Episode Summary
In this episode of Wired to Build, we sit down with Hamzah Shanbari, Director of Innovation at Haskell and author of Paperless Builders: The Why, What, and How of Construction Technology. Hamzah shares his journey from growing up with a construction site next door to becoming a leader in construction innovation, highlighting his passion for digital transformation and the role of BIM, data strategy, and collaboration in reshaping the industry.
We explore the inspiration behind his book, how technology can empower construction teams, and why a paperless approach is crucial for efficiency, accuracy, and project success. Hamzah’s deep industry insights, combined with his hands-on experience, provide a roadmap for those looking to navigate the future of construction technology. If you’re a builder, owner, or designer looking to maximize data-driven decision-making, this episode is for you.
And stay tuned—our next episode will dive even deeper into the people side of digital transformation and what it takes to truly drive change in the industry.

Key Takeaways

• Innovation is for everyone. Hamzah’s book was written to help small and mid-sized GCs and trade partners without dedicated innovation teams embrace construction technology.

• Data, not just 3D models. The real value in BIM lies in the information behind the models, helping teams collaborate, reduce risk, and close the feedback loop between design and execution.
• Tech is ready—you just need to embrace it. Many solutions for scheduling, coordination, and automation are already available. The challenge is not the technology itself but getting the industry to adopt it.
• Failure is a necessity in innovation. At Haskell, the leadership supports a culture of experimentation, where failure is seen as a step toward meaningful progress.
• Construction needs better communication. One of the biggest barriers to efficiency isn’t the technology—it’s ensuring that all stakeholders are aligned and working toward a common goal.

Episode Chapter Outline
[00:00] Introduction – Meet Hamzah Shanbari, Nick’s excitement for his book, and the goal of today’s conversation

[04:30] From the Site Next Door to Construction Innovation – Hamzah’s early inspiration and career journey.

[12:15] The Birth of Paperless Builders – Why Hamzah wrote the book and what he hopes readers will take from it.

[18:30] Technology and the Future of Construction – BIM, digital twins, and closing the information loop between design and execution.

[27:00] Haskell’s Innovation Culture – How the company fosters experimentation and a “fail fast, learn faster” mentality.

[33:45] Final Thoughts – What the industry needs to focus on and why collaboration is the key to success.

[38:00] Preview of Part 2 – Next episode will cover the human side of digital transformation.