From BIM to Circular Sampling: Benjamin Glunz on Building Smarter

Author

Charlie Cichetti
November 06, 2025

QUICK TAKE

Architect-turned-tech CEO Benjamin Glunz is reshaping the AEC industry by tackling inefficiency, waste, and legacy workflows.

In this episode, he shares how platforms like BIMsmith® and Swatchbox® are making sustainability the standard — not the exception.

A MESSAGE FROM SKEMA.AI

Tired of spending months turning schematics into BIM?

Skema.ai lets you do it in minutes (yes, really). This AI-powered tool takes your existing Revit, ArchiCAD, or IFC files and creates fully-integrated BIM models faster than you can say "value engineering." Already trusted by TVS Design and other industry heavyweights.

Want BIM in minutes, not months?

🎧 LISTEN TO THE SHOW

Are you subscribed yet?

🌱BREAKING DOWN TRADITIONAL BUILDING

[Key Insight #1] Circular Sampling with Second Life

  • What's outdated: Architectural material samples often end up in landfills after projects end.

  • The innovation: Swatchbox’s Second Life initiative collects, recirculates, and redistributes unused samples.

  • Impact: 50,000+ samples diverted from landfills, reducing demand for net new sample production.

[Key Insight #2] Turbocharging Sustainability Through Product Selection

  • What's outdated: Architects waste critical hours shuffling paperwork instead of making high-impact material decisions.

  • The innovation: BIMsmith® streamlines product research and specification with architect-built tools.

  • Impact: Faster, more informed decisions that increase sustainability and reduce project waste.

[Key Insight #3] Moving from Time-Based to Value-Based Architecture

  • What's outdated: AEC firms are locked into a billable-hours model that disincentivizes innovation.

  • The innovation: Ben advocates for shifting to value-based pricing and tech-integrated workflows.

  • Impact: Increased profitability, better design quality, and accelerated project timelines.

♻️ YOUR GREEN BUILD CHALLENGE

Are you subscribed yet?

✅ CONNECT AND CONTINUE

🌿 Access full episode resources: Green Building Matters Podcast 

🗒 Read the transcript: HERE