S12 E13: Smells Like Money Podcast: Bridging the Engineering Divide

In this insightful episode of The DooDoo Diva’s Smells Like Money Podcast, host Suzan Chin-Taylor welcomes Chuck McDonald, PE, Quality Control Manager at Windsor Engineers. Chuck shares his expertise on the critical disconnects between civil engineers, technicians, and field operators, and how better communication and collaboration can lead to more efficient infrastructure projects.

Host: Suzan Chin-Taylor | Guest: Chuck McDonald

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Key Discussion Points:

Engineering Discipline Divide: Understanding the friction between civil, mechanical, electrical, and plumbing engineers and how differing approaches impact project success.
The Engineer vs. Technician Disconnect: Why technicians’ field experience is undervalued and how bridging this gap can improve project outcomes.
The Importance of Field Experience: How the lack of exposure to real-world construction projects creates liability risks and inefficiencies for engineers.
The Need for Better Communication: Strategies for improving dialogue between engineers and operators to ensure functional, safe, and cost-effective designs.
Holistic Project Planning: Why short-term cost savings often lead to long-term financial and operational burdens—and how to shift to a lifecycle cost mindset.
Public-Private Partnerships (P3s): Exploring the benefits of engineers being more embedded and accountable to municipalities through long-term project engagement.
The Role of AI in Infrastructure: Why artificial intelligence will never replace the human expertise required for field-driven decision-making.

Conclusion:

Effective infrastructure design and management require strong collaboration between engineers, technicians, and operators. As Chuck McDonald emphasizes, fostering better communication, valuing field experience, and considering long-term sustainability are crucial steps toward more efficient and cost-effective projects. By embracing a holistic approach and leveraging public-private partnerships, we can build resilient infrastructure that meets the needs of both present and future generations.

Thank you for joining us, and as always, keep it flowing!

Chuck McDonald & Windsor Engineers:

Email: CMcDonald@windsorengineers.com

Website: www.windsorengineers.com

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/chuck-mcdonald-a199455

Final Thoughts:

Building a stronger, more resilient infrastructure requires teamwork, adaptability, and forward-thinking strategies. Engineers, technicians, and operators must work together, learning from each other’s expertise to create long-lasting, efficient solutions. As technology and industry practices evolve, fostering open dialogue and collaboration will be the key to success.

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Connect with Suzan Chin-Taylor, host of The DooDoo Diva’s Smells Like Money Podcast:

Website: www.creativeraven.com | https://thetuitgroup.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/creativeraven/

Email: raven@creativeraven.com

Telephone: +1 760-217-8010

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