Computer-Aided Design & Drafting meets humor and practicality, with a touch of business acumen thrown in for fun. Jim and Rocco, owners of ZenTek Consultants, the premiere U.S. technology consulting firm for the architecture, engineering, construction, and manufacturing industries discuss the fascinating world of CADD with some humor and honesty. Join them, and their industry-expert guests for CADD- focused tech and biz discussions. Learn more at https://zentekconsultants.net/.
Warm Duck Shuffle by arnebhus | https://soundcloud.com/arnebhus
Civil 3D pressure pipe networks have a reputation for being hard to use. In this episode of The CADDle Call Podcast, Jim and Rocco from ZenTek Consultants explain why default pressure pipe labels and material restrictions push designers back to polylines, and how a simplified parts catalog makes pressure networks practical on every project.
Topics include:
Why default Civil 3D pressure pipe labels are hard to control on plan and profile sheets
How generic catalogs simplify pressure network design
ZenPipe for Civil 3D imperial and metric catalogs
Building custom catalogs for municipalities and utilities
Visit zentekconsultants.net to learn more about ZenPipe for Civil 3D or to discuss a custom pressure pipe catalog for your firm. Subscribe to the CADDle Call Podcast for more AEC technology discussions.
14 Oct 2026
AI and Estimating: Reality vs. Myth
Can AI really handle construction takeoffs and estimating? On this episode of The CADDle Call Podcast, Jim and Rocco cut through the marketing hype to explain why no AI tool can take PDF plans and produce a flawless estimate today, where AI genuinely helps with quantity takeoff (QTO) and estimating, and how Bluebeam Max’s Claude integration and plan stitching can save hours when you apply them deliberately.
Want help putting AI to work in your takeoff and estimating workflow? ZenTek Consultants provides training, software consulting, and solutions for AEC professionals. Visit zentekconsultants.net to get started, and subscribe to The CADDle Call Podcast for more conversations on the technology shaping the industry.
29 Sept 2026
Actual Use of AI in MEP Design
AI is bundled into nearly every design tool on the market, but how much of it is actually usable in day-to-day MEP work? In this episode of The CADDle Call Podcast, Jim and Rocco are joined by David Robison, President of Design Master Software, to look at what AI can do for design teams right now, not in some future state.
Dave shares what he learned testing an AI agent on standard Autodesk example files, and how Design Master is using MCP connections to tie AI to design systems like Autodesk Revit. The conversation covers:
What AI agents and MCP (Model Context Protocol) are, and how they apply to MEP design.
Creative ways real MEP firms are using AI beyond basic search and reporting.
How to handle AI hallucinations and keep a human in control of design decisions.
Why company-specific AI integrations may matter more than generic, top-down tools.
How AI is breaking down data silos across traditionally separate software packages.
Where client interest is focused: business efficiency or the design process itself.
What to try with AI this week, and what is a waste of time and money.
Whether you are an MEP engineer, designer, BIM manager, or firm leader, this episode gives you a grounded look at where AI helps, where it falls short, and how to get started without overspending.
Ready to put AI, BIM, and design software to work for your team? ZenTek Consultants provides training, software consulting, and products for AEC professionals. Visit zentekconsultants.net to explore courses and services. And make sure to subscribe to The CADDle Call Podcast so you don't miss the next episode.
Who has been a guest on The CADDle Call
Names identified in recent episode analyses. Showing up to five guests.
Dan Whitcombe
Dave Knowles
Steve Hathaway
Harlan Brumm
Ramesh Sridharan
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YouTube views
6,542
Score snapshot 15 Sept 2025
Apple Podcasts (US)
4.9 / 5
7 ratings
Spotify
5.0 / 5
6 ratings
Podcast Authority Score: 69 / 100
A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.
Quality
73
Social presence
0
YouTube
82
Engagement
82
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