Tech+ LA

ANGELES

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Learn more at www.imaginit.com/clarity or by calling us at 800.356.9050

WELCOME TO TECH+

ABOUT TECH+ LOS ANGELES

TECH+ provides your front row seat to the cutting edge technological innovations that are driving design forward. Earn up to 6 AIA LUs while unpacking the potential of data and tools to inform smarter and more equitable architecture and design. From optimized building performance and energy analytics to AI and generative design practices, you’ll learn about new tools for mapping, modeling, data visualization, digital simulation, and fabrication. Hosted by The Architect’s Newspaper & AEC + TECH, this one-day conference includes keynotes, presentations, roundtable discussions, and demos from leading tech experts creating a space where AEC professionals can explore, network, and connect.

ABOUT THE ARCHITECT’S NEWSPAPER

The Architect’s Newspaper is a media company that serves up news and inside reports to a niche community of architects, designers, engineers, landscape architects, lighting designers, interior designers, academics, developers, contractors, and others interested in the built urban environment. AN delivers quality news and cultural reporting through print, including AN Interior magazine, web, blog, newsletters, and social media. AN is recognized for bringing together the top echelon of AEC industry leaders in its series of Facades+ and TECH+ conferences. If you care about architecture and design, join our community and get in the know.

DIANA DARLING CEO & Creative Director, The Architect’s Newspaper

MARTY WOOD Program Director, The Architect’s Newspaper

NIKNAZ AFTAHI Founder & CEO, aec+tech

DIONNE DARLING VP of Brand Partnerships, The Architect’s Newspaper

Industry Leading Detail Management

Pirros modernizes detail management by analyzing and aggregating thousands of new design details into a cloud-based library.

FIND & USE details faster

Improve QUALITY of details

Help junior staff LEARN how to detail

Reduce DUPLICATE detail creation

Effortlessly MANAGE detail libraries

Better ARCHIVE your content

Visit our table to meet the team, or scan the code to learn more!

AGENDA

9:45 AM CHECK-IN AND NETWORKING

10:15 AM WELCOME: Dionne Darling | The Architect’s Newspaper Niknaz Aftahi | aec+tech

10:30 AM

11:10 AM

11:30 AM

12:10 PM

12:20 PM

KEYNOTE | Implementing Practical Solutions for AI in AEC: A Roadmap Stjepan Mikulić | AI in AEC

RESHAPING AEC: A Guide to Adopting AI and Emerging Technologies

Presenters: Miles Smith | Graphisoft Niknaz Aftahi | aec+tech

MODERATOR

ROUNDTABLE | Automation in Practice: AI Experiments and Transformations

Presenters: Ali Nasiri | Flad Architects Erin Khan | Erin Khan Consulting Sam Keville | NBBJ Stjepan Mikulić | AI in AEC

MODERATOR

ACCELERATING NET ZERO IMPACT

Presenter: Colin Mangham | USGBC-CA

SOFTWARE ADOPTION IN 2024 - How your job as a technology leader can turn into a psychology experiment

Presenter: Peter Johann | PIRROS

12:30 PM NETWORKING LUNCH

1:15 PM Reality Capture with Matterport’s 3D Laser Scanner

Presenter: Keith Cox | Matterport

1:25 PM

1:35 PM

Garbage In, Garbage Out: Why the Future of AEC Tech is Dependent on Improving Information Management

Presenter: Randall Stevens | AVAIL

ROUNDTABLE | Technology in Practice: The Studio View

Presenters: Argelia Bárcena | Gensler Brendan Mullins | Stantec Gautam Shenoy | KTGY Nicole Buhles | HED Elaheh Demirchelie | Greystar Thesla Collier | HNTB

MODERATOR

2:15 PM Simplicity Comes from Clarity: Tailoring Software for Design Firms to Enhance AI Integration

