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 →


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 →


A few years ago in 2015, I wrote on this blog about the changing of the carpet design in the Portland Oregon International Airport. PDX Carpet Designs in AutoCAD DWG The new design was confusing and not iconic and fun like the classic design. Wikipedia on the PDX carpet design Well, roll forward to 2024 and they have finally heard my complaint, or the many others and are now returning to installing the old classic design carpet.The classic design was based on the airport’s North and South runways as seen by air traffic controllers at night in a nerdy artistic way. Read more →


In the AEC industry, efficient project management and accurate data collection are crucial for ensuring successful project outcomes. Site Marker is a solution designed to streamline and enhance project reporting processes, bringing you and your issue reporting literally onto the map. The days of pen and paper reports are over. Field users can now leverage the Site Marker mobile app to quickly document and report daily activities with pinpoint precision, powered by real-time geolocation on the job site. Site Marker is a location-based land development platform that enables users to document and report action items from a mobile device in real-time. Forget notepads, construction drawings and hand-typed reports. Everything arrives on-site with you in the Site Marker mobile app. Read more →


Last Friday evening, Stefanie, our two dogs, and I embarked on an adventure to Lava Lake in the Cascades, just a short drive from our home in Bend, Oregon. The area had just emerged from winter, was the perfect for our outing, especially with the potential of a spectacular aurora borealis due to a massive solar storm—the largest in over two decades. Read more →


Mentoring is a powerful tool for professional growth and development, especially in the fast-paced and ever-evolving fields of design and technology. Whether you're an experienced professional or just starting, having a mentor can provide invaluable guidance, support, and insights to grow and prosper as a person and in your career. Read more →


I’m leading a panel on AEC Industry Software at AUGI CON 2024 on the 2nd day. This 90-minute panel is not aimed at marketing or sales pitches, nor will it be a debate. Instead, it is designed to be an informative and engaging 90-minute discussion that highlights various perspectives and experiences from industry experts and software developers. Our goal is to provide our live audience, primarily AEC software users, with valuable insights into the evolution of AEC software, its current challenges, innovative solutions, and a look into what the future holds.To ensure the session is as enriching and informative as possible, we are assembling a group of panelists (AEC Software, AEC Startups, and AEC Industry Experts) who can contribute unique viewpoints on these topics. Read more →


Digital transformation is sweeping through the architecture, engineering, and construction industry, bringing new technologies like building information modeling (BIM), reality capture, AI, XR, digital twins, generative design, cloud, automation, and data analytics. While these innovations offer exciting opportunities to boost... Read more →