The Symposium will be hosted at:

Verizon Education Center

Cornell Tech

2 W Loop Rd, New York, NY 10044

Transit Options

• Roosevelt Island Tramway to / from Manhattan

• Subway via the F Train at the Roosevelt Island Station

• NYC Ferry via the Astoria Route at the Roosevelt Island Stop

8:00 am |

9:00 am |

9:00 am -10:20 am |

In Person Registration

Live Stream Begins | Welcome & Introduction

Morning Presentations

9:10 am |

Motif

Matt Jezyk

VP, Head of Product

Matt Jezyk spent over two decades at Autodesk, contributing significantly to the development of Revit Architecture and Revit Structure. He also led the team responsible for Dynamo, a computational design tool widely adopted in the architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) industry.

Matt was most recently at Tesla, where he developed software to streamline the design, fabrication, and construction processes for the company’s Gigafactories.

Throughout his career, Matt has been instrumental in integrating computational and generative design with digital fabrication tools and robotics, presenting his work at conferences such as ACADIA, SmartGeometry, and Robots in Architecture.

9:20 am |

Epic Games

Stephen Phillips

Solution Architect

As a Solution Architect at Epic Games, Stephen works with AECO customers globally to implement Epic's ecosystem of real-time tools: Twinmotion, Unreal Engine, and RealityScan. He comes armed with over 10 years of experience supporting end users doing rendering and development for VR, mobile, AR, and desktop applications.

9:40 am |

KARAMBA 3D

Matthew TaM

Operations Manager @ Karamba3D & Design Technology Lead @ Bollinger+Grohmann

Matthew Tam is a computational designer based in Vienna, having studied architecture at the University of Applied Arts Vienna, SCI Arc, and the University of Melbourne. He is the Operations Manager at Karamba3D and regularly holds workshops at conferences and institutions such as DigitalFUTURES, CAADRIA, AAG, Design Modeling Symposium, Smart Geometry, and McNeel. Matthew leads the Design Technology department in Bollinger+Grohmann Vienna, working at the interface of architectural, structural, and computational design.

10:00 am |

Dassault Systemes & SHoP Architects

Jonathan Asher

CATIA Global Sales Director @ Dassault Systemes

Jonathan Asher bridges the architecture, engineering and construction disciplines as an expert in generative parametric modeling, design automation and digital fabrication. An experienced architect, engineer and fabricator, he is responsible for the global sales strategy and direction of CATIA's Architecture, Engineering, Construction, City Planning and Infrastructure solutions for Dassault Systemes' 3DEXPERIENCE Platform.

John Cerone

Principal @ SHOP ARCHITECTS

John Cerone is a Principal who leads SHoP’s Virtual Design and Construction teams, including all technology visioning initiatives and the development of bespoke technology tools. John is recognized internationally as a leader in exploring the future uses of technology in design and construction. He currently represents SHoP at the Design Futures Council, as well as leading our work with Dassault Systèmes as part of a transdisciplinary group that includes Boeing and Tesla. His work at SHoP includes a lead role in developing the technologies behind the success of the Barclays Center, the VDC-driven delivery of the Botswana Innovation Hub, and an ongoing technology and exhibitions project at the Intrepid Sea, Air and Space Museum in New York.

10:25 am |

Thornton Tomasetti | CORE studio

Alloy Kemp

Director CORE Studio Operations

Alloy Kemp is Director of CORE Studio Operations at Thornton Tomasetti, where she encourages the integration of computational design and digital workflows into architectural and engineering practice. With a background as both an architect and an engineer, Alloy specializes in the design and engineering of facades and special structures. Her recent work includes the design of technically complex building envelopes and performance-driven structural systems, reflecting her commitment to solving technical and creative challenges through interdisciplinary collaboration.

Nicholas Mundell

Director CORE Modeling

Nicholas Mundell is the Director of CORE Modeling at Thornton Tomasetti, where he leads the firm’s global efforts in computational modeling, parametric design, and digital interoperability. With more than a decade of experience advancing complex projects across sports, cultural, aviation, art, and infrastructure sectors, Nicholas has built a reputation for turning ambitious architectural visions into constructible realities. His expertise spans geometric rationalization, design-to-fabrication workflows, and seamless data exchange between platforms like Rhino/Grasshopper, Revit, Tekla, and analysis environments. Under his leadership, CORE Modeling has delivered critical contributions to high-profile projects, including major stadiums, airports, and museum façades, where computational strategies reduced risk, optimized geometry, and unlocked fabrication efficiencies.
Beyond project delivery, Nicholas is deeply invested in the growth and impact of computational practice at Thornton Tomasetti. He has championed the development of custom toolkits, interoperability platforms, and parametric workflows that are now embedded in teams across the firm. Actively engaged in mentoring and knowledge sharing, he drives CORE’s culture of innovation through training sessions and community events, while fostering partnerships that keep the group at the forefront of AEC technology. His leadership ensures that CORE Modeling remains a bridge between design ambition and engineering execution, empowering project teams to innovate with confidence.

