The construction industry is evolving at an incredible pace. New technologies, smarter workflows, and fresh ideas are transforming how we design, build, and deliver projects. Digital transformation is accelerating, but the fact is, the industry wouldn’t be where it is today without the people who are constantly driving us forward.
That's exactly what our 40 Under 40: Champions of Construction list celebrates. Now in its eighth year, this peer-nominated recognition honors the rising leaders who are driving innovation, inspiring their teams, and making a lasting impact on construction.
So without further ado, let's meet this year's champions and discover the people helping shape what's next!
The list appears in alphabetical order by company name. Click on a name to jump to the individual or scroll on.
Ben has spent his career making complex construction projects more connected, collaborative, and data-driven across Europe and North America.
As Vice President of IDD & Geomatics at Aecon, Ben led the development of the company’s Integrated Digital Delivery Framework and created a connected digital ecosystem that integrates BIM, GIS, Information Management, and Geomatics. This ecosystem brings together design, planning, field execution, and project data, enabling a connected digital thread from design and construction through to handover.
His work has standardized digital workflows, strengthened collaboration across teams, and provided project stakeholders with improved visual insights to support lean construction and better decision-making.
Beyond technology, Ben has helped foster a digital-first culture at Aecon by building digital capable teams, championing emerging technologies such as AI and digital twins, and equipping employees with the tools and processes needed to work more efficiently.
“Ben has been instrumental in advancing Aecon’s IDD Framework, setting new standards for information management and digital design and construction coordination across major infrastructure projects. His leadership has driven the adoption of digital tools and systems that optimize project management, improve efficiency, and ensure high-quality outcomes.”
Aruni Sharma believes construction achieves its best outcomes when people, processes, and technology work together. As Senior Manager – Project Management & Strategy at Ahluwalia Contracts India Ltd., he initiated and scaled the company's BIM journey, transforming isolated digital practices into an organisation-wide approach that has strengthened planning, collaboration, and decision-making across some of India's most complex projects.
Passionate about digital transformation, Aruni works closely with leadership and technology teams to identify operational challenges, conceive innovative digital solutions, and drive the development and implementation of applications that enhance project delivery.
He initiated and has led the adoption of Autodesk's connected ecosystem as a common data environment, enabling project teams to work from a single source of truth for design coordination, issue management, and document control. By introducing immersive design reviews, drone-enabled progress monitoring, digital asset management, and BIM-led coordination, he has helped streamline construction workflows from planning and execution through to project handover.
“With a vision to advance BIM-led execution, digital twins, AI-enabled project intelligence, and data-driven project management through Autodesk technologies, Aruni is committed to driving the next phase of digital transformation across the architecture, engineering, and construction industry, helping build a more connected, intelligent, efficient, and technology-enabled future.”
Managing construction data across a global organization like Amazon is no small feat, and Sofia is helping make it possible. As Senior Standards and R&D Manager, she leads the development of enterprise-wide information management standards that ensure consistency across projects spanning fulfillment centers, retail stores, AWS infrastructure, and beyond.
Sofia has built the governance framework that underpins how project teams manage, share, and use construction data, making digital compliance a core part of project delivery rather than an afterthought.
She also leads the development of an enterprise data platform that connects Autodesk systems with Amazon's internal tools, creating a reliable foundation for smarter collaboration. Now, she's building on that work with AI-powered tools that enable teams to search, analyze, and extract insights from millions of project data points, turning information into a strategic advantage.
“Sofia represents a generation of AEC professionals who refuse to accept the traditional separation between technology strategy and construction delivery. In a sector where digital transformation is frequently vendor-led, process-light, and disconnected from operational reality, Sofia's approach is the opposite: she builds the governance infrastructure first, then drives platform adoption against it.”
Ron takes on the impressive challenge of overseeing complex public and institutional projects across the San Francisco Bay Area. One of the things he does well is combining an architect's perspective with a builder's mindset to improve collaboration from planning through construction.
Ron is a strong advocate for using technology to simplify project delivery. He champions tools like Autodesk Forma and BuildingConnected Pro to improve procurement, coordination, and communication across project teams. At the same time, he's helping move the industry toward more data-driven decision-making by incorporating analytics and AI into preconstruction and project management.
Through his leadership, Ron is proving that connected data, stronger partnerships, and thoughtful innovation lead to better project outcomes.
“Ron is a builder and operator at the intersection of design, construction, and community impact. With a background in architecture and construction, he brings a dual perspective that strengthens coordination between design intent and field execution, reducing risk and improving outcomes for clients and communities.”
For Irene, great architecture is more than thoughtful design. It's about creating the digital foundation that allows projects to move seamlessly from concept to construction. As Co-Founder, Architect, and BIM Manager at AURUS Arquitectura, she blends design expertise with BIM, AI, and data-driven workflows to deliver complex residential, hospitality, healthcare, and public-sector projects across Europe and beyond.
Irene has developed integrated workflows that connect design, documentation, coordination, and construction, reducing production time while improving project accuracy. She also leverages Autodesk Forma to give project teams real-time visibility into site progress, issue tracking, and collaboration.
In addition to her work on projects, Irene is shaping the future of the profession by training more than 200 AEC professionals each year, helping architects and engineers embrace practical digital workflows without losing sight of thoughtful, human-centered design.
“An architect, BIM Manager, and educator, Irene is contributing to the transformation of how architecture and construction projects are conceived and delivered through the integration of design excellence, BIM, and AI-driven workflows.”
Luke Dressman is building a construction firm for the work public institutions cannot afford to get wrong.
A West Point graduate and former U.S. Army engineer officer who served with the Army Corps of Engineers, Luke founded Building & Repair Systems in 2022 after recognizing a widening gap in construction: demand for skilled building was outpacing the industry's ability to develop the next generation of builders. He started BR Systems with $5,000 of personal savings, drew no salary for its first two years, and reinvested everything back into the organization — growing it from that stake into a multi-million-dollar institutional contractor in four years. In 2026, the U.S. Small Business Administration's Tennessee District Office named BR Systems "Tennessee Veteran-Owned Small Business of the Year".
