Steel Framing Connections

About Steel Framing Connections

Whether you call it cold-formed steel (CFS) or light gauge steel (LGS), or any other variations, Steel Framing Connections is the podcast where we talk to the people framing the future of how we build. Each episode features conversations with industry leaders, builders, engineers, architects, and problem-solvers who are transforming the way we design, manufacture and build smarter, faster, more sustainable structures. Whether you’re deeply involved in steel framing or simply curious about what’s next in construction, this is where the industry comes together — and where connections are built.

Publisher

FRAMECAD

Category

business · education · technology

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

11 Feb 2026

Latest episode

4 Nov 2026

Latest episodes

13 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   4 Nov 2026

   How Steel Framing is Creating New Opportunities for Builders (with Emma Pressler-McHugh)

   How technology, prefabrication and growing demand are shaping the future of steel framing In episode 12 of Steel Framing Connections (https://framecad.com/podcast), Emma Pressler-McHugh of McHugh Steel, talks about how technology, prefabrication and growing demand are creating new opportunities for cold-formed steel. Emma shares how McHugh Steel (https://mchughsteel.com.au/) has expanded from residential framing (https://framecad.com/residential) into large-scale commercial projects (https://framecad.com/commercial), and why early design, precision manufacturing and efficient scheduling are critical to successful project delivery. In this episode, you'll learn: How McHugh Steel has expanded into commercial construction Why early design and detailing improve project efficiency How technology and automation support steel frame manufacturing Where modular construction can help address regional labor shortages Why education and collaboration are important for steel framing adoption Hear why Emma sees growing opportunities for cold-formed steel in commercial, modular (https://framecad.com/modular) and regional construction. Listen now to hear the full conversation.

2. 

   21 Oct 2026

   Steel vs Wood Framing: The Real Cost of Construction (with Howard Akin)

   Is steel framing really more expensive than wood and what happens when you look beyond material costs? In episode 11 of Steel Framing Connections (https://framecad.com/podcast), Howard Akin of Accurate Steel Fab (https://accuratesteelfab.com/), a Dallas-based steel framing (https://framecad.com/steel-framing) manufacturer, talks about why he made the switch from wood to cold-formed steel (https://framecad.com/blog/cold-formed-steel-framing) and what developers should consider when comparing construction costs. Drawing on decades of experience in multifamily development, Howard shares how steel framing can influence project timelines, labor requirements, insurance costs and long-term building performance. In this episode, you'll learn: Why total project cost matters more than material price alone How insurance, labor and construction timelines affect the steel vs wood comparison The importance of early design, engineering and detailing How prefabrication and precision manufacturing support efficient onsite assembly The role of FRAMECAD Nexa in production tracking and manufacturing efficiency Opportunities for steel framing in residential and multifamily construction Hear Howard's perspective on why cold-formed steel is gaining ground as an alternative to traditional wood framing. Listen now to hear the full conversation.

3. 

   7 Oct 2026

   How Steel Framing is Changing Offsite Construction (Andrew Fowler)

   How prefabrication, design and engineering are helping address labor and project delivery challenges Rising labor costs, skills shortages and increasing project complexity are changing how steel framing projects are designed, manufactured and delivered. In episode 10 of Steel Framing Connections (https://framecad.com/podcast), Andrew Fowler from Austruss (https://austruss.com.au/) shares how the business has evolved from residential steel framing (https://framecad.com/residentia) into complex commercial projects (https://framecad.com/commercial) and why offsite construction (https://framecad.com/blog/offsite-construction-reduces-build-time) and prefabrication (https://framecad.com/blog/prefabrication-the-new-face-of-construction) are becoming increasingly important. In this episode, you'll learn: Why labor challenges are accelerating the shift toward offsite construction How cold-formed steel is being used on complex commercial projects How design, engineering and prefabrication can improve project delivery Why Andrew believes the steel framing industry has reached a tipping point Whether you're a builder, developer or contractor, this episode offers a practical perspective on how steel framing is evolving and the role offsite manufacturing could play in the future of construction. Listen now to hear the full conversation.

4. 

