Engineering ArchiTECHure

In this conversation, Mayur Mistry interviews Guido Maciocci, founder of AECFoundry, discussing his journey from college to becoming a leader in computational design and AI consultancy within the architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) industry. They explore the evolution of digital transformation in AEC, the integration of AI, and the challenges of software adoption and sales strategies in enterprise environments. Guido shares insights on building trust with clients, overcoming cybersecurity concerns, and the importance of aligning technology with business processes.     Takeaways Guido's journey highlights the importance of computational design in architecture. The rise of AI presents significant opportunities for productivity in AEC. Digital transformation in AEC is evolving through various waves. Building trust with enterprise clients is crucial for successful sales. Cybersecurity concerns are a major barrier to AI adoption in AEC. Understanding the right department for funding is key to sales success. The magic number for budget approvals can expedite the sales process. Automation can streamline marketing but not R&D efforts. AEC firms often struggle with software adoption due to legacy systems. Innovative solutions must align with existing business processes.   Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Guido Maciocci and AECFoundry 00:36 Guido's Journey: From College to AECFoundry 04:33 The Evolution of Computational Design and Software Development 08:28 Founding AECFoundry: Bridging Industry and Technology 10:50 The Future of AI in Consultancy and Automation 18:41 Digital Transformation in AEC: Challenges and Opportunities 25:04 Navigating Digital Transformation for Small to Medium Companies 28:50 Strategic Partnerships with Enterprise Clients 29:47 Understanding Sales Cycles and Software Purchases 32:38 Leveraging AI for Rapid Product Development 35:41 Growth Tactics for Entering the Enterprise Market 36:55 Overcoming Adoption Frictions in Enterprises 41:24 Pricing Strategies and Budget Insights 46:35 The Importance of Product Thinking in Digital Transformation

In this conversation, Immanuel Koh, an Assistant Professor at Singapore University of Technology, shares his journey through architecture and AI. He discusses the integration of deep learning in architectural design, the evolution of design AI programs, and the importance of teaching AI in architecture education. Koh emphasizes the need for domain-specific AI training and the role of spatial reasoning in design. He also reflects on his personal 'aha' moments in AI and architecture, offering insights for students and professionals in the field.   Takeaways Immanuel Koh's journey reflects a blend of architecture and AI. Deep learning is transforming architectural design processes. Teaching AI in architecture is essential for future professionals. The evolution of design AI programs is significant in education. Hands-on experience with AI tools is crucial for students. Domain-specific AI training is necessary for effective application. Spatial reasoning plays a vital role in architectural design. AI agents can enhance the design process in architecture. Theoretical frameworks are needed for architectural AI practices. Choosing progressive workplaces can foster professional growth.    Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Emmanuel Koh's Journey 03:13 Exploring the Intersection of Architecture and AI 06:03 Deep Learning and Architectural Applications 08:57 Teaching and Curriculum Development in Design AI 11:57 Industry Collaborations and Real-World Applications 14:52 Aha Moments in AI and Architecture 18:08 Current Trends and Gaps in Architectural Research 20:59 The Need for Disciplinary Depth in AI Research 23:49 Spatial Reasoning and Architectural Intelligence 26:57 Evaluating Architectural Design with AI 29:50 Future of AI Agents in Architecture 33:02 Advice for Students in Architecture and AI 35:46 Personal Insights and Fun in Work  

In this conversation, Cesar Fragachan, founder and CEO of Alter, shares his journey from a traditional architectural background to embracing computational design and entrepreneurship. He discusses the challenges he faced in the industry, the founding of Alter with a mission to democratize design, and the importance of understanding problems before applying technology. Cesar emphasizes the significance of networking, learning from experiences, and the role of technology in shaping the future of architecture. He also reflects on personal influences and the impact of AI on the industry.   Takeaways Cesar's journey reflects the challenges of traditional architecture. The importance of computational design in modern architecture. Founding Alter was driven by a desire to democratize design. Understanding problems is crucial before applying technology. Networking is essential for growth in the architectural industry. Learning from experiences is key to personal and professional growth. Cesar values the influence of his parents and mentors. AI is a tool, not a replacement for human creativity. The future of architecture will blend technology and creativity. Cesar's approach emphasizes efficiency and problem-solving.   Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Caesar Fragachan 01:05 Cesar's Journey in Architecture 08:14 Lessons in Business and Architecture 15:12 Role Models and Inspirations 21:14 Excitement for Future Technologies 25:09 Ideal Customers for Alter 27:04 Technological Innovations at Alter 33:27 AI Perspectives and Controversies 39:21 Rapid Fire Round

In this conversation, Diana Kay shares her journey from studying political science and anthropology to becoming a partner at Suffolk Tech, a venture capital platform focused on early-stage built environment companies. She discusses her experiences in the tech industry, the importance of understanding customer pain points, and the intricacies of navigating the construction tech landscape. Diana emphasizes the significance of building relationships, engaging with startups, and the evolving role of technology in the built environment. Takeaways Diana's journey from college to venture capital highlights the importance of adaptability. Understanding customer pain points is crucial for startup success. Building relationships is key in the AEC industry. Conferences are effective for networking and finding customers. Engaging with startups early can lead to better investment opportunities. The construction tech landscape is complex and requires tailored approaches. Investing in technology for the built environment has significant potential. Sales cycles in construction tech can be intricate and require strategic navigation. Teaching and sharing knowledge can empower the next generation of investors. The future of technology in construction relies on collaboration and understanding.    Chapters 00:00 Diana Kay's Journey: From Diplomacy to Venture Capital 05:07 A Week in the Life of a Venture Capitalist 10:45 Identifying Startup Success: Key Characteristics 14:39 Navigating Customer Access and Sales Cycles 20:19 Lessons for Founders: Common Mistakes and Advice 24:49 Personal Insights: Passion, Poetry, and Learning 28:12 Resources for Founders: Sales and Go-to-Market Strategies 29:03 The Future of Technology in the Built Environment  

In this conversation, Janne shares her extensive experience in the real estate and construction industry, highlighting the transformative impact of AI on these sectors. She discusses her journey in founding Consigli, the challenges of navigating the startup landscape, and the importance of building a strong network focused on customer needs. Janne emphasizes the significance of understanding B2B sales strategies, the dynamics of team collaboration, and the innovative approaches required to succeed in a rapidly changing market. Looking ahead, she shares her vision for the future of Consigli and the role of AI in reducing material waste in construction.   Takeaways Janne has 25 years of experience in real estate and construction. AI can significantly improve efficiency in the construction industry. Building a network among potential customers is crucial for startups. Navigating the startup landscape involves understanding market dynamics. B2B sales strategies differ from B2C and require tailored approaches. Team dynamics and collaboration are key to innovation. Sales techniques are evolving with technology and AI. Understanding customer needs is essential for product development. The construction industry is ripe for innovation and change. Janne aims to reduce material waste in construction through AI.   Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Yenne and Consigli 02:58 Journey into AI and Real Estate 05:57 Startup Challenges and Early Days 08:48 Navigating B2B Sales in Real Estate 12:00 Building a Team and Company Culture 14:56 The Role of AI in Construction 18:00 Future Vision for Consigli 20:56 Innovative Sales Techniques 24:09 Global Expansion and Market Trends 27:11 Final Thoughts and Future Aspirations

In this conversation, Milos shares his journey in architecture, highlighting key milestones such as his PhD, the founding of his own company, and significant projects like the Las Vegas sphere. He discusses the importance of mentorship, the challenges of running a design consultancy, and the necessity of staying updated with technology. Milos emphasizes the impact of AI on the architectural profession, the future of automation in design, and the importance of creativity and innovation in his work. He also offers advice for aspiring architects and shares insights on networking and client acquisition.   Takeaways Milos' PhD was a significant milestone in his career. The Las Vegas sphere project showcased the culmination of his knowledge. A passion for visual technology drives Milos' learning. Finding clients in architecture is a major challenge. Staying cutting edge is essential for success in design. Partnerships can alleviate the burden of client acquisition. Innovation and creativity are key motivators for Milos. AI is transforming the architectural profession. Automation will speed up design processes significantly. Understanding AI and its implications is crucial for future architects.   Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Milos and His Journey 02:31 Career Highlights and Influences 04:59 Learning and Staying Updated in Technology 07:58 Challenges of Entrepreneurship in Architecture 13:03 Navigating the Computational Design Landscape 14:31 Reflections on Starting a Business 17:34 Motivation and Drive for Innovation 20:07 The Future of AI in Architecture 28:01 Recommended Reads for AEC Technologists 31:01 Advice for Architecture Students 38:07 Final Thoughts and Closing Remarks

