AEC Tech Journeys with Mayur Mistry

Nerding Out with Shajay Bhooshan: AI, Design Automation and Beyond

Insights

From Strategy to Implementation: Building Domain-Specific AI in AEC with Theodoros Galanos

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."

L152 : Consultancy vs Startup: Insights from Valentin’s Bootstrapped Success in the AEC Industry

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

L151 : Transitioning from traditional architecture to AI architecture work with Adeline Chan

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

L150 : Grasshopper, Rhino3D, and GPT-4 with Michael (The “Bob Ross” of Grasshopper) Wickerson

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

L149 : Revolutionizing Real Estate with AI & Big Data: Olivia’s Inspiring Journey at Deepblocks!

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

L148 : Exploring Creative AI with Daniel Escobar: Architecture, Robotics, And Human Interaction

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

L144 : Journey from Architecture to Software Developer with Ryan Hughes (Cloud Programs, Tools etc)

#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.

L143 : Journey from Architecture to Innovation Strategist, teaching Virgil Abloh with Thomas Kearns

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

L141 : Transforming Spaces: Joanne’s Transition from Architecture to XR Design at Meta and Beyond

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