Shows
Inside the SpecInside The Spec - Episode 12: From Data To Spec: Fixing The CRM Bottleneck in Building MaterialsSummary In this episode of Inside the Spec, hosts Megan Kacvinsky (CEO of Point To Point) and Vardhan Mehta (CEO of Acelab) are joined by Aaron Ayer, founder of Hunley, a Salesforce consultancy specializing in building materials and construction. Aaron shares the origin of Hunley, insights on the role of CRM systems in the industry, and how data integrity drives success in sales and marketing. The discussion explores how tools like Hunley’s SpecSuccess AI empower manufacturers to make data actionable—using automation and AI to turn project data into sales intelligence. Together, they unpack the evolving relationship betwe...
2025-11-2135 min
Bricks, Buck$ And BytesPlanGrid Founders Return to Construction, 27% of GCs Using Personal Funds, $9.2M Nextlight Raise, AI Go-To-Market Race, with Will Mitchell from Rabbit27% of contractors are using PERSONAL MONEY to keep their businesses alive—and it's worse than you think.In this episode of Bricks, Bucks & Bytes, Owen, Dustin, and Martin break down the biggest shakeups in construction tech, from the PlanGrid founders' surprise return to AI, to the shocking payment crisis threatening to sink contractors across the industry.We’re joined by Will Mitchell from Rabbet, David from NxLite, and Vardhan Mehta from Acelab to unpack what's really happening in construction payments, energy efficiency, and materials management.Key Topics:Tiger Eye's big pivot: Why...
2025-11-141h 16
AEC Trailblazers: The Founders FilesFrom Studio to Spec: How Acelab’s AI Is Rewiring Material Sourcing in AECThe material bottleneck is one of the least glamorous but most decisive pain points in the architecture, engineering and construction industry. From studio sketches to specification deadlines, architects spend an outsized share of their time chasing fragmented material data, navigating opaque manufacturer catalogs, and copying specs across projects.For Vardhan Mehta, architect-turned-entrepreneur and co-founder of Acelab, this gap wasn’t just an inconvenience — it was the trigger to build a platform where material science meets architectural practice.In this episode of AEC Trailblazers, Vardhan shares his journey from a small town in central India to Harv...
2025-10-0648 min
Inside the SpecInside The Spec - Episode 11: Simplifying The Spec: What Architects Really Need On Sustainability“The framework is a really meaningful and helpful tool to simplify that complexity”SummaryIn this episode of Inside the Spec, hosts Megan Kacvinsky and Vardhan Mehta speak with Laurel Chądzyński, VP of Engagement at Mindful Materials, about the transformative role of the Common Materials Framework (CMF). Laurel explains how CMF serves as a common language for sustainable building materials, rooted in the five impact areas of the AIA Materials Pledge. The discussion highlights how the framework simplifies a complex landscape of certifications, helps manufacturers connect with architects, and creates a pathway for widesp...
2025-09-2644 min
Inside the SpecInside the Spec - Episode 10: From Art To Science: Rethinking The Spec Around Windows And DoorsIn this episode of Inside the Spec, Megan Kacvinsky and Vardhan Mehta engage with John Crosby, the new president of the Window and Door Manufacturers Association. They discuss the challenges and opportunities within the window and door industry, focusing on overcommoditization, consumer preferences, and the importance of innovation and testing standards. John shares insights from his extensive experience in construction and policymaking, emphasizing the need for the industry to accelerate and adapt to changing market dynamics. The conversation highlights the significance of collaboration among industry players and the evolving expectations of consumers, particularly younger generations.
2025-08-0329 min
Inside the SpecInside the Spec - Episode 9: Winning The Spec Game EarlyCaitlin Brady, Architect and host of the Architectette Podcast, joins Megan Kacvinsky and Vardhan Mehta on Inside the Spec to share her path into architecture and why early engagement in the design process is critical. The conversation explores how manufacturers can better connect with architects—through social media, events, and personal relationships—before the construction phase begins. Caitlin highlights the value of BIM, the importance of accessible technical data, and what architects really look for in a product partner. From navigating value engineering to building trust and prioritizing sustainability, this episode offers practical insights into how manufacturers can support—and st...
