Stjepan Mikulic is the Founder & CEO at AI in AEC. Stjepan’s mission is to empower every AEC professional to solve challenges through learning, implementing, and developing AI and cutting-edge tech.

Thesla Collier is a Design Technologist at HNTB. Her background is in Architecture, and she works with designers, architects, engineers, and contractors in all phases of building, design, and construction. Thesla uses design technology to develop methods and workflows to improve project outcomes and processes. She also holds leadership positions in AIA Technology in Architectural Practice (TAP) National Knowledge Community at both the National and Los Angeles Chapters.

Curtis Rodgers is a construction technologist and investor at Brick & Mortar Ventures, with six years of construction operations experience across federal, energy, industrial, infrastructure, and commercial markets at both Kiewit and McCarthy Construction. Curtis founded The Society for Construction Solutions (SCS) in 2014, contributed to the NASA Centennial 3D Printed Habitat Challenge, and participated as a lecturer for the US DOE’s Project Leadership Institute.

Argelia Bárcena is an architecture graduate of Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, with an executive education certificate from Harvard Graduate School of Design. With a diverse career in the field of architecture, she has been affiliated with renowned firms, from small to global-sized companies. Currently she is a Regional Manager of Design Technology at Gensler, for their Northwest Region. Her commitment to the profession extends to her role as adjunct faculty at the Academy of Art University School of Architecture, having previously taught at City College of San Francisco and California College of the Arts (CCA).

Argelia is an award-winning international speaker. Her notable achievements include receiving Top Speaker Awards at Autodesk University and contributing to the development of Autodesk’s Revit Certified Professional Exams. Recognized with a BIM Hero Medal and as an Autodesk Expert Elite, Argelia’s transition from traditional architecture to design technology was driven by her exceptional technical proficiency. Additionally, she holds the esteemed position of Associate Director for the American Institute of Architects San Francisco Board of Directors, serves as a Regional Lead for Women in BIM and is the Chair of the Technology in Architectural Practice AIASF Knowledge Community.

Ali Nasiri is the Director of Computational Design at Flad Architects on the West Coast, where he merges over 15 years of experience in the AEC industry with his expertise in parametric and computational design. Ali is passionate about innovative approaches to integrating advanced technologies into sustainable architectural solutions. His responsibilities include researching and integrating cutting-edge technologies, creative problem solving, data-driven design and decision making and design process automation into Flad’s projects.

Nicole Buhles is a Practice Technology Leader at HED, where she co-builds and implements firm-wide digital design-delivery strategies. She specializes in BIM management, coaching project teams to maximize technology and seize innovation opportunities.

A change agent for over a decade, Nicole knows what drives “digital-first” in AECO firms—and it’s not troubleshooting Revit. Previously as a BIM technology consultant, she managed a diverse portfolio of architecture firms to construct and accelerate BIM implementation strategies.

She is also an active member of AIA LA’s Technology in Architectural Practice Committee; holds a Certificate of Management-Building Information Modeling (CM-BIM) from the American General Contractors Association; and a master’s degree in Architecture from Hampton University.

Elaheh Demirchelie, is a real estate developer and an architect, currently serving as the Director of Real Estate Predevelopment at Greystar.
Previously, she held the position of Chief Creative Officer at Mark Cavagnero Associates. She has served as Design and Creative Director at various firms associated with the built environment and has worked on large-scale, global projects during her time at Mark Cavagnero Associates, John Portman & Associates, and HKS Inc., among others.
In addition, Elaheh is the founder of Demirchelie LLC, a practice focused on integrating design and impactful investment strategies as instigators for positive change.

Elaheh’s work has been recognized with numerous awards, including the Chicago Athenaeum Museum of Architecture and Design Award, The European Centre for Architecture Art Design and Urban Studies Award, and the Hermes Creative Gold Award.

Elaheh’s educational background includes a Master of Science in Real Estate Development from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, where she was distinguished as a CRE Fellow and was the recipient of the Sandbox Innovation Fund. She also holds a Master of Architecture and a Bachelor of Science in Architecture from Georgia Institute of Technology with her academic research focused extensively on sustainable design, innovation, technology, multifamily and micro-housing. The same principles of social and environmental responsibility exist in the ethos of every project she takes on, while collaborating with like-minded clients, users, contractors, and stakeholders.

As part of her personal investment to continually support education, she has served as faculty and invited juror of architecture and real estate development in multiple collegiate settings such as MIT, Georgia Tech, U.C. Berkeley, Harvard University, KSU, and various others, seeking to foster innovative pedagogies and methodologies.

Her passion for the built environment and the community transcends her professional endeavors. As a guiding force in several community-oriented projects, she has embraced the art of creating spaces that encapsulate the essence of community, fostering unity and embodying the unique spirit of a place. In her most recent contribution, she created Restore49 with San Francisco nonprofits and donors amid the COVID-19 pandemic to activate various contextual layers and regions within the Bay Area. The project was recognized by Architizer and published in various media outlets.

Elaheh is certified by the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards and a member of the American Institute of Architects and Urban Land Institute. To spearhead new initiatives that pave the way for transformative progress, she serves as a board member for multiple nonprofit organizations and as an advisor to startups operating in the built environment. She has been a speaker on various topics related to business, real estate, technology, and architecture at many universities and conferences such as the Real Estate Forum, the International Design Academy, the Commercial Real Estate Development Association Forum and CRETECH.

