Designing with Data: The Transformative Potential of AI on Architectural Practice

TAP and the AIA LA Practice Committee presents….
Designing with Data: The Transformative Potential of AI on Architectural Practice

This is a virtual event. Please register below via Zoom to receive the registration information.

In this open platform discussion, discover how artificial intelligence is shaping the future of work. Join us as we share stories and insights on how this extraordinary technology can revolutionize your daily work life in architectural practice. Our group will guide you step by step through the process of championing these technologies in your own office, drawing on our own successful experiences, as well as cautionary tales.

Speakers:

Brian Skowvron, Assoc. AIA – Director of Design Technology, Gruen Associates
Gabriel​​​​ Esquivel – AI Design Research Lead & Vice President, HKS, Inc
Sam Keville – Studio BIM Leader, NBBJ
Josh Weiss – President & Founder, L.A. Creative Technologies
Thesla Collier, CSI CDT – Senior Associate, Gensler
Melvin Williams, III – Regional Practice Technology Leader, HKS
Mallary Q. White – Vice President of Consulting West Coast, Microdesk
Josh LeMar – Experiential Creative Director, LeMar Design, TBRNK Motorsports
Nicole Buhles, Assoc. AIA, CM-BIM – Associate Practice Technology Leader, HED

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Organizer: Practice Committee

BIOS:

Gabriel​​​​ Esquivel – AI Design Research Lead & Vice President, HKS, Inc

Gabriel is currently the Design AI Research Lead at HKS. He taught architecture at the School of Architecture at Texas A&M University. He previously taught Architecture and Design at the Ohio State University. At Texas A&M, he examined digital technology and the emergence of new material logics, and new design methodologies based on Artificial Intelligence. He developed an Advanced Research Fabrication Lab that dealt with Robotic-assisted fabrication and Artificial Intelligence. The projects that came out of this lab have been discussed in papers from SMI and Acadia from the technology point of view as well as theory-based publications in Thresholds from MIT. He was the director of The T4T LAB at Texas A&M (Technology and Theory), the mission of the lab was to invite young practitioners from all over the world to develop their ideas within a lab/studio format. His book, Design Technology and Digital Production, is coming out in June 2023.

Brian Skowvron, Assoc. AIA – Director of Design Technology, Gruen Associates

Brian is a Senior Associate with Gruen Associates and the Director of Design Technology. He oversees the planning, strategic management and deployment of a healthy cultural and technology-driven environment. Co-chair of AIALA TAP (Technology in Architectural Practices) since 2021, he encourages LA based Technology Leaders to share their resources and experience.

Sam Keville – Studio BIM Leader, NBBJ

Sam connects architecture and technology through meaningful and progressive practice. His focus remains fixed on cutting edge modes of representation and realization leadership. This translates to hard skills in design and production software, computational design, rendering, and design fabrication. Alongside soft skills involved with personal development programs, training, and standards. His work experience includes all phases from competition to construction administration, as well as assisting firms develop new initiatives and pilots with follow through to project team adoption. His collaborative attitude makes him an open team member with a sense of responsibility and drive to meet deadlines and produce exceptional results.

Josh Weiss – President & Founder, L.A. Creative Technologies

Logic Technology Consulting Group’s Josh Weiss is an IT visionary with two decades of experience in the technology and entrepreneurial/startup worlds. His love of technology itself is exceeded only by his passion for delivering IT solutions that empower architects, cultural non-profits and other creative organizations. He thrives as a strategic advisor to his clients, ensuring strategic and secure technology implementations for today’s hybrid I.T. environments.

Thesla Collier, CSI CDT – Senior Associate, Gensler

Design Technologist Leader at Gensler. Bachelor’s in architecture form the University of Honduras and been working in the AEC Industry for 23 years . As a Design Technology leader, she helps Architects and Designers to elevate their skills and workflows at the Los Angeles office and SW region for Gensler.  Actively works with users to elevate their knowledge baseline to improve their skills on multiple software platforms. She loves to seek new avenues of technology to improve Design workflows possible to conceive, visualize, and adapt to a project’s specific needs.

Melvin Williams, III – Regional Practice Technology Leader, HKS

Melvin Williams, the West Coast Regional Practice Technology Leader for HKS Inc., leverages his extensive architectural experience to guide teams through design technology in the America West Region. He emphasizes digital best practices in all stages of projects, from pre/post commissioning to construction administration. With a diverse background in various project types, Melvin is dedicated to enhancing professional skills for his teams with interdisciplinary coordination using cutting-edge BIM, QA/QC management, and VDC technologies.

Mallary Q. White – Vice President of Consulting West Coast, Microdesk

Mallary is an experienced Project Manager and leads the West Coast Architecture, Structure and Interior Design teams as the Vice President of Consulting – West Coast at Microdesk. She is a part of the Architecture and Scan to BIM teams, with an expertise in Historic Preservation. She is a Regional Lead for Women in BIM (WIB) and her main thrill is leveraging technology and BIM data to streamline and automate workflows.

Josh LeMar – Experiential Creative Director, LeMar Design, TBRNK Motorsports

Josh LeMar is an Environmental Graphic/Industrial Designer and Brand Strategist known for his passion for emerging AI technologies and his multidisciplinary approach. With over 18 years of experience in design and storytelling, he has significantly impacted a range of projects, including themed entertainment, corporate strategy, sports venues, events, and brand experiences worldwide. Besides running LeMar Design and TBRNK Motorsports, Josh is a car enthusiast, foodie, animal lover, and gamer.

His recent focus on AI trends in the design industry and commitment to staying at the forefront of the rapidly evolving field. Josh’s toolkit currently comprises, Midjourney, ChatGPT-4, AutoGPT, Python, NVidia Instant NeRF AI Modeling with Visual Studio Tools, as well as a focus on Text to Image to 3D.

Nicole Buhles, Assoc. AIA, CM-BIM – Associate Practice Technology Leader, HED

Nicole Buhles is a Practice Technology Leader at HED. She combines over a decade of experience with emerging technologies, to expertly coach, implement and push the boundaries of what’s possible in architectural practice.  Nicole is an active member of the AIA LA Technology in Architectural Practice Committee and NOMA SoCal. She holds a Certificate of Management-Building Information Modeling (CM-BIM) from the American General Contractors Association and a master’s degree in architecture from Hampton University.

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