Architecting the Future: AI & Innovation Bundle
AIAU25-TECH01-B
4 Courses
Course expires on: 10/08/2026
Description
Navigate the future of architectural practice with this comprehensive bundle exploring transformative technologies reshaping the AEC industry. Gain strategic insights into AI's expanding role in design and operations, from neural networks to automated workflows. Learn how to extract measurable business value from innovation initiatives while addressing critical industry challenges like sustainability and labor shortages. Discover the power of digital twins to optimize building performance across the entire lifecycle, and explore how Extended Reality (XR) technologies—VR, AR, and MR—are revolutionizing design visualization and decision-making. Finally, master proven frameworks for technology adoption that ensure successful implementation and lasting organizational impact.
Learning Objectives
Learn proven best practices for gaining stakeholder buy-in and fostering a culture of innovation within your organization.
Identify major industry crises that demand innovation, including sustainability, affordability, and labor equity.
Connect digital twin capabilities to improved project delivery, facility operations, and business strategy.
Differentiate between VR, AR, MR, and the broader concept of the Metaverse as they apply to AEC.

Peter is a technologist and Sr. VDC manager at Dimeo Construction Company. spending the last 9 years in the construction industry to navigate Dimeo into leveraging and demonstrating the benefits of VDC in improving construction practices. He was formerly Directorof BIM & IT at Vision 3 Architects, where he led the integration of BIM into the design practice. With over 25 years of industry experience, Peter is responsible for shaping how VDC brings optimal benefits to construction and various project deliveries and lifecycle management. In addition, using his IT background in pursuing th ebenefits of machine learning and AI to the creation and advancement of best practices related to the integration of BIM-enabled technologies, Peter has also spoken at AGC BIM Forum on 2017 and is a past member of significant committees from the Construction Institute, University of Hartford and US Institute of Building Documentation.

Antonio Furgiuele is an architect, educator, and scholar, whose work explores the history and theory of the architecture of data and information. His current research project, “Towards an Adversarial Architecture,” investigates design methods that transform the built environment to influence AI technologies.
Antonio is an Associate Professor of Architecture at Wentworth Institute of Technology. He has taught at MIT, Pratt Institute, The City College of New York, Columbia University, and Parsons. He was a Research Fellow at the University of Wisconsin, Milwaukee (2014-16) and at the MacDowell Colony (2017). He has a BArch from Syracuse University and a master’s degree in History, Theory & Criticism of Architecture from MIT.

When Fast Company selected SGA as one of the Most Innovative Companies in 2018, the publication identified the firm’s capabilities in Virtual Design and Construction (VDC) as a key differentiator in scheduling and cost certainty. Michael played an instrumental role in attaining this honor: He has led the growth and development of the discipline since 2014.VDC is an ideal fit for Michael, who loves to discover and invent new technologies that enhance project outcomes. At the beginning of every commission, he on boards the project team and hosts an Execution Success Planning session, during which participants determine the most effective methods of delivery. Other pillars of his methodology include co-location of the development, design, and construction partners; bespoke project dashboards; and a variety of team building initiatives.

Al founded SGA in 1991 and has influenced the firm's growth over the past three decades. With studios in New York City and Boston, SGA serves a broad spectrum of clientele. Key market sectors include life sciences, large scaled urban mixed-use, high ed, commercial, residential and corporate interiors. SGA is an award winning practice and is also recognized as one of the Nation's most technologically advanced architecture firms. Al Spagnolo is a trustee at Wentworth Institute of Technology in Boston and serves on the Academic Affairs Committee. In addition, Al is a faculty member at WIT and leads a course on Virtual Design and Construction and the Dashboard. The course focuses on new technologies and tools and emphasizes the importance of platforms such as VDC as means to elevate the role of the Architect in project delivery. Al volunteers at and supports numerous non-profits including MGH and St. Anthony's Shrine.