In this conversation, Yankun, the founder of Minus Design Lab, shares his journey from architecture to software development, discussing the inspiration behind his product, the challenges of building a prototype, and the importance of user experience. He emphasizes the need for user-centric design and the continuous learning process involved in entrepreneurship. Yankun also offers advice for aspiring founders and explores the future of AI in design.   Takeaways Yankun transitioned from architecture to software development during his undergraduate studies. He was inspired by the potential of generative design tools like Grasshopper. His experience at WeWork influenced his understanding of office automation. The idea for Minus Design Lab stemmed from personal challenges in moving apartments. Building the first prototype involved significant learning and adaptation. User experience is crucial for the success of design tools. Yankun emphasizes the importance of visual appeal in design software. He is focused on making the product accessible for non-technical users. Continuous learning and user feedback are essential for product development. Yankun advises aspiring founders to prioritize shipping their products over perfection.   Chapters 00:00 From Architecture to Software Development 05:45 The Birth of Minus Design Labs 12:00 Exploring the Product Interface 19:52 User-Centric Design and Features 26:09 Advice for Aspiring Founders and Developers

In this conversation, Mayur Mistry interviews Stevan Lukic, founder of Civils AI, discussing his career journey, the inception of Civils AI, and the challenges and innovations in the construction industry through AI. They explore the features of Civils AI, the importance of domain-specific workflows, and the debate between open source and closed source models in construction technology. The conversation concludes with insights on the future of AI in the industry.   Takeaways Stevan Lukic emphasizes the importance of making AI accessible in construction. His career highlights include working on tunneling projects and transitioning to AI startups. Civil's AI aims to automate repetitive processes in construction using natural language. The platform allows users to automate tasks without needing programming skills. Stevan discusses the challenges of extracting information from complex drawings. He highlights the need for domain-specific workflows in AI applications. The conversation touches on the difficulties of measuring accuracy in AI systems. Stevan shares insights on the importance of structuring information effectively. The discussion includes the pros and cons of open source versus closed source models. Stevan expresses excitement about the future of AI in the construction industry.   Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Stevan Lukic and Civil's AI 02:59 Career Highlights and Journey to AI 03:30 The Birth of Civils AI 04:54 Understanding Civils AI and Its Benefits 06:48 Demonstration of Civils AI Platform 12:19 Challenges in Drawing Recognition 19:00 Startup Challenges and Successes 20:56 Customer Acquisition Strategies 23:16 Open Source vs Closed Source Solutions 27:24 AI Agents and Future Opportunities 29:26 How to Reach Out and Collaborate 30:21 Closing Thoughts and Future Outlook  

In this conversation, Christopher Parsons, founder and CEO of Knowledge Architecture, shares his journey from a technology consultant to an entrepreneur in the architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) industry. He discusses the evolution of his company, the challenges faced during the re-platforming of their product Synthesis, and the integration of AI functionalities. The conversation highlights the importance of community, experimentation, and the future of knowledge management in AEC firms.   Christopher's journey into architecture began during the dot-com boom. He transitioned from IT management to founding Knowledge Architecture. Building a strong team and community has been crucial for success. The recent re-platforming of Synthesis has opened new opportunities. Experimentation is key to understanding business needs. Creating value through knowledge management is essential. AI integration is transforming how firms manage knowledge. Listening to client feedback is vital for product development. The importance of community in knowledge management cannot be overstated. Future opportunities in AEC lie in understanding and solving durable problems. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Knowledge Architecture and Christopher Parsons 03:09 Career Journey and Highlights 05:48 Building Knowledge Architecture: The Early Days 08:49 Navigating Challenges and Tough Decisions 11:47 Understanding the Synthesis Product 18:07 AI Integration and Future Prospects 21:06 Advice for Aspiring AI Entrepreneurs 25:58 Community Engagement and Future Events

In this conversation, Federico Borello shares his journey from a traditional education in architecture to becoming a successful entrepreneur and educator. He discusses pivotal moments in his career, including his time at Zaha Hadid Architects and his current projects that bridge the gap between design and construction. Federico emphasizes the importance of community, mentorship, and collaboration in the architectural field, as well as the challenges and rewards of starting his own business. He also reflects on his teaching philosophy and the significance of practical design in addressing real-world issues.   Moving to London was a pivotal point in my career. Teaching at UCL allowed me to shape my own agenda. Starting my own firm was an unexpected opportunity. Community and mentorship are crucial in architecture. Zaha Hadid Architects provided an intense studio culture. Current projects focus on practical solutions to real-world issues. Bridging the gap between design and construction is essential. Precision in modeling helps mitigate risks in projects. Collaboration with experts enhances design outcomes. Staying true to your passions is key to success. Chapters 00:00 Career Highlights and Milestones 03:35 Teaching Philosophy and UCL Experience 06:02 Starting a Firm: Challenges and Opportunities 08:31 The Importance of Community and Mentorship 09:43 Growth and Opportunities in London 11:15 Memorable Experiences at Zaha Hadid Architects 12:59 Excitement in Current Work and Real-World Challenges 14:32 Bridging Design and Construction 16:21 Project Challenges and Team Collaboration 20:31 Detailing and Precision in Timber Design 24:40 Gaining Expertise in Timber Projects 26:36 Reflections and Advice for Young Designers 27:26 Rapid Fire Round: Personal Insights

Summary In this conversation, Saurabh Khemka, AI lead at Parspec, shares his extensive experience in the AI field, discussing his career highlights, the impact of generative AI and LLMs, and the challenges faced in developing AI models for the construction industry. He emphasizes the importance of balancing the use of LLMs with practical considerations and offers insights into preparing for the AGI era. Saurabh also reflects on the evolving nature of AI and provides advice for aspiring professionals in the field.   Takeaways Saurabh has been in the AI field since 2011. Generative AI has made AI applications more accessible. The core research aspect of data science is diminishing. LLMs can be beneficial but are not suitable for all use cases. Balancing latency and deployment costs is crucial in AI. The construction industry presents unique challenges for AI. Staying updated in AI requires reliance on community and peers. Li Chen is a significant role model for Saurabh. The accuracy of models can improve with proper fine-tuning. Exploration of the industry is essential for aspiring AI professionals. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to AI Leadership at PathSpec 02:54 Career Highlights and Milestones in AI 06:05 The Evolution of AI: From Traditional ML to LLMs 09:03 Strategizing for the AGI Era 12:04 Challenges in AI Model Development for AEC 14:51 Keeping Up with AI Trends and Influences 18:06 Future Aspirations in AI at PathSpec 20:57 Advice for Aspiring AI Professionals   #aectech #aiforaec  

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Petr's career highlights include working at Kieran Timberlake, NBBJ, and currently at Chaos (after a merger with Andscape), where he has contributed to both architectural projects and software development. At Kieran Timberlake, he worked on a University of Seattle student housing project that won an AIA award, where zoning challenges led him to develop his first automation tools. At NBBJ, he helped develop the Applied Science Toolkit, collaborating with experts from various fields including psychology to create better healthcare spaces through data-driven design. A significant project at NBBJ was the Amazon Spheres in Seattle, where he developed automation tools to optimize the glass facade's unique pieces for cost efficiency while maintaining the design vision. Early in his career, he was inspired by pioneers like Andrew Heumann and Brian Ringley, who were among the first to integrate technology into architectural design processes. He emphasizes that rule-based aspects of architecture (like building codes and ADA compliance) are prime candidates for automation, potentially reducing human error and improving efficiency. Regarding AI in architecture, he believes the technology hasn't yet reached its full potential, comparing it to the BIM revolution where tools eventually became mission-critical rather than optional. He identifies a significant challenge in AI adoption: the lack of AEC-specific training data due to IP and client ownership issues, suggesting that industry organizations like AIA could help address this through contract modifications. On accessibility of technology, he stresses the importance of democratizing tools for smaller firms, noting that the average architecture firm has just two employees and limited resources for advanced technology. Looking ahead, he sees AI as augmenting rather than replacing creativity, similar to how Adobe's tools enhance rather than replace artistic capability.

