Building Conversations
Business og økonomiTeknologiWelcome to Building Conversations, an STO Building Group podcast dedicated to exploring the trends driving the real estate, architecture, engineering, and construction industry forward.
Siste episoder av Building Conversations podcast
- Innovation Expo: How Outbuild is Reinventing Construction Scheduling (00:18:17)
In this episode of STO Building Group’s Innovation Expo Series, host Rob Leon sits down with Franco Giaquinto, founder and CEO of Outbuild, to explore how the company is transforming construction project management through collaborative, integrated scheduling tools. From outdated processes like whiteboards and Excel sheets to AI-powered insights, Outbuild is helping owners, general contractors, and trade partners streamline planning, improve relationships, and deliver projects more efficiently.
- Breaking Ground: Circularity Through Partnerships (00:29:17)
How can the construction industry shift from a “take, make, waste” cycle to a circular economy? In celebration of Zero Waste Week, host Jennifer Taranto, VP of Sustainability at STO Building Group is joined by Tim Conway, VP of Sustainability at Shaw Industries, and Avery McKitrick Sustainability Coordinator to explore how takeback programs and supplier partnerships are transforming waste management on jobsites.
- Boston’s Circular Shift: Building Smarter, Greener, Better (00:30:54)
In celebration of Zero Waste Week, join Jennifer Taranto, VP of Sustainability at STO Building Group, Michael Orbank, Sustainability Manager, Northeast Region at STO Building Group, and Andrea Love, Principal and Director of Building Science at Payette, as they explore how Boston teams are turning demolition into deconstruction—leveraging partnerships across owners, designers, contractors, and vendors while navigating policy, storage, and market challenges.
- Inside NYC’s Push for Material Circularity (00:25:50)
In honor of Zero Waste Week, join Jennifer Taranto, VP of Sustainability at STO Building Group, Ryan Hughes, Sustainability Manager at Structure Tone New York, and Tiffany Williams, Sustainability Manager at Rudin, as they explore how selective deconstruction, material recovery, and take-back programs are transforming NYC construction.
- Ask the Expert: Mastering Building Façades with Michael Signorile (00:06:32)
In the latest episode of Ask the Expert, Michael Signorile, Exterior Envelope Supervisor at Pavarini McGovern, dives into the world of building façades. From design considerations and constructability reviews to cutting-edge technologies like BIPV and electrochromic glass, Signorile shares strategies for delivering high-performance, energy-efficient, and visually striking façades on complex projects.
- Built to Chill: Exploring Cold Storage Construction (01:01:18)
What does it really take to build high-performance cold storage facilities in today’s market? Join Layton Construction’s National Building Group as Executive Vice President Eric Nay hosts a dynamic conversation with Thomas Gubbins, Director of Client Relations and Pre-Construction, Christopher Webb, Design Manager, Sean Doherty, Project Manager, and Mike George, Vice President of Operations on the booming world of cold storage construction. From refrigeration systems to convertibility, automation, and emerging trends, the team shares real-world insights and what sets Layton apart in this highly technical and fast-growing sector.
- Ask the Expert: The Elevator Playbook with Michael Walsh (00:08:39)
In the latest episode of the Ask the Expert, series, Michael Walsh, Vice President of Elevator Construction Consultants at STO Building Group, shares key insights into elevator system planning, coordination, and innovation. From design-phase red flags to the rise of AI-powered elevators, Walsh breaks down strategies that keep projects on schedule and performing at their best.
- Next-Level Building: Drones, AI, and Reality Capture (01:00:42)
How is reality capture technology changing the way we build? Join Greg Dunkle, STO Building Group’s Chief Operating Officer, Jon Ferguson, Vice President of Virtual Design and Construction at Layton Construction, Austin Lay, Senior VDC Manager at Layton Construction, and James Pipe, Chief Product Officer at Drone Deploy as they explore how tools like drones, 360 cameras, and AI are transforming project accuracy, documentation, and data management on today’s jobsites.
- Ask the Expert: Safety Innovations with Keith Haselman (00:09:47)
In the latest episode of the Ask the Expert series on the Building Conversations podcast, STOBG’s Senior Vice President of Safety, Keith Haselman, explores the cutting-edge innovations—like drones, wearables, AI, and radar—reshaping how we keep jobsites safe.
- Stacking the Deck: The Rise of Mass Timber in Modern Building (00:20:33)
Could mass timber be the catalyst for the next era of construction efficiency and sustainability? Join Doug Kroll, Director of Business Development at Layton Construction, Pete Kobelt, Director of Mass Timber at STO Building Group, and James Litwin, Vice President of Construction at Harbor Bay, as they dissect how this groundbreaking material is streamlining project delivery, enhancing design flexibility, and reducing environmental impact.
- Ask the Expert: The Future of Workplace Design with Stephen Dennis (00:05:30)
In the latest episode of the Ask the Expert series, STOBG’s Global Services Account Executive, Stephen Dennis, breaks down the biggest cost trends shaping commercial interiors in 2025—from finish levels and permitting pain points to post-pandemic design priorities. Join Stephen as he dives into practical insights on workplace densification, sound design, and how companies are planning for the next decade of office space.
- Innovation Expo Series: Featuring BuildVision (00:18:48)
What’s the future of procurement in construction? At STO Building Group's Innovation Expo, Chief Innovation Officer Rob Leon was joined by David Hamilton, Senior Vice President of Construction Procurement Solutions (CPS), and Ben Lyddane, COO of BuildVision, to discuss how technology is reshaping procurement processes. Their conversation explored the challenges facing traditional procurement, the innovative solutions BuildVision brings to the table, and how smarter procurement strategies can drive efficiency and success in project delivery.
