How Virtual Design is Changing Construction

How Virtual Design is Changing Construction

From Cool Air, Hot Takes by Trane

December 2, 2025 · 37 min · Episode 16

About this episode

The episode discusses how digital design, particularly through BIM and digital twins, is transforming the construction industry with insights from Autodesk's Ian Molloy.

Today, Autodesk’s Director of Product Management , Ian Molloy , joins hosts Charlie Jelen and Dan Gentry to explore how digital design is transforming the built environment. We dig into where building information modelling (BIM) is heading, what truly defines a digital twin, and how Autodesk and Trane are closing the gap between modeling and load calculations. Ian also explains how prefab workflows are speeding up construction and how early design choices, from massing to HVAC systems, shape both operational and embodied carbon. Plus, we learn about the industry’s “more-on principle” and why right-sizing matters more than ever. We also have: HVAC Headlines: how yogurt-coated windows (yes, really) can lower the temperature of your home , and what’s been a tough year for residential shipments. Dan in The Factory: We send Dan on a mission to find out the wildest job story from Area Service Manager, Bryon Wilfong. Stat of the Day: The nation's priciest college tuition . We want your hot takes and questions! Email coolair.hottakes@trane.com, drop a comment on YouTube or Spotify, or leave us a review on Apple Podcasts. Don’t forget to rate and follow too! Cool Air, Hot Takes ™ is a…

People in this episode

Hosts: Charlie Jelen, Dan Gentry

Guest: Ian Molloy

Topics covered

  • digital design
  • construction
  • building information modelling
  • digital twin
  • prefab workflows
  • HVAC systems
  • carbon emissions

Keywords

  • virtual design
  • construction technology
  • BIM
  • digital twin
  • prefabrication
  • HVAC
  • carbon footprint

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Autodesk, Trane, Area Service Manager

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