In episode 8 of Excavate, Beyond Brick & Mortar LISA goes deeper with Jon Berkoe, Global Director of Virtual Design & Construction at Synchro Software, an innovative technology company bringing construction projects to life digitally.

Synchro Software is playing an important role in the expansion of the Los Angeles Airport, as well as ensuring the optimum usage and sequencing of the many cranes that are part of bringing the new Warriors arena to life.

Despite his background as a Mechanical Engineer, Berkoe posits that you do not need an engineering degree to be successful in the built environment. Construction management is becoming a prominent degree, and architecture offers a good start in the industry. Similar to other interviewees, he notes there are interesting opportunities for those with Liberal Arts degrees to enter and forge a rewarding career path.

“Young people should really take a look at construction as a career. There is so much being built all over the world, so much demand for building new things and fixing the things that were built a while ago. The way they are going to be built or rebuilt is going to be really different to the way they were built before.”

When asked about the important skills necessary for success, Berkoe cites ingenuity, problem solving and innovation. As for the reward of pursuing a career in the built environment, he points to the huge gains to be made by participating in construction projects such as reducing the time it takes to build a building by weeks or months with innovative thinking. The margin of success and improvement is vast.

LISA couldn’t agree more with his closing thought:

“I think what motivates people is being challenged and being part of something that is going to make a difference in the future. Get in the built environment because you’re going to make a difference.”

Excavate, Beyond Brick & Mortar showcases the stories of influencers who are shaping the future of the built environment and flourishing in the industry. We believe that by seeing the possibilities, new talent can envision and create their future.

We hope you enjoy our exploration of the many facets and personalities in the built environment.