A Tribute to UDA's Founder, Michael F. Stevens: Live the Life You Dream

Michael F. Stevens (1966-2024)

As we remember Michael and celebrate his birthday on May 18, we reflect with deep appreciation on the visionary leadership and personal values that continue to inspire our team, our software, and the industry we serve. 

Michael F. Stevens was more than a founder — he was a visionary leader who transformed the way the construction industry builds. As the driving force behind UDA Technologies, Michael’s mission was clear from the start: to revolutionize construction project management through practical, powerful software solutions designed for real builders working in the real world. With bold creativity and unwavering resolve, he reshaped what was possible in construction technology.

In 1999, drawing on more than a decade of experience as an architect and builder, Michael established UDA Technologies (originally United Design Associates Technologies). At the time, professional-grade construction software was often expensive, disconnected, and difficult to use. Michael saw an opportunity to level the playing field by creating tools that empowered professionals at every level of the industry — whether they were running a large commercial firm or building custom homes. His guiding belief was that technology should lower the cost of construction while elevating project success.

Building More Than Software

Under Michael’s leadership, UDA Technologies launched an impressive portfolio of groundbreaking products, including ConstructionBasics™ (1999-2004), ConstructionOffice™ (2004-2009), ConstructionSuite™ (2007-2023), and ConstructionOnline™ (2009-present). 

Thanks to his forward-thinking vision, UDA Technologies became one of the fastest-growing providers of construction software in the world. Today, UDA systems are used by more than 950,000 professionals in over 75 countries, helping manage over $85 billion in projects every day.

Michael’s passion for excellence extended beyond the products themselves — he also fostered a strong, respectful, and collaborative company culture. He encouraged his team to think big, iterate boldly, and support one another unconditionally. Even during the difficult years of the 2008 housing market crash, he refused to compromise on quality or mission. One of his most memorable mantras led the UDA Team to innovate and exceed time and time again: 

"Realistic is a banned word in my office."

The results speak for themselves. Under his direction, UDA software has consistently received accolades year after year, amassing over 40 product awards from industry-leading sources, including Construction Executive magazine, Capterra, Software Advice, G2, and more. But more meaningful than any award was the impact his work had on the lives and businesses of thousands of construction professionals around the world.

Michael’s legacy is not only etched in the software he built but also in the values he lived by — purpose, passion, generosity, and vision. He believed in lifting others up, sharing his gifts, and living life with confidence, energy, and joy. He saw beauty in every day, valued honest communication, and challenged himself — and others — to always dream bigger. He often closed out meetings, plans, and correspondence with a favorite quote:

 “We are what we repeatedly do,
excellence then is not an act, but a habit.”

Michael Stevens lived life with intention, optimism, and generosity. Whether designing homes, leading a team, coaching his children, or spending time in the Colorado mountains, he brought his full self to everything he did. He inspired those around him to live life to the fullest, displaying words of encouragement and messages of inspiration around his office, including: 

• Live the life you dream
• Share your greatest skills 
• Surround yourself with extraordinary people 
• Find beauty in every day
• Challenge yourself, and never wait for the perfect opportunity

A Life of Passion and Purpose

While Michael’s professional accomplishments were extraordinary, those who knew him best remember the man behind the mission. Born in Winter Park, Florida, on May 18, 1966, Michael cultivated a strong work ethic and a deep sense of curiosity early in life. Summers spent helping to build the family cabin in Colorado left a lasting impression — inspiring his love for design, nature, and the rugged beauty of the Rocky Mountains.

A talented trumpet player, Michael graduated from Winter Park High School in 1984 with statewide musical recognition. He went on to earn a degree in Architecture from Auburn University, graduating in 1989. Even before finishing school, he co-founded United Development Associates, a design-build firm responsible for the completion of dozens of successful residential projects in East Central Alabama.

His early career naturally evolved into entrepreneurship, blending architecture with emerging technology. Together with his wife, Jennifer, Michael launched United Design Associates in the early 1990s, distributing home plans online and using early digital tools to streamline operations. These formative experiences laid the groundwork for UDA Technologies — and sparked a lifelong love for problem-solving through innovation.

Michael built a rich and joyful life grounded in love and adventure, and tackled every day with an unparalleled zest for living. He shared 27 devoted years of marriage with his wife, Jennifer. Together, they raised four smart, kind, accomplished children who were the pride of his life. At home, he found joy in weekend landscaping and gardening projects, always cultivating beauty and balance in his surroundings. He adored his German Shorthair Pointers - Jesse, Jesse Jr., and Aries - loyal companions, never far from his side. A lifelong fan of music - particularly jazz - Michael often had tunes playing in the background. He cherished travel and exploration, whether skiing and climbing in the mountains or embarking on memorable experiences with the UDA Team to places like Las Vegas, Orlando, Australia, and South America. He made it a point to enjoy dessert with every meal, and in quiet moments, few things brought him more delight than a bourbon (preferably Wild Turkey) and Coke (extra cherries). 

A Legacy of Innovation and Impact

• ConstructionBasics™ (1999): Custom Excel templates for residential construction budgeting
• ConstructionOffice™ (2004): Integrated spreadsheets and documents designed to work with Microsoft Office
• ConstructionSuite™ (2007): Full-featured desktop software suite, including construction estimating, project scheduling, CRM, and contract management
• ConstructionOnline™ 1.0 (2009): Innovative web-based platform designed primarily for file sharing, task management, and communication
• OnSite Mobile Apps (2010): A collection of mobile applications - some of the first in the industry - to provide project management tools for construction workers in the field
• ConstructionOnline™ Pro Features (2011–2013): Expanded web-based tools for construction project management were introduced, including Daily Logging, Project Scheduling, Punch Lists, and Change Orders
• International versions of ConstructionOnline (2014): Introduced content & functionality specifically crafted for builders in the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, Mexico, and South Africa
• ConstructionOnline™ Commercial (2015): Additional features added to expand web-based construction management software to include features for commercial construction, including RFIs, Transmittals, and Submittals
• Redline™ Planroom (2016): Designed to integrate with ConstructionOnline, innovative planroom, markup, and task management tools
• ConstructionOnline Mobile (2017): ConstructionOnline’s mobile companion, CO™ Mobile delivered unified construction management tools for iOS and Android users in the field
• ConstructionOnline™ 2.0 (2018): Completely redesigned and modernized interface, paired with improved server infrastructure, offering next-generation construction project management software.
• Redline™ Takeoff (2020): Fully-integrated online takeoff tools, allowing construction pros to easily prepare accurate measurements and dimensions from online plans
• TrueVision™ Business Intelligence (2021): A robust new toolkit added to ConstructionOnline, designed to provide insights and direction through project data analysis. 

Continuing the Vision

Michael passed away in May 2024, but his influence continues through the company he built, the family he cherished, and the countless professionals he inspired. He is lovingly remembered by his wife, Jennifer; their children, Will, Jack, Sydney, and Chris; his mother, Betty; his siblings Doug, Linda, Ann, and John; many nieces, nephews, and extended family; his loyal dog, Aries; and the UDA Technologies Team, who remain committed to honoring Michael’s legacy by continuing the work he so passionately began — creating powerful tools that improve the way the world builds.

Michael Stevens' legacy lives on through the continued growth and evolution of ConstructionOnline. The roadmap he laid out—filled with purpose, precision, and possibility—guides the work we do every day. As we innovate, support, and build for the future, we do so with immense gratitude for the incredible foundation he created.

At ConstructionOnline, we are proud to carry forward his vision—to deliver powerful construction software for real builders in the real world—and to honor the extraordinary life of the man who started it all.