Presenter: Deb Johnston | TonicDM

2:25 PM Bridging the Gap from Concept to Schematic Design in Architecture

Presenter: Gabee Cho | Snaptrude

2:35 PM NETWORKING BREAK

3:00 PM

3:10 PM

AIA TECHNOLOGY IN PRACTICE: Community at the Forefront of AEC Technology

Presenters: Thesla Collier | HNTB Ruquia Akter | Stantec

ROUNDTABLE | Climate, Energy, & Data

Presenters: Erik Narhi | Buro Happold Kais Al-Rawi | Eckersley O’Callaghan Al Dram | Blueprints AI

MODERATOR

3:40 PM Automating Workflows for Optimization and Process Evolution

3:50 PM

4:00 PM

Presenter: Shirin Abbaszadeh | IMAGINiT Technologies

Innovate Your Design Journey with AI

Presenter: Mustapha Benosman | D5 Render

ROUNDTABLE | Invested: Design and Construction Industry Report Card

Presenters: Curtis Rodgers | Brick & Mortar Ventures Gregg Wallace | Nirman Ventures Mihir Somalwar | Hensel Phelps Niknaz Aftahi | aec+tech

MODERATOR

4:45 PM CLOSING REMARKS: Dionne Darling | The Architect’s Newspaper Niknaz Aftahi | aec+tech

SPEAKERS

Keynote Speaker

STJEPAN MIKULIĆ

Founder / AI in AEC

Experienced in all three sides of the AEC, Stjepan has most recently worked as a Project BIM Lead at the starchitect company BIG in Copenhagen, Denmark. In February 2024, he decided to open his own firm called AI in AEC through which he empowers AEC Professionals to learn, implement, and develop AI solutions and cutting-edge tech. One of his largest works to date is the AEC AI Hub - the world’s largest database of AI tools and resources, currently listing more than 1000+ apps.

SHIRIN ABBASZADEH

AEC Account Executive / IMAGINiT Technologies

Shirin has over 20 years of experience in solving technology challenges for her clients. She has a keen understanding of the entire building process and partners with AEC organizations to provide expert guidance and strategic solutions that drive efficiencies and maximize ROI. Shirin’s dedication to understanding and addressing her clients’ unique business challenges ensures they receive tailored, effective solutions to deliver better outcomes and drive profitability.

NIKNAZ AFTAHI

Founder & CEO / aec+tech

Niknaz is the CEO and founder at aec+tech, an all-inone innovation platform and community connecting AEC/O (Architecture, Engineering, Construction & Operations) professionals with the latest tools and technologies. Prior to launching aec+tech Niknaz practiced architecture in the bay area, California, both as a design professional as well as a design technologist. Niknaz is passionate about technology and innovation in the AEC space, and she has been a keynote speaker at various international aec-tech events. Niknaz is a member of AIA San Francisco design technology committee, and has also been developing curriculum and teaching architecture courses online to Bahai students in Iran who continue to be deprived of access to universities in their own country.

RUQUIA AKTER

Designer - Buildings / Stantec

Ruquia is a dedicated professional specializing in data-driven design and research methodology, computational design, and artificial intelligence. With a strong focus on innovation, she integrates advanced computational techniques and AI to push the boundaries of architecture. Ruquia’s expertise lies in leveraging data and AI to inform and enhance design processes, ensuring that each project is both cutting-edge and efficient. Her commitment to blending technology with architectural practice and integrating advanced methodologies and tools has positioned her as a forward-thinking leader in the architectural community, driving the future of design and construction.

KAIS AL-RAWI

Associate Director / Eckersley O’Callaghan

Kais Al-Rawi is an Associate Director in Eckersley O’Callaghan’s Los Angeles office, Kais is an established architect with a reputation for working on a diverse range of projects from art-forms to towers, stadia and aviation developments. His expertise lies at the intersection of architecture, engineering and technology – with a focus on solving complex design challenges through digital design. Kais’ expertise has been leveraged on several world-class projects including SoFi Stadium, the Lucas Museum of Narrative Art and the Orange County Museum of Art. In 2022, Kais was listed as one of Aviation Pros’ Top 40 under 40 in the Airport Business.