   16 Sept 2026

   What’s Driving Cold-Formed Steel Adoption in North America? (Don Allen)

   How resilience, off-site construction and technology are shaping the future of CFS In this episode of Steel Framing Connections (https://framecad.com/podcast), Don Allen, Executive Director of the Steel Framing Industry Association (https://www.steelframing.org/) (SFIA), discusses what’s driving the adoption of cold-formed steel framing (https://framecad.com/blog/cold-formed-steel-framing) across North America. Don explores how resilience, non-combustibility, light weight, recyclability and changing construction demands are strengthening the case for steel framing (https://framecad.com/steel-framing). In this episode, you'll learn: Why cold-formed steel adoption is growing in North America Where CFS is gaining ground in residential construction How steel compares with traditional materials when it comes to resilience and sustainability How labor shortages, panelization and off-site construction are influencing adoption Why data centers represent a growing opportunity for cold-formed steel How education, industry standards and greater awareness can help grow the market Don also shares insights from more than three decades in the steel framing industry and discusses how automation, technology and industry collaboration are helping shape the future of construction. Whether you're a builder, developer, architect, engineer, contractor or steel framing manufacturer, this episode offers valuable insights into the opportunities for cold-formed steel (https://framecad.com/blog/what-does-cfs-mean) and what could drive wider adoption across North America. Listen now to hear the full conversation.

5. 

   2 Sept 2026

   Why Builders Switch from Wood to Cold-Formed Steel (Stanley Adwell)

   Why builders are moving beyond wood and embracing cold-formed steel In this episode of Steel Framing Connections (https://framecad.com/podcast), Stanley Adwell, CEO and Co-Founder of IntelliSteel (https://intellisteelgroup.com/), discusses why builders and developers are increasingly looking beyond wood to cold-formed steel (https://framecad.com/blog/cold-formed-steel-framing). Stanley explores how smarter design and engineering, more predictable costs, labor efficiencies and growing insurance pressures are helping accelerate the adoption of steel framing (https://framecad.com/steel-framing). In this episode, you'll learn: Why builders and developers are considering alternatives to wood How engineering can make cold-formed steel more competitive Why insurance is becoming an important factor in material selection How CFS can improve cost and schedule certainty Where the biggest opportunities for steel framing are emerging Why successful projects can accelerate wider market adoption Stanley also shares insights from more than a decade in the industry and explains why CFS is well positioned for growth across multifamily, build-to-rent, hospitality and other construction sectors. Whether you're a builder, developer, architect, engineer or steel framing manufacturer, this episode offers valuable insights into the changing economics of construction and the growing shift toward cold-formed steel. Listen now to hear the full conversation.

6. 

   19 Aug 2026

   Why Cold Formed Steel is Built for Resilient Construction (David Chai)

   Building Stronger with Cold-Formed Steel David Chai, Co-Owner and CEO of Orlando Steel Framing (https://orlandosteelframing.com/), joins Steel Framing Connections (https://framecad.com/podcast) to discuss how manufacturing, technology and resilient construction are helping drive cold-formed steel (https://framecad.com/blog/cold-formed-steel-framing) adoption. David explains why early engineering and a manufacturing mindset are critical to delivering consistent results at scale, and how better coordination between design, factory production and the jobsite can reduce waste (https://framecad.com/blog/light-gauge-steel-framing-reduces-construction-waste), improve efficiency and minimize field modifications. In this episode, you'll learn: Why early engineering matters for successful CFS (https://framecad.com/blog/what-does-cfs-mean) projects How a manufacturing mindset improves consistency and efficiency Why factory and jobsite coordination is critical to offsite construction How digital design and technology can reduce waste Why CFS is well suited to resilient, non-combustible construction Why long-term ownership and insurance costs matter alongside material costs How education is key to increasing cold-formed steel adoption David also explores the growing demand for stronger, more resilient buildings and why that is creating new opportunities for cold-formed steel construction. (https://framecad.com/blog/preparing-for-the-future-cold-formed-steel-construction-and-the-construction-industry) Listen now to hear the full conversation.

7. 