Today, BR Systems is a Nashville-area commercial and institutional general contractor specializing in the renovation, repair, and build-out of occupied, mission-critical facilities. Its portfolio includes a municipal transit-center renovation, three barracks renovations at Fort Campbell, hospital pharmacy and secure special-needs facilities, college campuses, detention centers, and Tennessee state government facilities.
Luke's approach to innovation is deliberately practical: technology should not replace field expertise; it should capture it, strengthen it, and make it scalable. He connected estimating, project management, field operations, compliance, and financial data to give teams greater visibility into cost, schedule, risk, and closeout. BR Systems uses proprietary systems to help facilities teams define projects, price them against contract rates, and sharpen future estimates using actual field-cost data. Because BR Systems self-performs the construction, every completed project feeds the system with real-world outcomes and makes the next estimate smarter.
By pairing that digital backbone with standardized workflows, self-performed drywall and framing, and deliberate workforce development, Luke is building a company designed to scale without losing control of craftsmanship, quality, or accountability. His mission is clear: equip the next generation of builders to keep America's critical facilities mission-ready.
“Luke is redefining workforce expectations by investing in training, creating clear career pathways, and fostering a culture that values collaboration, adaptability, and continuous improvement. Equally important, he is helping shift the industry’s mindset. He demonstrates that construction is not only a skilled trade but also a dynamic, professional environment that embraces innovation, diversity of thought, and operational excellence.”
Giacomo sees BIM as much more than a design tool. For him, it's the foundation for smarter, more connected asset management across the entire project lifecycle. In his role as BIM & Digital Twin Technical Authority at Capgemini Engineering, he helps organizations integrate BIM, Digital Twins, and enterprise systems into cohesive strategies.
His work spans everything from developing enterprise BIM frameworks and information management strategies to implementing digital twin platforms that connect engineering, operations, and sustainability data.
Outside his client work, Giacomo contributes to Italian BIM standards, teaches at universities, and speaks at international conferences. His award-winning projects and commitment to open, interoperable digital ecosystems continue to advance how organizations think about digital transformation in the built environment.
“Giacomo Bergonzoni has successfully transformed BIM from a technical discipline into a strategic, enterprise-wide capability, delivering measurable business, sustainability, and operational value across complex infrastructures, energy systems, and industrial assets.”
Sampada is distinguished by her leadership in advancing model-based estimating within commercial construction. Beyond her technical expertise, she has led cross office training initiatives that have expanded the adoption of digital preconstruction workflows across multiple teams, helping transform model-based estimating from a specialized capability into a standardized organizational practice.
One notable thing about Sampada is that her work has focused on connecting design, cost, constructability, and execution into a single collaborative process rather than treating them as separate functions.
She is also preparing organizations for the next wave of modernization by aligning current processes with emerging platforms such as Autodesk Forma, demonstrating how early‑stage design intelligence can seamlessly connect to downstream execution.
Her work reflects the broader modernization of construction into a more connected, analytical, and future‑ready industry—and she is helping lead that transformation.
“Her ability to influence systems, not just tasks, places her among the most promising emerging leaders in the field. Sampada’s leadership extends beyond the organization as well. Through The Future Builds, she contributes to industry‑wide conversations, positioning herself as a practitioner‑leader whose voice is helping shape the future of construction.”
When a company is growing quickly, keeping people, processes, and technology aligned is no easy task. That's exactly where Amanda Rivera excels. As Senior Operations Manager at Dynamic Energy Solutions, she has helped guide the renewable energy company through a successful operational transformation, ensuring teams remained productive as they adopted new ways of working.
Amanda led the transition to Autodesk Forma, bringing preconstruction, project delivery, cost management, and operations together on a single platform. Thanks to this switch, the company gained greater visibility into project performance, more consistent workflows, and stronger collaboration between engineering, procurement, and operations teams.
All in all, Amanda focuses on building scalable systems that support long-term growth, so Dynamic Energy can deliver renewable energy projects more efficiently as the company continues to expand.
“Operating within a renewable energy company, Amanda’s work directly contributes to sustainability outcomes by enabling more efficient and data-driven project delivery. She has enabled better data visibility and reporting across projects, supported more informed decision-making through centralized systems, and built a foundation for future AI and analytics capabilities through structured data and integrated workflows.”
Alex thrives in environments where every project brings a new set of challenges. As an Interior Design Project Manager at Echelon Arch + Design, she oversees projects across education, healthcare, commercial, and interior design.
Beyond managing day-to-day delivery, Alex has helped strengthen the firm's digital project workflows by advancing the use of BIM, Autodesk Forma, and Revit as collaborative tools rather than just design software.
One example is her introduction of HOVER, a visualization and documentation platform that gives clients and project teams more accurate mockups early in the design process. This has led to better-informed decisions and smoother coordination. Combined with her commitment to mentoring colleagues and refining internal standards, Alex is helping her firm deliver higher-quality projects while continuously improving the way teams work.
“Alex has the ability to successfully manage complex, multi-sector projects while leading teams with clarity, accountability, and precision. As a Project Manager, she oversees projects across education, commercial, healthcare, and interior design sectors—often managing multiple projects simultaneously without compromising quality or timelines.”
Mohamad has built a career around solving complex challenges with digital innovation. As Regional Digital Manager for Egis across the Middle East and South Asia, he leads the company's digital strategy for more than 6,000 employees while helping deliver some of the region's most ambitious infrastructure projects.