Bill transitioned from being an architect to a technology leader, making the crucial decision to stop designing and focus on teaching and implementing design tools after gaining early expertise in Revit (2004). At DLR Group, he evaluates technology investments using three key criteria: improving efficiency, enhancing quality, and enabling better design capabilities - projects must meet all three to be prioritized. The firm has a unique approach to R&D investment, with dedicated budgets and teams, unlike many AEC firms that invest minimally in innovation and technology development. His team follows a "20% automation rule" - aiming to automate 20% of routine work year-over-year, focusing on tasks like file archiving and project setup to free up time for more valuable activities. DLR Group uses a structured forum system to identify and prioritize technology needs, including sector-specific forums (like K-12, Cultural) and discipline forums (Architecture, Engineering), ensuring comprehensive input. Bill emphasizes gradual technology adoption using a "balloon analogy" - change is more effective when driven from within the organization rather than pushed from outside. The firm actively pursues partnerships with other companies to share technology development costs, as demonstrated by their collaboration on the space program module with Imaginit. Rather than focusing solely on computational design, DLR Group emphasizes machine learning and AI, with a strategy centered on collecting and grooming data for future predictive design capabilities. For smaller firms with limited resources, Bill recommends partnering with other firms to maximize technology investments and leverage shared development costs. A major challenge in implementing AI in the AEC industry is the complexity of data and the rare combination of data science and AEC expertise needed to effectively utilize it.

Insights

Summary In this conversation, Mayur Mistry and Theodore Galanos delve into the evolving landscape of AI applications in 2024, discussing the surprises and shifts in AI development, strategic planning in a rapidly changing environment, and the importance of building relationships and networks in the AI field. They explore budgeting for generative AI strategies, the transformative potential of AI in digital transformation, and the need for domain-specific models. The discussion also highlights the challenges of multimodal understanding, the significance of user-centric design, and the complexities of integrating AI into existing workflows. Takeaways AI applications are expanding rapidly in various sectors. Surprises in AI development include pricing wars and model improvements. Strategic planning must adapt to the fast pace of AI advancements. Building relationships in the AI community is crucial for success. Budgeting for AI strategies should focus on human capital and expertise. AI can transform digital transformation strategies significantly. Domain-specific models are essential for effective AI applications. User-centric design is vital for successful AI integration. Expert feedback mechanisms need to be improved for better AI systems. Continuous improvement and adaptation are key in the AI landscape. Chapters 00:00 Exploring AI Applications and Research in 2024 02:26 Strategic Planning in a Rapidly Evolving AI Landscape 04:23 Surprises and Shifts in AI Development 05:42 Building Strategic Thinking with GenAI 08:11 Networking and Community Engagement for AI Insights 10:57 Budgeting for GenAI Strategies in Organizations 13:26 Digital Transformation: A New Era with AI 15:48 The Role of Domain-Specific Tools in AI 18:45 Future of Foundation Models and Domain Adaptation 20:28 Exploring Multimodal Models and Their Gaps 25:30 The Role of Domain-Specific Data in Engineering 30:04 Challenges in Implementing Retrieval-Augmented Generation 36:12 User Expectations and Feedback in AI Systems Sound Bites "You need to build relationships in AI." "The hardest part is the human capital." "AI is transforming the way we work."

Join Mayur as he hosts Valentin, CEO of E-verse, a software development consultancy specializing in AEC automation solutions. In this engaging interview, you'll hear about Valentin's exciting journey from working in various companies to founding E-verse, and his passion for both architecture and software development. Discover the career highlights and pivotal moments that influenced his entrepreneurial path, the motivation behind choosing consultancy over a startup route, and the unique challenges and rewards of bootstrapping a company in the AEC industry. Valentin shares invaluable insights on navigating the early stages of building a consultancy, including the importance of sales, customer service, and transparency. He delves into the intricacies of pricing strategies, maintaining client relationships, and the impact of mentorship on his entrepreneurial journey. This interview also explores the evolving landscape of AEC tech startups, highlighting saturated markets and untapped opportunities, and Valentine's candid thoughts on the role of AI in construction. Whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur or a seasoned professional, this video offers a wealth of knowledge and inspiration to help you succeed in your own ventures. 00:00 - Introduction 00:30 - Valentin's Career Highlights 01:00 - Valentin's Background 02:00 - Starting First Company 03:00 - Decision to Start E-verse 04:00 - Choosing Consultancy Over Startup 05:30 - Importance of Bootstrapping 06:30 - Challenges of Sales and Consultancy 07:30 - First Client Story 09:30 - Building the Company: Realizations and Skills 11:00 - Importance of Sales and Service Quality 12:00 - Value of Transparency and People Development 14:00 - Success Without Scaling 16:00 - Value-Driven Pricing Strategy 19:00 - Equity Options for Early-Stage Startups 21:00 - Advice to Young Entrepreneurs 24:00 - Balancing Persistence and Pivots 28:00 - Personal Enjoyment and Company Success 29:30 - The Role of Mentors 32:00 - Possible Equity for Mentors 36:00 - Motivation and Enjoyment in Work 38:00 - Go-To Market Strategy for Startups 39:30 - Partnership Opportunities 42:00 - Observations on Market Saturation 45:00 - Common Mistakes by AC Tech Startups 50:00 - Real Talk on AI 54:00 - Limitations of AI in the Industry 57:00 - Final Thoughts 57:30 - Rapid Fire Round #everse #aectechconsultancy #aecsoftwareautomation

In this insightful discussion, Adeline, founder and CEO of AAL Innovation, shares her incredible journey from a promising athlete to a transition in the architecture and AI industry. Throughout the interview, she emphasizes the transformative power of AI in architectural design and project management. Adeline recounts her experiences, highlighting the pivotal moments that led her to embrace artificial intelligence as a cornerstone of her professional endeavors. She passionately discusses the future of architecture, envisioning a landscape where AI not only enhances productivity but also democratizes access to sophisticated design tools. Listeners will be captivated by Adeline's visionary approach to integrating AI with traditional and contemporary architectural practices. Her reflections on personal growth, flexibility, and the collaborative nature of the industry provide valuable insights, making this video a must-watch for anyone interested in the future of architecture and innovation. Don't miss out on this inspiring conversation that bridges the gap between technology and design, promising a more efficient and imaginative architectural future. 00:00 - Introduction and Series Recommendation 00:28 - Guest Introduction and Early Career 02:00 - Education and Career Shift 04:00 - First Steps in Architecture 05:00 - Managing a Small Firm 06:00 - Client Experience with AI 09:00 - Diving into AI and Architecture 10:00 - Exploring AI Roles in Design 12:00 - Second Startup Discussion 15:00 - Balancing Work and Sleep 17:00 - Advice for Beginners in AI 20:00 - Key Resources for Learning AI 23:00 - Education and Teaching AI in Architecture 28:00 - Future of Architectural Education 33:00 - Lessons from Entrepreneurship 34:00 - Outlook on AI Integration in 2030 38:00 - Managing AI in Project Management 40:00 - Insights from Seminar Series 47:00 - Concerns and Optimism About AI 51:00 - Unmentioned Topics and Encouragement 53:00 - Importance of Spatial Quality and Regulations #aiarchitecture #aidesign #Adelinechan #aalinnovation

In this engaging interview, Michael Wickerson, renowned for his intriguing experiments in Grasshopper, takes the audience on a journey through his early career, his approach to computational design, and his passion for teaching and art. Michael shares invaluable life lessons, emphasizing the importance of being present and committed, whether in learning or in professional endeavors. He candidly discusses his teaching philosophy, where he encourages students to explore their creativity within the computational realm and to embrace both digital and traditional art forms. Michael also touches upon his experiences with influential mentors and peers who have shaped his perspectives. His advice to his younger self—focusing on the importance of fully engaging with educational opportunities and finding the right mentors—resonates deeply. Additionally, he delves into the technicalities of computational design, scripting, and his iterative learning process, offering insights that are both inspirational and instructive. This discussion is a must-watch for those interested in the intersections of art, technology, and education, and for anyone seeking to understand the mind of an innovative thinker dedicated to his craft. 00:00 - Introduction to Michael Wickerson's Grasshopper Work 00:36 - Early Career and Life Choices 02:50 - Advice for Younger Generations 06:01 - Personal Teaching Philosophy and Approach 09:00 - Encouraging Creativity in Education 16:04 - Teaching Methodologies and Sculptural Practices 26:25 - The Importance of Curiosity and Learning in Art 29:21 - Cross-disciplinary Learning and Applications 33:05 - Fostering Computational Thinking in Students 43:02 - Challenges and Insights into Advanced Computational Tools 49:53 - The Impact of Mentor Influence on Learning 54:35 - Advice on Maintaining Passion and Motivation in Learning 57:20 - Reflecting on Life Choices and Academic Experience #michaelwickerson #grasshoppertutorials #artandtechnology