   5 Aug 2026

   Early Collaboration and Education Drive Steel Framing Adoption (Melissa Sheffy)

   Early Collaboration Better Build In this episode of Steel Framing Connections, Melissa Sheffy, Founder of Network Framing Solutions (https://network-framing.com/), shares how early collaboration, education and prefabrication are helping drive steel framing (https://framecad.com/steel-framing) adoption across the construction industry. Drawing on her experience moving from contractor to manufacturer, Melissa explains why the greatest opportunities for cold-formed steel framing (https://framecad.com/blog/cold-formed-steel-framing) begin during the design phase. She discusses the importance of working closely with architects, engineers, owners and contractors to create projects that are faster, more predictable and better coordinated. In this episode, you'll learn: Why early collaboration is critical to successful steel framing projects How education is increasing the adoption of prefabrication and cold-formed steel framing Why design-build delivery creates better project outcomes How prefabrication improves consistency, schedule certainty and jobsite safety Why total project cost matters more than upfront material cost Which project types are best suited to offsite construction Why healthcare, education and senior living projects are embracing steel framing How strong relationships help deliver better construction outcomes Whether you're a builder, developer, architect, engineer or steel framing manufacturer, this episode provides practical insights into how collaboration and education can accelerate project delivery while improving consistency, predictability and long-term value. Listen now to hear the full conversation.

8. 

   22 Jul 2026

   Steel Framing vs Wood for Multifamily Construction (with Jason Schaller)

   Why More Developers Are Choosing Steel Framing for Multifamily Construction In Episode 5 of Steel Framing Connections (https://framecad.com/podcast), we sit down with Jason Schaller, from Vitruvian Steel (https://www.vitruvian-steel.com/ ) to explore why more developers are choosing steel framing over traditional wood construction for multifamily and commercial (https://framecad.com/commercial) projects. Jason shares how prefabricated cold-formed steel framing (https://framecad.com/blog/cold-formed-steel-framing) is helping builders reduce construction time, improve project certainty and deliver more resilient buildings, particularly in hurricane-prone (https://framecad.com/blog/building-resilience-how-steel-framing-stands-up-to-hurricane-forces) regions like Florida. From affordable housing to multi-story developments, discover why steel is becoming an increasingly attractive alternative to wood. In this episode, you'll learn: Why steel framing is gaining momentum in multifamily construction How prefabrication can reduce construction time by up to 70% The true cost comparison between steel framing and wood construction How steel framing improves resilience against termites, moisture and hurricanes Why insurance costs are influencing material choices in Florida How factory-built steel framing improves consistency, accuracy and site productivity Why education is key to increasing steel framing adoption across the construction industry Real-world examples of multifamily and commercial projects delivered with FRAMECAD technology Whether you're a developer, builder, contractor or investor, this episode offers practical insights into how steel framing can help deliver faster, more predictable and more resilient construction outcomes. Listen now to discover why steel framing (https://framecad.com/steel-framing) is reshaping the future of multifamily construction.

9. 

   8 Jul 2026

   Why Cold Formed Steel Construction Wins in Mid-Rise (with Scott Fournier)

   Why Developers and Contractors Are Turning to Cold-Formed Steel In Episode 4 of Steel Framing Connections, we speak with Scott Fournier, President of Integrated Steel Solutions (https://integratedsteelinc.com/), about why cold-formed steel (https://framecad.com/blog/cold-formed-steel-framing) is changing the way commercial (https://framecad.com/commercial) and mid-rise buildings (https://framecad.com/midrise) are delivered. You'll discover how a manufacturing-led approach, innovative engineering and FRAMECAD technology (https://framecad.com/steel-framing-machines) are helping teams build faster, reduce risk and tackle projects that traditional construction methods often avoid. In this episode, you'll learn: Why cold-formed steel is gaining momentum in commercial and mid-rise construction How developers and contractors can reduce build times and improve project certainty The benefits of Design for Manufacturing and Assembly (https://framecad.com/blog/traditional-design-vs-dfma) (DfMA) How FRAMECAD technology delivers precision and efficiency on complex projects Why educating project teams is key to successful steel framing adoption Lessons from hospitals, commercial buildings, sports venues, and landmark projects How innovative thinking is creating new opportunities for commercial construction Whether you are a commercial builder, contractor or developer, this episode offers practical insights into how cold-formed steel construction can help you deliver projects faster, more efficiently and with greater confidence.

