Facade Focus

About Facade Focus

I'm connecting the Global Facade Industry by interviewing leaders in each continent to discuss industry problems, explore solutions and help create a positive outcome for the global industry.

Publisher

Tom Caldicott

Category

business

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

10 Mar 2025

Latest episode

1 Jun 2026

Latest episodes

18 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   1 Jun 2026

   Thilo Wilhelmsen on What General Contractors Really Want From Glazing Contractors | Episode #17

   SponsorArchitectural Glass & Aluminum (AGA)Website: https://aga-ca.com (https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbVNTVENCLTV3U0VzNmptcWc4TVp4VU8yWUJOQXxBQ3Jtc0trSVMtRXZaYVk1OFhOSG5QTGtvdjNyN2dialh1SG1tMVVGajBpOWhpSmZzRHV3NGdHZjRRdXpMdy11MU5sblgxaS15V1ljS1ltdmRJNHBnX2pwd1E4bUtua09RU1YxUHZ5ZDZfTTlIbUR6MHlRZmVuZw&q=https%3A%2F%2Faga-ca.com%2F&v=qc-NMJcdyt0)LinkedIn:   / agaengineered   (https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqblhwMWt1S09sVXFqWEtuMXJDRW55TWlxU2wzUXxBQ3Jtc0tsUExDcHBTdFNWajgyMXdUY2RDTldPNHUzMzlBYnF0WWlZTEhBdE1HQjZQUjRTNHV4MUhVMGI5cmFoMnMtaEdGUWtRTjNnTmMwdk1qZWVnM0hxYWdiamlMQV9vTTU4R3JnV1N0ZkF2NElxek00cDQwQQ&q=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.linkedin.com%2Fcompany%2Fagaengineered&v=qc-NMJcdyt0)GuestThilo Wilhelmsen: Building Envelope Manager – DPR ConstructionLinkedIn:   / thilowilhelmsen   (https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqa0ptNVMzVllzMjlQODhtSGRwR1lHVFZIWnVRUXxBQ3Jtc0ttTjdJTkhieURrMFZFXzdnMl9NeTU3YlhBSkg4Y2ljcnk3eWFIQ1ZuZTNCbC16TkZralN6M2tNTktFV1Vna2ZtWVdMSE4zcEZ3d1ZPVnhXWGhTTnhZc0RlQVN1THJycEJtSWh0bDFMVFMxQ285b3piVQ&q=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.linkedin.com%2Fin%2Fthilowilhelmsen%2F&v=qc-NMJcdyt0)Host:Tom Caldicott CEO of Unity SearchWebsite: www.unitysearchltd.comLinkedIn:   / tom-unitysearch   (https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbEtKQzJDS1RWS2lvXzZUSkFUT01ZSkNxX2U5d3xBQ3Jtc0tuQ3o0M2plQzFOVGI4MUlDTmh3N1JvekdWOG1VQll4ekx3RnF5Nnd2VzVWLUpLTm5EOEpqa3FYVjJBN05MMDZ2OW9SZl93bG1KQUViTjRNeXA2TUhfaF9MaFg2dW5QYWg5UG9mek1BSjlSNmJUTGJtZw&q=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.linkedin.com%2Fin%2Ftom-unitysearch&v=qc-NMJcdyt0)Chapters00:00 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qc-NMJcdyt0) Introduction to Thilo Wilhelmsen and DPR Construction03:07 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qc-NMJcdyt0&t=187s) The Evolution of the Facade Role at DPR06:00 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qc-NMJcdyt0&t=360s) Understanding the Glazing Contractor Perspective09:06 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qc-NMJcdyt0&t=546s) Building Strong Trade Partnerships12:02 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qc-NMJcdyt0&t=722s) The Importance of Communication in Bidding15:04 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qc-NMJcdyt0&t=904s) Value Beyond Price in Project Bids17:45 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qc-NMJcdyt0&t=1065s) Feedback and Continuous Improvement in Contractor Relationships21:04 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qc-NMJcdyt0&t=1264s) The Role of Trust and Transparency in Partnerships23:53 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qc-NMJcdyt0&t=1433s) Navigating Complex Projects and Expectations27:04 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qc-NMJcdyt0&t=1624s) The Importance of Early Engagement in Project Development30:06 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qc-NMJcdyt0&t=1806s) Final Thoughts on Collaboration and Future Opportunities38:20 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qc-NMJcdyt0&t=2300s) Building Strong Relationships with Subcontractors39:14 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qc-NMJcdyt0&t=2354s) The Importance of Feedback and Continuous Improvement41:03 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qc-NMJcdyt0&t=2463s) Constructive Criticism: A Two-Way Street42:29 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qc-NMJcdyt0&t=2549s) The Challenge of Prioritizing Feedback44:04 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qc-NMJcdyt0&t=2644s) Communication: The Key to Successful Collaboration45:20 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qc-NMJcdyt0&t=2720s) Learning from the Past: A Reflective Approach47:52 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qc-NMJcdyt0&t=2872s) Quick Fire Questions: Insights and ReflectionsHey guys, and welcome to another episode of the Facade Focus Podcast, where I aim to connect the global facade industry by sharing knowledge and experience for others to learn from.Over the coming weeks, I’ll be interviewing leaders and industry experts from across the world to discuss common challenges we all face and the innovative solutions helping to move the industry forward.This week, I’m joined by Thilo Wilhelmsen from DPR Construction.Thilo brings a really unique perspective to the conversation because he’s sat on both sides of the table.Before joining DPR, he spent years working for Joseph Gartner, part of the Permasteelisa Group, delivering some of the most complex facade projects in the industry.Today, as Building Envelope Manager at DPR Construction, he works directly with Owners, Architects, Consultants, and Trade Partners to help manage risk, drive collaboration, and deliver projects successfully from preconstruction through to completion.What makes this episode especially interesting is that this is the GC perspective.And let’s be honest…Most Glazing Contractors rarely get to hear exactly what their clients are actually thinking during bid reviews, buyouts, project planning, and day-to-day delivery.In this conversation, we talk about what General Contractors truly value from their facade partners, why communication still breaks down so often in construction, how trust impacts who wins work, and why the cheapest number is rarely the full story.We also get into preconstruction, risk management, relationship building, and how the best trade partners separate themselves long before a contract is ever signed.It’s a really honest conversation about how projects are viewed from the GC side and what facade contractors can do to become stronger long-term partners.Now, quick shout out to our podcast partners, Architectural Glass & Aluminum, otherwise known as AGA.They’re a leader in custom curtain wall systems and have been providing tailored glazing solutions for over 55 years.More impressively, they are one of the largest employee-owned businesses in the glazing industry across the US and have a phenomenal team that buys into their ethos of collaboration and craftsmanship.I’m delighted to have them as a partner of the Pod, so a big shout out to the team over there.In the meantime, let’s get into this week’s episode of the Facade Focus Podcast with Thilo Wilhelmsen from DPR Construction.

