Joshua Thompson, a Senior CAD Administrator and AI Strategist at Bolton & Menk, is one of the leading minds helping guide the AEC industry through its next great transformation. With 30 years of experience under his belt and a daily focus on artificial intelligence, machine learning, and emerging tech platforms, Joshua stands at the crossroads of design, data, and disruption. In this interview, he shares his journey from backyard concrete plans to industry innovation, the tools driving his team forward, and the routines that keep him focused, fit, and future-ready.
Career and Industry Evolution
Joshua Thompson’s career in AEC began with an ambitious childhood mission: build a backyard swimming pool. While most kids might draw a picture or dig a hole, Joshua went a step further—hauling buckets of concrete from a local plant and paving the yard himself. That do-it-yourself spirit never left him.
Today, as a Senior CAD Administrator and AI Strategist, Joshua spends his days tracking the intersection of artificial intelligence and the built environment. Whether it’s exploring Autodesk’s machine learning efforts in stormwater or experimenting with large language models, his role covers a wide—and rapidly evolving—slice of the AEC industry.
After three decades in the field, Joshua has seen technology shrink from massive desktop units to pocket-sized powerhouses. But it’s the mental shift around AI that excites him most.
“We’re living through the dawn of AI in our industry. This is only going to happen once, and we get to be here for it.”
The ability to turn ideas into reality—and now to accelerate those ideas through AI collaboration—has kept Joshua inspired and constantly evolving. From hybrid work to dynamic design, his path is defined by creative curiosity and problem-solving grit.
Tech
Technology and Collaboration
For Joshua, AI isn’t just a buzzword—it’s a partner. The integration of AI into his design process has radically transformed how he solves problems. Gone are the days of isolated ideation; now, he collaborates with AI models to generate smarter, faster, and more efficient solutions.
“Having AI as a partner has amplified my abilities over the last two to three years. It’s a game changer.”
When it comes to teamwork, hybrid collaboration has made the biggest difference. Instant messaging and shared digital environments have replaced waiting days for email responses and access to physical computers. For Joshua, this shift in communication speed and flexibility has redefined project workflows.
One standout moment came when Civil 3D’s pressure pipe tools helped him rapidly design a 1-mile water main in just three weeks—a project triggered by a city’s oversight. The built-in automation and precision made a complex, time-sensitive task not just manageable, but memorable.
Looking ahead, Joshua envisions a future where standalone applications disappear entirely, replaced by AI agents and common data environments that streamline every stage of the project lifecycle.
And if he could build one tool today?
“An AI onboarding CAD agent that researches a user’s experience and provides a tailored training path. That would revolutionize onboarding.”
FIT
Work-Life Balance and Focus
While Joshua’s tech world is always moving, his routines are refreshingly grounded. The secret weapon? A corgi.
Walking his dog three times a week has become a ritual for both physical activity and stress relief. More than just steps, those walks also sync with a GPS/cell phone tracker collar—a playful way to monitor progress and stay active.
“Corgis help everyone deal with work stress.”
Joshua finds balance in small daily rituals, like drinking tea at the same time each day. These anchor points in his routine provide a sense of rhythm and clarity amid project chaos.
And when it’s time to reset completely, there’s only one destination: the dog park.
MIND
Mindset and Learning
Joshua’s mind is always in motion, constantly fueled by curiosity and the latest AI podcasts. Listening to tech updates isn’t just a habit—it’s a daily ritual that keeps him inspired and informed.
He’s also found value in tools that monitor digital well-being. Apps that track messaging, meetings, and workload have helped him find windows for focused time and recommended breaks—an essential feature for anyone navigating a fast-paced, remote work environment.
One of Joshua’s most impactful innovations? A dynamic AutoCAD block with 87 states, built to streamline repetitive P&ID callouts. It solved a recurring pain point—and reminded him just how creative tech can be in the right hands.
And when it comes to lifelong learning, Joshua has no hesitation.
“Large language models have completely transformed the way I research and understand information. My learning curve is exponentially faster.”
His advice for others in the AEC industry?
“Always be a lifelong student. Use every learning platform you can get your hands on.”
Looking Ahead
Joshua Thompson represents a bold new vision for the AEC industry—one where curiosity meets computation, and human ideas are amplified by artificial intelligence. From dog walks to dynamic blocks, from Civil 3D to common data environments, his story is a reminder that the future is already here—it just needs the right people to shape it.
His advice for others in the AEC industry?
“Always be a lifelong student. Use every learning platform you can get your hands on.”
In closing, Joshua’s message to the industry is clear: Stay curious. Build with AI. And if you’re feeling stuck… get a corgi.
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