In our latest episode of The SureWorx Podcast, we spoke with Thai Nguyen, Director of Innovation at Hensel Phelps, about the evolving role of technology and AI in construction. Drawing on his background in architecture and years of industry experience, Thai shared how tools like robotics, AI, and data-driven processes are reshaping job sites. His approach focuses on empowering teams, improving safety, and fostering a culture of innovation that helps the industry adapt to today’s challenges and opportunities. Here are four valuable insights from Thai’s conversation with us on The SureWorx Podcast:
1. Rethink Innovation Beyond Technology
“Innovation isn’t just about adopting new technology.”
For Thai, innovation goes beyond introducing the latest gadgets. It can mean changing workplace structures, like adopting a four-day workweek, or bringing teams, such as accounting, directly to job sites to understand the impact of their work on operations. Thai’s broader approach empowers everyone, from field teams to support staff, to contribute to meaningful changes. By redefining innovation to include non-technical improvements, Hensel Phelps fosters a culture of adaptability and collaboration, where every team member feels they have a role in driving progress.
Actionable Insight:
- Broaden Your Definition of Innovation: Identify areas in your workflow that could benefit from non-technical changes, like improved scheduling or cross-team training. Create spaces for team members to propose changes, whether tech-related or not.
2. Prioritize Data Governance
“Not all data is the same—governance is critical.”
With the increasing use of AI and automation, Thai emphasizes the importance of categorizing data carefully. Some data can be shared to improve AI’s learning, but other information needs protection to maintain trust and security. Effective data governance ensures that AI can operate efficiently, building reliable insights while safeguarding sensitive information. By establishing standards for data sharing and protection, Hensel Phelps enhances transparency and efficiency, laying the groundwork for scalable tech adoption.
Actionable Insight:
- Establish Data Governance Policies: Conduct a data audit to categorize data by sensitivity and intended use. Define clear data governance rules to determine what can be shared and what needs to be safeguarded, particularly when using AI in decision-making.
3. Safe Experimentation with an Innovation Center
“Our Innovation Center is a safe harbor for experimenting.”
To facilitate thoughtful tech adoption, Hensel Phelps created an Innovation Center where emerging technologies, like robotics and digital tools, can be tested in a controlled, collaborative environment. This “safe harbor” allows teams to experiment without disrupting live projects, providing space to troubleshoot and refine solutions. By simulating real-world project conditions, the Innovation Center creates opportunities to assess tech impact before broader rollout, minimizing risk and maximizing the potential for meaningful improvements.
Actionable Insight:
- Designate a Testing Environment: If feasible, create a dedicated space—or designate specific projects as testing grounds—where new tools can be trialed. Simulate real-world conditions as closely as possible to ensure that technology is ready for broader deployment.
4. Manage the Pace of Change
“Control the speed of tech adoption to avoid burnout.”
One of Thai’s most practical strategies is carefully pacing the adoption of new technology. Using a project management office (PMO), Hensel Phelps regulates the timing of tech rollouts, ensuring teams have time to adapt without feeling overwhelmed. This approach allows new tools to be absorbed fully into workflows, enabling teams to leverage technology without sacrificing productivity or safety. Thai’s focus on measured, intentional change highlights the importance of adapting at a sustainable pace, which fosters long-term success.
Actionable Insight:
- Regulate the Rollout of New Tech: Use a structured approach, such as a PMO or change management team, to plan and control the timing of tech deployments. This way, teams have adequate time to learn and integrate each new tool effectively, reducing stress and maximizing the impact of each innovation.
Conclusion
Thai Nguyen’s insights highlight a thoughtful, people-centered approach to innovation that resonates deeply with our vision at SureWorx. Like Thai, we believe in practical, sustainable adoption of technology—solutions that enhance team performance, data security, and collaborative experimentation. At SureWorx, we create a platform where these conversations thrive, helping construction leaders explore, adopt, and scale the right technologies.
Ready to explore how SureWorx can support your innovation journey? Contact us to request a demo and see how our platform can empower your team to drive meaningful change in construction.
