Connected by Design: Building the Future of Construction Data

Bridging the Gap: Insights & Innovations in Construction

How can construction finally break free from silos and unlock the full power of connected data?

Recorded live at Autodesk University 2025 in Nashville, this conversation with Lalith Subramanian, Global VP of Product & Engineering, explores the future of an end-to-end industry cloud — where design, preconstruction, and operations all work from the same living data.

Lalith shares insights on creating trust in AI, practical collaboration frameworks, and how selective data sharing is redefining what’s possible for teams across the built environment.

💡 Highlights from the conversation

• Breaking down data silos with connected workflows
• Practical ways to “trust but verify” AI in construction
• Why culture and contracts matter more than code
• Selective sharing: collaboration without losing control
• The next evolution of intelligent design feedback loops

MEET OUR GUEST

Lalith Subramanian is the Global Vice President of Product and Engineering, driving innovation across cloud, data, and AI solutions that connect the full project lifecycle. With over two decades of SaaS and product leadership experience spanning cybersecurity, document management, and digital transformation, Lalith brings a systems-level view to construction’s modernization journey. His focus on practical collaboration, cultural alignment, and trustworthy AI reflects a mission to help teams move from fragmented processes to connected, insight-driven workflows that elevate performance across the built world.

TODD TAKES Unify the Lifecycle to Remove Friction

Bringing ACC into Forma isn’t a feature drop—it’s the foundation for an end-to-end industry cloud where design, precon, construction, and operations share the same living data. Less handoff friction means fewer early-stage errors and better schedule and margin outcomes. This is the starting line for true lifecycle transformation.

Share Data, Keep Control

Silos won’t disappear with software alone—trust and contracts matter. The play is selective sharing: let each party keep a full-fidelity copy while securely syncing the right, current data at the right time (think “bridge,” not “dump”). That’s how collaboration grows without sacrificing accountability or IP.

AI That Assists—With Sources

AI expectations are maturing from “magic button” to “trust but verify.” The wins come from assistive AI that cites sources, accelerates answers, and leaves final judgment with people. Leaders should tailor ROI by stakeholder, pair AI with clear guardrails, and build the culture and workflows that make adoption stick.

More Resources

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Todd’s LinkedIn

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Graitec North America

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Other Relevant Links:

Lalith’s LinkedIn

Autodesk’s Website