In this engaging interview, Mayur welcomes Olivia Ramos, a remarkable AEC Tech founder, who shares her inspiring journey from migrating from Cuba to becoming a prominent tech entrepreneur. Olivia discusses pivotal life moments that shaped her discipline and resilience, such as her rigorous musical training and her educational experiences in architecture and real estate. Viewers are given insight into her innovative approach to integrating big data and AI in the real estate sector through her startup, Deepblocks. Olivia emphasizes the crucial learning curves she faced, the importance of understanding real estate finance for architects, and how digitizing zoning data has revolutionized their business model. She talks about the challenges of being a first-time founder, adaptive strategies, and the importance of staying updated with technology. Viewers will appreciate her visionary thoughts on how AI and blockchain could transform the future of real estate investments and city planning, making this video a must-watch for anyone interested in tech-driven innovation in urban development. 00:00 - Introduction and Guest Introduction 00:31 - Olivia's Early Life and Highlights 01:00 - Migration from Cuba and Cultural Adaptation 01:31 - Musical Discipline and Structure 02:01 - Graduate Studies and Impact on Career 03:36 - Aspirations During Columbia Days 06:02 - Tips for Young Architects 06:46 - Impactful Professors and Mentors 08:37 - Use of AI and Big Data in Real Estate 10:05 - Early Days and MVP of Deepblocks 11:59 - Challenges in Bringing Product to Market 14:12 - Handling R&D vs Revenue and Customer Development 18:01 - Experimentation and Practical Application of AI 20:44 - Deepblocks Today and Future Plans 25:35 - Learning and Staying Updated as a Founder 27:10 - Recommended Books and Their Impact 29:50 - Week in the Life of Olivia 31:28 - Key Decisions for Deepblocks' Trajectory 33:01 - Deepblocks Vision for 2030 36:37 - AI and Blockchain in Real Estate 37:31 - Data Ownership and Transparency Issues 42:46 - Rapid Fire Round 46:01 - Final Thoughts and Reflections on Biomimicry in City Development #deepblocks #oliviaramos #bigdataforrealestate

Ever wondered how AI can revolutionize the architecture and creative industries? Daniel Escobar reveals the potential of AI in human interaction, immersive technologies, and even reverse engineering social media algorithms. Tune in to discover the future of creative AI and how it's set to reshape our world! Join us as we explore the cutting-edge world of creative AI with Daniel Escobar. In this insightful interview, Daniel shares his experiences and opinions on the latest developments in AI, the fascinating capabilities of home robots, and the tools that enhance productivity. Delve into discussions about the future of AI and robotics in architecture, multi-agent architecture, and immersive technologies like NeRF and G-splat. Daniel also covers influential figures in AI, recommended research papers, and the potential impact of AI on entrepreneurship and society. Perfect for AI enthusiasts, researchers, and anyone intrigued by the integration of AI in creative fields. Chapters 00:00 - Introduction to Creative AI 01:00 - Exciting Developments in Creative AI 02:50 - Fascinating Capabilities of Home Robots 04:40 - Tools that Increase Productivity 06:20 - Experiences and Opinions on Creative AI Research 08:30 - Tools and Platforms Used for Creative AI 10:40 - Podcasts for AI Enthusiasts 12:35 - Challenges with Creative AI Research 13:45 - Discussing Influential People in AI 15:00 - Impact of Creative AI on Entrepreneurship 16:40 - Recommended Papers and Research in AI 19:30 - Conceptualizing Multi-Agent Architecture 23:00 - Thoughts on the Future of AI and Robotics in Architecture 26:00 - Exploring Immersive Technologies like NeRF and G-splat 29:55 - Ideas for Workshops and Teaching Creative AI 32:00 - Role of Creativity and Emotion in AI-Generated Art 35:00 - The Symbiosis of AI, Human Perception, and Creativity 38:00 - Vision for the Future Integration of AI in Architecture 41:00 - The Potential Impact of Advanced AI Tools on Society 44:40 - Reverse Engineering Social Media Algorithms with AI 48:00 - The Evolution of Text-to-Image Models and Creative AI 53:00 - Digital Twins and the Future of 3D Generation 56:20 - The Role of Robotics and Sim-to-Real Gap in AI Development #danielescobar #diffusionarchitecture #creativeaiforarchtiects

#ryanhughes #aectechsoftwaredeveloper #automation In this interview, Ryan shares his journey from architecture to software development, and eventually to founding his own consultancy, is a testament to the blend of technical skills and problem-solving abilities that architects possess. His experience highlights the importance of adaptability, continuous learning, and strategic partnerships in building a successfulcareer in tech and entrepreneurship. Whether you're thinking about pivoting to a tech-focused role or starting your own venture, his insights emphasize the value of persistence, leveraging available resources, and maintaining a diverse skill set.

Thomas Kearns' journey in software development and architecture. It starts with his early interest in combining architecture and technology during his college days in the 1990s.After graduating, Thomas worked at digital design studio in New York where he explored concepts like web urbanism. He later moved to Chicago and co-founded Sandbox, working on forward-thinking architectural projects. When the 2008 financial crisis hit, Thomas went back to school to get a masters, considering leaving architecture. However, he ended up staying in academia, teaching at IIT and exploring urban informatics projects involving big data and generative design. Around 2012, Thomas co-founded the ed-tech startup Bit Space which brought architectural computational ideas like parametric modeling to K-12 schools. After several years of running Bit Space, Thomas joined Perkins&Will as the Director of Design Computation. The interview covers Thomas' self-taught journey in constantly exploring new technologies like VR and AI, his approach to finding flow states in work, and reflections on work-life balance and employee motivations. He shares thoughts on architecture's legacy of overwork and his own evolution in setting boundaries while retaining passion.Thomas offers advice to emerging architects - focus on integratively applying computation in buildings rather than siloed technical roles. He sees major impending changes as AI automates architectural production and hopes the profession responds with more humanistic priorities. He shares wisdom on focusing ideas, working across disciplines, navigating hype cycles, and believing in the longevity of a vision. 00:00 - Introduction 00:03 - Software development journey and mentors 00:53 - College days studying architecture and early web development 06:55 - Graduating architecture school and career options 13:07 - Effective ways of learning and solving problems 19:00 - Economic crisis and pivot 23:20 - Teaching architecture and technology 29:40 - Running an architecture firm and business lessons 34:15 - Work-life balance 37:55 - Virgil Abloh and teaching influence 58:50 - Motivation and achieving flow state 01:15:00 - Metaverse and spatial computing trends 01:21:00 - AI transformation of work 01:38:00 - Advice for computational designers #virgilabloh #thomaskearns #iit #aec #aectech #digitalinnovation

