OCTOBER 2025CONSTRUCTIONTECHREVIEW.COM19With over twenty years of experience in the AEC field, David Mueller has developed a passion for connecting design and construction with cutting-edge technology. As the Virtual Design & Construction (VDC) Manager at Stellar, a leading engineering and construction company specializing in industrial, commercial, and institutional projects, he leads a team of VDC professionals in delivering high-quality 3D models and drawings for clients. Mueller is dedicated to developing and maintaining CAD/BIM standards, workflows, and best practices across the organization, ensuring that VDC solutions meet project requirements and expectations.Before joining Stellar in 2021, Mueller served as the leader of the 3D Core at Lincoln Electric System (LES), where he oversaw 3D model designs, lidar scanning, and CAD administration. His role involved managing 3D design and facilities management design staff, coordinating large complex projects, and providing training and product development. His earlier experience includes serving as a Design Associate at Olsson Associates, working on electrical transmission and distribution projects. He started his career as a Plumbing Designer at Schnackel Engineers, handling plumbing design for commercial projects nationwide. Mueller's expertise spans a wide range of software, including Autodesk's Inventor, Revit, ACC/BIM360, Civil 3D, and AutoCAD, as well as reality capture equipment and software from Leica and Faro.A Journey from Plumbing Design to VDC ManagementMy career began 20 years ago as a Plumbing Designer at a consulting MEP company in the Midwest. Back then, we worked with 2D AutoCAD and a digitizer, but I was always interested in how technology could help improve efficiency. I explored ways to automate pipe sizing and routing, which sparked my passion for using technology to innovate.I later moved on to another consulting firm where I worked in the medium and high-voltage electrical group. It was here that I began diving into three-dimensional modeling to increase design precision and speed. Designing power substations and transmission lines helped me appreciate the benefits of 3D modeling in producing more accurate construction documents. I realized that I had a knack for taking software and technology and applying it in new ways to solve real-world problems.From there, I became a Lead at a local electric utility, focusing on 3D substation design. This added another layer to my experience, as I had to consider factors like materials, pricing, and how technology could benefit an organization from an owner's perspective. Today, as the VDC Manager at Stellar, I oversee the implementation of technology for design and construction, always to improve efficiency and outcomes.Leveraging CAD/BIM Experience to Drive InnovationAt Stellar, my extensive experience in CAD/BIM design and modeling is crucial in introducing innovative solutions. Innovation is often guided by past experiences, especially when evaluating what has worked and what hasn't. I focus on how new technologies and innovations can address current challenges. It's important to understand that every new technology will come with its challenges, and it's only when the benefits outweigh the challenges that it becomes worth pursuing.EMBRACING TECHNOLOGY FOR CONSTRUCTION INNOVATIONBy Dave Mueller, DIRECTOR OF VDC, StellarCXO INSIGHTS
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