TAP Symposium at AIA24

When: Jun 5, 2024 from 09:00 AM to 04:00 PM (ET)

Associated with Technology in Architectural Practice

TAP Symposium at AIA24

Practice in the Age of AI: An Approach to Technology

Wednesday, June 5, 9:30am-4pm | Washington, DC
Program code: TAP100 | Fee: $99

Session listed on AIA24 website at https://conferenceonarchitecture.com/schedule/#poster-2646194

Artificial intelligence is taking shape in our industry and its usage is undeniable. This conference brings together architects, engineers and designers from around the world to explore the intersection of leadership and artificial intelligence. The event aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of how technology is reshaping the architecture industry and how leaders in the field can leverage these advancements to enhance their practices. The conference featured keynote presentations from leading experts in both architecture and A.I., delving into topics such as the integration of A.I. in design process, the impact of digital tools on project management and the ethical considerations surrounding the use of this technology in architectural projects.

Throughout the conference, attendees can engage in talks and panel discussions, gaining practical insights into implementing A.I. solutions within architectural firms. The Leadership Playbook not only addresses the technological aspects but also focused on the leadership skills necessary to navigate the evolving landscape. Attendees will have the opportunity to network with industry leaders, share best practices, and explore collaborative opportunities that leverage A.I. to drive innovation in architectural design and construction. By fostering a dialogue between architects and technology experts, the conference aims to equip participants with a strategic playbook for effective leadership in the age of AI., ensuring that architectural profession continues to evolve and thrive in a rapidly changing technological landscape.

How to register

Are you already attending AIA24? Register for the full or ultimate conference pass at AIA24, then use the code TAP100 in order to add this all-day event to your registration for only $99
Everyone: Whichever level you choose, all registrations should be done on conferenceonarchitecture.com - use this link to register. Please note that prices will go up after the early bird deadline of April 10!

Agenda

9:30am - Introduction to TAP Buildings Connection Congress
Presenter: Ryan Cameron, 2024 TAP Chair

9:45am - Keynote: Augmenting architecture
Presenter: Dr. Mehdi Nourbakhsh
The field of technology, especially AI, is constantly evolving. The pace of change in AI is both exciting and daunting, as new developments and breakthroughs are being made at an unprecedented rate. With each passing day, we see more advanced capabilities in AI systems, such as Midjourney, DALL-E2, and ChatGPT, which serve as pivotal elements in reshaping the landscape of architectural practices and businesses. In this keynote, you’ll explore AI's profound implications for architecture. You’ll gain insights into equipping your company for the era of disruption and discover actionable strategies for harnessing this transformative technology to your advantage.

11:00am - Activity: Leadership Playbook

12 – 1:15 pm - Break to grab lunch

1:15pm - Presentation: The Overwhelming, Unintelligible, Meaningless Mess: Will AI Make Sense of Digital Design?
Presenter: Phil Bernstein, FAIA
In each of the successive waves of technology to wash over the building industry—think CAD, BIM, the internet, big data—optimism leads, followed almost immediately by disillusionment and then, eventually, tacit acceptance and reluctant adoption. Will the same be true of artificial intelligence and generative computing? The technology historian Marco Carpo, in his recent treatise Beyond Digital suggests that “computers can deal with the most overwhelming, unintelligible, meaningless mess…due to their sheer speed, memory, and processing power.” If this certainly hasn’t been true before AI, will things in the design studio (and, perhaps, the construction site) radically change, finally? This talk will examine the history of technology in AEC, how digital tools created, met, and missed expectations, and what we might expect to see on the AI-enable project of the future.

2:15pm - Coffee Break

2:30pm - Panel: Innovation in practice
Panelists: Jeff Huber, AIA, Scott Knudsen, AIA, Laura Wake-Ramos, AIA. Moderated by Alex Pollock
AI is like a new miracle drug, arriving suddenly with glowing promise amid glowering skepticism. While some change agents are exploring the crest of this wave, and some see AI merely as a shiny new toy, most architects are unsure of the best ways to leverage automation to improve their design-making or enhance their businesses. Learn how to develop an AI strategy appropriate for your firm, beginning with easy do-it-now steps while preparing for a higher-lever integration that transforms not just some of your architectural tasks but also your broader practice procedures. This panel will peer through the lens of experienced AIA Knowledge Community leaders as they share their views on AI and how they perceive potential effects on the industry.