His work spans far beyond BIM implementation. On one of the world's largest coral restoration initiatives, Mohamad led the development of a connected Digital Twin pilot integrating BIM models, IoT sensors, and asset documentation to enable real-time monitoring and data-driven decision-making. He also plays a leading role in advancing regional AI initiatives that help accelerate digital transformation across operations and projects.
He has also led the ISO 19650 standardization initiative across Group, supporting regional teams through certification efforts involving more than 1,500 professionals, while sharing his expertise through Autodesk University, industry publications, and international conferences. His capacity to translate emerging technologies into practical, large-scale solutions continues to push the boundaries of digital transformation in the AEC industry.
“Mohamad is someone who moves fluidly between project delivery, organizational governance, and technology authorship, and whose career progression itself mirrors the industry's digital maturation.”
Hamid is a recognized leader in innovation and digital transformation who is redefining how infrastructure projects are planned, delivered, and managed through connected digital ecosystems. With a multidisciplinary engineering background and more than a decade of experience in digital delivery and construction technology, he has played a pivotal role in expanding digital services across FlatironDragados and embedding innovation across major infrastructure projects throughout North America.
Passionate about advancing the construction industry, Hamid has led the implementation of enterprise digital delivery practices by integrating BIM models, drone-based reality capture, AI, and connected project data into scalable digital ecosystems. His vision extends beyond deploying individual technologies—he is building Digital Twins that connect engineering, construction, and field information, transforming fragmented data into construction intelligence that drives better planning, collaboration, and decision-making.
Beyond implementing technology, Hamid has established enterprise standards, governance frameworks, and best practices that have accelerated digital adoption across the organization. Through training, mentorship, and close collaboration with project teams, he has empowered hundreds of professionals to confidently embed digital workflows into everyday project delivery. His people-first approach has streamlined processes, strengthened collaboration, and fostered a culture of continuous innovation.
By bridging engineering expertise with emerging technologies, Hamid continues to shape the future of digital construction, demonstrating how connected data, Digital Twins, and AI can transform infrastructure project delivery and create smarter, more efficient, and more resilient projects.
"Hamid embodies the future of digital construction through a passion for innovation and digital leadership. He believes technology creates its greatest impact when it empowers people, connects data, and transforms the way projects are delivered. By advancing Digital Twins, AI, connected data, and enterprise digital delivery, Hamid is building a culture of continuous innovation, establishing scalable standards, and enabling smarter, data-driven decisions that are shaping the future of infrastructure project delivery"
When projects are high-stakes and collaboration is critical, Pallavi is the kind of person teams want at the table.
As a Project Manager at Gilbane Building Company, she has earned a reputation for leading complex healthcare and life sciences projects successfully while developing the people and processes that drive reliable outcomes.
One example of her leadership came on the UCSF Langley Porter Psychiatric Institute project, where she introduced Hoylu as a live, visual pull-planning platform, replacing spreadsheet-based daily work plans. By giving designers, trade partners, and project engineers a shared view of schedules, constraints, and commitments, she helped create stronger accountability and faster decision-making across the team.
As Lead Project Manager for the Hospital Make Ready Program at UCSF Helen Diller Hospital, Pallavi guided project execution while mentoring project teams across multiple firms and advancing Lean, technology-enabled workflows that improved transparency, accountability, and coordination.
Pallavi pairs people-focused leadership with digital innovation, using collaborative planning tools and project controls systems to help teams solve problems early and deliver reliable results.
“Throughout her career, she has been repeatedly trusted with projects and problems where clarity, accountability, and sound judgment matter most, making her a leader who elevates both outcomes and the teams she leads.”
Manasi views digital transformation as more than introducing new technology. It's about creating systems that help people solve problems faster and make better decisions. As National Lead for BIM & Automations at Godrej Properties, she has helped scale BIM and digital workflows across the organization, making connected project delivery the standard rather than the exception.
One of Manasi's most impactful initiatives was leading the enterprise-wide rollout of Autodesk Forma, onboarding more than 1,400 users and embedding standardized workflows for RFIs, model coordination, and document management across design, planning, and site teams. She also introduced data-driven tools such as RFI heatmaps that identify recurring design and construction issues before they escalate, helping teams shift from reactive problem-solving to proactive decision-making.
“Manasi’s approach goes beyond technology implementation—she focuses on building digital capability within teams, upskilling professionals, and fostering a mindset shift from reactive execution to proactive, insight-led delivery.”
As a Senior Digital and Design Technology leader at Gray Puksand, Páraic led the migration of the entire practice to Autodesk Forma, now supporting hundreds of live projects across multiple studios. He has also embedded tools like Autodesk Forma and advanced Revit–Rhino workflows into everyday practice, improving both design quality and delivery efficiency.
Páraic is at the forefront of applied AI in AEC. He is leading the rollout of internal tools like “Gráice” and exploring AI agents to automate business processes. Also, he’s now about to roll out Ai within Revit with Claude and MCP, always with a strong focus on governance and real-world value.
Alongside this, he mentors teams, drives training across 50+ designers, and plays a key role in major project collaboration. His ability to combine strategy, innovation, and practical implementation positions him as a true emerging leader shaping the industry's future.
“Páraic combines this with strong change management, aligning leadership, upskilling teams, and ensuring consistent adoption across the business. From strategic engagement with partners to hands-on training for designers and interns, he embeds new ways of working effectively.”
Rather than treating innovation as a separate department, Josue is making it part of how work gets done every day. As Core Innovation Lead at Grupo Hermosillo, he is responsible for the systems, workflows, and culture that enable teams to improve how projects are designed, coordinated, and delivered.
One of Josue's most impactful achievements has been automating tilt-up and precast documentation workflows that once took weeks to complete. He combined Revit-based automation with standardized processes, enabling his team to reduce documentation time from as much as three weeks to less than an hour. More broadly, internal testing showed representative workflows dropping from roughly 240 hours of manual effort to just 13 hours.
