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Artificial intelligence is challenging everything we thought we knew about how buildings are designed and delivered. From generating complex engineering solutions in minutes to automating entire design workflows, the possibilities are exciting, but the implications are profound.
Are we on the verge of a fundamental shift in the AEC industry, or are we simply adding smarter tools to outdated processes?
Join industry leaders for a thought-provoking discussion that cuts through the AI hype to explore what's real, what's next and what it means for the future of our profession.
The technology is evolving rapidly. The real question is: are we ready to evolve with it?
Megan Brooks is the Leader of Design Technology for the international design and engineering practice DIALOG. After spending nearly, a decade working on the production line for multi-disciplinary projects, Megan knows what truly drives change within the industry - the emerging technology that surrounds the built environment. With her diverse skillset and well-rounded understanding of BIM, she has collaborated on a wide variety of projects ranging from healthcare, residential, commercial, institutional, educational and more. Her visionary perspective has earned her opportunities to transform complex innovative ideas into technical workflows. As a member of the Disruptive Technology Roundtable for the Communities of Practice at DIALOG, she works closely with like-minded individuals to streamline existing processes, encourage effective collaboration and embrace innovation throughout the building lifecycle process. Megan has established her national presence as an active member of the Canadian AEC industry. She is on the Digitization & Data Think Tank for Building Transformations and the Event Director for the Edmonton BIM Community.
Artificial intelligence is challenging everything we thought we knew about how buildings are designed and delivered. From generating complex engineering solutions in minutes to automating entire design workflows, the possibilities are exciting, but the implications are profound.
Are we on the verge of a fundamental shift in the AEC industry, or are we simply adding smarter tools to outdated processes?
Join industry leaders for a thought-provoking discussion that cuts through the AI hype to explore what's real, what's next and what it means for the future of our profession.
The technology is evolving rapidly. The real question is: are we ready to evolve with it?
Francesco Iorio, Co-Founder and CEO of Augmenta, is a leading figure in Generative Design. He heads a team specializing in AI, computational science, and user-centered design, aiming to revolutionize human-computer collaboration in design. Today, Augmenta is focused on disrupting the traditional way that buildings are designed and built by removing waste and increasing productivity within the $13 trillion dollar construction industry.
Augmenta is leveraging generative AI in the Augmenta Construction Platform and is working with some of the foremost forward-thinking AEC companies including Interstates, Lighthouse Electric and Miller Electric Company.
Previously, Iorio led Computational Science Research at Autodesk Research, pioneering generative design projects. He also worked at IBM High-Performance Computing Group, focusing on accelerating financial, engineering, and digital media workloads using hybrid high-performance computing platforms.
Iorio holds a Master of Science in Information Technology from the University of Liverpool and a Doctorate in Computer Science from the University of Toronto.
Moustafa Elhady knows Public projects carry a different level of responsibility. He guides clients in making informed decisions that respect public investment, strengthen communities, and improve how people experience public services.
With more than 25 years of experience in the industry, Moustafa understands projects from both the client and delivery side and has led the planning, procurement, design, and execution of major public infrastructure programs. He helps government and public agencies establish priorities early, choose the right procurement approach, and create a clear path from concept through implementation.
He has a strong command of traditional, public-private procurement, and delivery models, including Design-Build, P3, AFP, and Modified Design-Build, and leverages that skillset to more collaborative approaches such as Progressive P3, Integrated Project Delivery, Progressive Design-Build, and Alliance delivery. He knows the model is only as effective as the team behind it, bringing people together around clear objectives, accountability, and transparency.
A lakeside runner, Moustafa knows progress comes from setting the right pace, staying focused on the destination, and adjusting when conditions change.
An Architect AIBC and Professional Engineer (Mechanical) I combine my interdisciplinary passions for design and sustainability into analytical and data driven architecture. As the Building Performance Lead for HDR, I lead integrated design approaches to embed sustainability across our projects, infusing performative metrics into design from the beginning of a project. In over a decade of professional work, I’ve worked on a wide range of project types including a mass-timber office, post-secondary dining hall, community center, and healthcare facilities. I’ve also worked on larger scale planning projects including city and campus decarbonization plans and community/district energy system designs.As a past Adjunct Professor at UBC SALA, I taught parametric design (e.g. Grasshopper) with an emphasis on environmental analysis and optimization. My most recent volunteer work includes the New Projects Committee for More than a Roof, a non-profit dedicated to transformative affordable housing, as well as master planning for a sustainable agriculture educational center in Malawi and the design and construction of a renewable biogas plant in Northern India.
Dr. Johnny Fortune, Ed.D., CDT, CM-BIM, CM-Lean, LEED AP, is President and Senior Consultant of AECO Digital Technologies and a nationally recognized leader in digital transformation for the architecture, engineering, construction, and owner/operator industry. With more than 20 years of experience advancing BIM, VDC, digital standards, performance improvement, and technology adoption, he has contributed to major industry initiatives including the National BIM Standard–United States, National CAD Standard, Digital Twins for the Built Environment, and standards work with VA, USACE, and the National Institute of Building Sciences. Johnny previously served as Executive Director of the U.S. National BIM Program and has held leadership roles within various industry-focused organizations and committees. His work centers on helping AECO organizations align people, process, technology, and standards to improve project delivery, reduce risk, and support practical, lasting digital transformation.