3:45pm - Closing remarks
Presenter: Ryan Cameron, 2024 TAP Chair

Speakers

	Mehdi Nourbakhsh, Ph.D. CEO, YegaTech Mehdi is an author, speaker, and the CEO of YegaTech, a technology consulting company in AEC. He’s devoted to helping CEOs, CTOs, innovation directors, and business executives to grow their businesses and differentiate themselves and their companies via AI technology and innovation. With a decade of experience in the research and development of innovative AI solutions in the AEC and manufacturing industry at YegaTech, Autodesk, and Georgia Institute of Technology, Mehdi brings a unique perspective to the AEC industry. Mehdi has led and advised on several AI solutions that are used by tens of thousands of AEC and manufacturing professionals every day.
	Phil Bernstein, FAIA Associate Dean and Professor Adjunct, Yale School of Architecture Phil Bernstein, FAIA, is an Associate Dean and Professor Adjunct at the Yale School of Architecture. He is a former vice president at Autodesk, where he was responsible for the company’s Building Information Modeling strategy. Prior to Autodesk Phil was an associate principal Cesar Pelli & Associates where he managed many of the firm’s most complex commissions including projects for the Mayo Clinic, Washington National Airport, and Goldman Sachs. He is the author of Architecture Design Data: Practice Competency in the Era of Computation, and Machine Learning: Architecture in the Age of Artificial Intelligence, a Senior Fellow of the Design Futures Council, and former Chair of the AIA Contracts Documents Committee.
	Jeff Huber, AIA Principal, Brooks + Scarpa Jeffrey Huber, FAIA, ASLA, NCARB, LEED AP is a Principal at Brooks + Scarpa as well as an Associate Professor at Florida Atlantic University. Brooks + Scarpa is a multi-disciplinary practice that includes architecture, landscape architecture, planning, environmental design, materials research, graphic, furniture and interior design services that produces innovative, sustainable iconic buildings and urban environments. Huber currently serves as an AIA National Strategic Councilor representing Florida.
	Scott Knudson Principal, Knu Design The 2023 Co-Chair of the Practice Management Knowledge Community, Scott is also the former President of AIA Maryland and AIA Potomac Valley. He launched his own virtual practice in 2016: Knu Design uses architecture to bring people together in authentic places that elevate humanity, crafting solutions that distill the client's and vision and express their values. The diversity of project typologies includes affordable housing, museums, places of worship, community facilities, masterplans, and single-family homes.
	Laura Wake-Ramos, AIA Development Manager, Mortenson Laura is a leader in project delivery through strategy, leading teams, and technology integration. As a Business Development Manager with Mortenson, Laura is responsible for cultivating real estate development opportunities in the Washington DC metro region, leading with the strategy of integrated developer-builder. Laura’s career encompasses construction management, design-build management, and virtual design & construction integration. One notable project Laura led as the Design Phase Manager was a historic renovation project in Washington DC that won a National Design-Build Award in 2023. Laura has presented in several events on integrating technology to enhance collaborative teams and project solutions. Laura serves as the Chair of the AIA Project Delivery Knowledge Community, and serves as an At-Large Representative for AIA Strategic Council. Laura received her Master’s degree in real estate with a concentration in real estate finance from Georgetown University. She received a Bachelor of Architecture, a Bachelor of Arts in communication arts & sciences with a concentration in organization communications, and a Minor in architectural history from The Pennsylvania State University. Laura is a licensed architect in the District of Columbia, and is a Certified Design-Build Professional® through the Design-Build Institute of America.
	Alexandra Pollock, AIA Senior Director, CORE Studio at Thornto Tomasetti Alexandra recently joined Thornton Tomasetti as Senior Director of CORE Studio. CORE Studio serves as the firm’s virtual incubator of ideas, a valuable interface between design and construction teams, driving the development of innovative technologies and processes to enhance collaboration and building design. With a focus on research and development the group includes expertise in project delivery, computational modeling, applications development, data management, and artificial intelligence. A registered Architect and technologist with 20 years of experience in the AEC industry, Alexandra has contributed to a diverse range of projects, from small-scale renovations to super-tall towers, while providing strategic leadership for existing and emerging technologies. She previously served as the co-chair of the AIANY Technology Committee, is currently serving on the Virginia Tech School of Architecture Advisory Board, is a member of the Built Environment Futures Council, and is on the leadership committee for the AIA TAP (Technology in Architecture Practice) knowledge community.
	Ryan Cameron, AIA Architect, Digital Practice Leader, CMBA Architects Ryan leads teams for the successful development of architectural projects while also helping to lead technology integration in practice. Ryan leads digital integration efforts at CMBA Architects that range in practice from data analysis and strategy, technology, and data-driven design. He is evidence-based certified as well as a licensed architect in several states.