Kristen Forward joins the podcast to talk about her trajectory from computational design to leading emerging technology initiatives, particularly focusing on AI implementation and digital transformation in architecture.

Key highlights from our conversation include NBBJ's innovative approach to integrating emerging technologies and applied research, including their practice-embedded digital team structure; the importance of human-centered technology adoption and how NBBJ ensures team members maintain agency while embracing new tools; the role of design futures thinking and strategic foresight in shaping architectural practice; and we explore the intersection of traditional architecture and emerging technologies, offering insights into how firms can proactively shape their future while maintaining their core mission of creating impactful physical spaces.

To learn more about Kristen Forward, see the full show notes with links at https://trxl.co/177

To get more great conversations with AEC technology leaders on the TRXL podcast please visit https://trxl.co

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Confluence Events & Podcast

Join AEC industry technology leaders at Confluence, a series of in-person events and a podcast fostering conversations between firms and tech companies to support innovation. Learn more, explore upcoming events, and listen to podcast episodes at confluence.getavail.com.

TRXL+ Membership

This episode of TRXL is brought to you by TRXL+ members! Join our community of supporters to get exclusive benefits like ad-free episodes and our AEC Leadership Edge newsletter. Your support keeps these valuable conversations going. Click here to learn more and become a member today.

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In this special Campfire Series episode, Scott Davidson joins the podcast to tell us the incredible origin story of Rhino. What began as a simple AutoCAD plugin in the early 90s evolved into something much bigger through an unexpected series of events. Scott shares the surprising story behind how Rhino got its name, its journey from industrial design to architecture, and how an accidental "leak" helped shape the software's destiny. We also discuss how some of architecture's biggest names, including Frank Gehry, discovered and adopted Rhino early on, leading to its widespread use in complex geometric design and digital fabrication today.

To learn more about Scott Davidson, see the full show notes with links at https://trxl.co/176

To get more great conversations with AEC technology leaders on the TRXL podcast please visit https://trxl.co

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Episode Sponsors:

TRXL+ Membership

This episode of TRXL is brought to you by TRXL+ members! Join our community of supporters to get exclusive benefits like ad-free episodes and our AEC Leadership Edge newsletter. Your support keeps these valuable conversations going. Click here to learn more and become a member today.

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Support TRXL by becoming a member or by making a donation.

Click here to subscribe and get the TRXL AEC Tech Newsletter and episode show notes emailed to you when new episodes are released. It’s free!

Provide feedback for this episode at https://trxl.co/feedback

Ian Keough and Keith Fine join the podcast to talk about how SLAM Collaborative and Hypar are working together to change the healthcare design process from early programming to fabrication. SLAM brings practical architectural experience and the vision while Hypar provides powerful design automation tools. Keith explains how they're making healthcare space planning faster and more efficient, while Ian talks about how their software has adapted to meet real architectural needs. Their work demonstrates how architects and software developers can work together to create better building design tools. This conversation covers the story of how Hypar 2.0 has come to be.

About Ian Keough:

Ian's early work at Buro Happold identified a need for mobile applications to leverage BIM data. His software goBIM was acquired by Vela systems for their Vela Field product, which later became Autodesk's BIM 360 Field. His open-source visual programming language Dynamo has a worldwide community and now ships with Revit. He co-founded Hypar with Anthony Hauck in 2018 with a vision to deliver the worlds building expertise to everyone, instantly.

About Keith Fine:

Keith, is a Principal at SLAM and serves as the Management lead for the Los Angeles Studio as well as the National Director of Innovation for the firm. Keith combines his unique experiences including construction, technical architect, leadership with his passion for design and innovation forming a very broad and unique perspective. Keith engages challenge with a strong team-building focus that leverages the very best from those around him. Through these networked relationships and exposures, Keith has a unique skill in understanding the interconnected nature of seemingly disparate technologies and strategies and cultivating the development of new and innovative solutions. He holds an Masters of Architecture from Tulane University and is a member of the California Council of the American Institute of Architects, on the Steering committee for the Innovation Design Consortium and a Technology Leader in the AIA LFRT.

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In this special Campfire Series episode, Don Jacob joins the podcast to tell us the Bluebeam story.

Today we discuss Don’s fascinating journey from working at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory to co-founding Bluebeam and transforming the AEC industry along the way. Don talks about the origins of Bluebeam, its impact on AEC, and hear his thoughts on the future of technology in these fields, including the role of AI and mobile. Our conversation reveals how Bluebeam has evolved over 23 years to become an industry-leading tool that has wildly succeeded at elevating project collaboration and document management in AEC.

To learn more about Don Jacob, see the full show notes with links at https://trxl.co/174

To get more great conversations with AEC technology leaders on the TRXL podcast please visit https://trxl.co

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Click here to subscribe and get the TRXL AEC Tech Newsletter and episode show notes emailed to you when new episodes are released. It’s free!

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Cody Winchester joins the podcast to talk about insights from his recent case study he presented in the Fall of 2024 at Autodesk University, discussing the evolution of digital literacy and technology implementation at HMC Architects. We explore the importance of bridging the gap between practice and technology, the role of training in modern architectural education, the critical need to capture and transfer knowledge from experienced professionals to the next generation, and the challenges and successes of integrating technology into architectural practice as the underlying technology of practice continues to evolve at a pace that is difficult to keep up with.