2. 

   18 May 2026

   Felix Mestas on Why Construction Still Operates Like It’s 1985 | Episode #16

   SponsorArchitectural Glass & Aluminum (AGA)Website: https://aga-ca.com (https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbXNrak1yekRzTlhIczFNZk9KYmM5RlZHRWw5Z3xBQ3Jtc0trZU9oNVJuLVZZc0t4OWRza0hESmtyTEh2MXZFcG9hVnU3eXoyLXNtR2k2ZmozVXc1cENhQmJaa1Y5czZiMW1hTFo4dXVzRUY0X21yaURoTzU2TlV1TFdhOGUzcUd3Qy1oOW5oUHNESGhXcHlFU1ZfVQ&q=https%3A%2F%2Faga-ca.com%2F&v=dwbx83VOxu4)LinkedIn:   / agaengineered   (https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbXpFWFZYS3E3TXE0cmZDWlBTX0hFX253Sk41UXxBQ3Jtc0ttTF9nbXVyUnFfYzc4SU90OFExejktRFU3bjZ3TDRVVE1YSDNGVXlyR19IOTYwR3IxeUR6NlVva0pYVlh3cHVMVmVTVGdMaERTU0hKakVNWkZDV3BRaGpjaVIzTXVBVFN4WTBxUTZmUDNyOEw5bVVHYw&q=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.linkedin.com%2Fcompany%2Fagaengineered&v=dwbx83VOxu4)GuestFelix Mestas: VP - Operations – California Sheet MetalLinkedIn:   / felix-e-mestas-06730b223   (https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqa0NhVW1nV1NnclBnN19Yenh5UG5TRHBsU0ZrZ3xBQ3Jtc0treG5ySnRCSl96cVZxSERiYkF0MTFyWG8ycmJqZC15V3hWRjRENEMzRExKN3U4bUNaSFBOM0R3bDRuSjdsVENYSmRGaFBVdUxidFRoX1pnWHZlYmV0YjdGMEVTLW15bWpxWlc4cHpHLVJLYmpBSWJsOA&q=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.linkedin.com%2Fin%2Ffelix-e-mestas-06730b223%2F&v=dwbx83VOxu4)Host:Tom Caldicott CEO of Unity SearchWebsite: www.unitysearchltd.comLinkedIn:   / tom-unitysearch   (https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbkFkdDE5bFNLWl9qRFUwQTl1U2g1aWVCeWxHd3xBQ3Jtc0tsUzZIdnQ4TWxlYmJTaS1KanlIbHJOaXczSVpjdjFPRUNkNHFVN0FtdGo0N0ZTU09GZUR0a01EVE1MYkxZNW5QMi1BbEN6QXd3aTBpeTZVWUhwaUlfVVdLYXVDVVFlcHA1U2JldUZoM0FmR25zUmpWRQ&q=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.linkedin.com%2Fin%2Ftom-unitysearch&v=dwbx83VOxu4)Chapters00:00 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dwbx83VOxu4) Introduction to Felix Mestas01:00 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dwbx83VOxu4&t=60s) Career Journey and Experience in Operations03:06 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dwbx83VOxu4&t=186s) Engagement with Raze Robotics05:59 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dwbx83VOxu4&t=359s) Industry Challenges and Misalignment of Incentives11:58 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dwbx83VOxu4&t=718s) Taking Responsibility as Subcontractors15:09 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dwbx83VOxu4&t=909s) The Importance of Collaboration and Partnership18:08 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dwbx83VOxu4&t=1088s) Embracing AI and Technology in Construction22:01 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dwbx83VOxu4&t=1321s) Lean Principles and Reducing Waste29:06 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dwbx83VOxu4&t=1746s) Long-term Thinking in Construction33:09 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dwbx83VOxu4&t=1989s) The Essence of Capitalism38:07 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dwbx83VOxu4&t=2287s) Consultants: Value or Burden?42:12 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dwbx83VOxu4&t=2532s) The Importance of Communication in Construction47:56 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dwbx83VOxu4&t=2876s) Rethinking Subcontractor Responsibilities51:07 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dwbx83VOxu4&t=3067s) Value Over Price in Bidding58:09 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dwbx83VOxu4&t=3489s) Lessons from Passion ProjectsHey guys, and welcome to another episode of the Facade Focus Podcast, where I aim to connect the global facade industry by sharing knowledge and experience for others to learn from.Over the coming weeks, I’ll be interviewing leaders and industry experts from across the world to discuss common challenges we all face and the innovative solutions helping to move the industry forward.This week, I’m joined by Felix Mestas.Felix is the Vice President of Operations at California Sheet Metal, bringing over 20 years of experience across glass, glazing, and the wider building envelope.He started his career out in the field, working his way up through the ranks at JR Butler, where he gained hands-on experience across installation, project delivery, and leadership.Today, he oversees operations across complex projects, giving him a full view of how jobs are actually delivered from pre-construction through to completion.Alongside that, Felix is also involved with Raise Robotics, where he’s helping explore how technology and AI can be applied on real job sites to improve efficiency, safety, and performance.What makes this episode especially interesting is Felix’s perspective across both operations and innovation.He’s seen first-hand how projects are delivered on site, but also where the inefficiencies, misalignment, and missed opportunities exist across the wider construction process.In this conversation, we talk about why construction productivity hasn’t improved in decades, the disconnect between subcontractors and general contractors, how AI is actually being used inside businesses today, and what needs to change if we want to deliver better outcomes across the board.It’s a really honest conversation about how our industry actually operates… and where the opportunity lies to do things better.Now, quick shout out to our podcast partners, Architectural Glass & Aluminum, otherwise known as AGA.They’re a leader in custom curtain wall systems and have been providing tailored glazing solutions for over 55 years.More impressively, they are one of the largest employee-owned businesses in the glazing industry across the US and have a phenomenal team that buys into their ethos of collaboration and craftsmanship.I’m delighted to have them as a partner of the Pod, so a big shout out to the team over there.In the meantime, let’s get into this week’s episode of the Facade Focus Podcast with Felix Mestas.