SPEAKERS

ARGELIA BÁRCENA

Northwest Regional Design Technology Manager / Gensler

Argelia Bárcena is a Cal Poly San Luis Obispo architecture graduate with an executive education certificate from Harvard Graduate School of Design. With a diverse career in architecture, she has been affiliated with renowned firms, from minor to global-sized companies. She is a Regional Manager of Design Technology at Gensler for their Northwest Region. Her commitment to the profession extends to her role as adjunct faculty at the Academy of Art University School of Architecture, having previously taught at City College of San Francisco and California College of the Arts. Additionally, she is the Associate Director for the American Institute of Architects San Francisco Board of Directors.

MUSTAPHA BENOSMAN

GTM - Senior Sales Manager / D5 Render

Mustapha Benosman is a seasoned sales manager with a decade of experience in finance and tech, now leading go-to-market sales at D5 Render for North America, LATAM, and MENA in the AEC industry. He has a proven track record in strategic sales planning and team leadership, contributing significantly to D5 Render’s position as a leader in AEC rendering technology. His dynamic approach and commitment to mentoring make him a pivotal figure in the sales and tech communities.

NICOLE BUHLES Practice Technology Leader / HED

Nicole Buhles is a Practice Technology Leader at HED, where she co-builds and implements firmwide digital design-delivery strategies. She specializes in BIM management and coaches project teams to maximize technology and seize innovation opportunities. Previously, as a BIM technology consultant, she managed a diverse portfolio of architecture firms to construct and accelerate BIM implementation strategies. She is also an active member of AIA LA’s Technology in Architectural Practice Committee, holds a Certificate of ManagementBuilding Information Modeling from the American General Contractors Association, and has a master’s degree in Architecture from Hampton University.

GABEE CHO

Design Advocate / Snaptrude

Gabee Cho has a rich background in architecture, holding a Bachelor’s degree from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and a Master’s degree from Washington University in St. Louis. She has extensive experience as a designer, project architect, and project manager at Zimmer Gunsul Frasca, as well as the founder of her own design studio, Agency 2184. Currently, she is serving as a Design Advocate at Snaptrude, where she bridges the gap between architects and the product team, ensuring that user experiences and industry challenges are addressed and inform product development to enhance architectural workflows.

THESLA COLLIER

Design Technology Manager / HNTB

Thesla Collier is a Design Technologist at HNTB. Her background is in Architecture, and she works with designers, architects, engineers, and contractors in all phases of building, design, and construction. Thesla uses design technology to develop methods and workflows to improve project outcomes and processes. She also holds leadership positions in AIA Technology in Architectural Practice (TAP) National Knowledge Community at both the National and Los Angeles Chapters.

KEITH COX Sales Lead / Matterport

A results-oriented and customer-focused sales leader with over 20+ years of experience recruiting and managing channel sales to resellers in the architectural, engineering, and construction (AEC) industries. Skilled in developing and executing effective channel sales strategies, building and maintaining strong relationships with key partners and customers, and identifying and launching advanced technologies. Proven track record of exceeding sales targets, increasing market share, and expanding product portfolio.

SPEAKERS

ELAHEH DEMIRCHELIE

Director of Pre-Development / Greystar

Elaheh Demirchelie, is a real estate developer and an architect. Previously, she held the position of Chief Creative Officer at Mark Cavagnero Associates. She has served as Design and Creative Director at various firms associated with the built environment and has worked on large-scale, global projects during her time at Mark Cavagnero Associates, John Portman & Associates, and HKS Inc. In addition, Elaheh is the founder of Demirchelie LLC, a practice focused on integrating design and impactful investment strategies as instigators for positive change.

AL DRAM

CEO / Blueprints AI / DRAMS

Architects / DRAMS Construction

Al is an innovative architect and entrepreneur with a Ph.D in Architecture Digital Design. After teaching internationally, he founded DRAMS Architects in California, ventured into construction with DRAMS Construction, and developed technology with Blueprints AI, showcasing his forward-thinking approach to integrating architecture and digital advancements. He is active in the design and technology community and is co-chair of the AIA SF Design Technology Committee.