Josue leads the creation of these solutions alongside the designers, modelers, BIM Managers and on site teams who use them, turning practical ideas into tools that are readily adopted and helping build a more innovative, digitally empowered workforce.
“Josue is changing both how work is done and who gets to shape that work. Instead of treating innovation as something delivered only by specialists or outside consultants, he is building a model where designers and modelers become active contributors to digital transformation.”
Strong project management often comes down to one thing: giving people the information they need to make the right decisions at the right time. That's where LaShawnda has made her mark. Over the course of her career, she has successfully managed facilities and construction programs for major clients, including Real Estate and Financial services.
In Real Estate services, LaShawnda helped establish disciplined project controls that kept teams aligned across Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, New Mexico, and Arizona. Through clear decision logs, action-item tracking, and consistent communication, she transformed scattered project information into an organized workflow that improved accountability and kept projects moving forward. Her ability to connect people, processes, and project goals has earned the trust of clients and colleagues alike, making her a leader who consistently delivers results in complex construction environments.
“What makes LaShawnda stand out is that she treats project management as a leadership function, not an administrative function. She connects people, process, schedule, cost, risk, and client expectations. Her ability to manage complex work for major clients across different industries and regions makes her a strong emerging leader in construction."
Rodney Younger serves as Director of Preconstruction for Keystone Construction Corporation, where he leads budgeting, planning, risk management, value engineering, and procurement strategies across a diverse portfolio of multifamily, hospitality, mixed-use, adaptive reuse, parking, and sports development projects. Known for his analytical approach and ability to anticipate challenges before they impact a project, Rodney has built a reputation for improving cost certainty, strengthening project coordination, and helping teams make informed decisions from concept through closeout. His leadership has contributed to the continued growth and operational excellence of Keystone by creating repeatable processes that align executive strategy, preconstruction, and field operations.
One of Rodney’s most significant contributions came while reviewing a major multifamily development, where he uncovered a concrete omission that had been missed throughout the estimating and bidding process. Through an independent quantity takeoff and validation with alternate subcontractors, he identified a multimillion-dollar cost exposure exceeding $4 million before construction began, allowing the project team to address the issue proactively rather than absorb a substantial financial loss. This proactive approach reflects Rodney’s broader philosophy of identifying risks early, leveraging data-driven decision-making, and protecting both owners and contractors from costly surprises. Drawing on experience from both the owner and contractor sides of the industry, he consistently delivers practical solutions that improve project outcomes and create value for project stakeholders.
Beyond project delivery, Rodney is committed to advancing the construction industry through leadership, mentorship, and innovation. He has helped modernize preconstruction operations by implementing standardized workflows, strengthening collaboration between office and field teams, and promoting a culture of accountability and continuous improvement. Passionate about developing future construction professionals and creating opportunities for others to succeed, Rodney represents the next generation of industry leadership—one that combines technical expertise, strategic thinking, and a commitment to building stronger teams, better projects, and more resilient communities.
“Rodney represents the modernization of the design and construction workforce by actively advancing both inclusive business practices and data-driven project delivery, bridging traditional gaps in how projects are procured, managed, and executed.”
Viktoria has such a strong ability to translate advanced construction technologies into practical, site-level impact.
In January 2025, Laminar Projects was brought in to lead the planning scope on a €100m data center project in Vienna, with a clear requirement to strengthen delivery in line with Digital Realty’s contractual expectations. Viktoria was seconded into the main contractor’s team as the Planning and Project Controls Lead, with responsibility for integrated programme management, project controls and production control. She led the integration of Primavera P6, Aphex and AI-driven site-intelligence tools, connecting the master programme with short-term production planning and real-time site progress data. She quickly became a central figure in how the project was planned, monitored and managed.
She has gone beyond traditional planning responsibilities to shape decision-making across the project, driving a shift from static program reporting toward a live, performance-driven approach aligned around real-time data and measurable outcomes.
Alongside this, she has played a key role in integrating Autodesk Forma and BIM workflows into day-to-day delivery, using the federated model to lead structured coordination sessions with subcontractors. This improved visibility of design deliverables, procurement status, and construction readiness, enabling earlier identification of blockers across critical and near-critical paths.
“She has played a key role in changing team behavior, building trust in data-driven decision-making, and encouraging collaboration across both technical and site teams. Her ability to communicate complex information clearly across stakeholders, from planners to site teams, has helped bridge the gap between digital tools and on-site execution. Through this combination of technical understanding and people-focused leadership, Viktoria is not only improving project outcomes but also contributing to the broader modernization of how construction projects are delivered.”
Steven has led several firmwide technology, workflow, and process improvements at Larson Design Group (LDG) that have delivered clear gains in efficiency, quality, and collaboration. As the leader of LDG’s Digital Practice, he focuses on transforming promising ideas into scalable, supported business solutions. As a result, teams spend less time locating information, reduce rework, and deliver projects more consistently across disciplines and offices.
One of his most impactful initiatives was implementing a centralized design content library. By streamlining access to resources and standardizing the content used across projects, the library has improved project execution and consistency. LDG estimates this effort saves approximately 3,000 labor hours annually and has contributed to measurable quality improvements reflected in both internal and external QA/QC reviews.
Under Steven’s leadership, LDG has built a culture of continuous learning by aligning annual technical skills assessments with targeted development plans that keep training relevant, measurable, and rooted in real delivery needs. He has helped drive adoption of the firm’s internal learning platform from 40% to nearly 80% of staff, strengthening digital fluency across the entire organization.
“Steven has been a driving force in his firm's adoption of emerging technologies by co-leading Larson Design Group's AI Initiative and leading its AI Task Force. He brings together a cross-functional team to identify high-value use cases, assess risk, and establish responsible governance for deployment. Under his guidance, the initiative has moved from experimentation to a structured program with clear priorities, executive visibility, and practical pathways for implementation.”