3. 

   11 May 2026

   Chris Ball & Matt Verderamo on Leadership & Building Better Teams | Episode #15

   Sponsors:Architectural Glass & Aluminum (AGA)Website: https://aga-ca.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/agaengineered GuestsChris Ball: COO – John W McDougallLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrisb-tn/Matt Verderamo: Division Vice President – Well Built ConsultingLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matt-verderamo/ Host:Tom Caldicott CEO of Unity SearchWebsite: www.unitysearchltd.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tom-unitysearch/Chapters00:00 Introduction to the Guests and Their Backgrounds06:25 The Importance of Culture in the Workplace12:36 Balancing Profit and Employee Satisfaction19:49 Setting Clear Expectations and Accountability26:27 The Role of Individual Responsibility in Career Growth30:51 Navigating Company Culture and Employee Expectations36:59 Building Trust and Transparency in Teams39:14 Investing in People and Training40:18 Finding the Right Training for the Right Time45:40 The Challenges of Middle Management49:31 Promoting Operators vs. Managers52:08 Balancing Billable Time and People Development54:50 The Importance of Peer Support and CommunicationHey guys, and welcome to another episode of the Facade Focus Podcast, where I aim to connect the global façade industry by sharing knowledge and experience for others to learn from.Over the coming weeks, I’ll be interviewing leaders and industry experts from across the world to discuss common challenges we all face and the innovative solutions helping to move the industry forward.This week, I’m joined by Matt Verderamo and Chris Ball.Chris will already be familiar to some of you from Episode #11, where we talked about accountability, visibility, and building better teams. This time, he’s back with Matt Verderamo, Group Director at WellBuilt Construction Consulting, for a conversation that goes deeper into culture, leadership, and talent.Matt started out in the facade world working for a specialist contractor across metal panels, glass and glazing, and roofing, before rising to Vice President of Preconstruction and Sales. Today, at WellBuilt, he helps subcontractors and GCs build stronger businesses through strategy, leadership development, and training. What makes this episode especially interesting is the relationship between the two guests. Chris first connected with Matt through LinkedIn, where Matt had built a strong voice around people development. That connection turned into real collaboration, and for the last couple of years Matt has been working with Chris and the team at John W. McDougall on leadership training and development. In this conversation, we talk about culture add versus culture fit, why profitable businesses still need to reinvest in people, how to develop leaders instead of just promoting operators, and why talent retention starts long before a recruiter ever gets involved. It’s a really honest conversation about what it takes to build a company people actually want to stay and grow in.Now, quick shout out to our podcast partners, Architectural Glass & Aluminum, otherwise known as AGA.They’re a leader in custom curtain wall systems and have been providing tailored glazing solutions for over 55 years.More impressively, they are one of the largest employee-owned businesses in the glazing industry across the US and have a phenomenal team that buys into their ethos of collaboration and craftsmanship.I’m delighted to have them as a partner of the Pod, so a big shout out to the team over there.In the meantime, let’s get into this week’s episode of the Facade Focus Podcast with Matt Verderamo and Chris Ball.

