Val (center) with BTEA Executive Vice President Patrick Wehle and President Elizabeth Crowley at the 2024 SafeBUILD Conference.
In his position as Director of Virtual Design Construction and Emerging Technology, Val Tzvetkov oversees the construction and emerging technology department for Skanska Metro New York’s $800M -$1.2B yearly construction project portfolio. He has worked on numerous high-profile projects, including overseeing the digital core technology for the $5.1B Design-Built LaGuardia Terminal B Redevelopment, the largest PPP project in NYC history. In addition to his day job at Skanska, he is Chair of the Contech Alliance, a nonprofit that provides an unbiased platform designed to foster the growth of the construction technology community.
Val spoke recently with BTEA President Elizabeth Crowley about the role of technology in the construction industry and about the Construction Robotics Summit: Automation at Work, an event the Contech Alliance is co-hosting with the New York Robotic Network, on February 13th in Brooklyn.
BTEA: What does your job entail as Director of VDC and Emerging Technology for Skanska Metro New York?
My role is first and foremost about people. I focus on enabling, mentoring, and supporting our teams to tackle complex field challenges, streamline processes, and explore new technologies. By fostering a culture of collaboration and continuous learning, I help build a network of innovators who can adapt to the industry’s evolving demands. Whether it’s automating workflows, implementing cutting-edge tools, or encouraging fresh thinking, my mission is to empower colleagues to work smarter, faster, and safer—ultimately shaping the future of construction.
BTEA: You were a speaker at this past year’s BTEA #SafeBUILD conference. How does your work relate to improving site safety?
I believe that while a strong safety culture always comes first, technology can serve as a powerful equalizer to help improve site safety. For instance, we use 3D site planning tools and drone technology to actively monitor and document daily site conditions, enabling our teams to identify and address potential hazards before they become serious issues. We also look to automation and robotics to take on high-risk or repetitive tasks, which not only increases productivity but also keeps workers out of harm’s way. In essence, by pairing an unwavering commitment to safety culture with emerging technological solutions, we can create safer, more efficient jobsites for everyone.
BTEA: What are the greatest technological challenges the industry faces?
One of the largest hurdles our industry faces is not the technology itself, but rather the process of adopting and integrating new tools into day-to-day operations. Construction is built on tradition and proven methods, so any new solution must demonstrate clear, immediate value before teams fully embrace it. Interoperability between different platforms and software is another big challenge: if systems don’t ‘talk’ to each other, data becomes siloed, limiting its usefulness. Training and upskilling the workforce to confidently use emerging technologies is also critical. Lastly, the rapid pace of innovation—whether it’s robotics, AI, or IoT—can make it difficult to keep up and ensure new tools are both cost-effective and scalable. Overcoming these challenges requires not only investment in technology, but also a commitment to building the right culture and processes that will allow teams to adapt and thrive.
BTEA: In addition to your day job, you also serve as Chair of the Contech Alliance. Tell us about the organization’s mission and its goals.
The Contech Alliance is a coalition dedicated to driving innovation and best practices in construction technology. Our mission is to bring together industry professionals, technology providers, and thought leaders to share insights, collaborate on emerging trends, and ultimately help the entire construction ecosystem adapt to a rapidly evolving world. By fostering open dialogue and providing resources—like educational events, research, and real-world case studies—we aim to break down barriers to technology adoption, encourage sustainable growth, and create safer, more efficient jobsites. In my role as Chair, I’m focused on guiding our collective efforts toward delivering tangible benefits that empower both individuals and organizations to embrace the future of construction.
BTEA: You are helping organize the upcoming Construction Robotics Summit in Brooklyn. Tell us about that event and why BTEA members should want to attend.
The Construction Robotics Summit is a gathering of industry professionals, innovators, and technology providers all focused on the latest advancements in construction automation. Through demonstrations, interactive panels, and hands-on workshops, attendees will get an up-close look at how robotics and related technologies are transforming our worksites—from enhancing safety to improving productivity and efficiency. For BTEA members, this event is a prime opportunity to stay ahead of emerging trends, connect with thought leaders, and explore practical solutions that can be implemented on jobsites today. It’s about learning best practices, discovering new tools, and ultimately empowering your teams to work smarter, safer, and more profitably in a rapidly evolving industry.
To learn more about the Construction Robotics Summit and get your ticket to attend, go here. The event runs from 4-8 p.m. on February 13th.