10:50 am |

11:10 am |

Morning Presenters Roundtable

Coffee Break

11:30 am |

Roundtable | AI in AEC

Moderator

Sebastian Misiurek | NVIDIA

Senior Project Manager - Omniverse

Pablo Zamorano | Heatherwick Studio

Senior associate & Head of Geometry and Computational Design

As Head of Geometry and Computational Design at Heatherwick Studio, Pablo Zamorano bridges architecture, technology, and academia. Since joining the studio in 2015, he has played a key role in numerous projects and led applied research efforts. His team specializes in integrating new technologies, simulations, and advanced fabrication techniques while also developing the studio’s own digital tools.

Zamorano was the Deputy Project Leader for Coal Drops Yard in King’s Cross, London. He oversaw key project stages, coordinating between the studio and the executive architect. His expertise was particularly crucial in developing and executing the Upper Level’s complex geometries.

Natalia Bakaeva | ARKI

Co-Founder & CEO

Natalia Bakaeva is a registered architect, OAA, International Assoc. AIA, artist, and placemaker passionate about creating physical forms that reflect diverse cultural influences. She has worked on residential, commercial, healthcare, educational, and public space art projects. Born and raised in the Far East of Russia, her global journey includes Japan, Spain, Moscow, London, and Toronto, where she resides.

Natalia's dedication to the sustainability of architectural practice and diverse background led her to co-found ARKI, the first-ever AI-powered memory hub that turns internal drafting data into faster, smarter future projects. Her approach empowers architects to focus on creativity and efficiency, enhancing economic and sustainability outcomes in the built environment.

George Guida | xFigura

Founder & CEO

George Guida is a leading figure at the intersection of architecture and artificial intelligence — an architect, researcher, and entrepreneur shaping the future of design technology. He is the CEO of xFigura, an AI-native platform adopted by top global design firms for early-stage concept ideation, visualization, and collaboration. He is also the Co-Founder of ArchiTAG LLP, a forward-thinking design studio that exhibited at the 2025 Venice Architecture Biennale, and is recognized for its expertise in AI consultancy, participatory workflows, and performance-driven architecture.
George currently teaches at UPenn, and has previously taught at the Harvard Graduate School of Design, Northeastern University, and Wentworth Institute of Technology, and has delivered lectures and workshops at institutions including RISD, CEPT, Tongji, and more. He serves on the RIBA Expert Advisory Group on AI in Architecture and actively collaborates with NCARB and the AIA on integrating AI into architectural education, ethics, and professional practice

Joachim Viktil | Reope

CEO

Joachim Viktil is an engineer and MBA graduate with nearly 15 years of experience in the AEC Industry. Over the course of his career, he developed a passion for leveraging technology to create a better built environment. After a more than a decade at an international engineering services firm followed by a brief stint at an AI startup, Joachim joined Reope, where he serves as CEO. Reope spearheads next-generation BIM coordination and custom design software development, partnering with architecture and engineering firms to unlock the full potential of their data. Joachim’s deep industry expertise, coupled with his entrepreneurial spirit, has positioned him as a trusted voice on AI adoption and human-centered innovation in the AEC sector.

12:30 pm |

1:30 pm - 4:30 pm |

Lunch Break

Afternoon Presentations

1:35 pm |

CODA

Pep Tornabell

Associate Partner

Architect by UPC. PhD candidate at UPC LiTA Laboratory of Innovation and Architecture Technology. Lecturer at Massana College of Art and Design. Has developed his work and research in structural analysis, computational design, digital fabrication, and crafting technologies, specializing in wood.

Enrique Soriano

Associate Partner

Architect by UPC BarcelonaTech. Founder of CODA Computational Design Affaris, focused in design and consultancy in several fields within geometry , construction and lightweight structures. Currently PhD candidate at the UPC and associate teacher at UPC. He has taught parametric architecture classes at the Escola d'Arquitectura del Vallès (ETSAV, UPC) and he has taught workshops and classes on the use of wood in computational design at universities in Madrid, Norway, Austria and Hungary.

2:00 pm |

Heatherwick Studio

Pablo Zamorano

Senior associate & Head of Geometry and Computational Design

As Head of Geometry and Computational Design at Heatherwick Studio, Pablo Zamorano bridges architecture, technology, and academia. Since joining the studio in 2015, he has played a key role in numerous projects and led applied research efforts. His team specializes in integrating new technologies, simulations, and advanced fabrication techniques while also developing the studio’s own digital tools.

Zamorano was the Deputy Project Leader for Coal Drops Yard in King’s Cross, London. He oversaw key project stages, coordinating between the studio and the executive architect. His expertise was particularly crucial in developing and executing the Upper Level’s complex geometries.

2:25 pm |

Turner Construction

Ben Ferrer

Senior Leader in Artificial Intelligence

2:50 pm |

ZAHNER

Burcin Nalinci

Lead Research And Development Engineer

Burçin Nalinci leads Zahner’s R&D initiatives at the intersection of robotics, computation, and craft. Her work defines computational tacit craft as the translation of embodied making into data-driven, collaborative systems that extend human expertise rather than automate it.