2025-08-0342 min
Inside the SpecInside the Spec - Episode 8: Breaking Through the Noise"How manufacturers can effectively capture architects' attention in an increasingly crowded market"SummaryDavid Lee, founding partner of Fame Architecture and Design and host of Second Studio podcast, shares candid insights into how manufacturers can meaningfully connect with architects. The discussion explores effective communication strategies across channels, the importance of authenticity in relationship building, and what really drives architects' attention in today's digital landscape.Key InsightsOffice size significantly impacts engagement preferences - large firms often welcome structured lunch & learns while small firms need more flexible approachesRecency bias plays a major role...
2025-04-2852 min
Inside the SpecInside the Spec - Episode 7: The Future of Specification"A rising star's perspective on evolving specification needs and challenges"SummaryLena Reiff, a designer at Ross Barney Architects, provides fresh insights into how younger architects approach specification and what manufacturers need to do to better serve the next generation. The discussion explores the disconnect between architectural education and practice, evolving sustainability requirements, and how digital tools can bridge knowledge gaps.Key InsightsSpecifications often happen last-minute with limited knowledge transfer between experienced and younger architectsProduct research is extremely time-consuming due to poor website organization and limited access to informationSustainability and embodied...
2025-04-2148 min
Inside the SpecInside the Spec - Episode 6: Performance Matters"Cutting through the noise to understand what truly drives product validation"SummaryChristine Williamson, Professor of Architecture at Virginia Tech and building failure expert, offers invaluable insights into how architects evaluate product performance and what really matters in building product validation. The discussion explores the gap between marketing claims and practical needs, while examining how manufacturers can better support architects in making informed specification decisions.Key InsightsProduct failures are rarely due to manufacturing defects - most issues occur at interfaces between different productsWarranties matter more for project leverage and resale documentation...
2025-04-1442 min
Inside the SpecInside the Spec - Episode 5: Design IRL"Exploring how successful projects navigate the delicate dance between innovation and practicality"SummaryIn this episode, hosts Megan Kacvinsky and Vardhan Mehta talk with Steven Johns, Technical Director at Kieran Timberlake, about bridging the gap between architectural vision and practical reality. With 28 years at the firm, Steven shares invaluable insights into product evaluation, innovation partnerships, and the critical role of technical knowledge in specification success.Key InsightsTechnical expertise and correct terminology are crucial - architects and manufacturers often use different vocabulary for the same conceptsInstallation documentation provides critical insights beyond marketing...
2025-04-0744 min
Inside the SpecInside the Spec - Episode 4: Vision Meets Reality"The delicate dance between innovation and practicality"SummaryIn this episode, hosts Megan Kacvinsky and Vardhan Mehta explore how successful architects navigate the gap between design vision and market reality with guest Adam Gayle, Principal at Superlative. With extensive experience across multiple project types and roles, Adam shares invaluable insights into how architects balance innovative design ambitions with practical constraints, and what manufacturers need to know to support this process effectively.Key InsightsBuilding trust and setting expectations early with all stakeholders is crucial for successful product specificationThe key to gaining client...
2025-03-3141 min
Inside the SpecInside the Spec - Episode 3: Digital Bridges"Cutting through the tech buzz to explore how digital tools are reshaping architect-manufacturer relationships"SummaryWith her unique background in both computer science and architecture, Alex Nelson, R&D Lead of Design Technology at DLR Group, provides invaluable insights into how technology is transforming architectural practice and product specification. The discussion explores which digital tools are actually making architects' lives easier, what's still causing headaches, and how manufacturers can better support the evolving needs of design professionals.Key InsightsDigital tools need to bridge gaps between different parts of the workflow...
