Jason Ballard is the Co-Founder and CEO of ICON, an Austin-based construction technologies company that is leading the way into the future of human shelter and home building using 3D printing and other scientific and technological breakthroughs.
Jason will present one of this year’s IBS Live discussions, “3D Printing: A New Paradigm for Affordable, Resilient Housing” on Tuesday, February 19 from 1:30 – 2:00 PM. We caught up with Jason to get a sneak peek into his program.
NAHB: Without giving too much away, what will people learn at your IBS Education session?
JASON: I’m looking forward to speaking to the audience about how we, as a society, can embrace technology advancements within the home building industry to make changes that I think are long overdue. Through robotics, software and advanced materials, we can bring dignified housing to the masses and start to tackle affordability, homelessness and resiliency issues that are prevalent throughout the world.
NAHB: What would be the most amazing adventure to go on?
JASON: The first human mission to the Martian surface.
NAHB: What hobby would you get into if time and money weren’t an issue?
JASON: Astronomy
NAHB: What’s the last book you read?
JASON: Caves of Steel by Isaac Asimov
NAHB: If you had unlimited funds to build a house that you’d live in for the rest of your life, what are the top three features it would have?
JASON: A library, an observatory and a big porch
NAHB: If you could do another job just for one day, what would it be?
JASON: An astronaut
NAHB: If you were home on a rainy Sunday afternoon, what movie would you most want to see on television?
JASON: The Lord of the Rings trilogy
NAHB: What product would you seriously stockpile if you found out that they weren’t going to make it anymore?
JASON: Coffee
NAHB: Do you have a success quote to share?
JASON: “Over the long term, the future is decided by optimists.” —Kevin Kelly
IBS Live is shaking things up by exploring the future of housing and the products, processes and people disrupting home building. Programs will dive into major changes that will shake up the home building industry as we know it. Industry leaders and futurists will discuss the tremendous shifts in design, construction techniques, sales, products and more that are expected to take place over the next five years.