Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, and the Future of the Firm

A Conversation for Emerging Professionals

AI tools like ChatGPT and Gemini are transforming the way we work. But architecture firms are using artificial intelligence and machine learning for more than just automation and email writing. Many have embraced advancements in these technologies and have developed their own proprietary tools to evolve their practices. On April 23, join ARCHITECTURAL RECORD, Marc Syp from Gensler, Jonah Hawk from ZGF, and Ellis Herman from Autodesk for a robust and expansive conversation aimed at emerging professionals that cuts through the hype to investigate the growing role AI is playing in the firm and how it will (and won't) change the practice of architecture.

About the Speakers:
Marc Syp is an established leader in architectural design computation and Artificial Intelligence, Syp has over two decades of experience in computation, software development, and innovation at leading architectural practices and startups. As part of a global team of digital innovators at Gensler, Syp focuses on strategy, philosophy, and practice modernization through the development and implementation of technology platforms at scale, to augment our human capabilities and design process to deliver positive impact for our projects, clients, and built environment.

Jonah Hawk has more than 20 years of experience in computational design, software design, and design technology leadership. In his role at ZGF, Hawk works with clients and project teams to uncover bespoke solutions to complex design problems. His passion for teaching and developing tools to enhance efficiency and creativity has led him to create in-house custom apps and plugins utilized across the firm. Adept at collaborating on design exploration and analysis, Hawk has contributed to design and visualization solutions for clients including the recent Portland International Airport Main Terminal Expansion, Expensify, University of Oregon, and Stanford University.

Ellis Herman is the product manager of Autodesk Forma's embodied and total carbon analyses, working on putting accessible sustainability tools in the hands of architects at the earliest stages of design. Formerly a machine learning engineer, Herman is interested in improving the trust, transparency, and usability of AI-based products for users without ML-expertise.