When Meyers + Associates decided to move from AutoCAD to Revit, Aubrey didn't just help with the transition—she led it. Over the past decade, she has transformed the firm's digital capabilities, building the BIM standards, workflows, and training programs that support hundreds of projects and some of Ohio's most technically demanding developments.
Aubrey continues to push those capabilities forward by pairing Autodesk's cloud platform with AI-powered design tools that give teams more time to focus on creativity and collaboration. One example is her custom visualization workflow, which uses tools like WiseBIM, Veras, and ArchSynth to compress days of modeling and rendering work into minutes, allowing designers to explore more ideas and present clients with multiple design options early in the process.
Beyond technology, Aubrey has trained nearly 50 colleagues, helping build a culture where continuous learning and innovation are part of everyday practice.
“The most significant cultural shift Aubrey has driven at Meyers+Associates is how experienced professionals relate to technology and how people learn. When she arrived, the firm had skilled architects and designers with years of AutoCAD experience and understandable skepticism about change. Rather than mandating adoption, she made Revit feel achievable. She delivered the first project, built the necessary templates, and became the person everyone trusted to ask.”
Douglas Carney is the CEO and Co-Founder of Odin, the workforce intelligence and operations platform that enables owners and contractors to manage the people, security, and operations behind the world's most critical infrastructure projects.
After founding Odin in 2020, Doug set out to solve one of construction's biggest challenges: the lack of trusted workforce data. Under his leadership, Odin has grown into a robust platform supporting more than 500 active projects, over 100,000 verified workers, and more than $100 billion in construction value.
Today, many of the country's leading contractors rely daily on Odin, connecting workforce management, physical security, compliance, and operational intelligence into a single platform that provides real-time visibility throughout an asset's lifecycle.
That mission is deeply personal. Doug's grandfather was permanently disabled in a construction accident on a poorly managed jobsite, inspiring Doug's belief that better information leads to safer decisions. That philosophy continues to guide Odin today: every product decision begins with improving safety, reducing risk, and building greater trust across the industry.
“The thing I think most people miss about Doug is that this is not abstract for him. His grandfather was permanently disabled in a backhoe accident on a poorly managed jobsite. That is the reason Odin exists. He talks about it rarely and never performatively. But when you understand it, you understand why he treats every product decision as a safety decision first and a business decision second.”
Wolf thrives where engineering and software development intersect. Drawing on expertise in mechanical engineering, computer science, and data analytics, he creates digital tools that solve real-world construction challenges while making advanced technology more accessible to the people who use it every day.
His work at Pan-Pacific Mechanical is integral to modernizing company-wide workflows and redefining how projects are monitored and delivered. From developing custom field and office applications to overhauling the company's technology stack, Wolf is one of the leaders introducing a new approach to software usage, automation, and development at Pan-Pacific Mechanical. Just as importantly, Wolf works closely with office and field teams to understand their needs before designing solutions, ensuring new tools are practical, reliable, and easy to adopt. This naturally makes him one of the key drivers for core initiatives like advancing Autodesk-based workflows and developing methods to apply AI responsibly for process automation, data analysis, and software development. To make this possible, he is building the data foundations needed for intelligent, trustworthy automation in the AEC industry.
“Wolf is one of the most innovative, precise, and hard-working people that I have ever met. He combines experience in mechanical engineering, computer science, and data analytics to not only deploy but also redefine and shape software and computing architecture solutions for the AEC industry. He continues to impress me with his drive to deliver excellent solutions that are robust, practical, and impactful.”
Meridith has built her career around turning ambitious ideas into real-world infrastructure. From leading engineering for first-of-kind carbon removal facilities to co-founding Puppet Robotics, she consistently tackles complex challenges where new technologies must prove themselves outside the lab.
At Heirloom Carbon, Meridith built and led the engineering team responsible for designing infrastructure to support gigaton-scale carbon removal, while implementing digital workflows that connected engineering, construction, and business decision-making.
She is now bringing that same practical mindset to Puppet Robotics, where she's helping develop robotic systems that automate hazardous tasks such as abatement, selective demolition and other manual trade tasks. Rather than replacing skilled workers, the technology is guided by their expertise, enabling them to supervise fleets of robots while reducing exposure to hazardous environments and increasing productivity. By grounding innovation in the realities of construction, Meridith is helping shape a safe, more efficient and more resilient future for the industry.
“Meridith has demonstrated a consistent ability to lead at the intersection of engineering, technology, and construction, bringing new systems into existence and enabling teams to execute against them.”
For Sheik, digital transformation isn't about adopting the latest technology. It's about rethinking how project teams collaborate and integrating innovation into everyday practice. Over the years, he has played a leading role in raising the digital maturity of both RSP and the broader Singapore AECO industry, helping teams embrace cloud-based workflows, BIM, and AI-driven project delivery.
One of Sheik's most ambitious initiative, an AI-powered platform that combines 3D models, historical project information, and sustainability data to help project teams make better-informed design decisions. Built on Autodesk Platform Services and the firm's standardized Autodesk Forma environment, the platform transforms years of project knowledge into actionable insights.
Additionally, Sheik has led RSP's shift to cloud-first collaboration, expanded BIM adoption across the firm, and continues to explore new ways Autodesk tools can support emerging initiatives such as Singapore's CORENET-X regulatory approval framework.
“Sheik has been heavily involved in raising the digital maturity of the Singaporean AECO Industry for many years, while also being a strong advocate for Autodesk. His influence, as well as his innovative, hands-on approach, is far-reaching and impactful for RSP and the wider industry.”
The best processes are the ones people actually want to use, and Charlie has made that philosophy a cornerstone of his work. As Project Executive, he focuses on creating consistent processes that improve visibility, strengthen accountability, and help projects run more efficiently from preconstruction through closeout.