Guided by four interlocking pillars—Hardware & Robotics, Software & Computation, Material Innovation, and Lifecycle Knowledge—her team develops workflows that merge fabrication, field intelligence, and material computation. From robot-assisted welding to computational patinas, these systems convert a century of tacit craft into structured, quarriable knowledge—extending the reach of human craft through robotics, computation, and evolving materials.

Her current research links physical processes with sensing, imaging, and ML models to reveal relationships between process physics and performance. Within this feedback-rich ecosystem, knowledge stops being archival and becomes generative—a living framework where human insight, digital data, and machine intelligence continually evolve together.

3:15 pm |

3:40 pm |

Afternoon Presenters Roundtable

Coffee Break

4:00 pm |

Discussion | Leadership & Technology

Moderator

Evan Troxel |TRXL Media

FOUNDER

SHANE BURGER | SOM

Chief Design Technology Officer

As Chief Design Technology Officer, Shane leads SOM’s global Design Technology team and directs the workflows and software that empower every member of our team to better foster efficiency and innovation. In his previous role as a Principal at Woods Bagot, he led a global DesignOps team dedicated to researching, developing, and applying new models of design and delivery to projects, and fostered a global community of designers that was defining the innovation-led future of practice.

From 2003-2011 he was Head of Design Technology at Grimshaw Architects. At Grimshaw he specialized in design for Arts & Cultural facilities and the use of advanced computation techniques for advanced geometry, analysis, and fabrication. He also established Grimshaw’s first BIM projects.

Starting in the early 2000’s, Shane was an early advocate and active developer of design computation methodologies in the architecture, engineering, and construction industries. During this time, he served for 8 years as a director of the design computation and education non-profit Smartgeometry, firmly positioning that organization at the intersection of art, design, technology, and the modern human experience.

Jonathan Nelson I Populous

Global Head of Digital at Populous

Jonathan Nelson joined Populous in 2022 as Global Head of Digital, leading internal digital transformation and external productization and partnerships. He supports the global Holdings Board by shaping the firm’s technological vision and strategy across digital services and products.

Previously, he was Global Head of MX Studio at Lendlease Digital, overseeing development of physical and digital products and project delivery. There, he also led the Contextual Universal Building Systems (CUBS), a digital building automation initiative.

Trained as an architect, Jonathan’s career spans architecture, construction, manufacturing, software development, and academia. Before Lendlease, he was partner and director of StudioWorkshop, an award-winning architectural and digital fabrication practice, where he advanced file-to-factory workflows, custom software tools, and design projects across Oceania.

As a researcher and academic, Jonathan has published widely on prefabrication, generative design, and digital fabrication, including peer-reviewed papers, book chapters, and a book. His applied research and projects have been exhibited internationally.

Heath May | HKS Architects

Partner, CEO Elect

Heath May FAIA is a Partner and Executive Vice President at HKS. He has dedicated his career to elevating the firm’s reputation for computational design, research and innovation. Previously the Global Practice Director of HKS LINE (Laboratory for INtensive Exploration), he specializes in data-driven design optimization, simulation and digital fabrication and has led projects spanning diverse sectors, including hospitality, healthcare, urban infrastructure and sports. A former Adjunct Assistant Professor at The University of Texas at Arlington, a frequent contributor to leading publications that explore advancements in digital practice and a patent holder for digital stamping and sealing of architectural documents, Heath is widely recognized for his leadership in shaping the future of our industry and for inspiring the next generation of designers.

Nirva Fereshetian | CBT Architects

Principal, Chief Information Officer

Nirva Fereshetian is a Principal and the Chief Information Officer at CBT, where she leads the Digital Design Practice Group and is responsible for aligning business technology strategy to meet primary business objectives. She is a highly skilled senior information technology leader with an interdisciplinary background in architecture, construction, and technology, experienced in managing projects and people. She brings the capacity to bridge that knowledge, enabling informed business decisions and increased productivity. Nirva holds a Bachelor of Science in Architecture from Catholic University and a Master’s of Architecture from UCLA.

5:00 pm |

AECtech Closing Statements

ROBERT OTANI | Thornton Tomasetti | CORE studio

CTO

Robert K. Otani, PE LEED AP is Chief Technology Officer at Thornton-Tomasetti, Inc., a 1700+ person multidisciplinary engineering and consulting firm, and founded the CORE studio, an applications development, advanced computational modeling, and R&D group at his firm. He has extensive structural design and project management experience involving commercial, infrastructure, institutional, cultural and residential structures on projects totaling over $2 billion USD of construction. His professional and academic interests focus on informed architecture relating to optimized structural typologies, high performance structures, and structural sustainability. He has served as President of the Structural Engineers Association of New York in 2007 and has been an Adjunct Professor at Pratt Institute School of Architecture and Columbia Graduate School of Architecture, Planning, and Preservation.

7:00 - 9:00 pm |