Architects (AIA) Powerful Conversations - Vol. 1 and Vol. 2 Wired to Build is powered by Avicado

July 16, 2026Episode 1134 min

Guest Intro - Kyle Majchrowski & Megan Schroeder | Ripple Intent & Degenkolb

What does success actually mean? Most of us spend our careers chasing it without ever defining it for ourselves. In Part 1 of this conversation, Nick Caravella sits down with Kyle Majchrowski , founder of Ripple Intent and author of Powerful Conversations , alongside Megan Schroeder from Degenkolb , to explore why so many capable professionals struggle to recognize their own value. The discussion goes beyond project schedules and job titles to examine the human side of work—imposter syndrome, connection, leadership, and the stories we tell ourselves about success. In this episode, we discuss: * Why high performers often underestimate themselves. * The people problems hiding behind technical work. * Rethinking what makes a project truly successful. * How better conversations create better teams. * Why losing can be a better teacher than winning. * The role of connection in leadership and business development. Part 2 takes the conversation further as Kyle guides Nick and Megan through Ripple Intent's Powerful Conversations framework, unpacking what success really means—and how those beliefs shape the way we work and lead. If you enjoyed this conversation, like, subscribe, and follow the podcast for more conversations with builders, operators, and industry leaders. Powered by Avicado

June 24, 2026Episode 1053 min

Proven, Not Just Passed: Electrical Testing with Dr. Ahmed El-Rasheed (Megger)

The work looked right. The question is whether it was. In Part 2, Dr. Ahmed El-Rasheed gets into the mechanics of how electrical systems actually fail — and why more than half the time, the cause traces back to something that happened during construction. Not a bad design. Not a faulty component. The build itself. We go inside the insulation resistance test: what it measures, what it catches, and what slips through when nobody's running one. We talk through what the silver tsunami actually means for crews in the field — what gets lost when the experienced hands walk out, and how that gap shows up months or years after handoff. Ahmed shares the story of two solar sites, same company, same equipment, one crew running clean for five years and one getting called back every month — the only difference being the experience of the people who built it. From there we look forward: data centers wired end to end with sensors, telemetry outpacing human review, and AI increasingly doing what no person can do fast enough. Ahmed is optimistic. So am I. But the throughline doesn't change — none of it works if the work wasn't proven right at the start. This is Part 2 of 2. Start with Part 1 if you haven't. https://open.spotify.com/episode/2U5nI8TNxRscnRwYYjS1KB?si=792e12a43b094e13 Guest: Dr. Ahmed El-Rasheed — Industry Director at Megger , ~18 years in electrical test & measurement. PhD in electrical engineering (testing, sensors, multi-sensor integration with AI). Sits on standards committees for NETA, IEEE, IEC, and BSI. Resources mentioned NETA — InterNational Electrical Testing Association IEEE IEC BSI AVO Training Institute (Dallas)

June 10, 2026Episode 934 min

Guest Intro - Dr. Ahmed El-Rasheed | Megger

What does it actually mean to know electrical work was done right? Not hope. Not assume. Know. Dr. Ahmed El-Rasheed has spent his career inside the world of electrical testing and measurement. As Industry Director at Megger , he works at the intersection of power systems, field practice, and the instruments used to verify that critical infrastructure is ready to perform. In Part 1, Ahmed and Nick cover: How Ahmed’s path from taking apart broken VCRs to electrical engineering shaped the way he thinks about measurement Why Megger became synonymous with insulation resistance testing in the electrical trades The difference between work being done and work being proven What Ahmed’s research with Jaguar taught him about visual completion versus verified quality Why electrical testing matters before energizing data centers, hospitals, power stations, and other critical infrastructure How renewables, HVDC, bidirectional power flow, and data center demand are changing the complexity of the grid Why certainty, skilled labor, and documentation matter more as the margin for error gets smaller Part 2 picks up where this leaves off: testing culture, commissioning, workforce readiness, and what it takes to hold a higher standard in the field before the lights come on. Support the show! Make sure to like, subscribe, and share your thoughts. Visit our founding sponsor at www.avicado.com

June 4, 2026Episode 82 min

Field Notes 03 - Slow is Smooth, Smooth is Fast

"Slow is smooth. Smooth is fast." You've heard it on a call, on a jobsite, in a review — and nobody ever asks what it means. We just nod. This Field Note is about why that phrase keeps resurfacing right now. The built world is accelerating — bigger projects, tighter schedules, less room for error — and the cost of getting things wrong is climbing. But most failures don't begin when something breaks. They begin weeks or months earlier, in a skipped verification, an assumption, a rushed review. Something that saved a few minutes. Until it didn't. Everybody wants acceleration. Very few people talk about recovery. A short one on why speed without control eventually creates its own delay. Field Notes. No guests. Just what the work is teaching us.