A key part of that effort has been leading the rollout of Autodesk Forma across multiple project teams, integrating budgeting, cost management, change management, and project documentation into a single connected platform. His efforts to pair standardized workflows with real-time reporting and team training have led to improved collaboration between field, office, and executive teams while giving project leaders better insight into cost and performance. He continues to build on that foundation by exploring AI-powered tools and automation that streamline decision-making and support more predictable project delivery.
“Charlie is leading a cultural change that emphasizes accountability, real-time collaboration, and transparency across teams, replacing outdated, siloed workflows. Through both technology implementation and team development, he is helping position construction as a more efficient, connected, and forward-thinking industry.”
As Project Leader at Shimizu Corporation, Saori has helped turn Autodesk Forma from a promising technology into an integral part of how one of Japan's largest general contractors approaches design and project delivery. She has led the standardization of Forma workflows across the organization, ensuring teams use the platform to make faster, more informed decisions from the earliest stages of a project.
Saori's influence extends well beyond her own company. Recognized as one of Autodesk University's top-rated speakers in 2025, she has become a trusted voice for digital transformation across Japan's construction industry, regularly sharing practical guidance with peers looking to adopt Forma. By combining hands-on construction experience with deep product expertise, she helps organizations move beyond pilot programs and embed digital tools into everyday workflows.
“Through close collaboration with project stakeholders, Saori has developed product knowledge that surpasses that of many vendor representatives. This has enabled her to propose solutions grounded in genuine construction workflows rather than theoretical use cases. She is actively reshaping how Shimizu Corporation approaches the adoption of design technology at the organizational level.”
Jackson Morley is helping redefine how digital delivery is applied during construction. As a Project Manager and Superintendent at SMEC, he focuses on turning digital engineering into practical site outcomes by connecting design, construction, quality assurance, and handover into a single, integrated workflow.
A leader in the implementation of Autodesk Forma across civil infrastructure projects, Jackson has championed model-based quality assurance, mobile field delivery, and digital construction workflows that replace traditional paper-based processes. His work enables project teams to complete inspections, manage issues, raise RFIs, and capture construction records directly from site, improving traceability, reducing rework, and strengthening confidence in project information.
Beyond implementing technology, Jackson is recognised for developing practical digital delivery frameworks that integrate Autodesk platforms with project controls, automation, and construction management processes. His focus is creating systems that are simple for field teams to adopt while establishing the foundations of the digital “Golden Thread” from design through construction and into asset handover.
Jackson actively shares his experience with the wider industry through presentations, articles, and collaborative initiatives, helping infrastructure organisations better understand how digital delivery can create measurable improvements in project performance. His practical, people-first approach has made him a respected advocate for construction-focused digital transformation across Australia.
“Jackson has been at the forefront of implementing Autodesk Forma across live civil infrastructure projects. What distinguishes him is his ability to bridge technology and construction practice, developing practical digital workflows that project teams genuinely want to use. By focusing on collaboration, simplicity, and long-term adoption, Jackson has helped transform digital delivery from a compliance exercise into an everyday way of working, creating lasting value for both project teams and clients.”
Bassant has shown that successful digital transformation takes more than new technology — it takes fluency in the latest construction technology, deliberate change management, and a deep technical understanding of how construction projects actually run.
At Square Engineering Firm, a contractor of around 1,900 people delivering more than thirty regional sites across Egypt and Saudi Arabia, she is helping to reshape project delivery by connecting engineering, commercial, project controls, procurement and construction teams through unified digital workflows — building toward the frontier of digital construction.
One of her most significant achievements was co-leading the implementation of Autodesk Forma across multiple live projects, followed by an instrumental role in the integration of Autodesk Forma Cost Management with SAP — replacing manual, spreadsheet-based cost control with connected cost and financial data flowing between the construction platform and the enterprise backbone.
Beyond Square, Bassant shares her expertise through Autodesk University, regional conferences, and industry events, helping organizations across the Middle East and beyond accelerate their own digital transformation journeys.
"Bassant is exceptionally skilled at bridging technical depth, business understanding, and organizational leadership. As Information Systems & Digital Construction Manager at Square Engineering Firm, she has played a central role in transforming how complex construction projects are planned, controlled, and delivered."
As Technical Director of Digital Delivery at Stantec, Jan is helping shape the future of project delivery across the built environment. He leads digital strategy, information management, BIM, and digital transformation initiatives across complex multidisciplinary programmes, driving the adoption of modern delivery practices that improve quality, efficiency, and project outcomes.
Jan has played a key role in advancing ISO 19650 implementation, Common Data Environments, automation, and data driven delivery across Stantec's UK business, while influencing best practice throughout the company's global network. His work focuses on creating scalable systems and standards that enable project teams to collaborate more effectively, reduce risk, and make better informed decisions throughout the project lifecycle.
One of Jan's notable achievements was leading the implementation of an ISO 19650 aligned Common Data Environment and for the Agratas Battery Cell Manufacturing Facility, one of the UK's most technologically advanced manufacturing developments. By integrating digital planning, information management, and model based delivery workflows, he helped establish a robust digital ecosystem that improved information quality, increased visibility of project performance, and streamlined collaboration across disciplines.
Beyond project delivery, Jan is passionate about developing people and capability. He has invested significantly in mentoring teams, developing digital standards, and championing innovation, helping embed digital delivery as a sustainable business capability rather than a standalone initiative.
"Jan champions clarity, standardisation, and automation, enabling multidisciplinary teams to work faster and with greater confidence. His leadership combines technical expertise with a practical focus on people, processes, and data, helping modernise how engineers, architects, and contractors deliver increasingly complex projects in a digital world."
As Engineering Manager at Stowe Australia, Sean has played a solid role in challenging long-standing workflows and guiding his team toward more structured, data-driven approaches aligned with ISO 19650 principles and Form adoption.