2025-03-2448 min
Practice Disrupted by Practice of Architecture187: Architecture, And: A New Language for Material Decision-MakingHow a non-technical founder built a tech solution to transform material selection for architects.In the latest episode of Practice Disrupted, Evelyn Lee sits down with Vardhan Mehta, co-founder of AceLab, an AI-powered platform transforming how architects research and specify building materials. Vardhan shares his journey from practicing architect to tech entrepreneur, the inefficiencies he saw in traditional material selection, and how AceLab is helping firms make faster, data-driven product decisions.The conversation begins with Vardhan’s early career working on complex building envelopes for U.S. embassies and high-profile projects at MIT and Yale. He...
2025-03-2042 min
Inside the SpecInside the Spec - Episode 2: The Early Bird Advantage"Timing matters. Early engagement can turn products into project essentials."SummaryFeaturing Tyler Michieli, Associate Principal at Ford Architects and education studio leader, this episode explores why the schematic design phase presents a crucial opportunity for manufacturer engagement. The discussion reveals how early collaboration can transform a product from just another option into an integral project component, while examining what makes architects receptive to new products during initial design stages.Key InsightsEarly product engagement is most critical for structural/envelope systems that fundamentally impact design feasibilityTrust and technical expertise are essential...
2025-03-1746 min
Inside the SpecInside the Spec - Episode 1: Breaking the Spec Cycle"Designing for the real world isn't easy."SummaryIn this debut episode, hosts Megan Kacvinsky and Vardhan Mehta explore what really drives architects to switch specifications, featuring guest Andre Baros, Senior Director of Materials and Research at AceLab. The discussion dives deep into the psychology of specification inertia, examining how manufacturers can successfully navigate the complex world of architectural specification and what it truly takes to convince architects to try something new.Key InsightsTrust and relationships with manufacturer representatives are crucial - technical expertise and consistent follow-through matter more than the...
2025-03-1044 min
The Green Building Matters Podcast with Charlie CichettiVardhan Mehta on Transforming Material Selection Through AI-Powered DesignEpisode Title: Vardhan Mehta on Transforming Material Selection Through AI-Powered Design The Green Impact Report Quick take: A deep dive into how AI and smart data management are revolutionizing sustainable material selection in architecture, featuring insights from Acelab's founder on bridging the gap between sustainable ambition and implementation. Meet Your Fellow Sustainability Champion: Vardhan Mehta is the Co-Founder & CEO of Acelab, where he leads an 85-person global team transforming how architects discover and specify sustainable building materials. A Harvard GSD graduate and former architect at Weiss Manfredi, Vardhan has turned his firsthand experience with specification challenges into a groundbreaking platform...
2025-02-2642 min
Slice of Real Estate#11 - Vardhan Mehta, Co-Founder & CEO at AcelabIn Episode #11 of Slice of Real Estate, Vardhan Mehta, Co-Founder & CEO at Acelab.Listen to the full episode to learn about: Vardhan Mehta shares his journey from architect to CEO of Acelab.The challenges and solutions in creating a centralized database for building materials.Insights into how Acelab is streamlining material selection for architects and builders.Future plans for Acelab, including expansion into interior products and collaboration features.Learn more about Acelab:Website https://acelabusa.com/ LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/acelab/ Learn about our Guest:LinkedIn https://www.l...
2024-09-1115 min
Smarter Building Materials MarketingHow To Get Your Building Products Spec’d in an Architect’s ProjectManufacturers know they need to get an architect’s attention in order to get in a spec, but what’s the best way to do it? This week’s guest talks about how to build relationships with architects, and he knows what he’s talking about as an architect himself.Vardhan Mehta is co-founder and CEO at Acelab. He talks with Beth about how building materials manufacturers can build better relationships with architects.
2023-02-2722 min
From the Fabricator Podcast for Glass & Glazing ProsFrom the Fabricator-October 2022- Salem/HHH and Acelabusa.com. Glass and Glazing at its finest!This edition features Salem Fabrication Technologies (Mike Willard) with Mike Synon and Terry Hessom of HHH Glass Equipment.Also featuring Vardhan Mehta of Acelab at www.Acelabusa.com Thanks for listeinng!From the Fabricator- #Glass and #Glazing hosted by Max Perilstein, Managing Partner of Sole Source Consultants. Connect with Max on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/max-perilstein-409ba111/
2022-10-0854 min
Our Quest33. Amit Vardhan - How to build Confidence | 6 steps to build to confidence“With realization of one’s own potential and self-confidence in one’s ability, one can build a better world.” – The Dalai Lama. Educating us about how to build confidence through this episode is the CEO of prism advertising, Executive director, BNI north Dubai, Amit Vardhan.
