For 80 years, Robins & Morton has been setting the standard for excellence in construction. Founded in 1946, the Birmingham, Alabama based general contractor has grown into one of the nation’s most respected builders, particularly in the healthcare sector, which represents nearly 80 to 90 percent of its work. With roughly 80 percent repeat clients and projects spanning 38 states, Robins & Morton’s reputation is built on trust, performance, and a relentless focus on innovation.

That commitment to innovation is especially evident in how the company approaches technology, BIM, and virtual design and construction.

A Thoughtful, Field-First Approach to Technology

As Manager of BIM and VDC, Mike Ruizzo plays a critical role in shaping how technology is deployed across Robins & Morton projects. His philosophy is simple but powerful: Technology must be practical, proven, and valuable to the field. “We never want to present something to a superintendent that’s a hassle or doesn’t work,” Ruizzo explains. “Once that happens, they’re not going to look at it again.”

To avoid that outcome, Robins & Morton created a dedicated technology implementation coordinator role to evaluate new tools before they ever reach a jobsite. This role filters, tests, and documents emerging technologies so project teams only adopt solutions that truly improve outcomes. The result is smoother adoption, stronger buy-in from the field, and better project delivery as designs grow more complex and schedules tighten.

“It might be the last six projects that I've been in a presentation on that I've used cmBuilder on, we've won. I've never been on a run like that before.”

- Mike Ruizzo - Manager of BIM and VDC at Robins & Morton

Why Site Logistics and 4D Planning Matter More Than Ever

As projects become more complex and owners expect earlier contractor involvement, site logistics planning has become a critical differentiator. According to Ruizzo, this is where 4D modeling and digital planning create the greatest value.

“BIM and VDC always go back to finding problems before they become problems,” he says. “That’s the biggest value of 4D.”

By visualizing construction sequencing, site constraints, and schedules early, Robins & Morton can uncover issues that traditional schedules might miss. These insights help teams avoid inefficient sequencing, reduce rework, and provide owners with a clear understanding of how the project will be delivered. The benefit extends across the entire project team, from the field to executive leadership.

How cmBuilder Changed Digital Project Planning

That focus on clarity and accessibility led Robins & Morton to adopt cmBuilder as part of their digital planning strategy.

“cmBuilder has definitely been awesome for us,” Ruizzo says. “The biggest value is how easy it is to use, especially for people who aren’t in VDC.”

Historically, 4D planning tools were limited to specialists with powerful computers and extensive training. cmBuilder changed that model by making digital planning intuitive and collaborative. Superintendents, project engineers, executives, and owners can now engage directly with logistics and sequencing plans.

“Anybody can jump in,” Ruizzo adds. “We’ve had company presidents go in, create their own scenarios, and add comments. That’s a game changer.”

Winning Work and Empowering the Field

The impact of cmBuilder has been measurable. Ruizzo shared that the last six project pursuits where cmBuilder was used resulted in wins, an impressive run for his team. Beyond pursuits, cmBuilder has also transformed execution on complex projects.

On one tilt-up project, the team used cmBuilder to simulate every panel installation and crane movement, allowing both the owner and field teams to fully understand the plan before construction began. On other projects, field engineers now own the model themselves, tracking steel and progress without relying on VDC support.

A Competitive Edge Through Innovation

By combining Robins & Morton’s deep construction expertise with cmBuilder’s accessible digital planning platform, the company has created a meaningful competitive advantage. Projects are clearer, teams are more aligned, and risks are addressed earlier.

For Robins & Morton, innovation is not about chasing technology. It is about using the right tools to deliver better outcomes. With cmBuilder, they are proving that smarter site logistics planning and collaborative 4D modeling provide a real leg up on the competition.

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