4. 

   19 Jan 2026

   Syndi Sim on Why we need more Women in the Glass Industry | Episode #14

   Sponsors Architectural Glass & Aluminum (AGA) Website: https://aga-ca.com LinkedIn: /agaengineered Syndi Sim Director, Sales and Business Development, Q-railing North America LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jack-cunningham-44a8031a/ Tom Caldicott CEO, Unity Search Website: www.unitysearchltd.com LinkedIn: /tom-unitysearch 00:00 – Introduction to Cindy Sim and Her Journey 02:47 – The Importance of Women in Glass and Glazing 06:11 – Addressing the Disconnect in Leadership 09:07 – Promoting Women in the Industry 11:57 – The Role of Mentorship in Career Advancement 15:03 – Creating Opportunities for Women 18:01 – Building a Personal Brand on LinkedIn 20:58 – The Value of Authenticity and Community 24:01 – Cindy's Role in the National Glass Association 27:01 – Conclusion and Call to Action 29:31 – Empowering the Glass Industry: Syndi's Journey 33:45 – Women in Glass: Building a Supportive Community 38:06 – Inspiring Change: Expanding Women in Glass Initiatives 44:22 – Global Connections: Women Supporting Women in Glass 47:34 – Quickfire Insights: Personal Reflections and Advice Hey guys, and welcome to another episode of the Facade Focus Podcast, where I aim to connect the global façade industry by sharing knowledge and experience for others to learn from. Over the coming weeks, I’ll be interviewing leaders and industry experts from across the world to discuss common challenges we all face and the innovative solutions helping to move the industry forward. This week, I’m joined by Syndi Sim, Director of Sales & Business Development at Q-railing North America, and one of the most visible and influential advocates for women in the glass and glazing industry. Syndi’s story is a brilliant one. She didn’t start in glass. She came from the broader AEC world, stepped into the glazing industry with zero experience, and built everything from the ground up through curiosity, consistency, and putting herself out there. Across 13 years, she’s worked with fabricators, suppliers, and now directly with the glazing community — all while building one of the strongest personal brands in the industry. She credits her rise to mentorship from both men and women and now sees it as her responsibility to give that same support to the next generation. In this episode, we dive into an important topic for our industry: the role, impact, and advancement of women in glass and glazing. We discuss the visibility gap in the C-suite, the stigma facing women entering the trades, the lack of formal mentorship programs, and why creating opportunity often starts with building your own brand. Syndi also opens up about the work being done through the California Glass Association’s new Women in Glass initiative — from heart-to-heart conversations to cross-generational support networks — and why she believes this movement needs to grow across the United States and beyond. It’s an honest, energizing, and much-needed conversation for anyone who wants to see this industry evolve. Now, a quick shout-out to our podcast partners, Architectural Glass & Aluminum (AGA) — an employee-owned business with over 55 years of curtainwall experience. Innovative people. Iconic projects. You won’t find another curtainwall contractor like AGA. Their culture and craftsmanship drive everything they do. Alright, let’s get into this week’s episode of the Facade Focus Podcast with Syndi Sim from Q-railing North America. GuestHostChaptersIntro for Notes Section

5. 

   9 Dec 2025

   Vacuum Insulated Glass, Carbon Reduction and Saving Building Owners Money | Episode #13

   Jack Cunningham, Luxwall Sales Director, discusses vacuum insulated glass with Tom Caldicott, Unity Search CEO, exploring carbon reduction and cost savings for building owners in this interview.

6. 

   10 Nov 2025

   Every Building Has Secrets: Facade Engineering with Tali Mejicovsky | Episode 12

   Tali Mejicovsky, Associate Principal at ARUP New York, discusses facade engineering, existing building renovations, and maintaining design intent with Tom Caldicott, CEO of Unity Search, in this interview episode.

7. 

   28 Oct 2025

   Chris Ball on Accountability, Visibility & Building Better Teams

   Host Tom Caldicott interviews Chris Ball, Vice President at John McDougall Company, who shares insights on building accountability and visibility within teams using dashboards and rewarding outcomes in complex facade projects.

8. 

   20 Oct 2025

   Andrew Haring on Bringing Pride and Service Back to Glazing | Episode #10

   Tom Caldicott interviews Andrew Haring about his journey in the glazing industry, the challenges in the market, and FHC's role in rebuilding industry culture.

9. 

   23 Jun 2025

   Steven Gaynor on Aligning Architects and Contractors Through Smarter Dialogue | Episode #9

   Steven Gaynor of Pivoth Corp discusses aligning architects and contractors through smarter dialogue to unlock performance and cost savings in facade integration, in an interview with Tom Caldicott.

