Register for Tech Connect and Practice + Design Conference Today!
Tech Connect
6 – 7 pm • Shavano Foyer
Tech Connect attendees are invited to attend a happy hour. Drinks and appetizers provided.
Singularity is when Artificial Intelligence (AI), Spatial Computing, and Humans merge into a singular process entity that creates opportunities for humans to have superhero powers in business and in their lives. Construction is colliding with this new reality. This unique, dynamic, and inspiring session will address the convergence of Singularity and Circularity with examples of real world projects like Changi Airport (Singapore), NEOM (Saudi Arabia), and the Miami International Maritime Museum (Florida). Join us for a journey of the tools of Singularity and discovering the solutions to enable a Circular Economy. This interplay presents both challenges and opportunities for the architectural profession.
Paul Doherty, Registered Architect, CSI, CDT, IFMA Fellow, DFC Senior Fellow
Paul is Chairman and CEO of TDG (the digit group), a globally renowned and award-winning architect who is one of the world’s most sought after thought leaders, strategists and integrators of process, technology, and business. As seen on The Wall Street Journal, Bloomberg TV, acknowledged by CNBC as one of America’s Business Titans and reported by Forbes as “Changing the World”, Paul is a Senior Fellow of the Design Futures Council and a Fellow of the International Facility Management Association (IFMA). Paul’s current work is as Chairman of TDG Global Ventures, a Smart City real estate development company that provides financing, design-build and innovative technology solutions around the world. Concurrently, Paul is also the co-founder and producer of the critically acclaimed AEC Hackathon that launched at Facebook Headquarters. His past successful ventures include Revit Technologies (Sold to Autodesk 2002), Buzzsaw (Autodesk 2001) and TRIRIGA (IBM 2011). His 2 latest books are “Smart Cities: Reimagining the Urban Experience” published by Quality Press, which has been listed by BuiltWorldsand the Smart Cities World Congress Recommended Reading List and “Unlocking the Metaverse: A Strategic Guide for the Future of the Built Environment”, published by John Wiley & Sons, which rated #1 New Release and an Editor’s Pick on Amazon.com.Paul also sits on the Board of Directors of the United Nations International Mayors Communication Center, dedicated to the proper implementation of the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals in urban environments.
AI is not just another technology rollout—it represents a fundamental shift in how architecture firms design, deliver, and operate. Success with AI hinges on leadership vision and ownership, not simply on IT implementation. While CIOs and technology teams play an essential role as partners, true transformation happens when firm leaders take charge of defining priorities, aligning AI with practice strategy, and integrating data initiatives into both design workflows and business operations. In this session, we’ll explore why AI must be treated as a data- and business-first initiative within the built environment, how architecture leaders can champCoursion the cultural and operational changes required, and what it takes to turn AI from a promising technology into a lasting source of design innovation and competitive advantage.
Brooke Grammier, Chief Information Officer, CannonDesign | Chair, Innovation Design Consortium | Digital Transformation Leader in AEC
Brooke Grammier is a dynamic technology executive and respected leader in digital transformation across the Architecture, Engineering, and Construction (AEC) industry. As Chief Information Officer of CannonDesign, she leads cross-functional teams in delivering innovative, multi-platform solutions that connect the built and digital environments—transforming how firms design, build, and operate.
Brooke has led enterprise-scale business and digital transformation initiatives for multiple large AEC firms, combining strategic vision with hands-on execution to drive measurable results. Her work centers on integrating emerging technologies—especially data and artificial intelligence—to modernize workflows, unlock efficiencies, and future-proof organizations.
She also serves as Chair of the Innovation Design Consortium (IDC), an alliance of 41 leading architecture firms focused on using technology to disrupt the AEC industry in meaningful, sustainable ways. Under her leadership, IDC has become a platform for collaboration across competitors—helping CEOs and executives embrace data- and AI-driven innovation.
Brooke is widely regarded as a catalyst for industry change. Her ability to align business strategy with cutting-edge technology makes her a sought-after speaker on digital transformation, AI adoption, and the future of design. She inspires organizations to think boldly, act collaboratively, and lead with purpose.
AI is no longer on the horizon—it’s already reshaping the way architects design, collaborate, and deliver projects. But with so much noise, how do you know what’s worth exploring and what will create value in your practice?
In this session, we’ll look at the evolving AI landscape in architecture and introduce the 4 E’s framework—Exploration, Efficiency, Effort, and Expense—a simple, strategic way to evaluate any AI solution. We’ll also pull back the curtain on emerging multi-agent systems that point to the future of architectural workflows.
Then, we’ll turn theory into practice. Through a guided digital exercise, you’ll map your own firm’s AI readiness using the 4 E’s and receive real-time, AI-generated insights tailored to your context. By the end, you’ll walk away with both a clearer picture of where AI is heading and a personalized roadmap for how your firm can get started.
Akhil Hemanth, Assoc. AIA is an AI Technology Architect and emerging leader in digital transformation across the Architecture, Engineering, and Construction (AEC) industry. At Newcomb & Boyd, he is spearheading the integration of artificial intelligence into architectural and engineering workflows—bridging design expertise with advanced computation to transform how firms work. He also serves as Education Chair for the AIA Aspire Conference, where he curates thought leadership on innovation and digital practice.
Akhil blends a self-taught background in programming with architectural practice. He has developed practical AI frameworks—such as the 4 E’s of AI Adoption—and built applications ranging from multi-agent knowledge systems to automated engineering tools that enhance efficiency and decision-making. His perspective on AI in AEC has been featured in Architect Magazine, reflecting his growing influence as a voice shaping the industry’s approach to emerging technology.
Akhil is widely recognized as a forward-thinking voice in the AEC community, presenting at industry conferences including Autodesk University, AIA Aspire, Neo4j Summit, and DesignIntelligence Futures. His vision is to create a future where AI empowers architects and engineers to focus more on creativity and human connection—while technology handles the repetitive work.
As a speaker and innovator, Akhil inspires firms to embrace AI with clarity and confidence—pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in the built environment while keeping adoption practical and people-focused.
Register for Tech Connect and the 2025 AIA Colorado Practice + Design Conference Today!