Dace is a proven thought-leader at the intersection of industry and innovation, with a focus on strategy and driving business value from emerging technology and process improvements. It is his personal mission to help create a more sustainable world through thoughtful application of spatially contextual data to improve design, construction, and operation of the built environment.
Dace is a professionally licensed architect, consultant, and fractional innovation executive, helping AEC companies realize tangible business results from their investment in technology and helping tech companies land and expand their solutions in AEC. Specifically, he has deep subject matter expertise in XR technology: researching, developing, testing, and applying XR on hundreds of successful projects over his career. He has championed the use of virtual reality and augmented reality in industry, and has proven they enhance productivity, sustainability, and equity for designers, builders, and owners.
He has led landmark projects and programs at the intersection of XR and sustainability, and his projects have been recognized with multiple awards for furthering industry excellence, including four AIA Technology and Practice BIM Awards and the Microsoft HoloLens AEC Use Case of the Year Award.

As the AEC Practice Leader for Architects + Owners at Egnyte, Aaron draws from broad experience across the industry to lead go-to-market initiatives, drive thought leadership, and influence product development. Aaron has spent much of his career advising design and construction professionals around the world on project lifecycle strategy, digital transformation, and best practices. He holds graduate degrees in architecture and engineering (BSCE, MSCE, M.Arch) and maintains licenses in architecture and sustainability. Aaron is a frequent author, speaker, and panelist on current AEC industry topics.
Courses
AI's Impact on Architecture
Advances in AI are contributing to an immersion of new technology and automation, which is just breaching the threshold of architecture. This discussion will explore the breadth of opportunities AI provides.
Our goal is to inform about AI trends, its current capabilities, where it’s going, new innovations, and what benefits we can gleam from using this technology.
Michael Schroeder, SGA Partner/leader of its VDC discipline, will be joined by AI experts to discuss a future where A&D teams collaborate with AI to construct the buildings of tomorrow. It will draw those interested in opportunities AI creates as it branches into the AEC world. Just as AI impacted research, machine learning & driverless-vehicles, new innovations like Open Source Neural Networks & next-generation inventions will be discussed.
This session was recorded live on March 7, 2023.
Getting Business Value from Innovation, AI, and Digital Transformation
In the face of mounting industry pressures – ranging from sustainability mandates to labor shortages – the AEC industry must evolve or risk obsolescence. This course equips architects and firm leaders with strategies to turn challenges into opportunities through innovation. Explore a structured approach to diagnosing current pains, envisioning future capabilities, and deploying practical, measurable innovation strategies that align with business goals. Learn how to define success, prioritize initiatives, and drive meaningful transformation in your organization.
This session was recorded live on August 5, 2025.
Delivering on the Promise of Digital Twins
Digital twins are transforming the way buildings are designed, constructed, and operated, and represent a key emerging technology opportunity to help architects innovate and transform industry. This course demystifies digital twins for AEC professionals, providing a clear framework for understanding their classifications, purposes, and business benefits. Explore the maturity path from simple digital representation to advanced simulation and optimization, and learn how enabling technologies like BIM, AI, IOT, and XR are fueling this evolution. Gain practical insights into how digital twins can deliver operational efficiency, sustainability, and smarter business outcomes.
This session was recorded live on August 7, 2025.
Harnessing XR to Enable Effective Design Decisions
Extended Reality (XR) – encompassing Virtual Reality (VR), Augmented Reality (AR), and Mixed Reality (MR) – is reshaping the future of architecture, engineering, and construction. This course offers an in-depth look at XR technologies, their relevance to AEC workflows, and their intersection with complementary emerging technologies like reality capture, digital twins, and AI. Discover current and emerging use cases, learn how to evaluate hardware and software options, and build a roadmap for successful XR adoption. Whether you're just exploring or ready to deploy XR at scale, this course provides the essential knowledge to lead your firm into the future.
This session was recorded live on August 12, 2025.