10. 

    2 Jun 2025

    Jason Paget on Why Thermally Broken Facade Systems Are Asia’s Next Big Leap | Episode #8

    Jason Paget of Gutmann SE Asia discusses thermally broken facade systems and their growing importance in the Asian market with host Tom Caldicott, highlighting opportunities for developers and architects in Southeast Asia in this interview.

11. 

    5 May 2025

    Ilja Aljoskin on Early Collaboration, Design-Assist & Building Better Partnerships | Episode #7

    Sponsors:Architectural Glass & Aluminum (AGA)Website: https://aga-ca.comLinkedIn: linkedin.com/agaengineered Guest:Ilja Aljoskin of LUHA – Façade Solutions:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ilja-aljoskin-pmp-leed-ap-bd-c-a471a252/LUHA – Façade Solutions: https://www.linkedin.com/company/luha-facadesolutions/Host:Tom Caldicott CEO of Unity SearchWebsite: www.unitysearchltd.comLinkedIn: linkedin.com/tom-unitysearchChapters00:00 Introduction to Ilya Alyoshkin03:07 Ilya's Journey into the Facade Industry05:58 Transitioning to Entrepreneurship08:54 Understanding the Facade Ecosystem12:05 Identifying Problems in Construction Communication15:08 Challenges in Bid Preparation18:01 The Need for Improved Communication Tools20:49 The Role of Technology in Construction24:03 The Importance of Accurate Information26:54 Architects and the Need for 3D Models30:00 Benefits of Collaboration in Construction34:44 Quality Data and Project Outcomes36:21 The Importance of Design Assist39:10 Building Relationships with Architects41:35 Productivity Tools and Focus45:40 Open Communication in Construction51:40 Innovative Solutions for Project Management53:07 Quickfire Questions with Ilja AljoskinHey guys, and welcome to another episode of the Facade Focus podcast, where I aim to connect the global facade industry by sharing knowledge and experience for others to learn from. Over the coming weeks, I'll be interviewing leaders and industry experts across the globe to discuss common problems people are facing and explore the innovative solutions that will help you in your learning journey. This week I’m joined by Ilja Aljoskin - founder of Luha Build and a true connector in the North American facade world.With over 12 years of experience across terracotta, stone, and metal systems, Ilja’s journey spans project management, regional leadership and now, growing a facade business built on trust, speed, and collaboration.At Luha Build, he’s rethinking what it means to support installers, delivering not just materials, but full systems, drawings, and a partner mindset from design through delivery.In this conversation, Ilja shines a light on how better communication across architects, GCs, and suppliers can unlock smarter bids, reduce risk, and keep premium facade design intact.He shares practical ways teams can work together earlier, communicate more clearly, and ultimately deliver better buildings, without adding complexity.If you’re passionate about great design, smoother procurement, and elevating how our industry collaborates, this one's for you.Ilja is very active on LinkedIn and produces some really educational and valuable content so go and give him a follow.Now, quick shout out to our sponsors of the podcast, which is Architectural Glass and Aluminum, otherwise known as AGA. They're a leader in custom curtain wall systems and have been providing tailored glazing solutions for over 55 years. More impressively, they are one of the largest employee-owned businesses in the glazing industry across the US and have a phenomenal team that buys into their ethos of collaboration and craftmanship. I’m delighted to have them as a partner of the Pod, So a big shout out to the team over there. In the meantime, let's get into this week’s episode of the Façade Focus podcast with Ilja Aljoskin.

12. 

    21 Apr 2025

    Andrea Zani on Embodied Carbon, Lifecycle Assessments, and Designing Low-Carbon Facades | Episode #6

    Sponsors: Architectural Glass & Aluminum (AGA) Website: https://aga-ca.com LinkedIn:   / agaengineered Guest: Andrea Zani of Bologna Business School: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrea-zani-84511674/ Host: Tom Caldicott CEO of Unity Search Website: www.unitysearchltd.com LinkedIn:   / tom-unitysearch Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Sustainability in Facades 02:59 The Transition from Consulting to Contracting 06:02 Decarbonization and Client Demands 08:58 The Value of Sustainability for Contractors 11:48 Regulatory Landscape and Compliance 15:07 Understanding Carbon Types: Embodied vs Operational 18:00 Life Cycle Assessment and EPDs 21:03 Optimizing Material Selection and Supply Chain 23:56 Driving Change Through Transparency 26:48 The Future of the Facade Industry 30:07 Circular Economy and Waste Reduction 33:17 The Role of Circularity in Decarbonization 36:10 Misconceptions About Embodied Carbon 38:14 Tracking Carbon Impact 40:33 Life Cycle Assessment as a Tool 42:06 Identifying Sustainability Champions 44:00 Impact on Different Project Sizes 45:31 Innovations in Facade Sustainability 46:39 Quickfire Questions: Personal Insights Hey guys, and welcome to another episode of the Facade Focus podcast, where I aim to connect the global facade industry by sharing knowledge and experience for others to learn from. Over the coming weeks, I'll be interviewing leaders and industry experts across the globe to discuss common problems people are facing and explore the innovative solutions that will help you in your learning journey. This week, I’m joined by Andrea Zani, R&D Innovation Manager and Sustainability Lead at Permasteelisa North America. Now, Andrea has a unique lens on the facade industry. With a background in building engineering and a PhD from Milan, he’s worked with top consultancies like Arup, before moving into the contractor side at Permasteelisa. And today, he’s leading their efforts to decarbonize facade systems developing high-performance, low-carbon designs that can actually be built and scaled. In this episode, we explore: What embodied carbon really means (without the jargon) Why lifecycle assessments are becoming essential tools not just for compliance, but for better business And how circular economy practices are starting to shape facade design across global markets Andrea also shares how he's helping project teams make smarter material and supply chain choices—without sacrificing cost or performance. So, if you're trying to figure out what sustainability really means for your business or how to get ahead of upcoming regulations this episode is packed with practical insights.