Rather than relying on established methods, Sean actively encourages his engineering team to engage with digital tools for coordination, documentation, and review, improving both efficiency and quality of outcomes.
His influence has been instrumental in embedding engineering input into structured information workflows, ensuring that design data contributes not only to project delivery but also to broader organizational intelligence. This aligns directly with Stowe’s shift toward treating data as a strategic asset, supporting decision-making and long-term business insight.
“Beyond technical leadership, Sean is known for his collaborative and thoughtful approach to change. He acts as a key sounding board for strategic digital initiatives, engaging in robust and constructive discussions that test assumptions and refine direction. He is respected for balancing practical engineering experience with a willingness to evolve, making him a trusted leader among his peers and a strong contributor to Stowe’s ongoing digital transformation.”
Ilhem has shown that meaningful innovation often comes from improving the way teams work together. Through her combination of technical expertise and collaborative leadership, she has helped deliver complex infrastructure projects while developing smarter, more efficient design processes that benefit everyone involved.
One example is her work on the UK's High Speed rail program, where she developed a methodology that combined finite element analysis with Excel-based post-processing to reduce the number of model runs required while accelerating structural analysis. The approach enabled a team of four engineers to produce results more efficiently and with greater consistency.
Ilhem also coordinated design efforts across teams in France, India, and the UK, creating standardized workflows and streamlined drawing production that improved collaboration across regions.
“Ilhem proves that leadership is not only for managers. Any engineer can drive a design team to be better and faster in the design process while maintaining motivation. She also proves that clever use of existing tools can bring more productivity, and that we shouldn’t wait for new magic tools to appear.”
Kesler approaches healthcare construction with a broader goal in mind: creating facilities that strengthen communities long after construction is complete. As Owner and President of The Apex Group, he works closely with tribal nations to deliver clinic and pharmacy projects that combine thoughtful design, efficient construction, and operational planning into a single, integrated model.
One example is an 18,000-square-foot clinic and pharmacy in New Mexico, where Kesler incorporated 3D concrete printing to accelerate construction while reducing costs. He has also leveraged modular construction, LiDAR scanning, and BIM to improve design accuracy and streamline project delivery, all while coordinating architecture, engineering, procurement, and healthcare operations.
By aligning facility design with technologies such as automated pharmacy systems and electronic medical records, Kesler helps ensure each project is ready to serve patients from day one, creating lasting economic and healthcare benefits for tribal communities.
“Through his leadership and work across Indian Country, he delivers clinic and pharmacy projects that go beyond the building, helping establish fully operational, tribally led healthcare businesses. His approach integrates culturally informed design, geographic influence, and efficient delivery to meet the unique needs of tribal nations and the communities around them. He consistently navigates complex regulatory, funding, and operational challenges while driving and ensuring a clean, deliverable building.”
Elaine is an architect and PMP-certified Senior Project Manager with a decade-long career on the owner's side of development—one of the most demanding and underrepresented perspectives in the AEC industry.
What sets her apart is the breadth and scale of her leadership across radically different project typologies: from coordinating 200+ healthcare facility projects annually at Hapvida (one of Brazil's largest hospital networks), to managing architectural design and brand approval for three Hard Rock Hotel developments simultaneously, to delivering luxury high-rise residential towers in Brazil, and most recently leading ground-up multifamily coliving developments in Miami.
At Hapvida, she led a team of seven architects managing a national portfolio of hospital and clinic construction projects—a role that demanded both systems thinking and executive communication at scale. At VCI/Hard Rock Hotels, she served as the critical link between the internationally regulated Hard Rock brand design team and local architects, contractors, and procurement teams across multiple properties—a role that required fluency in brand standards, design intent, and construction realities simultaneously.
Now based in Miami, she has expanded her practice internationally, navigating US permitting, municipal processes, and multifamily construction on an O1B visa, which is a designation that itself recognizes her as a professional of extraordinary ability.
“Her career trajectory—from healthcare to hospitality to luxury residential to coliving—is itself a model of professional adaptability. She has proven that deep expertise in one typology, combined with systems-level thinking, is transferable across sectors. This cross-sector fluency is increasingly essential as the built environment becomes more complex and specialized.”
Nick is helping raise the bar for high-performance construction by proving that sustainability and execution go hand in hand. As Director of Construction at Thrive Collaborative, he led the delivery of Veridian at County Farm, one of the nation's most innovative net-zero energy mixed-use communities, while coordinating the complex teams and processes required to meet ambitious performance goals.
Rather than treating energy efficiency as a final checkpoint, Nick embedded it into every stage of construction. He implemented milestone-based quality inspections, pre-installation coordination meetings, and ongoing performance testing, including blower door and duct leakage testing, to verify that critical building systems met design intent before work progressed. This proactive approach reduced rework, improved coordination across trade partners, and helped establish a repeatable framework for delivering high-performance buildings. Through his leadership, Nick is demonstrating how thoughtful planning, data-driven decision-making, and collaborative execution can transform the future of sustainable construction.
“Through Veridian, Nick has helped redefine what is possible in residential and mixed-use construction, contributing to meaningful reductions in environmental impact while delivering high-quality, forward-thinking housing. His work reflects the future of the construction industry—where performance, sustainability, and execution all meet.”
Luís has shown time and time again that innovation succeeds when it's woven into everyday engineering practice. He built the TPF’s Innovation Center from the ground up, growing it from a two-person team into a multidisciplinary group that helps engineers, architects, BIM specialists, and data scientists solve real project challenges through digital delivery.
One of Luís' most impactful initiatives was leading the development of an integrated platform for managing mining facilities that combines geotechnical data, drone-based reality capture, geospatial mapping, and analytics into a single decision-support system. By replacing fragmented spreadsheets and files with a centralized data environment, his team improved collaboration, accelerated engineering analysis, and gave project teams earlier visibility into potential risks.