In this episode, Mayur is thrilled to host Joanne, an individual who transitioned from an architecture background to multidisiplinary roles in tech. Joanne shares her inspiring journey, starting with her impactful work at Perkins & Will Digital and her later internship at Meta, where she brought innovative perspectives to virtual reality product design, social interactions, and monetization projects. Joanne talks about her passion for elevating human spatial experiences and how her education at the University of Michigan helped shape her career trajectory. Throughout the video, Joanne delves deep into her extensive portfolio, highlighting her AR and VR projects that focus on inclusive design, human interaction, and innovative solutions in digital spaces. She offers insights into her design process and the importance of adaptability and continuous learning. Joan also discusses her involvement in hackathons like MIT Reality Hack, underlining the importance of community and real-world experiences in growing and evolving within the XR industry. Whether you're a budding designer or a seasoned professional, Joan's journey and expertise in architecture and XR design provide valuable lessons and inspiration for all. Don't miss out on this incredible conversation packed with practical advice and visionary ideas! 00:00 - Introduction 00:14 - Guest Joanne's introduction and background 01:02 - Joanne's passion for XR and architecture 01:35 - Discussion on VR, XR, and Apple's Vision Pro 05:50 - Joanne's decision to pursue a master's in architecture and information science 08:22 - Transition from architecture to VR/AR development 11:03 - Key projects in Joanne's portfolio 19:40 - In-depth project walkthrough: 'The Well' 27:35 - Joan's externship experience at 'The Well' 28:56 - Transitioning to the AR inclusive game project 34:55 - Interactive prototype development with Figma 39:56 - Companion app development for the AR game 43:15 - Experience at MIT XR Hackathon 45:03 - Joan's internships at Perkins & Will and Meta 51:01 - Imposter syndrome at Meta and coping strategies 54:13 - Tips for breaking into the XR field and using tools like Figma 55:56 - Rapid-fire questions on VR favorites, travel, role models, and more #architecturetoxr #aectech #joannehuang

In this fascinating video, Mayur interviews Lai Jing, a product designer with a diverse background from architecture to tech. The conversation covers her professional journey from Hong Kong to the United States, touching on the challenges of transitioning careers and the importance of finding one's unique contribution to the world. They dive deep into UX design principles, discussing methodologies like design thinking, the Double Diamond process, and user-centered design. Lai Jing shares practical tips on becoming a successful product designer, the nuances of collaborating with engineers, and the value of continuous learning. Listeners will find intriguing insights on the importance of effective communication, stakeholder engagement, and how to balance aesthetics with functionality in design. Additionally, Lai Jing provides a wealth of resources and book recommendations for those looking to delve deeper into UX and product design. Engaging and informative, this video is a must-watch for aspiring designers and professionals looking to navigate the complexities of the tech world. 00:00 - Introduction 01:00 - Lai Jing's Background in Architecture and Transition to Design 01:39 - Challenges and Discoveries in Architecture 03:01 - Importance of Authenticity and Self-Exploration 04:01 - Transition from Architecture to Product Design 06:10 - Bootcamp Experience and Key Learnings 10:58 - The Relevance and Implementation of Design Thinking in UX 15:42 - Weekly Responsibilities and Tools in UX 19:29 - Differences between UX Designers and Product Designers 24:11 - KPIs and Measuring Success for Product Designers 28:40 - Challenges in Implementing Quality Design and Engineering Collaboration 34:47 - Collaboration Between Designers and Engineers 41:49 - Process and Principle in Design 48:19 - Checklist and Detailed Handovers in Design Projects 52:02 - Experience and Insights from Working in Startups 57:15 - The Use of Academic Principles in Design 58:55 - Stakeholder Feedback and Iteration Process 01:03:42 - Applying Architecture Theories to UX and Vice Versa 01:06:58 - Principles of an Early-Stage Product Designer 01:08:14 - Reflections on Personal Branding 01:15:28 - Rapid Fire Questions: #laijinginterview #productdesigner #architectturetransition

In this interview with Hiram Rodrigues, a passionate Design Technology Manager at Gensler, who shares insights about his extensive journey in architecture, design technology, and community building. Hiram discusses his academic roots at Pratt Institute, his early art and sculpture endeavors,and his pivotal roles at various firms, leading to his significant contributions at Gensler. He emphasizes the importance of integrating computational tools into the design process, discusses the challenges and strategies for technology adoption within large firms, and highlights the value of attending and organizing tech-focused events like hackathons to foster innovation and community engagement. This video is a treasure trove of inspiration and practical advice for anyone interested in the intersection of architecture and technology, promising a deep dive into the world of design technology management. 00:00 - Introduction and Background 00:48 - Academic Journey and Early Career 02:00 - Architectural Experience and Mentors 04:00 - Transition to Design Technology 07:02 - Organizing AC Tech Conferences 08:55 - Roles and Responsibilities of a Design Technology Manager 10:59 - Tool Development and Team Dynamics 14:01 - Strategies for Technology Adoption 16:56 - Building Interdisciplinary Skills 20:00 - Effective Strategies for Tool Adoption 26:10 - Key Skills for Aspiring Design Technology Managers 30:00 - Successful Tool Development Examples 35:01 - Fostering a Culture of Innovation 39:50 - Deciding Between Internal Development and Third-party Tools 41:20 - Rapid Fire Round 49:00 - Advice on Integrating Computational Design 51:00 - Closing Thoughts and Encouragement #HiramRodrigues #designtechnologymanager #bimmanger

In this engaging interview, Bastien Dolla, co-founder of Rayon, shares his remarkable journey from a French public servant to a tech entrepreneur revolutionizing the AEC industry. Bastian elaborates on his process of creating Rayon, highlighting the significant improvements in UI/UX that the platform offers to users. Delving into his background, he discusses transitioning from his initial startup, which focused on co-housing, to founding Rayon with a clear mission to digitize and simplify architectural workflows by leveraging modern tools and AI. The conversation covers technical challenges and solutions, including the use of Rust and WebAssembly for performance, and establishing a robust real-time multiplayer system for collaborative editing. Bastian discusses the importance of prioritizing features based on user feedback and maintaining a General approach to tool design to cater to a wide range of users from interior designers to real estate developers. By integrating practical AI functionalities, Rayon aims to enhance productivity without overwhelming complexity. This interview provides valuable insights for aspiring tech entrepreneurs and professionals interested in innovative solutions in the AEC sector. 00:00 - Introduction to Bastian, co-founder of Rayon 00:17 - Discussion about Bastian's career journey 01:00 - Bastian's architectural influences and experiences 01:59 - Bastian's transition back to technology and entrepreneurship in 2015 03:02 - Meeting and collaboration with cofounder 05:01 - Insights from the exhibit and the decision to build Rayon 05:53 - Building the core features and the first prototype 09:59 - Development inspiration from Figma's approach 12:02 - Learning from previous startup experiences 13:19 - Emphasis on building products people actually need 18:58 - Hiring philosophy and finding technical talent 20:47 - Balancing compensation and attracting talent with challenging problems 22:26 - Challenges with losing user data and ensuring reliability 23:39 - Technical journey, learning Rust, and building the renderer 25:22 - The importance of naivety in tackling ambitious projects 27:28 - Planning product features and the trade-offs with using libraries 30:15 - Advice for learning computer graphics and working in architecture tech 32:26 - Challenges in product development and feature prioritization 34:50 - Engineering challenges, particularly in multiplayer real-time tools and rendering in the browser 38:02 - Importance of focusing on short-term roadmaps and adapting based on user feedback 42:27 - Detailed text stack and technical specifics of Rayon 52:49 - AI's role in architecture and its applicability in creative and generative tasks 55:33 - Being a generalist in tool development to cater to diverse user needs 56:34 - Rapid-fire questions and Bastian's personal preferences #BastienDolla #rayonsoftware #designcollaborationtool

Ever wondered how a hackathon champion turns fleeting ideas into groundbreaking tech tools? Sergey Pigach reveals the secrets behind rapid prototyping and his favorite Grasshopper plugin that you won't want to miss! Join Sergey as he takes us through his fascinating software development journey, filled with hackathon triumphs and challenges in AI and machine learning. Learn about his favorite architecture styles, the future of AI in architecture, and his thoughts on insecurities in academia regarding AI. Serge also shares the process behind TT Core's product development and his interest in neuromorphic computing. This video is packed with valuable advice for young professionals and students looking to make their mark in the tech world. 00:00 - Introduction 01:00 - Serge's Journey and Contributions in Hackathons 02:00 - Serge's Approach and Inspirations in Software Development 03:32 - Discussion on Favorite Grasshopper Plugin 04:26 - Favorite Architecture Discussion 06:30 - Thoughts on Architecture's Future and AI 10:39 - Memorable Hackathon Experiences 11:09 - Insecurities and Skepticism about AI in Academia 14:00 - Rapid Prototyping and Development of AC Tech Tools 20:00 - Challenges of Data in AI and Machine Learning 23:52 - Specialized Tools and Software in AI Projects 28:35 - Difficulties in Transitioning Hackathon Ideas to Real Products 30:00 - TT Core's Product Development Process 35:02 – Learning and Working with Different Programming Languages 40:00 - Serge's Interest in Neuromorphic Computing 50:00 - Using LLMs and AI for Education and Problem Solving 55:00 - Advice for Young Professionals and Students 57:50 - Rapid Fire: Sci-Fi Film, Academia or Industry, Role Model #sergeypigachaectech #ttcorestudioproducts #aectech