13. 

    14 Apr 2025

    Ausra Vankeviciute on What 52 Projects Taught Her About Profit, People, and Progress | Episode #6

    Sponsors: Architectural Glass & Aluminum (AGA Website: https://aga-ca.com LinkedIn: linkedin.com/agaengineered Guest:Ausra Vankeviciute of STATICUS LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ausra-vankeviciute-a8286a20/ STATICUS: https://www.linkedin.com/company/staticus/ Host:Tom Caldicott CEO of Unity Search Website: www.unitysearchltd.comLinkedIn: linkedin.com/tom-unitysearch Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Aushra Vankeviciute 03:44 Becoming CEO: Challenges and Responsibilities 07:05 Focus on Profitability and Team Dynamics 08:58 Implementing Agile Methodologies 11:11 Resistance and Adoption of New Practices 13:30 Overview of Statikus: Services and Operations 15:24 New Team Structures and Collaboration 19:35 OKRs and Planning for Success 22:01 Client Feedback and Continuous Improvement 24:19 Transparency and Profitability in Construction 26:32 Industry Challenges and Collaborative Solutions 28:01 Expectations vs. Reality in Project Management 29:43 Understanding Project Delays and Realistic Planning 32:47 Navigating Project Challenges and Solutions 34:39 Strategic Project Selection and Internal Reorganization 36:37 The Importance of Valuing Professionals 38:28 Long-Term Benefits of Collaboration in the Industry 40:12 Learning from Other Industries 43:06 A Call for Industry Collaboration 45:02 Quickfire Questions and Personal Insights Hey guys, and welcome to another episode of the Facade Focus podcast, where I aim to connect the global facade industry by sharing knowledge and experience for others to learn from. Over the coming weeks, I'll be interviewing leaders and industry experts across the globe to discuss common problems people are facing and explore the innovative solutions that will help you in your learning journey. This week, I'm joined by Ausra Vankeviciute, CEO of Statikus Group. Ausra leads one of Europe's most forward-thinking facade contractors, headquartered in Vilnius, Lithuania, with operations spanning across Scandinavia and the UK. Her journey into the business is a fascinating one, starting on the factory floor and progressing through marketing, sales and huge international expansion before taking the reins as CEO in 2019. What's particularly inspiring is how she steered staticus through some of the toughest market conditions in recent memory. Think COVID, the energy crisis, and huge material cost inflation. She did all of this whilst driving a bold transformation in the way their teams collaborate and deliver projects. Now we discuss everything from agile-inspired project structures to improving profitability through better team dynamics. The role of transparency in client relationships and why she believes the facade industry must work together, not against each other, if it's going to thrive long-term. She's sharp, honest, and refreshingly practical in her leadership approach. And there's a ton to learn from this conversation!

14. 

    7 Apr 2025

    Anthony Sertorio on AI, Automation, and Unlocking Facade Industry Data | Episode #5

    Sponsors:Architectural Glass & Aluminum (AGA)Website: https://aga-ca.comLinkedIn: linkedin.com/agaengineered Guest:Anthony Sertorio of Autodesk:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anthony-sertorio/ Autodesk: https://www.autodesk.com/solutions/autodesk-aiHost:Tom Caldicott CEO of Unity SearchWebsite: www.unitysearchltd.comLinkedIn: linkedin.com/tom-unitysearchChapters00:00 Introduction to Anthony Sertorio02:01 Career Journey and Transition to Autodesk09:54 Data Strategy in Construction12:43 Autodesk Tools for Digitization16:52 Low-Code Solutions and Accessibility22:01 Automation of Repetitive Tasks26:42 Investment in Digitization and AI30:39 Governance and Experimentation in Data Management32:14 Structured Approaches to AI Integration39:01 AI as a New Interface for Project Management43:03 Leveraging Data for Smarter Decision-Making47:06 The Future of AI in Construction52:40 Quickfire Q&A with AnthonyHey Guys, and welcome to another episode of the Facade Focus podcast, where I aim to connect the global facade industry by sharing knowledge and experience for others to learn from. Over the coming weeks, I'll be interviewing leaders and industry experts across the globe to discuss common problems people are facing and explore the innovative solutions that will help you in your learning journey. This week, I'm joined by Anthony Sertorio, technical solutions executive at Autodesk. Now, Anthony brings a really unique blend of construction experience and digital innovation. Having worked on major projects in Australia and the US, he's now helping leading engineering and construction firms unlock the full value of their data. From his early days on site to shaping digital strategies at Autodesk, Anthony's passionate about bridging the gap between traditional construction and emerging tech.In this episode, we dig into why most construction data goes unused, how better data strategies can drive smarter decisions, and how AI and automation are changing the way the industry works faster than ever. We also discuss how companies can start small, experiment without overwhelm, and get directionally correct without turning into a tech company overnight. So if you're thinking about digitization, automation, or how to use your project data more effectively, this one's packed with ideas to help you take that first step.