To learn more about Cody Winchester, see the full show notes with links at https://trxl.co/173

To get more great conversations with AEC technology leaders on the TRXL podcast please visit https://trxl.co

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Support TRXL by becoming a member or by making a donation.

Click here to subscribe and get the TRXL AEC Tech Newsletter and episode show notes emailed to you when new episodes are released. It’s free!

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Phil Read joins the podcast to talk about leveraging AI for meaningful work, the importance of curiosity and play in professional development, building personas for better communication and storytelling, rethinking architectural documentation workflows, the evolving role of BIM managers, integrating empathy into design processes, the transformative power of constraints, and how AI is reshaping client engagement, education, and personal creativity in architecture.

Enjoy this special, final episode of 2024 that was recorded in-person as two architects met in the Denver airport to have a conversation about AI and AEC.

To learn more about Phil Read, see the full show notes with links at https://trxl.co/172

To get more great conversations with AEC technology leaders on the TRXL podcast please visit https://trxl.co

Episode Sponsors:

ArchIT

Embrace a technology team that enhances—not hinders—your design process. Visit https://GetArchIT.com for your free IT assessment and start transforming your firm and your tech experience today.

About Phil Read:

Phil is the CEO and co-founder of Read | Thomas - a global BIM/VDC consulting group and go-to-market startup advisor.

In 2020, Read | Thomas founded the AEC Leadership Retreat, an annual event focused on developing good leadership skills for people in the high stress / low control AEC industry.

When not traveling, you're likely to find Phil driving around Charlotte in a vintage 1960's TR3A or hanging out on Holden Beach, NC in a restored 70's beach cottage.

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Support TRXL by becoming a member or by making a donation.

Click here to subscribe and get the TRXL AEC Tech Newsletter and episode show notes emailed to you when new episodes are released. It’s free!

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Brian Nickel and Brett Settles join the podcast to talk about their latest work at the intersection of BIM and fabrication. We talk about the innovations the Allied BIM team have created that link design intent directly to the machines on the floor in the shop. Brian and Brett share their insights on the evolution of BIM technologies, the importance of user-friendly web-based platforms, and the role of training and VR in remote management. They discuss real-world applications, the skilled labor shortage, and the future of construction automation, making a compelling case for the transformative potential of their work.

Tune in to hear about how Allied BIM is bridging the gap between design intent and on-site execution, and learn about their vision for the future of the critical link between design and the trades.

To learn more about Brian Nickel and Brett Settles, see the full show notes with links at https://trxl.co/171

To get more great conversations with AEC technology leaders on the TRXL podcast please visit https://trxl.co

Episode Sponsors:

ArchIT

Embrace a technology team that enhances—not hinders—your design process. Visit https://GetArchIT.com for your free IT assessment and start transforming your firm and your tech experience today.

About Brian Nickel:

With over 10 years of experience in the architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) industry, Brian D. Nickel is the CEO and Founder of Allied BIM, a pioneering firm that develops and delivers cutting-edge fabrication tools and solutions for Autodesk Revit and BIM 360 platforms. He is also an Autodesk Revit Architecture Certified Professional and a Part 107 FAA-Certified Drone Pilot, demonstrating his proficiency and versatility in AEC technology.

As an adjunct instructor at Montana State University's College of Engineering and Gallatin College, Brian shares his passion and expertise in AEC technology with the next generation of AEC professionals. He uses innovative methods such as Microsoft Teams and virtual reality (VR) to create engaging and immersive learning environments for his students. He also actively participates in national conferences and speaking engagements, where he advocates for a collaborative and integrated approach to design and construction. Brian's mission is to advance the AEC industry through technology and teamwork and to inspire others to do the same.

About Brett Settles:

Brett has 20 years experience implementing, managing, teaching, and using new technology in Geospatial, Mining, and AEC. He is a dedicated design and construction technologist looking to use data, emerging technology and innovative workflows to better the experiences of those in design, fabrication and construction.

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Support TRXL by becoming a member or by making a donation.

Click here to subscribe and get the TRXL AEC Tech Newsletter and episode show notes emailed to you when new episodes are released. It’s free!

Provide feedback for this episode at https://trxl.co/feedback

Jared Anderson joins the podcast to talk about the importance of mental health, understanding one's nervous system, how compartmentalization of past traumas affects present behavior, the challenges of introducing innovative ideas within rigid professional structures and personalities, how to effectively communicate and navigate interpersonal dynamics in the workplace, some new technologies being used for trauma recovery, and more.

To learn more about Jared Anderson, see the full show notes with links at https://trxl.co/170

To get more great conversations with AEC technology leaders on the TRXL podcast please visit https://trxl.co

Episode Sponsors:

ArchIT

Embrace a technology team that enhances—not hinders—your design process. Visit https://GetArchIT.com for your free IT assessment and start transforming your firm and your tech experience today.

About Jared Anderson:

Jared Anderson is a licensed therapist with extensive experience working with neurodivergent individuals and those dealing with deep-seated trauma. His unique perspective has been shaped by his work with severely abused and neglected children, giving him valuable insights into dissociative disorders and their impact on both personal and professional life.

Jared specializes in helping clients understand their nervous systems and sensory experiences, often employing innovative techniques that blend traditional therapy with modern technology. His approach explores the intricate relationship between creativity, trauma, and professional development.

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Support TRXL by becoming a member or by making a donation.

Click here to subscribe and get the TRXL AEC Tech Newsletter and episode show notes emailed to you when new episodes are released. It’s free!

Provide feedback for this episode at https://trxl.co/feedback