Beyond delivering innovative solutions, Luís has helped raise BIM adoption across TPF, contributed to Portugal's BIM standards, and teaches the next generation of professionals, extending his influence well beyond his own organization.
“Luís strengthened how teams approach problem-solving by promoting a multidisciplinary, innovation-driven culture where engineers, architects, and data specialists co-design solutions that are both efficient and scalable. By embedding digital skills, enabling continuous learning, and creating conditions for teams to adopt advanced tools with confidence, he is helping shape a new generation of AEC professionals ready to deliver in a rapidly evolving industry.”
Omkar has built a reputation for helping owners make smarter decisions on some of the country's largest and most complex capital projects. With experience spanning advanced manufacturing, energy, aviation, and infrastructure, he combines deep expertise in project controls with a practical approach to digital transformation that delivers measurable results.
One of Omkar's most significant contributions came at Ford's BlueOval City campus in Tennessee, where he developed a BIM-integrated cost-control framework that linked design changes directly to their cost impacts. Using Autodesk BIM 360 to streamline drawing comparisons and change management, he helped reduce review cycles from weeks to days while his team contributing to millions in documented client savings. Beyond project delivery, Omkar is advancing the profession through his leadership with AACE International, industry presentations on AI in construction, and efforts to build the next generation of digitally fluent project controls professionals.
“Omkar exemplifies what Autodesk recognizes in its 40 Under 40 honorees: a practitioner who translates deep technical expertise into decisive, enterprise-level impact. Over eight years spanning infrastructure, energy, aviation, and advanced manufacturing, he has built a career that is both significantly broad and measurable.”
When Vankirk Electric set out to transition to Autodesk Forma, David saw an opportunity to do more than migrate software. He reimagined the entire process. As Senior Technology Integrations Manager, he developed an AI-assisted migration approach that transformed what is typically a costly, labor-intensive effort into a faster, more scalable workflow.
David's solution automated the transfer of legacy project data, eliminated many of the manual steps that traditionally slow migrations, and saved the company significant third-party migration costs. He complemented the rollout with a centralized training hub that provides employees with easy access to documentation, onboarding resources, and best practices, helping teams adopt new tools with confidence.
He combines AI, cloud technology, and practical change management and shows how thoughtful technology integration can create lasting operational improvements across the construction industry.
“David’s leadership goes beyond implementation. He aligns cross-functional teams across field, project management, and operations, ensuring technology decisions translate into real business outcomes. His ability to drive adoption, influence stakeholders, and deliver measurable impact positions him as a next-generation leader shaping how construction teams operate in a digital-first environment.”
Andrew knows full well that the strongest projects begin long before construction starts. As Preconstruction Manager at VCM Construction, he has modernized the company's estimating and planning processes by replacing disconnected, manual workflows with a fully integrated digital ecosystem that helps his team make faster, more informed decisions.
Andrew led the implementation of Autodesk Forma, BuildingConnected, and ProEst, creating a connected environment where takeoffs, estimates, subcontractor bids, and project documentation are managed through an integrated workflow. By establishing a scalable digital preconstruction platform, he has positioned VCM to support future growth, standardize decision-making, and enable AI-powered workflows across the organization.
The transformation has shortened estimating timelines, improved forecasting accuracy, increased bid capacity, and strengthened collaboration between preconstruction, operations, and trade partners. Beyond introducing new technology, Andrew has focused on standardizing workflows, mentoring colleagues, and building a data-driven culture that lays the foundation for VCM's next generation of AI-powered preconstruction.
“Andrew has consistently demonstrated leadership in early-stage planning, developing accurate estimates, building detailed schedules, and aligning stakeholders to ensure projects are set up for success before construction begins. His expertise in managing complex phasing, critical path scheduling, and multi-stakeholder coordination has been instrumental in delivering projects on time and with minimized risk, particularly in operationally sensitive environments such as schools, municipal facilities, and active industrial sites.”
Joseph believes digital transformation only succeeds when it improves the way people work on site. As Corporate BIM Manager at Wee Hur Construction, he has led the company's enterprise-wide adoption of Autodesk Forma, turning BIM and Integrated Digital Delivery (IDD) into practical tools that support engineers, supervisors, and project managers throughout the construction process.
Under Joseph's leadership, Wee Hur standardized digital workflows for RFIs, inspections, model coordination, and document management. By establishing this unified data foundation, he has not only reduced manual processes and improved collaboration, but has strategically positioned the company for the practical adoption of Agentic AI enabling smart workflow automation, automated reporting, and predictive data insights directly from the site.
Just as importantly, he has invested in people by developing a flexible, self-paced training program leveraging AI-driven learning tools to help both seasoned professionals and emerging talent build confidence with digital systems. Through his work with industry organizations and the broader Autodesk community, Joseph continues to advance digital construction practices across Singapore while helping shape a more connected, AI-ready workforce.
"His leadership is defined by mentorship and enablement. Joseph recognized early on that a structured Autodesk data foundation is the essential prerequisite for Agentic AI capability on site. By pairing clean data flows with a Training-At-Your-Pace upskilling approach, he ensures digital maturity is achieved across generations. His influence extends beyond titles—he shapes behaviors, workflows, and mindsets that support long-term industry transformation."
The 2026 Champions of Construction show that the future of the industry isn't being defined by technology alone. It's being shaped by the people who are finding better ways to collaborate, solve problems, and move projects forward. Whether they're advancing AI, improving jobsite safety, modernizing workflows, or mentoring the next generation, each honoree is helping raise the standard for what construction can achieve.
Of course, these 40 individuals represent just a small snapshot of the incredible talent driving the industry forward. Across every company and every jobsite, there are countless professionals making a meaningful difference through their leadership, creativity, and commitment to excellence. We encourage you to celebrate those people, too.
To this year's Champions of Construction, congratulations on this well-deserved recognition. We can't wait to see what you'll build next!
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