Technology in Architectural Practice (TAP)

Technology in Architectural Practice (TAP) – What Is Tap?

This is a virtual event. Zoom log-in information will be emailed to registrants 24 hours in advance from events@aialosangeles.org. If you do not receive a confirmation 24 hours prior to the event, please email events@aialosangeles.org.

CES Learning Units: 1 LU

AIA Practice Sub-committee’s resource for all things technology. LA based Technology Leaders share their resources and experience, also known in the tech world as their “Stack”. The event will start with a brief introduction from each of the panelists followed by a Q&A session. The wide ranging panel is ready to present and answer your personal questions.

Moderator:

Janvi Kanani, AIA, LEED AP BD+C – IBI Group
Janvi Kanani is an architect and BIM professional with 16 years of architectural design and planning experience. She specializes in educating clients and consultants in the use of technology to address project issues, and brings her diverse experience in design, technology and sustainability expertise to deliver integrated design solutions for her clients.

Panelists:

Brian Skowvron – BIM Director, Gruen Associates
Brian joined Gruen Associates in 2018 as the BIM Director and became an Associate of the firm in 2020. His primary responsibility involves working with project teams to strategize, maintain and employ effective BIM strategies, tasks, and workfows through the life of the project. Trained in the architectural practice, Brian was determined to develop solutions to improve efficiencies by using technology. Previously employed by an Autodesk reseller, he has implemented workflows for many elite firms across the nation including Disney, RAMSA and now across all departments at Gruen—architecture, planning, interiors and landscape. He is constantly seeking more efficiency in workflows, leveraging the power of Dynamo for smoother transitions and interoperability between software. Brian is driven by challenge and innovation as evidenced by his initiative to push the industry forward, producing a 57-acre project in Revit with the landscape department.

Melvin Williams III, Microdesk, Solutions Specialist Architecture
Melvin is part of the Architecture Solutions Specialist team. His responsibilities include overseeing the BIM management and coordination process, providing technical support, and managing the model exchange for various Microdesk clients. He is working with important clients such as Port Authority of New York and New Jersey and Fresno Plumbing. Before joining Microdesk, Melvin worked at Ware Malcomb and RAC Design Build as a BIM and project manager where he coordinated consultants and consulted on various projects. Melvin holds a Master of Science in Engineering from the Stevens Institute of Technology.

Josh Weiss – President & Founder, L.A. Creative Technologies
LA Creative Technologies’ President and Founder Josh Weiss is an IT visionary with more than a decade 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, arts non-profits and other creative organizations. Whether delivering trainings to industry events or solutions to clients, educational events are his favorite part of delivering Cybersecurity solutions. Nothing beats the knowledge of knowing those he works with will be more protected in both their personal and professional lives.

Sam Keville – BIM Manager II, HNTB
Sam connects architecture and technology through meaningful and progressive design. His focus remains fixed on cutting edge modes of representation that continue his education through practice. This translates to practical skills for computational design, 3D modeling, rendering, and design fabrication. His work with experience includes competitions, master planning, and full-service architectural scope from conceptual design through contract administration. His collaborative attitude makes him a strong team member with a sense of responsibility and drive to meet deadlines and produce exceptional results.

Thesla Collier
One of five dedicated Design Technologist Gensler’s Los Angeles Office.
BIM Manager for LA-Work 1,LA-Work 3 & LA-Work 4 Studios
Bachelor in Architecture UNAH
Universidad Autónoma de Honduras
20+ years of experience in AEC Industry

Learning Objectives:
+ Participants will see different experiences of emerging job positions.
+ Participants will learn about technologies in a variety of office types and sizes.
+ Participants will get experience-based recommendations on best practices.
+ Participants can engage a technical panel with personal questions.