Digital twins are instrumented virtual replicas of physical assets and are becoming essential tools for simulating and optimizing designs before construction and during operation. AI may enhance these twins by making them smarter, more adaptive, and more insightful. AI doesn't... Read more →

In today's fast-paced world, where every month seems to bring a new wave of bits, bytes, gadgets, gizmos, and software, it's easy to get overwhelmed. We often find ourselves focused by the latest tech, believing it's the magic key to success. But here's the thing—technology is merely a tool. Without our skill, creativity, and experience, and even gut instinct even the most advanced tech won't do much. It's like having the fanciest paints and brushes without the artistic skills to create a masterpiece. Read more →

As startups navigate the challenging and changing landscape of building and scaling a business, there's much to learn from industry giants like Google. Google's approach to culture, innovation, and technology offers valuable insights that can be adapted to smaller organizations aiming for growth and impact. Here are key lessons that startups can apply from Google's experiences. Read more →

In today's fast-paced world, manufacturing is undergoing a major transformation. Driven by technological advancements, shifting market demands, and the push for sustainability, this evolution was evident at the recent IMTS—the world's largest manufacturing technology show with over 100,000 attendees. Attending with some startup clients, I got an up-close look at the technology trends. Read more →

Our recent two-week adventure was everything we had hoped and had planned for—a perfect blend of awe inspiring landscapes, family, and unforgettable wildlife. Starting from our home in Bend, Oregon, we set off on a 2,300-mile loop that took us... Read more →

This weekend was my partners birthday. We went to a nice local Italian restaurant, Trattoria Sbandati. It was an amazing and authentic dinner with excellent service. If you are ever in beautiful Bend Oregon and want amazing Italian food and... Read more →

Fall is in full swing here in Central Oregon, and it’s not just the changing leaves that make this time of year special. Alongside the vibrant yellows and reds of autumn leaves as well as larch pine needles, the region’s... Read more →

When discussing innovation, we often think of groundbreaking technologies, disruptive startups, or revolutionary products that reshape entire industries. We admire companies that push boundaries, introducing novel ideas that captivate the market. We hold in high regard companies that push boundaries, introducing fresh ideas that captivate the market. However, innovation transcends the boardrooms and R&D departments; it embodies a mindset—a way of engaging with the world—that can significantly influence not only our businesses and products, but also ourselves. Read more →

As the Autodesk sponsored event for design and engineering professionals, Autodesk University (AU) offers an opportunity to learn, network, and be inspired. This year, October 15-17 2024, AU is heading to the sunny shores of San Diego California, a city known for its beautiful beaches, vibrant culture, and innovative spirit. This is the first AU in San Diego. Whether you're a first-time attendee or a seasoned AU veteran, this thrive guide will help you make the most of your experience. Read more →

I will write more about the recent van life adventure with Stefanie and our two dogs to 5 states including Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Park later after unpacking the van. But here are a couple photos. Read more →

AEC Hackathons have been incredible and inspiring, leading to the formation of actual industry startups with products born from hackathon-generated ideas. I've personally participated in two events, one in Seattle and another in Copenhagen. If you ever have the chance to participate or even just attend, take it—it's enjoyable and you witness innovation at the very moment it ignites change in the industry. Read more →

Wow, what a crazy couple of weeks it's been! Read more →

Stefanie and I are gearing up for an incredible adventure in June 2025 with Be The Change Volunteers, a nonprofit that’s all about making a difference through education. We were invited to be part of this project thanks to Stefanie’s business connections, and we’re both beyond excited to join this volunteer project as “Changers”. Read more →

I’m thrilled to announce that I’ll be attending the International Manufacturing Technology Show (IMTS) this year in Chicago! From September 9-14, 2024, McCormick Place will be the epicenter of innovation, and I’m looking forward to diving into the latest advancements in the manufacturing technology space. IMTS is where the magic happens—where ideas come to life, technologies evolve, and the future of manufacturing takes shape. Read more →

Today marks a big blog milestone—21 years of "Between the Lines Blog." What started as a simple idea has grown into a fun and trusted source for those in the AEC and manufacturing design technology industry. It’s wild to look... Read more →

