Welcome to a new episode of I’m The Gaffer 👷‍♂️

If you're a construction business owner, architect, engineer, contractor, project manager, developer, or someone involved in designing and delivering projects, this conversation offers valuable insights into architecture, construction, entrepreneurship, AI, leadership, and the future of the built environment.

In this episode, Lance Cayko joins Gavin Coyle to discuss why architects need to reconnect with the construction industry, how builders and architects can work more effectively together, the impact of AI on professional services, and why understanding construction can make you a better designer and business owner.

You'll learn:

Why architects need stronger relationships with builders, subcontractors, and the people actually delivering projects

How spending time in the field can improve designs, reduce mistakes, and earn respect from trades

Why many architecture firms struggle with business, profitability, and long-term growth

How AI is changing architecture and why practical construction experience is becoming more valuable

Why Lance believes architects should reclaim the role of the master builder and take a bigger role in construction projects

🎯 Episode Highlights / Timestamps

00:00 Why builders earn more than architects

01:12 Introduction to Lance Cayko

02:27 Starting in construction at age 13

08:54 Why entrepreneurship and architecture rarely go together

12:10 The ego problem in architecture

15:08 Why architects don't talk to tradespeople

17:29 How subcontractors improved architectural drawings

21:44 AI and the future of architecture

31:00 Why architectural firms are going out of business

38:00 Why owners and clients suffer from poor collaboration

40:52 Knowing what you know now

42:07 The book that changed Lance's life

Connect with Lance Cayko

LinkedIn

https://www.linkedin.com/in/lance-cayko-1227031a/

Inside The Firm Podcast

https://insidethefirmpodcast.com/

F9 Productions

https://www.f9productions.com/

About Coyle Group

Coyle Group provides safety outsourcing and managed services for high-impact projects across wind, utilities, power generation, engineering, and construction.

With 25+ years of experience, 100+ safety professionals, and 1M+ safety hours completed, Coyle Group helps projects run safely and compliantly.

Learn more:

https://coyle-group.com/

About the Podcast

I’m The Gaffer, hosted by construction professional Gavin Coyle, brings together industry leaders, entrepreneurs, and experts to share real insights on leadership, growth, safety, engineering, construction, and business success.

Listen on:

Apple Podcasts

https://bit.ly/ImTheGaffer

Spotify

https://bit.ly/ImTheGafferSpotify

YouTube

https://www.youtube.com/@imthegafferpodcast

Website

https://www.imthegaffer.com

Subscribe for more insights for construction business owners, architects, engineers, contractors, project leaders, developers, and industry professionals.

#ImTheGaffer

#Architecture

#ConstructionIndustry

#Architects

#ConstructionLeadership

#BuildingDesign

#ConstructionManagement

#ConstructionBusiness

#ProjectManagement

#AIInConstruction

#ConstructionTechnology

#Entrepreneurship

#ArchitectureBusiness

#GeneralContractor

#ConstructionPodcast

Welcome to a new episode of I’m The Gaffer 👷‍♂️

If you're a construction business owner, engineer, project manager, contractor, safety professional, or someone responsible for delivering projects, this conversation offers valuable insights into engineering leadership, safety, technology, and the future of the industry.

In this episode, Craig Montz joins Gavin Coyle to discuss what makes a great engineer, why the industry needs more engineering talent, how technology is transforming project delivery, and why preventing problems is more valuable than simply solving them.

You’ll learn:

Why engineering is a rewarding career with endless opportunities

What qualities make a great engineer

Why safety should be considered during design, not after construction starts

How asking better questions leads to better project outcomes

Whether construction projects are being over-engineered

How BIM and 3D modelling are changing project planning

Why technology and AI are becoming essential engineering tools

Why experienced engineers focus on preventing problems, not just fixing them

How engineering firms can attract and retain top talent

Why leadership is often about listening instead of providing solutions

Why Craig believes he should have bet on himself earlier in his career

🎯 Episode Highlights / Timestamps

00:00 Problem solving vs problem prevention

01:30 Introduction to Craig Montz

05:15 How engineering firms attract top talent

07:52 What makes a great engineer?