15. 

    31 Mar 2025

    Todd Kimmel on Rethinking Rainscreens and how Facade Design is Evolving | Episode #4

    Sponsors:Architectural Glass & Aluminum (AGA)- Website: https://aga-ca.com- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/agaengineeredGuest:Todd Kimmel of Sole Rockwool North America:- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/todd-kimmel-78976411/- RAiNA: https://rainscreenassociation.org/Host:Tom Caldicott CEO of Unity Search- Website: www.unitysearchltd.com- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tom-unitysearch/Chapters00:00 Introduction to Todd Kimmel and His Journey03:12 The Rise of Rain Screen Technology05:59 The Role of the Rain Screen Association08:59 Challenges in the Facade Industry11:53 Moisture Management in Facade Systems15:02 Training and Education for Contractors17:49 Future Changes in Building Codes21:05 Decarbonization and Local Law 9724:00 Learning from New York's Approach32:54 Emerging Opportunities in the Construction Industry34:42 The Importance of Education in Construction36:59 Global Perspectives on Rain Screen Technology38:42 Inspiring the Next Generation of Tradespeople41:27 The Value of Craftsmanship in Modern Architecture42:38 Quickfire Insights and Personal ReflectionsHey Guys, and welcome to another episode of the Facade Focus podcast, where I aim to connect the global facade industry by sharing knowledge and experience for others to learn from. Over the coming weeks, I'll be interviewing leaders and industry experts across the globe to discuss common problems people are facing and explore the innovative solutions that will help you in your learning journey. This week, I'm joined by Todd Kimmel. Chairman of the Rainscreen Association in North America and Senior Manager of Sustainable Solutions at Rockwall. Now Todd has spent over 20 years at the forefront of the facade industry with a strong focus on sustainability and industry education. Todd has worked in both technical and business development leadership positions for multiple leading product manufacturers. He's a certified Passive House designer and sits on the board of New York Passive House. In this episode, we dive into how RAiNA is setting industry standards for better Rainscreen design, the growing need for collaboration across the industry and how changing codes such as New York's local law 97 are driving a new wave of retrofit opportunities. If you're working in facades and want to understand where the industry is headed, this one's packed with insights.

16. 

    24 Mar 2025

    Max Perilstein on Tradition, Technology & Transforming the Glazing Industry | Episode #3

    Sponsors:Architectural Glass & Aluminum (AGA)- Website: https://aga-ca.com- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/agaengineeredGuest:Max Perilstein of Sole Source Consultants:- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/max-perilstein-409ba111/Host:Tom Caldicott CEO of Unity Search- Website: www.unitysearchltd.com- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tom-unitysearch/Chapters00:00 Max Perilstein's Journey in the Glass Industry02:58 Reflections on the BEC Event05:48 Challenges of Tradition in the Glass Industry08:59 The Need for Education and Adaptation12:04 The Importance of Community and Collaboration15:04 Overcoming Resistance to Change17:53 The Role of Technology in the Future20:54 Marketing the Glass Industry23:49 Attracting the Next Generation to the Industry28:23 The Importance of Company Culture31:25 Empowering Employees and Building Accountability33:35 Practical Steps for Industry Improvement37:30 Personal Insights and Quickfire QuestionsHey guys, and welcome to another episode of the facade focus podcast where I aim to connect the Global Facade Industry by sharing knowledge and experience for others to learn from.Over the coming weeks I’ll be interviewing leaders and industry experts across the globe to discuss common problems people are facing and explore the innovative solutions that will help you in your learning journey.This week, I'm joined by Max Perlstein, Managing Partner at SoulSource Consultants. Max has been a key figure in the glass and glazing industry since the early 90s, holding senior marketing roles before founding his own firm in 2011. He's also the voice behind From the Fabricator, a popular blog and podcast and plays a major role in BEC and GlassBuild. We talk about the adoption of new products and tech in the glass industry, the power of better marketing and why Max believes glass still has untapped potential when it comes to performance, safety and energy efficiency. Max is also really active on LinkedIn, so go and check him out, follow his work and join in the conversation.

17. 