While it might seem like an unlikely source of danger, bathroom and attic fans pose a significant fire risk if not properly managed. One simple yet often overlooked solution can help prevent such incidents: installing a timer for your bathroom fan. Many building codes require a timer on the fan in recent updates, but there are so many homes without it, and people may not be aware of the risk. Read more →

Last night, I was at a concert here in Bend, Oregon, with expectations set on seeing Citizen Cope, but it was an experience far beyond what I anticipated. I was there primarily for Citizen Cope, a band I’ve always enjoyed,... Read more →

This past weekend was all about the outdoors. On Saturday, I kayaked 8 miles on a crystal-clear Cascade lake, where the water was as cold as it was stunning. Then, on Sunday, we hiked 7 miles with a 2,000-foot elevation gain into the Mt. Jefferson Wilderness. With a wilderness day permit in hand, We made it to the glacier on Three Finger Jack. The hike was made even better by the intoxicatingly sweet scents and breathtaking views of wildflowers along Canyon Creek and spotting a rocky mountain goat. Read more →

As a technologist and avid outdoor adventurer, I’ve always been on the lookout for innovations that enhance both my digital and real-world experiences. Recently, I had the opportunity to test the Apple iOS developer beta 18.1, which comes packed with... Read more →

I'm looking for your help and input in researching ways to better mitigate risks on job sites through the use of a mobile web application that is dead simple easy. One of the key challenges I'm trying to address is... Read more →

Okay, dog owners, let's get real for a second. Your dog probably thinks you're the best thing since peanut butter filled chew toys. And why not? You're the bringer of walks, the giver of treats, and the ultimate belly rub expert. But here's the thing – maybe it's time we start seeing ourselves through our dogs' eyes. Read more →

It has been a heatwave where I live in the mountains of Central Oregon and people including myself have been hitting the Cascade Lakes and river to cool off. I have never seen so many people floating the Deschutes River in the Old Mill District of Bend Oregon. Read more →

I’ve been thinking a lot about how we run global meetings. You know how it goes: most of the time, we're trying to juggle a bunch of time zones, and more often than not, we end up defaulting to US or European time zones because that might be where our HQs and main offices are, right? But, here’s the thing - it’s started to feel a bit off to me, and I heard from some they resented feeling as less important based on their location away from HQ time zone which was US-centric. So, I changed things up about 4 years ago. Read more →

For 30+ years, I've been the proud curator of an ever-growing collection of Autodesk product memorabilia and history. What started as a personal hobby has grown into one of the largest collections of CAD history, spanning the evolution of one of the industry's most well known design industry software companies. My collection is a mix of items I've personally acquired and generous gifts from fellow CAD geeks, former colleagues, and industry veterans. It's a time capsule of Autodesk's early days Among the gems are one-of-a-kind pieces that tell unique stories of Autodesk's development like an AutoCAD-86 or 1.1 manual or floppy disk or Revit 1.0 CD-ROM. Alongside these, I've amassed a delightful array of geeky CAD paraphernalia – the kind that brings a smile to any long-time AutoCAD user's face like an “My Other Car Was Designed by AutoCAD” license plate holder, R14 mug or beach flip flops that leaves R14 in the sand, or first edition versions of CADalyst Magazine. However, as with all good things, this chapter of my collecting journey is coming to a close. The sheer volume of items has outgrown my ability to properly maintain, store, and showcase them. With a heavy heart, I'm considering auctioning off parts of the collection to ensure these pieces of software history find new homes where they'll be appreciated. A few items may go to non profit technology museum collections to preserve and display. To my fellow CAD enthusiasts and tech history buffs: keep an eye out for upcoming announcements. You might soon have the chance to own a piece of this CAD legacy. Whether you're looking for a rare artifact or just a fun blast from the past, there might be something in this collection for you. Read more →

In today's rapidly evolving technology landscape, staying ahead of the curve is not just an advantage—it's a necessity. One of the most transformative technologies is Artificial Intelligence (AI), particularly generative AI. Recognizing the immense potential and growing demand for AI expertise, Microsoft has made available eighteen free generative AI courses designed to equip you with the knowledge and skills. Why AI Skills Matter AI is more than just a buzzword; it's a fundamental shift in how technology interacts with the world. From enhancing business processes to enabling new forms of creativity, AI's applications are vast and varied. By diving into AI learning, you not only enhance your professional value but also open up new opportunities for innovation and problem-solving. Read more →