- Innovation Expo Series: Featuring Join (00:20:20)
Today’s episode features a conversation from STOBG’s Innovation Expo Series—a video series designed by STOBG Innovation to help professionals in our industry learn more about the construction technologies and process improvements revolutionizing construction. This session features a conversation between Rob Leon, STOBG’s Chief Innovation Officer, and Andrew Zukoski, Founder and CEO of Join, a collaborative preconstruction platform.
- Women Who Build: Strength, Family, and Inclusion in the Field (00:40:28)
What does it take to balance motherhood and a career in construction? In this special Women’s History Month collaboration episode, join Rebecca Leonardis, STO Building Group’s SVP of Marketing and Communications, Stacey Dackson, Structure Tone New York's Vice President of Operations, and Tonia Rivers, host of Mothers in Construction and owner and president of WLS Construction Consultants, as they dive into what it means to build not just structures but legacies—juggling deadlines, leadership, and the unique challenges of being not just women, but mothers, in the industry.
- Ask the Expert: Navigating Office-to-Residential Conversions with Brooks McDaniel (00:04:35)
In the latest episode of the Ask the Expert series, STOBG Senior Vice President of Building Repositioning, Brooks McDaniel, explores the complexities of office-to-residential conversions. Join Brooks as he debunks common myths, breaks down cost comparisons, and discusses design challenges, zoning impacts, and government incentives shaping these transformative projects.
- Ask the Expert: Exploring Life Sciences Construction with Jennie Taveras (00:12:18)
In our Ask the Expert series, STOBG Vice President & Life Sciences Sector Leader, Jennie Taveras, discusses the intricacies of life sciences construction. Join Jennie to learn what we mean when we say ‘life sciences,’ how builders are keeping up with the rapid advancement of medical and research technology, and what strategies are helping us deliver projects faster and safer than ever before.
- Ask the Expert: Decoding Net Zero with Jennifer Taranto (00:09:03)
In our newest Ask the Expert series on the Building Conversations podcast, STOBG’s Vice President of Sustainability, Jennifer Taranto, explores the evolving world of net zero buildings—what it means, key drivers behind the movement, and how government regulations, renewable energy, and emerging technologies are shaping the future of sustainable construction.
- Studio Shifts: Building the Future of Broadcast & Media Spaces (00:38:43)
Have you ever thought about where all your favorite podcasters record? Join Kiera Brady, Structure Tone New York Project Manager, Scott Corneby, Structure Tone New York Executive Vice President, Michael Farrell, Structure Tone New Jersey Regional Vice President, and James Dunn, Pavarini North East Project Manager, as they discuss what goes into constructing broadcast and media spaces—and how our approach as builders is evolving with the advancement of technology.
- Synergy on Site: Exploring IPD (00:43:30)
Ever wondered how modern construction delivery methods are reshaping the industry? Join Chris McGinnis, Senior Project Manager at LF Driscoll, Mike Dikon, Vice President at LF Driscoll, and Steve Greulich, Associate VP of Capital Projects for Penn Medicine, as they explore how Integrated Project Delivery (IPD) is transforming collaboration, boosting efficiency, and redefining success on projects.
- NYC's Commercial Reinvention: Office to Residential (RE-RELEASE) (00:39:06)
With more than 25% of the country’s office stock projected to become obsolete by 2030, how is an international commercial hub like New York City adapting? Join STOBG’s SVP of Building Repositioning, Brooks McDaniel as he discusses the city’s trend towards residential conversion with commercial design leader and managing partner at MdeAS, Dan Shannon.
- Building a Mindful Connection: The Built Environment & Mental Health (RE-RELEASE) (00:52:44)
Join STOBG’s VP of Human Resources, Keith Lodge, as he interviews Lauren Moss, SVP and Chief Sustainability Officer at Vornado Realty Trust, Dr. Whitney Austin Gray, SVP at the International Well Building Institute (IWBI), and Jennifer Taranto, VP of Sustainability at STOBG about the connection between the built environment and mental health.
- Controlled Implosions & Campus Construction at Vanderbilt University (00:42:13)
From the controlled implosions of two existing towers to groundbreaking sustainability efforts, the design and construction of Vanderbilt’s newest residential colleges has it all. Join Brooks Rutledge and the project team as they reflect on the highlights of this one-of-a-kind campus transformation.
- From the Boardroom: Wisdom From Women at the Top, Part 2 (00:40:34)
Exploring the essence of leadership: Join Claudia Healy, STOBG's Chief Human Resources Officer, as she interviews three members of STOBG's Board of Directors—Jane Chmielinski, Natalie Gochnour, and Julie Schoenfeld—on their experiences, challenges, and lessons on shattering glass ceilings and redefining leadership in their respective fields. (Part 2 of 2)
- From the Boardroom: Wisdom From Women at the Top, Part 1 (00:40:35)
Exploring the essence of leadership: Join Claudia Healy, STOBG's Chief Human Resources Officer, as she interviews three members of STOBG's Board of Directors—Jane Chmielinski, Natalie Gochnour, and Julie Schoenfeld—on their experiences, challenges, and lessons on shattering glass ceilings and redefining leadership in their respective fields. (Part 1 of 2)
- The Slingshot Effect: Today’s Mission Critical Market (00:28:14)
The post-pandemic data center boom isn’t slowing down, so how are hyperscalers, builders, and manufacturers keeping up? Join STO Mission Critical Project Executive, Jim DiNoia, as he discusses the influx of mission critical work with SVP of STO Mission Critical, Martin O’Neill, and Vice President of Data Center Engineering at Sentinel Data Centers, Nick Marzorati.