Description
This session is a continuation of 2022's "Hard Questions Only" and 2023's "Harder Questions." With this expert panel representing technology leaders from across architecture, engineering, construction, and operations (AECO), once again we dive into the hard questions of digital transformation. It's easy to assume that everyone is "doing building information modeling (BIM)," but this panel wants to dig deeper and talk about the challenges that remain as our industry goes through a digital transformation. We'll go beyond the easy wins and discuss what BIM adoption really looks like and how hard it is to drive change. How is the escalation in tools changing our production process, and what does it mean for how we manage our projects and firms? What does the shift to data-driven work mean for an industry based around design studios and professionally licensed staff? Importantly, this panel will represent diverse views to understand how the responses and need for change vary across disciplines.
Key Learnings
- Assess the changing needs and requirements of the AECO workforce.
- Learn about the impact of AI/ML on Revit and modeling.
- Discover barriers impacting organizational change.
Speakers
- SMSean McDonaldCurrently working as a Regional BIM Manager at Thornton Tomasetti. Previous experience as a Design Technology Director at: Kohn Pedersen and Fox, Pei Cobb Freed and Associates, as well as Shen Milsom and Wilke. Additionally, as a BIM consultant and IT manager at CASE Inc, and a BIM Specialist at WeWork. Focused on developing processes and workflows to improve the quality of AEC deliverables.
- SBShane BurgerI am an internationally recognized leader in the advanced use of technology in design and experience for the built environment. As a Principal at Woods Bagot, I direct the vision centered on technical innovation and lead a global DesignOps team dedicated to researching, developing and applying new models of design and delivery to projects. I have lectured widely on a range of topics including design computation, BIM, digital fabrication, building and spatial performance, analysis and simulation, VR/AR, Smart Buildings, AI, and digital culture and experience. Starting in the early 2000's, I was an early advocate and active developer of design computation methodologies in the AEC industry. During this time, my built work at Grimshaw Architects focused on the design of arts and cultural institutions, and used an array of computational processes to synthesize geometry, analysis, and material fabrication. I also served for 8 years as a director of the design computation and education non-profit Smartgeometry, firmly positioning it at the intersections of art, design, technology, and the modern human experience. At Smartgeometry, I promoted the emergence of a new paradigm for digital designers and craftsman where mathematics and algorithms are as natural as pen and paper.
- CSChristopher ShaferChris has nearly 20 years of experience as an architect and leading large firms in their adoption of Design Technologies and Revit. Chris recently joined Guardian to help digital design and BIM leaders better support their staff in their use of Revit. Prior to Guardian, Chris Shafer was a Senior Project Architect and the Digital Delivery Leader for HDR Architecture. As the Digital Delivery Leader he led global teams in North America, Australia, and Germany by developing and implementing firm-wide digital design technologies, standards and processes. In addition to working with Guardian and HDR, he has also worked with Perkins+Will and CBT Architects. Chris is an experienced Senior Project Architect with a background that spans multiple disciplines and a strong understanding of how BIM processes can fuel a data-driven approach to project delivery. With this combined expertise, he has focused on developing and implementing digital technologies that improve workflows, consistency, productivity, and mitigating risk in digital design and project delivery.
- RYRobert YoriRobert leads AECOM's Urban Advisory Practice Digital Solutions Studio and the Global Design Technologies Center of Excellence. Both groups enhance outcomes through practice-oriented digital transformation, design computation, data-focused workflows, and digital design and development. Robert's industry experience spans the architecture, engineering, sustainability, design for manufacturing, business development, innovation incubators, and software development sectors. He serves on AIA New York's Future of Architectural Practice Committee, is Program Manager for DBEI's Design Technology Summit (DTS), is co-author of the Mastering Revit book series, and contributed to the AIA's "Architect's Guide to Building Performance."
- NSNora SwansonNora Swanson, who once aspired to be an astronaut, unexpectedly carved out a 20-year career in the AEC industry. In 2023, Nora joined JB&B, a global leader in the MEP industry with more than a century of experience, as their first Director of Innovation and Knowledge Management. This strategic role highlights her unique ability to navigate the intersection of technology and the human experience while leveraging her background as a mechanical engineer, project manager, and Director of Design Technologies. Already in her tenure, she has established an Innovation Team, launched a learning management system, and led the in-house development of AI solutions. Nora is a curious engineer passionate about creative solutions, emerging technologies, workflow efficiency, and knowledge sharing. She has been honored as a "40 Under 40" in building, construction, and real estate, and has been selected by Crain's as an Outstanding Woman in Technology. She earned her Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering at Villanova University (Go 'Cats!) where she is also a Dance Team alumna. She is a licensed Professional Engineer, is a LEED Accredited Professional, and is a Certified SmartScore and WiredScore Accredited Professional.