Ever wondered how some of the most impactful AEC tech companies started with minimal resources and grew into industry leaders? Get ready to uncover the secrets of bootstrapping success as these founders reveal the challenges they faced and the creative solutions that led them to the top. Don't miss out on these game-changing tips that could transform your entrepreneurial journey! In this enlightening panel discussion, dive deep into the minds of the founders behind Ladybug Tools, IFC.js, That Open Company, and Integrated Projects. Discover their unique journeys and the innovative strategies they employed to bootstrap their AEC (Architecture, Engineering, and Construction) companies from the ground up. From overcoming initial hurdles to achieving industry recognition, these founders share invaluable insights that can inspire and guide aspiring entrepreneurs in the AEC tech space. #aectechbootstrapped #aectechfounders #bootstrappingaec

In this engaging interview, entrepreneur Owen discusses his remarkable journey from an artist to a thriving entrepreneur. He shares captivating stories of his career milestones, including hosting an electronic music show on MTV, producing a 3D IMAX movie, and the unexpected yet thrilling experience of selling his virtual reality company's name to Google. Owen delves into the challenges and rewards of transitioning from art to business, offering insights into resilience, salesmanship, and the significance of having strong mentors and a supportive social circle. He also provides practical advice on hiring the right people, fostering a positive company culture, and making data-driven decisions. Owen emphasizes the value of balancing enthusiasm with realism, especially when dealing with innovation and scaling a business. He highlights his current venture, Scan2Plan, which specializes in using Lidar technology to create highly precise 3D models for buildings, stressing the importance of quality and reliability over speed and cost-cutting. This interview is a treasure trove of wisdom for anyone looking to navigate the entrepreneurial landscape successfully. 00:00 - Introduction 00:26 - Career Highlights: MTV Show AMP 01:28 - Career Highlights: 3D IMAX Movie 03:14 - Career Highlights: Virtual Reality Company 04:45 - Transition from Artist to Entrepreneur 07:57 - Importance of Mentorship and Networking 09:54 - Making Better Business Judgments 12:01 - Starting a New Venture and Finding a Pain Point 13:33 - Creating Company Culture and Hiring Process 17:43 - Managing Operational Costs and Hiring Decisions 20:28 - Pricing Strategies for Startups 24:01 - Delivering Quality in Competitive Markets 28:29 - Planning for an Exit 30:53 - Bootstrapping vs. VC Funding 31:51 - Three Essential Skills for Young Entrepreneurs 35:38 - Rapid Fire Questions 35:43 - Favorite Book 35:49 - Best Advice Received 36:13 - Role Model 36:43 - Reflection on Career Choices 37:30 - Potential Course Topic: Digital Twins in Architecture 39:33 - Closing and Contact Information #vowenbush #scan2plan #aecserialentrepreneur --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/mayur-m-mistry/message

An engaging interview with Adam Chernick, a senior Spatial Computing Solutions Architect at Amazon Web Services (AWS), who shares his unique professional journey from studying architecture to diving deep into the world of interactive visualization and immersive technologies. Adam discusses his career transitions, starting from small architectural firms in Colorado, advancing through his significant roles at HOK and SHoP Architects, to leading a team in developing VR and AR tools that heavily impacted project timelines and client satisfaction. He elaborates on the pivotal experiences, such as his 'aha' moment with augmented reality and the challenges he faced while learning code and game engine development, which directed his career path towards tech-centric roles. Adam also highlights his current work in AWS's prototyping team, focusing on leveraging spatialcomputing technologies to solve business problems, and reflects on emerging tech trends like pixel streaming, persistent AR, and generative AI. For AEC professionals aspiring to shift towards tech-driven roles, he underscores the importance of continuous learning and the validation of new interests. This insightful conversation offers a deep dive into the intersection of architecture, technology, and spatial computing, promising to inspire those interested in the future of immersive technologies in the AEC industry. 00:00 - Introduction and Background 02:18 - Introduction to Immersive Technology 04:00 - Career Highlights and Significant Projects 06:00 - Learning and Developing AR/VR Applications 09:00 - Role at AWS and Industry Perspective 11:00 - Use Cases and Success Stories in AR/VR 15:00 - Low-Code and No-Code Solutions for AR/VR 18:00 - Misconceptions and Challenges in Integrating AR/VR 21:00 - Customizing AR/VR Solutions Based on Stakeholders 25:00 - Future Technologies and Innovations in AR/VR 27:00 - Getting Started with Emerging Technologies 29:00 - Essential Mindset for Transitioning into Tech Roles 31:00 - Career Reflections and Lessons Learned 32:45 - Closing Thoughts and Contact Information #adamchernick #spatialcomputing #architecturexr --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/mayur-m-mistry/message

In this insightful and engaging interview, Mayur sits down with Benjamin Guler from Evolve Lab, to delve into his professional journey and the innovative strides being made in the architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) industry. The conversation begins with Ben sharing his transition from traditional architecture to a niche in BIM (Building Information Modeling) and coding, and how these skills coalesced to drive his decision to join Evolve Lab. The discussion highlights pivotal products developed by Evolve Lab, including their AI-powered plugin Veras, which leverages advanced technology to significantly enhance design processes. The interview then navigates through the challenges and opportunities in the AEC sector, particularly focusing on the integration of AI and the rapid advancements in computational design. Ben shares valuable insights on how Evolve Lab fosters a culture of experimentation and innovation, allowing the team to stay at the forefront of technological developments. The dialogue also explores the intricacies of product development, client relationships, and future trends in AEC tech. For anyone interested in the intersection of technology and architecture, this video offers a wealth of knowledge and inspiration, illustrating how passion and cutting-edge tech can transform an industry. 01:59 - Ben's Background 04:21 - Evolving from Bim Manager to new role 06:55 - Rise of Bim Managers in Tech 09:01 - Joining Evolve Lab 11:07 - Evolve Lab's Service and Initial Steps 11:58 - Overview of Evolve Lab's Products 15:03 - Transitioning from Scripts to Production Apps 19:56 - Structuring Backend for Multiple Clients 21:56 - Gaining User Adoption for New Tools 25:16 - Simplifying UI for Machine Learning Models 28:16 - Vera's Viral Launch and Key Success Factors 31:12 - Competing Against Established Companies 35:02 - AI Innovation and Agility 39:56 - Handling AI Research Overflow 42:06 - Promoting AI Experimentation in Companies 44:24 - Building Client Relationships and Trust 48:02 - Final Thoughts and Excitement for AI in AEC 49:01 - Controversial Takes on AI in AEC 50:47 - Future Problems in AEC for Solving #BenjaminGuler #verasevolvelab #aiarchitectureplugin --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/mayur-m-mistry/message

In this captivating interview, we dive deep into the career journey of Nat MacDonald, who transitioned from a senior mechanical engineer at BuroHappold to a product manager at TestFit. Nat shares invaluable insights into his shift from the architecture and engineering industry to the tech startup world, highlighting the unique challenges and learning experiences along the way. The audience will be intrigued by Nat's passion for process improvement through technology and his role in enhancing efficiencies within AEC firms. Throughout the conversation, Nat elaborates on the dynamics of working at a growing startup, the importance of customer feedback, and the collaborative culture at Test Fit. He also touches on the potential impact of advanced technologies like ChatGPT on the AEC space and offers sage advice for aspiring engineers and product managers. Join us to learn more about how domain expertise can shape a fulfilling product management career and the exciting future of AEC technology. 00:50 - Career Transition: Mechanical Engineer to Product Manager 03:05 - Joining TestFit and Role at a Startup 04:17 - Interview Process and Preparation 05:34 - Daily Work as a Product Manager 08:23 - Tools and Systems for Product Management 10:11 - Conducting Effective Customer Interviews 12:12 - Customer Engagement and Conversion 14:11 - Advantages of Domain Expertise in Product Management 16:35 - Recommended Resources for Product Managers 17:58 - Misconceptions About Transitioning to Product Management 19:41 - Future of AEC Tech Space 22:26 - Challenges as a Mechanical Engineer 24:38 - Impact of AI Tools like ChatGPT on the Profession 27:54 - Advice for Aspiring Engineers 29:46 - Measuring Progress as a Product Manager 31:55 - Culture at test fit and Remote Work 34:17 - Final Thoughts and Industry Passion #natMacDonald #testfit #aecproductmanger --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/mayur-m-mistry/message

