Embracing Technology for Construction Innovation

Dave Mueller, VDC Manager, Stellar

With over twenty years of experience in the AEC field, David Mueller has developed a passion for connecting design and construction with cutting-edge technology. As the Virtual Design & Construction (VDC) Manager at Stellar, a leading engineering and construction company specializing in industrial, commercial, and institutional projects, he leads a team of VDC professionals in delivering high-quality 3D models and drawings for clients. Mueller is dedicated to developing and maintaining CAD/BIM standards, workflows, and best practices across the organization, ensuring that VDC solutions meet project requirements and expectations.

Before joining Stellar in 2021, Mueller served as the leader of the 3D Core at Lincoln Electric System (LES), where he oversaw 3D model designs, lidar scanning, and CAD administration. His role involved managing 3D design and facilities management design staff, coordinating large complex projects, and providing training and product development. His earlier experience includes serving as a Design Associate at Olsson Associates, working on electrical transmission and distribution projects. He started his career as a Plumbing Designer at Schnackel Engineers, handling plumbing design for commercial projects nationwide. Mueller's expertise spans a wide range of software, including Autodesk's Inventor, Revit, ACC/BIM360, Civil 3D, and AutoCAD, as well as reality capture equipment and software from Leica and Faro.

A Journey from Plumbing Design to VDC Management

My career began 20 years ago as a Plumbing Designer at a consulting MEP company in the Midwest. Back then, we worked with 2D AutoCAD and a digitizer, but I was always interested in how technology could help improve efficiency. I explored ways to automate pipe sizing and routing, which sparked my passion for using technology to innovate.

I later moved on to another consulting firm where I worked in the medium and high-voltage electrical group. It was here that I began diving into three-dimensional modeling to increase design precision and speed. Designing power substations and transmission lines helped me appreciate the benefits of 3D modeling in producing more accurate construction documents. I realized that I had a knack for taking software and technology and applying it in new ways to solve real-world problems.

From there, I became a Lead at a local electric utility, focusing on 3D substation design. This added another layer to my experience, as I had to consider factors like materials, pricing, and how technology could benefit an organization from an owner’s perspective. Today, as the VDC Manager at Stellar, I oversee the implementation of technology for design and construction, always to improve efficiency and outcomes.

Leveraging CAD/BIM Experience to Drive Innovation

At Stellar, my extensive experience in CAD/BIM design and modeling is crucial in introducing innovative solutions. Innovation is often guided by past experiences, especially when evaluating what has worked and what hasn't. I focus on how new technologies and innovations can address current challenges. It’s important to understand that every new technology will come with its challenges, and it’s only when the benefits outweigh the challenges that it becomes worth pursuing.

Fostering Collaboration Across Teams

Effective collaboration among engineers, project managers, and other stakeholders ensures that CAD/BIM solutions meet project requirements. Communication is the cornerstone of this collaboration. From the outset, it's important to communicate expectations and keep everyone in the loop, particularly when challenges arise. Building trust through transparency is essential. I demonstrate how the technology works by sharing examples and providing honest updates on what can and can’t be done. This approach helps build a strong foundation for collaboration throughout the project.

Staying Updated with Advancements in CAD/BIM and Reality Capture Technologies

We are continuously evolving and enhancing our workflows, especially in the area of reality capture. We have made significant strides in integrating scan-to-BIM technologies, utilizing tools like ACC Model Coordination to collaborate across disciplines and with outside agencies. Automating publishing ensures that all project team members consistently work with the latest information.

Staying updated involves a combination of keeping an eye on industry publications, browsing social media platforms, attending trade shows, and engaging with our software vendors. We are always looking for new tools and technologies that can enhance our design and construction processes.

Contributing to Industry Advancement

At Stellar, we always look at ways to merge design and construction in a digital environment. By using tools like Lidar scanners, drones, 360 imagery cameras, and robotic total stations, we are advancing technology in the engineering and construction sectors. Our focus on model coordination and clash detection allows us to solve potential problems before they arise in the real world, which ultimately leads to more efficient construction.

Incorporating Sustainability and Efficiency in VDC Practices

Our approach to sustainability and efficiency is deeply integrated into our VDC practices. For example, using drones and scanners allows us to gather real-world data without the need for multiple trips to the site. This reduces travel costs and enables more staff to engage with the conditions on the ground. By identifying issues early through model coordination and clash detection, we can eliminate construction inefficiencies, leading to faster and more sustainable project delivery.

Looking Ahead: The Future of VDC at Stellar

Looking forward, one of our biggest goals is to master the technology and tools we currently use and maximize their efficiency. While AI is not yet fully applicable to the construction industry, I believe it will play a significant role soon. We are preparing for this by staying ahead of the curve and exploring emerging technologies such as augmented reality (AR). We’re already testing AR in job sites through smart glasses and integrated tablets, and I foresee this becoming more widespread in the next 3 to 5 years. Additionally, we are working on virtual reality (VR) collaboration experiences, allowing team members from multiple locations to meet digitally within a project’s design model, enhancing collaboration and efficiency.

"Innovation is often guided by past experiences, especially when evaluating what has worked and what hasn't. It’s important to understand that every new technology will come with its challenges, and it’s only when the benefits outweigh the challenges that it becomes worth pursuing."

Advice for Aspiring VDC Professionals

For those aspiring to enter the field of VDC, my two main pieces of advice are:

1. Master your attitude and effort: The two things you can always control in life are your attitude and effort. Maintaining a positive attitude and putting forth your best effort is often the key to success, no matter the obstacles you face.

2. Bet on yourself and embrace failure: Don't be afraid to take risks. The ones who succeed the most are those who learn from their failures and keep going. Own your failures, learn from them, and continue betting on yourself. The more you invest in your growth and learning, the greater the rewards will be.