Introduction
What is confidence?
What makes some people be confident while some lose it?
Are people born with confidence or can they learn this skill too?
What can one do to build confidence?
How can building confidence help?
Conclusion
Like it? Rate and review us. Remember to subscribe to the podcast to get latest...
2022-06-2126 min
Architecture Off-CentreOn Revolutionizing the Construction Industry / Acelab (Vardhan and Dries)“I was told that you go to the US to learn the more innovative and technologically driven ways of practicing. But that was simply not the case.” If you have ever worked on a construction project and had a hard time searching for and specifying building products, you will be relieved to know that Acelab co-founders Vardhan Mehta and Dries Carmeliet are trying to ease the workflow and make your life easier. They are also leading by example on how to branch out into the business world as architects – all while still being in graduate school. Acel...
2021-05-2031 min
NerdistanEp 19: Diwali Movies & Funny Diwali StoriesIn this episode of the Nerdistan Podcast , we are joined by our very good friend Harsh Vardhan. We discuss movies that we feel is apt to watch on a Diwali weekend and share some of our crazy Diwali life stories.
00:00 Start of the Show
02:46 Things trending in Twitter Last Week (Mumbai Indians winning the IPL, Play station launch, YouTube being down)
07:32 Guest - Harsh Vardhan Mehta
14:28 Favorite Diwali Movies
26:20 Diwali Stories
YouTube: www.youtube.com/nerdistanpodcast Instagram: @nerdi_stan Gmail: nerdistan26@gmail.com #Diwali #Podcast #HappyDiwali
2020-11-1444 min
NL HaftaHafta 300: Bihar Assembly election, France and Islam, and the 2+2 India-US talksTimestamps:00:00 - Introduction and headlines10:09 - The shooting at Munger and Bihar's election dynamics33:02 - Subscriber letters41:54 - The pope's statement on same-sex civil unions45:55 - College student’s murder in Faridabad, media coverage58:47 - Subscriber letters01:01:49 - The 2+2 meet, Indian-Americans’ influence on the US election01:06:57 - Controversial ABVP leader appointed to AIIMS Madurai board 01:13:11 - Subscriber letters01:29:17 - France's culture of mockery and its relationship with the Islamic world01:46:25 - Subscriber letters01:48:16 - Reco...
2020-10-311h 59
NL HaftaHafta 291: Covid vaccine and community transmission, Bloomsbury India, and the NEET-JEE exam rowThis week’s episode of NL Hafta features an all-star panel of Newslaundry’s Abhinandan Sekhri, Anand Vardhan, Manisha Pande, Mehraj D Lone, and Raman Kirpal. They are joined by Banjot Kaur, health and public policy correspondent for Down To Earth magazine.The conversation begins with a round-up of Covid developments from the past weeks, including progress being made in India and abroad towards the production of a suitable vaccine. Banjot addresses common misconceptions about vaccine implementation, serological surveys, and herd immunity, noting that even after a vaccine becomes available, the possibility of life returning to norm...
2020-08-2900 min
NL HaftaHafta 156: Narendra Modi in Davos, AAP MLAs, Padmaavat, Satyapal Singh on Darwin and moreFormer journalist with more than 30 years of experience, Nitin Gokhale joins us for the podcast to discuss weekly affairs. He sheds light on the conflict between India and China. Manisha Pande, Anand Vardhan, Anand Ranganathan and Raman Kirpal along with Nitin also talk about Narendra Modi in Davos and his two interviews with news channels Zee News and Times Now. They discuss the 'office of profit' controversy in which 20 AAP MLAs were disqualified by the President. Raman and Nitin get nostalgic sharing their encounters with the late Vinod Mehta. Manisha brings up Satyapal Singh, who recently made a statement on...
2018-01-2501 min