PETER JOHANN

Chief Operating Officer, Co-Founder / PIRROS

Pirros was started by two structural engineers turned entrepreneurs.

Peter and his Co-Founder, Ari, spent time at a handful of different structural engineering firms and kept experiencing the same problems when it came to detail management and production. The technology industry has overlooked the AE design space and the importance of details to a firm’s success. Pirros is on a mission to change that.

DEB JOHNSTON

Co-Founder / TonicDM

Deb Johnston is the CMO and Co-Founder of TonicDM, where she leads the mission to bring simplicity, insight, and organization to complex business communication in the AEC industry. As a strategic entrepreneur, Deb merges her experience in the AEC industry with her background in action sports, fintech, build-tech, marketing, and communications to foster innovation and growth. She is dedicated to collaborating with design firms and deeply values the work of architects and engineers.

ERIN KHAN

Founder, Sr. Consultant / Erin Khan Consulting

Erin Khan is an established AEC technology leader, with over a decade of combined experience in construction operations, data and process analysis, and software implementation. Founding Erin Khan Consulting in 2023, she currently provides technology and innovation services to both contractors and construction technology startups. Prior to founding EKC, Erin served as the National Director of Construction Solutions for Suffolk Construction, overseeing national technology and innovation operations. Erin holds a B.S. in Civil Engineering from USC, a certificate in Business Analytics from The Wharton School, and is EIT, LEED AP BD+C, and OSHA-10 certified.

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.

BRENDAN MULLINS

Senior Associate, Regional Digital Delivery Lead (US West) / Stantec

Passionate about combining research with project work, Brendan serves as the region’s dedicated technology partner, defining the requirements and uses of software, digital tools, and digital expertise. His role is to empower staff to innovate through technology and stay ahead of the curve. Major areas of Brendan’s focus include computational design, advanced visualization, and artificial intelligence. He’s currently working as an architect on the Lucas Museum of Narrative Art in Los Angeles, where we are paving the way for advanced visualization, computational design, and advanced building information modeling workflows.

Clarity comes from simplicity.

We created a 100% cloud-based project information management system that caters to design firms with a tool that is easy to use and elegant in its simplicity so that you can spend more time designing.

SPEAKERS

ERIK NARHI

Computational Design Lead / Buro Happold

Erik Narhi is the Computational Design Lead in Buro Happold’s Los Angeles office with educational experience in architecture as well as engineering. Erik has experience with advanced computational techniques (Grasshopper, Dynamo, Digital Project, Processing), studio design projects at a wide range of scales, realization of a design from concept to CD’s using Revit, and construction methods in an academic setting

ALI NASIRI

Director of Computational Design, West Coast / Flad Architects

Ali Nasiri is the Director of Computational Design at Flad Architects on the West Coast, where he merges over 15 years of experience in the AEC industry with his expertise in parametric and computational design. Ali is passionate about innovative approaches to integrating advanced technologies into sustainable architectural solutions. His responsibilities include researching and integrating cutting-edge technologies, creative problem solving, data-driven design and decision making and design process automation into Flad’s projects.

CURTIS RODGERS

Partner / Brick & Mortar Ventures

Curtis Rodgers is a construction technologist and investor at Brick & Mortar Ventures, with six years of construction operations experience across federal, energy, industrial, infrastructure, and commercial markets at both Kiewit and McCarthy Construction. Curtis founded The Society for Construction Solutions (SCS) in 2014, contributed to the NASA Centennial 3D Printed Habitat Challenge, and participated as a lecturer for the US DOE’s Project Leadership Institute.

GAUTAM

SHENOY Director, Technology / KTGY

As the Director of Technology at KTGY, a renowned national architecture, branding, interiors, and planning firm, Gautam leads the Technology team. He excels in leveraging design technology to enhance project delivery systems and develop comprehensive workflows. He specializes in strategic planning and oversees firmwide infrastructure technology, cybersecurity, and digital transformation initiatives. With over two decades of experience in the field, Gautam has managed several high-profile projects and served as the LABUG co-Champion for five years.

