Architecture and Innovation

Building Trust and Legacy in Construction with Danny Van Acker

This episode of the Architecture and Innovation Podcast, hosted by Tom Dioro and brought to you by CERACLAD welcomes Danny Van Acker, General Manager of Van Acker Construction. Today we disucss a broad range of topics relevant to the construction industry, including the importance of trust and communication between contractors, clients, and architects; Van Acker Construction's commitment to sustainability and quality; and the personal journey and philosophies that have shaped Danny's approach to business.

Founded by Danny's father, Gary Van Acker, the company prides itself on hard work, integrity, and a culture rooted in the Midwest ethos. Danny shares insights into how the company navigates challenges in the construction process, the importance of direct and personal communication to resolve issues, and the crucial role of trust in building successful projects.

The show also delves into how Van Acker Construction maintains its legacy while adapting to changes in the industry and incorporating sustainable materials and practices. Danny highlights how the digital age has impacted client interactions and emphasizes the value of in-person, human elements in the construction process. Finally, the future direction of Van Acker Construction is discussed, focusing on preparing for the next generation while preserving the company's core values and culture.

For more information about Van Acker Construction, visit

https://vanacker.com/

00:00 Navigating Construction Challenges: Insights and Solutions

00:35 Introducing Danny Van Acker: A Legacy in Construction

01:55 The Midwest Mentality: Hard Work and Integrity in Construction

03:28 The Importance of Trust and Integrity in Construction Projects

08:49 Building a Legacy: The Future of Van Acker Construction

14:52 The Role of Sustainability in Modern Construction

20:01 Embracing Technology While Valuing Human Connection

22:51 Looking Ahead: The Future of Van Acker Construction and the Industry

24:48 Closing Remarks and Acknowledgments

Stan Lew, AIA, Principal and President of RMW, voted the Best Places to Work. Stan was named President in 2020. His humility and vision in assuming this role underscores his leadership approach, which is one of service to the RMW family and the professional architectural and design community.

For 50 years, RMW has been recognized as an award-winning workplace for clients in the high-tech, science, healthcare, industrial, academic, and civic sectors.

For more information, you can visit: https://rmw.com/

Revital Kaufman-Meron, architect and principal of BEKOM DESIGN. Born, raised, and educated in Israel, Revital received her B.Arch diploma from Tel Aviv University in 2003 Magna Cum Laude.

She spent four years in Boston, MA, specializing in residential design, from high-end single-family residences and vacation homes to high-rise and mixed-use projects.

Complimenting her design experience with a strong interest in technology, Revital holds expert knowledge in Revit and is significantly involved in the BIM community.

Well-regarded for her contributions to the field, BEKOM DESIGN has received Houzz's Best in Service Award for six consecutive years.

For more information, you can visit: https://bekomdesign.com/

Vince DiPofi, PE and CEO of SSOE. Vince joined SSOE in 2000 and has more than 40 years of professional experience.

Vince was named Engineer of the Year in 2022.

He spearheaded SSOE’s Value Promise program, which has documented more than $1.5 billion in savings for clients initiated by SSOE.

Throughout the years, he has been instrumental in developing numerous new accounts for SSOE and starting up the company’s operations in Mexico.

For more information, you can visit: https://www.ssoe.com/

Jenna Knudsen is the managing principal of CO Architects. 2023 National AIA Award-Winners.

Jenna has led award-winning large-scale academic, laboratory, and healthcare projects nationwide on university and healthcare campuses.

Her groundbreaking projects are innovative in design, sustainability, and project delivery.

Jenna has been nationally recognized for the early use of BIM and integrated delivery.

For more information, you can visit: https://coarchitects.com/

Paul Tang, principal, and partner of the Los Angeles and Shanghai-based architecture firm Verse Design. Formerly Paul Tang Architecture.

Paul was selected as one of the millennial New Blood 101 designers of Los Angeles in 2001 and 2002.He's also the recipient of the National A I, a foundation award, and a professor at the University of Southern California, where he has taught the school of architecture for over 19 years and graduated Claud from the University of Southern California School of Architecture and received his master of architecture with a letter of distinction from Harvard University.

For more information, you can visit their website at https://www.vdla.co/

Michael Poris, AIA, a founding principal at McIntosh Poris Architects, where he’s led the charge on restoring Detroit’s most iconic neighborhoods and landmark buildings.

Since returning to the city in 1995, he has tirelessly worked to preserve the legacy of its beloved 20th-century architecture and historic districts while helping implement change through innovative design.

His architectural leadership has transformed Detroit with groundbreaking projects, such as the Foundation Hotel and the East Riverfront Framework Plan, both recognized with numerous awards.

The firm has gained over 130 design accolades, including 30 AIA Honor Awards and 70 Detroit Design Awards.

For more information, you can visit: https://www.mcintoshporis.com/

Mark Schoeman, Architect and Design Principal at Anderson Brulé Architects, or A-B-A. Mark is a design principal who enjoys creating 21st-century learning and healing environments.

His experience includes master planning, programming, and design for higher education, K through 12 education, healthcare, residential, and civic clients.

For more information, feel free to visit their [email protected].

Steven Song, architect and real estate investor.

● Founder of SCAAA, a strategy consulting, planning, and architecture practice with studios in Los Angeles, Seoul, Osaka, and Dallas;

● Also the CEO of Axle Companies, which invests in real estate and social impact businesses;

● Board member of the Hammer Museum in Los Angeles; and

● Board member of SCI-Arc (Southern California Institute of Architecture)

Steven and his team at SCAAA recently brought to market The SCAAA Process™.  Combining research, AI technology (through a tool-in-development called AIBE or AI for the Built Environment), and design thinking, The SCAAA Process™ reimagines project delivery and provides a new way forward for real estate investment.

For more information, you can visit https://www.scaaa.com/office. 

David K. Plotkin, AIA and Principal of WDA.

David founded and operated his Tucson, Arizona firm, concentrating on envisioning and implementing commercial and residential projects built with environmentally responsible practices. He has also designed and managed projects for firms in New York, Nashville, Chicago, and Los Angeles, including Frank O. Gehry & Associates and Morphosis Architects.

WBA is a people-based practice. That makes our design process fundamentally different than the norm. At WDA, everyone participates in design.

WBA engages the expertise of our entire team from the start and believes that when people feel connected to their work, they care more about their contributions, pushing design to greater heights.

Their byline is the modern design that lives well.

For more information, you can visit: https://wdarch.com/