10. 

    17 Jun 2026

    How Modular Bathroom Pods Save Time on Construction Sites (with Andreas Kilander)

    What if you could significantly reduce onsite construction time while improving efficiency and consistency? In this episode of Steel Framing Connections (https://framecad.com/podcast), we talk with Andreas Kilander about the growing adoption of modular (https://framecad.com/modular) bathroom pods and their impact on modern construction projects. From faster installation times to improved project coordination, Andreas shares how offsite-manufactured bathroom pods (https://framecad.com/modular/bathroom-pods) are helping developers and contractors streamline delivery and overcome common construction challenges. The discussion also explores the role of light gauge steel framing (https://framecad.com/blog/light-gauge-steel-framing) in modular pod design, the benefits and limitations of prefabrication (https://framecad.com/blog/offsite-construction-the-difference-between-modular-prefabrication), and what the future holds for modular construction (https://framecad.com/blog/accelerating-construction-timelines-with-modular-steel-framing) as the industry continues to evolve. In this episode you will learn: How modular bathroom pods can save up to 45 minutes per installation The advantages of offsite manufacturing and prefabrication The role of light gauge steel in bathroom pod construction Key challenges and considerations for implementation Expert insights into the future of modular construction Whether you're a builder, contractor, developer, architect, or construction professional, this episode provides valuable insights into one of the industry's most efficient and innovative building solutions (https://framecad.com/steel-framing-machines).

11. 

    13 May 2026

    How AI & Steel Framing Are Building Tomorrow Faster (with Marc McQuain)

    AI & Steel Framing: Building Tomorrow Faster. In this episode, Marc McQuain, CEO of Volstrukt (https://www.volstrukt.com/), explores how AI and digital manufacturing are reshaping the future of housing. Marc brings over 15 years of experience at the intersection of design, manufacturing, and construction. He shares how steel framing (https://framecad.com/steel-framing) is evolving from a niche solution into a scalable, tech-driven approach to building faster, stronger and more resilient homes. (https://framecad.com/residential) With global housing shortages and ongoing labor constraints, the construction industry is at a tipping point. This conversation dives into how automation, digital workflows, and advanced materials are unlocking new possibilities and why adoption is accelerating now. What you’ll learn: Why steel framing is gaining momentum in a world of climate risk and labor shortages How AI and digital twins are improving design accuracy and build speed How panelized systems turn custom homes into scalable, repeatable products What’s changing in zoning and regulation and why it matters The real barriers and costs of transitioning from timber to steel As the construction industry faces increasing pressure from climate change, labor shortages, and housing demand, traditional methods are being challenged. Steel framing, combined with AI and automation, offers a path toward a more resilient, efficient, and scalable future.

12. 

    15 Apr 2026

    What is Driving the Steel Framing Market in Australia? (with Peter Blythe)

    What’s driving the steel framing market in Australia? In this episode, Peter Blythe from Dynamic Steel Frame (https://dynamicsteelframe.com.au/) explains how steel is transforming construction, reducing costs, increasing speed and challenging traditional timber methods. We explore the steel framing market in Australia, including key trends, growth drivers, and the future outlook for the industry. Peter shares his 13-year journey in light gauge steel (https://framecad.com/blog/light-gauge-steel-framing), from pioneering Australia’s first four-story steel building to working with major players like Bunnings. In this episode, we cover: Steel framing market trends in Australia Why steel is becoming more cost-effective than timber How automation and software are accelerating construction Key drivers behind industry adoption The future of modular and multi-story steel builds Steel framing (https://framecad.com/steel-framing) is no longer a niche solution. With advantages like straightness, durability, and design flexibility, it’s rapidly gaining traction among architects, developers, and builders. Material shortages, quality issues with timber, and the demand for faster, more predictable builds are accelerating the shift toward steel. If you're a builder, architect, or developer looking to stay ahead of construction trends, this episode breaks down where the market is heading and why it matters.

13. 

    11 Feb 2026

    Welcome to Steel Framing Connections

    Welcome to Steel Framing Connections

Contact Steel Framing Connections

Guest appearances

Books guests

Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.