In this interview, Kyle Vansice, co-founder of Cedar, shares his inspiring journey from architecture to building a design tech startup. Kyle discusses how his background in architecture and structural engineering, along with his passion for computational design, led him to start Cedar with his co-founders. The conversation delves into the challenges of developing a scalable software product for the architecture and construction industry, and how Cedar is addressing the complex problem of infill housing and mixed-use development. Kyle emphasizes the importance of establishing credibility, understanding customer needs, and finding the right balance between servicing customers and building scalable technology.Throughout the interview, Kyle provides valuable insights and advice for architects and designers looking to start their own companies. He highlights the significance of mentorship, learning to value one's skills, and the potential of AI in democratizing high-quality design. With an optimistic outlook on the future of Cedar, Kyle envisions a platform that enables AI-driven site planning and encodes design knowledge to build better neighborhoods on a citywide scale. Checkout : https://www.cedar.build/ Here are the key sections and chapter timestamps for the video transcript: 00:00 - Introduction and Kyle's background 01:33 - Kyle's architecture and engineering journey 05:47 - Challenges navigating architecture and engineering fields 10:01 - Phases and excitements in Kyle's architecture journey 13:20 - Role models and favorite buildings 16:01 - Transition from corporate job to startup 19:04 - Early days of developing the startup idea 22:59 - Strategy for getting early adopters 27:48 - Challenges of building a startup in the AEC industry 30:11 - Difficult choices during ideation and development of Cedar 32:47 - A day in the life of Kyle and managing responsibilities 36:47 - Cedar's journey with Antler and experience 39:59 - Vision for Cedar one year and five years from now 43:20 - Advice for computational designers or architects starting a company 49:03 - Kyle's fun fact and co-founders 50:27 - Importance of mentors and mastermind groups 51:23 - Rapid fire round --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/mayur-m-mistry/message

The interview covers Randall Stevens' career journey in architecture, 3D graphics, and software development. Stevens graduated in architecture in 1991 and became interested in 3D modeling, rendering, and computer graphics. He started the company Arc Vision, providing 3D graphics services, and developed innovative technologies like RPC (Rich Photorealistic Content). In the 2000s, Stevens recognized the need for simplified 3D modeling tools for a wider audience, as evidenced by SketchUp's success. He has focused on the "democratization of technology", making tools accessible. In 2013, Stevens had the idea for Avail, a content management platform to unite information from the many applications used in architecture firms. Avail was launched in 2017 and now serves leading architecture firms globally. Stevens discusses Avail's visual interfaces, universal content access, integration capabilities, and search functions. He shares his views on AI, focusing tools on quality inputs to get accurate outputs, and content management needs created by new technologies. Overall, the interview covers Randall Stevens' career, insights on technology adoption, and the development of innovative products addressing needs in architecture. It provides perspective on creating accessible tools and managing information in design firms. Chapters 00:00 - Introduction 01:00 - Early Days in Tech 02:00 - Emergence of Key Technologies . 10:00 - Anticipating Future Trends 19:00 - Student Dreams and Ambitions 25:00 - Origins of Avail 35:00 - Funding and Business Models 50:00 - Pricing Considerations 57:00 - Daily Routine as CEO 59:00 - Avail Demo Randall provides a demo of Avail, showing its visual nature for architecture content and capabilities like search, metadata, and previews. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/mayur-m-mistry/message

Richmond Newman, CEO of Modulate, shares his background in architecture, his journey into technology and founding Modulate, as well as advice for entrepreneurs. Richmond studied architecture in college but was exposed to critiques of architectural software tools by his computer science roommates, sparking an interest in improving them. He gained experience at architecture firms and saw firsthand the inefficiencies in drafting tools like Revit. He co-founded Modulate to build 3D architectural design software from the ground up, focused on a better data model and semantics to automate drafting and detailing. The software is built on Unreal Engine for advanced graphics and collaboration.He shares insights into building a compelling startup vision and translating it into a successful enterprise software company. Here are chapter timestamps : 00:00 - Introduction 00:41 - Education and early experience in architecture 02:02 - Dissatisfaction with architecture software tools 03:34 - Working at architecture firms and identifying pain points 07:02 - Forming the idea for Modulate 08:48 - Modulate's innovations and technology 11:13 - Adapting to changing market conditions 13:23 - Demo of Modulate product 21:15 - Integration with Revit and future roadmap 25:54 - Technical details on representing building details in Modulate 31:30 - Distribution model and enterprise focus 36:02 - Advice for architecture professionals interested in startups 40:05 - Building the initial Modulate prototype and fundraising 48:03 - Tips for fundraising with a functional product 57:43 - Advice Rich would give his younger self --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/mayur-m-mistry/message

The video features an insightful interview with Devin Bhushan, CEO and Founder of Squint. He shares his background studying computer science, working at Yahoo, Splunk, and ultimately being inspired to start Squint to leverage AR's potential to surface helpful information to users. After extensive research into manufacturing's challenges, Devin built Squint's initial product to address the industry's training inefficiencies. He describes Squint's AR ability to guide operators through procedures and leave contextual notes, reducing training time by 86%. Devin discusses Squint's fundraising, go-to-market strategy, being part of Sequoia's ARC accelerator, and most proudly hearing customers share how Squint enables them to accomplish goals more easily. He offers founders advice to stay laser-focused on users' needs. Overall, the video provides a fascinating overview of Devin's journey founding an AR startup and delivering immense value to enterprises. Here are timestamped chapter summaries 00:00 - Introductions 00:57 - Devin's background 03:41 - How Devin got interested in AR and started Squint 07:33 - Why Devin focused first on manufacturing 11:08 - Building the initial product and getting first customers 16:01 - Video demo of Squint AR training app in manufacturing 18:14 - Video demo of using Squint for airplane preflight checklist 21:07 - Discussion of spatial accuracy and performance of Squint AR 26:00 - Future roadmap - integrating external data sources and plugins 28:00 - Fundraising process 35:48 - Typical day - sales calls in morning, team walks in afternoon for bonding 38:03 - Go-to-market strategy - LinkedIn, content marketing, outbound 41:02 - Started with top-down sales approach, future bottoms-up potential 43:00 - Building founding team with people you know and trust 49:00 - Timeline for fundraising 50:00 - Pre-seed valuations - more about investor-founder match than formula 53:00 - Overview of Sequoia Arc program format 56:05 - Excited about new product features, scared about scaling company culture 58:00 - Proudest moment 59:00 - Contact details, advice for founders to stay close to users --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/mayur-m-mistry/message

Interview with Chloe Smith, co-founder and CEO of Mercator, a construction intelligence platform. Chloe provides background on her marketing and advertising career and how she came to start Mercator with her co-founder to bring data analytics to the construction industry. She outlines conducting customer interviews and POCs to validate the problem they were solving. Chloe explains how Mercator tracks construction projects through their full lifecycle and delivers insights on upcoming opportunities to general contractors, enabling them to get in front of projects earlier. She discusses focusing on specific customer profiles, building relationships with advisors, and taking an authentic approach to branding. On product features, Chloe describes the Mercator workflow of monitoring projects, companies and contacts with AI-driven alerts. Users can explore project details and connect with stakeholders. She positions Mercator as a unique, category-defining product bringing new strategic intelligence to construction firms. Looking ahead, Chloe is excited to grow their team, enrich data tracking, expand to new markets and build their product suite into a knowledge hub. She advises startups in construction to build what the industry needs based on customer conversations. Here are chapter timestamps and summaries for the YouTube video transcript: 00:00 - Introducing Chloe and Mercator AI 00:22 - Chloe's background and journey into construction tech 01:19 - Meeting co-founder and starting marketer AI 02:21 - Validating ideas through customer interviews 03:40 - Strategies for talking to construction customers as an outsider 05:04 - Applying a data perspective from marketing to construction 06:21 - Meeting co-founder and initial hypotheses 08:01 - Pivoting ideas and focusing on construction opportunities 09:13 - Early mistakes and learning to validate ideas 10:10 - Importance of customer interviews and narrowing focus 11:02 - Challenges reaching construction customers initially 12:33 - Iterating on customer conversations 14:14 - Prioritizing feature requests from customers 15:04 - Using quick POCs focused on specific users 17:00 - Advice on aligning vision and customer feedback 18:24 - Building a focused product for target customers 18:48 - Strategies for assembling a strong advisor team 21:07 - Finding advisors willing to help without equity 22:11 - Proving credibility as industry outsiders 23:51 - Tips for building a brand (focus on authenticity) 24:29 - Overview of Mercator AI platform and user journey 28:09 - Category defining product and points of differentiation 29:51 - Roadmap and future opportunities 31:31 - Advice for construction tech startups (talk to customers) --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/mayur-m-mistry/message

