Founded 40 years ago in Victoria, BC, Kinetic Construction has grown from a small general contracting business to a major player in the institutional, commercial, and industrial (ICI) sectors. With 200 employees across three offices, Kinetic's commitment to innovative project delivery models, such as construction management at risk and integrated project delivery (IPD), sets it apart in the construction industry.

This is part one of our two-part customer story with Kinetic. In this post, we explore the leadership perspective with the following members of the Kinetic leadership team. In part two, where we'll dive into project-level insights.

Mike Walz, Chief Operating Officer, has spent 25 years at Kinetic. From when he started off his career as an estimator and project manager to leading the Vancouver branch and now COO, Mike has seen firsthand the evolution of project management. His role now focuses on integrating corporate strategies across all business units, ensuring that technology adoption aligns with business needs.

Bruce Vasarhely, Vancouver Branch Manager, who has been in the construction industry for 33 years, and now leads all operations and delivery of projects within the Kinetic Vancouver branch.

Ritu Ahuja, Lean Integration Leader, who joined Kinetic five years ago, is passionate about lean implementation and change management. She leads the portfolio for lean initiatives, including virtual design and construction (VDC), ensuring that Kinetic stays ahead in adopting innovative practices.

"Ultimately the client benefits the most by getting a project that is well executed because it was well planned. Then as a result of this the benefits flow through the whole hierarchy of the project team."

- Bruce Vasarhely - Vancouver Branch Manager at Kinetic Construction

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Industry Evolution, Trends, and Kinetic’s Strategic Approach to Technology Integration

Over the past decade, the construction industry has rapidly evolved, driven by sustainability targets, complex building systems, and prefabrication. Technology has played a crucial role in this transformation, with tools like building information modeling (BIM), VDC, and drones becoming mainstream. Bruce notes that the industry has accelerated significantly in recent years, driven by the need for resource efficiency and the advent of collaborative delivery models. These models, along with BIM and VDC, have enabled Kinetic to integrate more closely with architects and designers, striving for a better future state.

Ritu adds that BIM allows for proactive decision-making and continuous improvement, aligning with Kinetic’s lean philosophy. The technology enhances job site safety, reduces waste, maximizes flow, and improves productivity and efficiency.

Looking ahead, Kinetic sees several technology trends shaping the next decade. Collaborative delivery models will further leverage BIM and VDC, breaking down silos and allowing teams to build directly from the model. The use of data will also be crucial, with real-time information from ERP and project management systems enabling better decision-making. Technologies like AI, machine learning, and augmented reality (AR) will further enhance workflow efficiency and information access.

"What's really important is to strategically identify the business need and the value proposition for a piece of technology. Leadership starts by evaluating these technologies, and once they decide there is a path for integration, we create an initiative charter."

- Mike Walz - Chief Operating Officer at Kinetic Construction

Kinetic’s approach to selecting and adopting technology is strategic and systematic, starting with identifying business needs and evaluating the technology's potential value. Leadership ensures alignment with company goals, then creates an initiative charter to outline the problem, expected outcomes, and implementation risks. A user group tests and validates the technology, providing crucial feedback for full-scale implementation. Regular communication and company-wide report-outs maintain transparency. Leadership support, ongoing training, and continuous improvement principles ensure the technology adds lasting value.

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Impact of cmBuilder on Kinetic’s Operations

Kinetic’s adoption of cmBuilder has shown significant promise in enhancing digital project planning and execution workflows. Teams have embraced the platform, using it to improve site logistics planning and communicate project strategies with stakeholders. Bruce notes that cmBuilder has enhanced visualization of construction sequencing and enabled better communication with clients.

cmBuilder provides a detailed, visual representation of construction projects, allowing teams to plan and adjust site logistics more effectively. This 3D and 4D modeling capability enables Kinetic to map out every phase of a project, from initial site setup to final completion. The ability to see the project in a virtual environment helps in identifying potential issues before they arise, ensuring smoother execution and fewer surprises on site.

"In addition to better visualization of construction sequencing, cmBuilder has provided us with a method to communicate with our clients virtually and relay a story of how we see the project versus how the owner understands the project."

- Ritu Ahuja - Lean Integration Leader at Kinetic Construction

The platform has also significantly improved communication with clients and stakeholders. By providing a clear visual of the construction process, cmBuilder helps align everyone’s understanding of the project. This visual storytelling enhances client engagement and satisfaction, as they can see how the project will unfold and understand the rationale behind key decisions.

Kinetic is utilizing cmBuilder to deliver benefits across all levels of the project hierarchy

• Clients: Ultimately, the client gains the most from a well-executed project. They benefit from cost savings, timely delivery, and a higher quality outcome.
• Site Teams: Superintendents, project managers, and coordinators gain better planning and execution tools, leading to smoother workflows and less stress on site.
• Trade Partners: Clearer plans and better coordination mean that trades can work more efficiently and effectively, reducing the likelihood of conflicts and rework.

Conclusion

The successful implementation and scaling of technology at Kinetic is driven by a robust meticulous process involving initiative charters, user engagement, and continuous support. Leadership plays a crucial role in identifying business needs and supporting technology adoption, ensuring that it aligns with Kinetic’s lean mindset and commitment to continuous improvement. By strategically integrating technology into their workflows, Kinetic not only enhances project outcomes but also sets a standard for the construction industry. As they look to the future, Kinetic is well-positioned to leverage emerging technologies to continue delivering value to their clients.

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