    17 Mar 2025

    Conley Oster on How Intelligent Robots are making Facade Installations Safer and Faster | Episode #2

    Sponsors: Architectural Glass & Aluminum (AGA) - Website: https://aga-ca.com - LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/agaengineered Guest: Conley Oster Co-Founder of Raise Robotics: - Website: https://raiserobotics.ai/ - LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/conley-oster/ Host: Tom Caldicott CEO of Unity Search - Website: www.unitysearchltd.com - LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tom-unitysearch/ Chapters 00:00 - Introduction to Raise Robotics and Conley Oster 04:54 - The Mission and Vision of Raise Robotics 08:19 - Challenges in the Construction Industry 11:10 - Automation in Construction: Opportunities and Solutions 13:57 - Field Deployments and Real-World Applications 17:04 - Overcoming Pushback and Gaining Trust 20:05 - Training and Integration of Robotics on Site 23:14 - The Value Proposition of Robotics in Construction 26:04 - Future Opportunities and Market Expansion 28:41 - Expanding Horizons: International Market Opportunities 35:40 - Innovating for Sustainability: The Retrofit Revolution 37:21 - Social Impact: Transforming Construction Through Automation 40:13 - Future Roadmap: Upcoming Projects and Innovations 43:55 - Quickfire Round: Personal Insights and Fun Facts 50:40 - Introduction to the Fassad Focus Podcast 51:11 - Mission and Vision for the Facade Community Hey guys, and welcome to another episode of the facade focus podcast where I aim to connect the Global Facade Industry by sharing knowledge and experience for others to learn from. Over the coming weeks I’ll be interviewing leaders and industry experts across the globe to discuss common problems people are facing and explore the innovative solutions that will help you in your learning journey. This week I'm interviewing the co-Founder of Raise Robotics, Mr. Conley Oster. He’s a structural engineer by trade, a former crane and rigging specialist, and once worked on iPad manufacturing lines for Apple. Now, he’s building field-deployed robots that are changing how we install façades on buildings, focusing on safety, speed and quality. His company, Raise Robotics, is already working with industry leaders in Construction, bringing real automation to one of the riskiest parts of the job site. We get into the problems he’s trying to solve in the façade industry, what sparked the idea for Raise Robotics, and how they’re already having an impact on job sites across the U.S. Conley’s also active on LinkedIn, so go check him out, follow his work, and join the conversation.

18. 

    10 Mar 2025

    John Wheaton on why Integration, Not Isolation, Drives Facade Project Success | Episode #1

    In this episode of the Facade Focus Podcast, Tom Caldicott interviews John Wheaton, a prominent figure in the facade industry. They discuss the role of Wheaton and Sprague in engineering consulting, the challenges faced in the facade industry, and the importance of collaboration and communication among stakeholders. John shares insights on the impact of technology on project management and the significance of understanding client needs. The conversation also touches on the cost of quality in engineering services and the importance of building strong client relationships. The episode concludes with a lighthearted quickfire round, revealing personal insights about John. Sponsors:Architectural Glass & Aluminum (AGA)- Website: www.aga-ca.com (www.aga-ca.com)- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/agaengineered/posts/?feedView=all (https://www.linkedin.com/company/agaengineered/posts/?feedView=all )Guest:John Wheaton CEO of Wheaton Sprague: - Website: www.wheatonsprague.com (www.wheatonsprague.com )- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-wheaton-pe-leed-ap-0694886/ (https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-wheaton-pe-leed-ap-0694886/ )- X: @JohnLWheaton1 Host:Tom Caldicott CEO of Unity Search- Website: www.unitysearchltd.com (www.unitysearchltd.com)- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tom-unitysearch/ (https://www.linkedin.com/in/tom-unitysearch/) Chapters:00:00 Introduction to John Wheaton and His Role in the Facade Industry00:03 Continuous Improvement in Communication and Collaboration30:26 The Infinite Game of Business31:38 Evolving Challenges in Problem Solving33:55 Collaboration and Value Creation34:54 Leveraging Technology for Operational Efficiency35:35 The Role of AI and Automation in Business38:37 Understanding Cost vs. Value in Bids40:29 The Importance of Quality Over Price41:23 Quickfire Round: Personal Insights and Preferences55:59 Mission and Vision for the Facade Community Welcome to another episode of the facade focus podcast where I aim to connect the Global Façade Industry by sharing knowledge and experience for others to learn from. Over the coming weeks I’ll be interviewing leaders and industry experts across the globe to discuss common problems people are facing and explore the innovative solutions that will help you in your learning journey. This week I'm interviewing (CEO and president of Wheaton Sprague building envelope, Mr. John Wheaton. He's the host of the creating structure podcast and by his own term, a part-time blogger. He co-founded Wheaton Sprague back in 1994 and is a licensed professional engineer in 42 states, his business specializes in building envelope consulting and engineering. We get into the problems his sees in the façade industry, how he’s going about solving them and what impact that has on the industry. John’s active across LinkedIn and X so go and give him a follow and get involved in the conversation.

Who has been a guest on Facade Focus

Names identified in recent episode analyses. Showing up to five guests.

• Jack Cunningham
• Tali Mejicovsky
• Chris Ball
• Andrew Haring
• Steven Gaynor

Reach and audience

Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.

Apple Podcasts (US)

5.0 / 5

1 ratings

Spotify

5.0 / 5

7 ratings

Podcast Authority Score: 30 / 100

A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.

Quality

47

Social presence

0

YouTube

0

Engagement

32

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Guest appearances

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