MILES SMITH

North American Solutions Manager North / Graphisoft

Miles Smith is GRAPHISOFT’s North American Solution Manager, overseeing the delivery of North American-specific products and services. As a Solutions Manager, Miles advocates for customer needs, specializing in BIM implementation and software transitions. His leadership in aligning client requirements, exploring emerging technologies, and advancing IFC practices drives GRAPHISOFT’s innovative edge, fostering seamless integration and collaboration in the industry.

RANDALL STEVENS

CEO and Founder / AVAIL

A software entrepreneur, Randall Stevens is passionate about creating solutions for the architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) industry. He graduated in 1991 with a Bachelor of Architecture and shortly after founded the Rich Photorealistic Content (RPC)-focused company ArchVision. Leveraging his industry expertise further in 2016, Stevens started content management system (CMS) AVAIL that now boasts Gensler, Perkins + Will, IMEG, LEO A DALY, and Populous as customers.

MIHIR SOMALWAR

Corporate Innovation Lead / Hensel Phelps

Mihir Somalwar started his career in the automotive industry with Involute Technologies Pvt. Ltd., a gearbox manufacturing company started in India by his family. Mihir helped set up processes to automate gearbox assembly and improve manufacturing processes. After moving to the United States to pursue his master’s degree in robotics engineering at Santa Clara University, Mihir worked at Tesla Inc. to help design and improve the Model 3 robotic production line.

GREGG WALLACE

Partner / Nirman Ventures

Gregg is a Partner with Nirman Ventures, a San Francisco based venture capital firm. Nirman invests globally into startups focused on AEC-related. Previously, Gregg was a Partner at Building Ventures, and the Founding Director of Hilti Group’s Silicon Valley Ventures office. He spent nearly a decade with Hilti Group, starting in global strategy at headquarters in Liechtenstein, and continuing on with the leadership team in Spain. His early career was at Bain & Co. He holds a BA from Davidson and an MBA from Wharton.

BIM MANAGEMENT MADE EASY

SMMA INCREASED EFFICIENCY BY SWITCHING TO AVAIL’S CMS

An architectureengineering firm of 210 employees and growing, SMMA’s former content management system (CMS) was not evolving with the team’s needs and concerns. Noticing a lack of development on their former system, SMMA’s team decided to move to the more future-fit, customer-centric AVAIL system in June 2023. Here are some of their favorite AVAIL features.

SMMA’s FAVORITE AVAIL FEATURES

Easy-to-Use Interface

“AVAIL has this very simple user interface for those searching for content, leaving the more complicated aspects of content management concealed with the content managers,” Jason Detwiler, SMMA Architectural Designer, says. “This was key to our expedient firm-wide adoption of the platform.”

Content Agnostic

“We were looking for a one-stop content shop, a platform where we could host more than just our Revit content,” Jason says. “A common location all disciplines would view as the reliable source for firm approved digital content.”

Harvest for Revit

AVAIL has a host of Revit plugins and tools to make Revit-users’ lives easier. SMMA works heavily in Revit and was specifically impressed by AVAIL’s Harvest for Revit tool, which allows them the ability to harvest a lot more system families, view templates, schedules, and legends than their previous platform could.

Plus, Thought Leadership

Additionally, SMMA has been impressed with AVAIL’s AEC industry thought leadership. “It’s amazing to watch AVAIL continue to grow and push new bounds,” Jason says. AVAIL CEO and Founder Randall Stevens is dedicated to creating solutions for the AEC industry and is actively developing AVAIL to project the industry’s future needs. “He’s good at tracking the pulse,” Jason says.

Be sure to catch

Randall’s Tech+ LA panel talk “Garbage In, Garbage Out: Why the Future of AEC Tech is Dependent on Improving Information Management.”

PRESENTED BY

DIAMOND SPONSOR

INDUSTRY PARTNERS &

PLATINUM SPONSORS

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