09:37 Why engineering logic improves safety

10:36 Are projects being over-engineered?

15:23 The qualities of a modern engineer

16:03 How BIM and technology are transforming construction

18:44 The leadership lesson behind problem prevention

20:00 Building projects virtually before construction begins

26:14 How AI helps engineers make better decisions

27:25 Engineering salaries and specialist career opportunities

32:05 Leadership lessons from managing people

35:00 The future of engineering and technology

37:50 Knowing what you know now, what would you do differently?

Connect with Craig Montz

LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/craigmontz/

Company Website

https://mcclurevision.com/

About Coyle Group

Coyle Group provides safety outsourcing and managed services for high-impact projects across wind, utilities, power generation, engineering, and construction.

With 25+ years of experience, 100+ safety professionals, and 1M+ safety hours completed, Coyle Group helps projects run safely and compliantly.

Learn more:

https://coyle-group.com/

About the Podcast

I’m The Gaffer, hosted by construction professional Gavin Coyle, brings together industry leaders, entrepreneurs, and experts to share real insights on leadership, growth, safety, engineering, and success in the construction industry.

Listen on:

Apple Podcasts

https://bit.ly/ImTheGaffer

Spotify

https://bit.ly/ImTheGafferSpotify

YouTube

https://www.youtube.com/@imthegafferpodcast

Website

https://www.imthegaffer.com

Subscribe for more insights for construction business owners, engineers, project leaders, and industry professionals.

Welcome to a new episode of I’m The Gaffer 👷‍♂️

If you're a construction business owner, contractor, project leader, safety professional, or someone responsible for building better teams, inclusion is not just an HR policy or a box-ticking exercise.

In this episode, Anne Okafor, Founder of Okaforia Limited, joins Gavin Coyle to discuss what an inclusive construction industry really looks like and why it matters for safety, quality, culture, recruitment, reputation, and business performance.

You’ll learn:

Why inclusion affects everyone in construction

Why diversity and inclusion cannot sit only with HR

Why company culture has to start from the top

How poor workplace culture can affect safety and quality

Why small everyday behaviours can become bigger problems

Why job adverts and recruitment processes may put people off

Why inclusion is not just about hiring more women

How inclusive teams can help produce better buildings and better products

Why ESG and client expectations are making this topic more important

Why being inclusive starts with being a decent human being

🎯 Episode Highlights / Timestamps

00:00 Why diverse teams create better products

01:53 Introduction to Anne Okafor

03:46 Anne’s journey into construction

06:12 What does an inclusive construction industry look like?

07:24 Legal requirements and industry standards

09:31 Why inclusion cannot be an afterthought

11:18 Is diversity and inclusion just HR?

19:23 Diversity and inclusion as safety near misses

22:53 Why safety is physical and emotional

27:08 Why inclusion is more than women in construction

Connect with Anne Okafor

LinkedIn

https://www.linkedin.com/in/anneokafor/

Website

https://www.anneokafor.com/

About the Podcast

I’m The Gaffer, hosted by construction professional Gavin Coyle, brings together industry leaders, entrepreneurs, and experts to share real insights on leadership, growth, and success in the construction industry.

Listen on:

Apple Podcasts

https://bit.ly/ImTheGaffer

Spotify

https://bit.ly/ImTheGafferSpotify

YouTube

https://www.youtube.com/@imthegafferpodcast

Website

https://www.imthegaffer.com

Subscribe for more insights for construction business owners and leaders.

#ImTheGaffer #ConstructionBusiness #ConstructionLeadership #ConstructionIndustry #DiversityAndInclusion #InclusionInConstruction #WomenInConstruction #ConstructionCulture #HealthAndSafety #WorkplaceCulture #ESG #Leadership