Roundtable: 5 ways to spark innovation that leads to impact
March 12, 2025
How does innovation happen? And what makes it successful? We asked five experts to share their thoughts.
In today¡¯s rapidly evolving world, the AEC industry faces ever more complex challenges. From climate change adaptation to digital transformation, the demand for innovative solutions has never been greater. We believe that innovation begins with a spark¡ªan idea, born from a challenge or need, that ignites a journey toward change. But how does innovation happen? And what makes it successful?
Recently, five of our experts talked about innovation. They focused on how it¡¯s evolving and how it can have a positive impact in this ever-changing world.
The roundtable, which focused on five ways to spark innovation, included:
- Jeff Albee, a digital services and solutions lead
- Ghina Annan, a decarbonization business lead
- Jag Singh, an expert in clean energy and small modular reactors
- Nadia Vogt, a climate adaptation and mitigation expert
- Mark Wollina, a project director for water treatment delivery
1.?Innovation is about seeing the bigger picture
Nadia: Innovation is not just about coming up with new ideas. It¡¯s about making sure that we can implement those ideas and that they are meaningful for the communities we serve. We must look beyond isolated problems to see the larger interconnected systems at play. The most effective solutions are those that consider economic, social, and environmental factors together. And that¡¯s whether we¡¯re addressing climate resilience or infrastructure planning.?
Underinvestment in infrastructure has created an urgent need for smarter, more efficient solutions.
Mark: Underinvestment in infrastructure has created an urgent need for smarter, more efficient solutions. We tend to run to failure rather than prevent it. That¡¯s why innovative thinking is crucial¡ªit helps us move from reactive crisis management to proactive, strategic planning.
2.?Collaboration is the key to breakthrough solutions
Ghina: Innovation thrives when we bring diverse perspectives together. We don¡¯t just find answers¡ªwe create processes that bring together innovation, teamwork, and purpose. To tackle the challenge of sustainability, we must integrate different disciplines.? For instance, my team focuses on regenerative solutions. That means we are designing for both energy efficiency and occupant health to create long-lasting impact. This requires a cross-discipline approach to see that both sides benefit.
Nadia: If we want solutions that are not only innovative but also practical, we need cross-sector collaboration. Bringing the right people together at the right time is what makes our innovation meaningful. It¡¯s designed for real-world implementation.
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Hamdan Bin Rashid Cancer Hospital will be Dubai¡¯s first integrated comprehensive cancer hospital, a testament to the impact of cross-discipline designs.?
3.?Technology is changing the game
Jeff: From AI-driven flood-prediction models to digital twin technology in mining, digital tools are transforming how the AEC industry operates. Digital is now an expectation, not an option. Clients expect digital solutions to be embedded in everything we do. The challenge is delivering that innovation at the same cost¡ªor less. That¡¯s where technology, efficiency, and creativity must come together.
Jag: Digital modeling has transformed engineering workflows. We used to send an entire team to survey a site. Now, we send one person with a laser scanner, build a 3D model, and conduct assessments remotely. What used to take six months now takes less than one. This acceleration in project delivery not only improves efficiency, but it also allows teams to leverage Â鶹´«Ã½ from around the world. We can bring together the best minds regardless of location.
4.?Resilience is built into every innovation
Jeff: Innovation itself is a risk. But if we¡¯re too innovative, we might introduce inefficiencies or cybersecurity risks. If we don¡¯t innovate, however, we risk falling behind. Balancing risk and reward requires a deep understanding of both the technology and the human Â鶹´«Ã½ that drives it. By integrating digital advancements with the real-world knowledge of scientists, engineers, and designers, we can create practical, scalable solutions.
Nadia: Resilience isn¡¯t just about managing risk though¡ªit¡¯s about planning for the future. The world is interconnected, and resilience means understanding the full picture¡ªwhat¡¯s working well, where the gaps are, and how we can make the biggest impact.
Ghina: Resilience also requires adaptability. The best innovations come from iteration. We test, refine, and scale solutions so they work today. And they continue to work in the future.
Deploying digital solutions for Tennessee Flood Prediction and Resiliency Implementation strengthened the state¡¯s resilience against future flood events.?
5.?The future of innovation: People, process, and purpose
Jeff: Our future is a partnership. A partnership of people, process, and technology, coming together to keep up with the pace of change in our world.
Mark: AI will continue to accelerate problem-solving. It will make solutions more efficient and accessible. But at the core of all innovation is people.
Nadia: It¡¯s not just about what¡¯s next¡ªit¡¯s about what will last. We need to continually adapt and learn. Because, at the end of the day, our decisions are shaping communities for generations.
Keep the spark alive: Watch the discussion
The journey from spark to impact is what drives our work. It¡¯s a topic this team just can¡¯t stop talking about. They recently reconnected on the topic of innovative design and engineering solutions. Check out the recording below to get their thoughts on gaining trust, balancing disruption, measuring impact, and overcoming challenges when introducing new ideas and approaches.?