Finding José: A VDC Journey

Learn how we can create connected, visually oriented workflows for every role on the building site

Over 65 percent of people classify themselves as visual learners—and according to experts, we tend to retain 80 percent of what we see, compared with only 20 percent of what we hear. What’s more, the human brain can process visual information over 60,000 times faster than written information. All of that makes a strong case for the possibilities of virtual design and construction, or VDC, technology. Jacob Skrobarczyk shares his search for the top user of his VDC output at DPR, the global construction company where he serves as VDC technology lead. As it turns out, this user was an hourly “craft” worker on an important project just down the street. To Skrobarczyk, this shows that, if we can create connected, visually oriented workflows for every role on the building site, we can truly put BIM models at the center of the construction process. In doing so, we can not only help everyone from hourly craft workers to site superintendents work more efficiently, we can also attract the next generation of the construction workforce and help them build the skills they need to succeed in the future of the industry.

About the speaker 

Jacob Skrobarczyk leads development, implementation, and support for VDC technology at DPR Construction. He has over 15 years of experience working as a project engineer, estimator, BIM coordinator, and VDC leader. Jacob’s primary goal is to enable DPR’s people to use data-rich models to coordinate, quantify, plan, and track work. He strives to open minds to new ideas and to promote creative solutions for simplifying the construction process.

Related learning 

Ready to dive deeper into the possibilities for VDC and the future of the construction workforce? Check out these related AU sessions: 

Maximizing VDC in Prefab and Modular Strategies on a Renovation Project 

DPR’s Finn Wang and David Stone walk you through how to overcome existing conditions and work with modular components on a renovation project using virtual design and construction technology.  

BIG VDC, Small Projects: Adapt People, Process, and Tech for Small Projects 

Small projects bring their own challenges, from tight schedules and budgets to existing conditions. Dustin Ridley and Ted Barnes of DPR show you the value of implementing VDC and reality capture on these kinds of projects to drive higher quality and better outcomes, as well as how to choose the right tools and foster the right relationships with both design teams and trade partners.  

The Future of the Construction Workforce 

Jim Rogers shares how we can use new technology to attract a new, more diverse generation of workers to the construction industry—without alienating the existing workforce.