AEC technologies are rapidly evolving. How do designers, architects, engineers, and contractors keep up with the firehose of information and new tools meant to make our work faster, more accurate, and more profitable while enabling better collaboration and more creativity?
TECH+—a one-day conference presented by The Architect’s Newspaper—offers a window into what’s new, what’s next, and how to navigate the world of AEC technologies. The event returns to Los Angeles on June 28 and will be hosted at the Line LA.
Implementing Practical Solutions for AI in AEC: A Roadmap
The day begins with our keynote presentation, delivered by Stjepan Mikulić, founder of AI in AEC. Stjepan’s company provides the largest database of AEC-related AI tools currently on the marketplace. This 30-minute presentation will impart how AI can improve the efficiency and capabilities of your architectural practice, and provide a brief crash course in the wide varieties of technologies available to professionals. Prior to founding AI in AEC, Stjepan worked as project BIM lead at Bjarke Ingels Group (BIG) and BIM coordinator at Sweco.
Automation in Practice: AI Experiments and Transformations
The following session is a roundtable featuring digital designers from leading architectural practices. Attendees will hear from Ali Nasiri, director of computational design, west coast, at Flad Architects; Sam Keville, studio BIM leader at NBBJ; and Erin Khan, founder and senior consultant at Erin Khan Consulting. This informal discussion will provide insight into the rapidly changing fields of machine learning, data analytics, and computational tools.
Technology in Practice: The Studio View
The next roundtable convenes technology leaders from HNTB, Gensler, HED, KTGY, and Stantec to discuss how their practices stay up-to-date with the latest software. The architectural design world is constantly getting pitched “new” software and products, but what is actually new and what is repackaged? The experts will walk you through their vetting processes and efforts to integrate existing systems with new products.
Accelerating Net Zero Impact
Colin Mangham, director of USGBC California, will share the organization’s work to encourage carbon reduction through the Net Zero Accelerator program. Attendees will learn about the program, its focus on pilot projects, and how over 100 cohort members are innovating around net-zero targets for our net-positive future.
AIA Technology in Practice: Community at the Forefront of AEC Technology
Leaders from the Los Angeles chapter of the AIA‘s Technology in Architectural Practice Knowledge Community (TAP) will provide updates on the group’s ongoing work to educate practitioners on the latest digital softwares. TAP leaders monitor the development of computer technology and its use across the entire building life cycle, from design to construction, facility management, and retirement or reuse. Learn how to stay involved with the group, and hear about both local and national initiatives.
Climate, Energy, and Data
Erik Narhi, computational design lead at Buro Happold; and Kais Al-Rawi, associate director at Eckersley O’Callaghan, will discuss their use of technology to aid in carbon accounting. These tools allow designers to access the carbon impacts of different materials, track operational energy usage, and manage global supply chains. These tools enable real-world impacts, and empower AEC professionals across each stage of design and construction.
Invested: Design and Construction Industry Report Cards
The day will end with an entrepreneurship and investment roundtable led by Curtis Rodgers, partner at Brick + Mortar Ventures; Gregg Wallace, partner at Nirman Ventures; and Mihir Somalwar, corporate innovation lead at Hensel Phelps and Diverge. Attendees will come away from this roundtable discussion with an in-depth knowledge of the innovations in robotics, drone imagery, and digital design tools which are reshaping the construction and design industries.
Click here to find more information and register.