James Braddock

James Braddock, senior PM at QBS (chippy by trade), brings a residential construction perspective to a wide-ranging conversation. Andy unleashes his full 4D/BIM automation vision: auto-generating programs from 3D models by extracting quantities, creating task lists with standardized production rates, and auto-linking based on rules of gravity, "90% of a program." The BIM debate gets real, Andy argues clash detection as currently implemented in NZ is "bollocks" (process too convoluted), while acknowledging other use cases are game-changing (take-offs, 4D delay articulation). James and Andy also dive deep into mental health (isolation in construction, Drew Knowles reference, gym/diet/people as three pillars) and debate overseas product deregulation (positive for interiors but caution needed for seismic). New segment: "Myth or Fact" about NZ construction landmarks.

Key Topics Discussed

• Client education. Three-pronged responsibility: client needs to self-educate, builder/PM needs to communicate clearly, industry needs better information. "We're taking someone's hopes and dreams and a lot of their life savings."
• Andy's 4D automation vision. Full pipeline: 3D model → auto quantities → auto task list (verb + noun: "install steel") → durations from standardized production rates → auto-linking based on rules of gravity. "I've got 90% of a program." Believes QS will become obsolete in 5 years. Already doing take-offs from BIM models "with a click of a button."
• BIM clash detection critique. Andy: "When we say BIM in NZ, everybody says clash detection, which is just bollocks." Process of federated model → resolve → re-federate is too convoluted. Sometimes simpler to stand on site, look up at ceiling with blocks, and figure it out. But BIM has much wider use cases.
• Mental health. Isolation is a huge factor: hierarchy on site (apprentice doesn't talk to foreman), residential small business owners working 90-hour weeks alone. Drew Knowles reference (midday movie date). Three pillars: gym, diet, good people. "There's too many people taking their own lives in construction because of isolation, hours, pressure."
• Overseas products deregulation. Government removing red tape for overseas products is positive but proceed with caution. Seismic requirements unique to NZ, China doesn't consider seismic in manufacturing. NZ can't afford another leaky homes scenario. Australian Watermark has 200,000 products. EU/Italy as potential seismic-compatible source.
• Timber construction. More timber = better. Timber performs better in fire than expected (chars 10-15mm on outside, structural integrity maintained). Less reliant on unsustainable concrete and steel. Auckland Airport timber car park.
• 4D delay articulation. Andy using dual 4D simulations (baseline vs impacted) as short-form video for adjudication/mediation, easier than getting people to read pages of documents.

Notable Quotes

• Andy: "I have a vision. I want to take a 3D model, drop it in an environment, and have all the quantities taken off for me. Click of a button."
• Andy: "When we say BIM in NZ, everybody says clash detection, which I believe is just fucking bollocks."
• James: "Gym, diet, and surrounding yourself with good fucking people."
• Andy: "Drew Knowles literally saved my life."

Guest Background

James Braddock is senior PM at QBS, specializing in high-end residential renovations, new builds, and developments. Chippy (builder) by trade, came up through apprenticeship, ran his own residential business (still feeds work to other builders). Did stints in commercial interior spaces, construction technology in Australia, then came back to QBS. CrossFit enthusiast. References university lecturer Vince May.