Hosted Chuck Driesler to discuss Nodepen, an open source project he has been developing to create a web-based version of Grasshopper. He provided a history of the project, which started in 2018 and has gone through multiple revisions. The current version utilizes Speckle technology to handle the 3D geometry and visualization, allowing Chuck to focus on the node-based logic and interaction. Key topics covered include leveraging React for fast rendering, integrating Grasshopper computation on the backend, and designing an intuitive user interface. While Nodepen started as a way to recreate Grasshopper online, it has now evolved into a more flexible visual programming environment. Chuck outlined his goals to simplify sharing and collaboration around Grasshopper scripts, support open source contributions, and explore capabilities beyond desktop Grasshopper. 0:00 - Introduction 05:10 - The beginning at a 2018 hackathon 09:15 - The first version of Nodepen 15:00 - User feedback inspires the second version 18:10 - The third version focuses on mobile 21:00 - Grasshopper 2.0 changes the project scope 23:30 - Using Speckle for the fourth version 29:00 - A technical dive into Nodepen's code 49:20 - The visual design process in Figma 55:30 - Wrap up and questions --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/mayur-m-mistry/message

The video features an interview with Praneet Mathur, an architect turned technologist, who discusses his journey from architecture to developing computational design plugins and tools. He was inspired to build his own visual scripting platform, after being disappointed with the limitations of Grasshopper. It allows event-driven programming, which empowers users to create scripts intuitively. He demonstrates the logic and capabilities, including interoperability with other software like Rhino. The goal is to provide a flexible platform for people to create their own applications and automations. Overall, the discussion focuses on expanding architectural workflows through accessible computational design tools. 00:00 - Introduction 00:30 - Transition from architecture to technology 01:37 - Current work and starting a consultancy 02:28 - Podcast and panel discussions 03:05 - Event driven programming and new platform 04:00 - Inspiration and need for the initiative 05:03 - Developing a new visual scripting platform 06:13 - Event driven vs functional programming 07:07 - Existing visual scripting options 08:40 - Applications in architecture workflows 10:00 - Interoperability and communicating with other apps 11:18 - How events work under the hood 12:23 - Options for visual programming libraries 13:10 - Limitations of other visual programming tools 14:51 - Goal for the new platform and empowering users 15:22 - Overview of components built so far 16:10 - Example script - countdown timer 18:03 - Event arguments and data types 18:34 - Challenges with UI and data structures 19:40 - Debugging errors in the console 20:01 - Example - bounce function for smoothing data 22:27 - Benefits for automation and UI 23:15 - Use cases in architecture and design workflows 25:09 - Easy interoperability setup 26:43 - Applications in building automation 27:01 - Handling data from sensors and IoT devices 28:39 - Data structure challenges 29:49 - Sharing the development timeline and roadmap 30:35 - File format for saving scripts 31:00 - Tech stack and architecture 32:38 - Approach for visualization and geometry 33:20 - Emergent use cases from experimentation 33:38 - Applications in business automation 34:28 - Open source plans and community feedback 35:20 - Scalable business model 36:00 - Learning resources for software development 36:48 - Tips for freelancing and finding clients 37:29 - Dream team for an AEC software startup 38:46 - Initiatives needed to encourage software developers in India 39:20 - Thoughts on AI and blockchain in AEC 40:41 - Closing rapid fire questions 42:13 - How to get involved and final thoughts --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/mayur-m-mistry/message

#ai #aec #dl #generativedesign #aectech Theodore Galanos joins the podcast for an insightful discussion around artificial intelligence and technology. Key topics covered include recent developments in generative AI models such as DALL-E, Stable Diffusion and Nerf-based generation. There is an emphasis on the shift towards leveraging language models and instruction tuning to create personalized and customizable AI. For example, Galanos explains how techniques like chain-of-thought prompting allow decomposition of complex design tasks through step-by-step natural language instructions. Other notable topics include the democratization of asset creation through AI, training models with expert knowledge, designing intelligent interfaces, and overcoming obstacles around collaboration, data formats and workflows. Galanos provides perspective on how architects and designers can participate in advancing AI for the AEC industry, stressing the importance of cross-disciplinary collaboration. He concludes with excitement around the potential for 'intelligent design' systems that can understand tasks and requirements with no formal training.00:00 - Introduction00:22 - Background and recent work01:00 - Discussion on generative AI models like NERF01:30 - Thoughts on current state of generative AI02:00 - Expanding scope beyond just design artifact generation02:58 - Using human feedback to train models03:57 - Democratizing access to generative design04:48 - Architect model training with planning prompts05:15 - Language models changing interfaces06:21 - Guidelines for architecture firms adopting ML07:30 - Codifying non-linear design processes08:20 - Capturing design diffs to train models09:34 - Software collaboration challenges with ML10:57 - Bottlenecks between AI models and software11:38 - PDFs losing information, needing structured inputs12:55 - Low hanging fruit for trying ML for architecture firms13:39 - Power imbalance between AI APIs and startups building on them14:16 - Thoughts on AI trends relevant for architecture15:38 - Top ML papers to read16:04 - Recommendations for insightful podcasts16:56 - Upcoming conferences/events of interest18:01 - Using Luma ai to capture 3D scans for generative models19:41 - Evolution of interest from GANs to language models21:18 - Using competitions to create datasets of design processes23:28 - Modular interfaces to swap AI models24:43 - Business model of AI infrastructure vs startups using APIs26:34 - Article on AI trends including digital twins28:22 - Interface challenges for collaborative intelligent design30:51 - Linearizing nonlinear design processes32:38 - Losing information when exporting to PDF36:12 - Chain of thought prompting38:38 - Robotics applications of language models40:00 - Fusion models replacing GANs41:01 - Scaling through simplicity like language models42:53 - Domain expertise needed to extend capabilities of language models43:20 - Workflow integration needed for human annotation44:16 - Capturing full sequence of design interactions46:07 - Analyzing design process logs from competitions48:13 - Scaling data collection through model training49:09 - Existing project steps like design generation, review, validation50:53 - PDFs losing semantic information52:02 - Capturing callout sequences during design coordination53:04 - Massive data needs of generative pretrained models vs tuning models54:06 - The challenge of perfectly extracting information from PDFs55:51 - Using common formats from the start for future ML readiness57:05 - Implementing processes for proper data strategies --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/mayur-m-mistry/message

The video features an interview with Ralph Montague, discussing his background and insights on architecture, building information modeling (BIM), and community building. He shares how he built his BIM consultancy business and community, emphasizing patience, persistence, communication, and focusing on delivering value to members. Montague stresses the critical role information plays in architecture and envisions teaching courses highlighting information's centrality in the built environment. He argues adopting standards allows scaling and improving the construction industry while retaining creativity. Here are chapter timestamps for the transcript:00:00 - Introduction01:00 - Background and education02:00 - Starting a BIM consulting business04:00 - Finding clients and business models08:00 - Building community and networks11:00 - Educating the AEC industry on BIM15:00 - Pricing models and managing fluctuations18:00 - Looking ahead - blockchain, contracts, sustainability23:00 - BIM Coordinator Summit and community rewards28:00 - Improving contracting and reducing waste32:00 - Virtual design and sustainability37:00 - Building community over time with patience and commitment41:00 - Diversity and inclusiveness in community46:00 - Education on information and communication50:00 - Scaling the AEC industry with standards58:00 - Rapid fire questions --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/mayur-m-mistry/message