Erik Narhi is the Computational Design Lead in Buro Happold’s Los Angeles office with educational experience in architecture as well as engineering.

Erik has experience with advanced computational techniques (Grasshopper, Dynamo, Digital Project, Processing), studio design projects at a wide range of scales, realization of a design from concept to CD’s using Revit, and construction methods in an academic setting. Erik’s experience also includes complex geometry rationalization / optimization, BIM, architectural and structural documentation from schematic design to construction documents, model making, and early stage design in a professional environment.

Erik has a wide range of shop and full scale design-build fabrication experience from extracurricular activities such as Global Architecture Brigades. Erik is especially interested in larger scale projects and design informed by unique structural and technological solutions, as well as the utilization of tools such as Digital Project and Grasshopper in order to rationalize complex geometries and streamline design processes via parametric modeling and scripting.

Kais Al-Rawi is an Associate Director in Eckersley O’Callaghan’s Los Angeles office, Kais is an established architect with a reputation for working on a diverse range of projects from art-forms to towers, stadia and aviation developments. His expertise lies at the intersection of architecture, engineering and technology – with a focus on solving complex design challenges through digital design. Kais’ expertise has been leveraged on several world-class projects including SoFi Stadium, the Lucas Museum of Narrative Art and the Orange County Museum of Art. In 2022, Kais was listed as one of Aviation Pros’ Top 40 under 40 in the Airport Business.

A keen educator, he serves as an adjunct lecturer at the USC School of Architecture where he teaches parametric design to undergraduate and graduate students. Additionally, he is a visiting critic and guest speaker at USC, UCLA, CalPoly Pomona, Sci-ARC, and the AA.

Sam connects architecture and technology through meaningful and progressive practice. His focus remains fixed on cutting edge modes of representation and realization leadership. This translates to hard skills in design and production software, computational design, rendering, and design fabrication. Alongside soft skills involved with personal development programs, training, and standards. His work experience includes all phases from competition to construction administration, as well as assisting firms develop new initiatives and pilots with follow through to project team adoption. His collaborative attitude makes him an open team member with a sense of responsibility and drive to meet deadlines and produce exceptional results.

Erin Khan is an established AEC technology leader, with over a decade of combined experience in construction operations, data and process analysis, and software implementation. Founding Erin Khan Consulting in 2023, she currently provides technology and innovation services to both contractors and construction technology startups. Prior to founding EKC, Erin served as the National Director of Construction Solutions for Suffolk Construction, overseeing national technology and innovation operations. Erin holds a B.S. in Civil Engineering from USC, a certificate in Business Analytics from The Wharton School, and is EIT, LEED AP BD+C, and OSHA-10 certified.

Miles Smith is GRAPHISOFT’s North American Solution Manager, overseeing the delivery of North American-specific products and services. As a Solutions Manager, Miles advocates for customer needs, specializing in BIM implementation and software transitions. His leadership in aligning client requirements, exploring emerging technologies, and advancing IFC practices drives GRAPHISOFT’s innovative edge, fostering seamless integration and collaboration in the industry.

Mihir Somalwar started his career in the automotive industry with Involute Technologies Pvt. Ltd., a gearbox manufacturing company started in India by his family. Mihir helped set up processes to automate gearbox assembly and improve manufacturing processes.
After moving to the United States to pursue his master’s degree in robotics engineering at Santa Clara University, Mihir worked at Tesla Inc. to help design and improve the Model 3 robotic production line.

Following Tesla, Mihir worked as a senior robotics engineer at SafeAI Inc., an autonomous heavy equipment startup in the San Francisco Bay Area. His scope of work included end-to-end workflow of the autonomous technology, including hardware and software, to deploy the solutions to customers on mining and construction sites. He helped ink customer contracts and design a universal drive-by-wire-interface. Geared with a strong understanding of the challenges faced and the opportunities in the robotics construction industry, Mihir joined Diverge with a passion to bring the power of robotics and automation to the construction industry.

In his spare time, Mihir enjoys flying Cessnas as a private pilot.

Deb Johnston is the CMO and Co-Founder of TonicDM, where she leads the mission to bring simplicity, insight, and organization to complex business communication in the AEC industry. As a strategic entrepreneur, Deb merges her experience in the AEC industry with her background in action sports, fintech, build-tech, marketing, and communications to foster innovation and growth. She is dedicated to collaborating with design firms and deeply values the work of architects and engineers. A native of Sydney, Australia, with a belief in empowering human potential, Deb brings her characteristic humor and ingenuity to ensure the success of TonicDM’s customers and future growth.

A software entrepreneur, Randall Stevens is passionate about creating solutions for the architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) industry. He graduated in 1991 with a Bachelor of Architecture and shortly after founded the Rich Photorealistic Content (RPC)-focused company ArchVision. Leveraging his industry expertise further in 2016, Stevens started content management system (CMS) AVAIL that now boasts Gensler, Perkins + Will, IMEG, LEO A DALY, and Populous as customers.

Ruquia is a dedicated professional specializing in data-driven design and research methodology, computational design, and artificial intelligence. With a strong focus on innovation, she integrates advanced computational techniques and AI to push the boundaries of architecture. Ruquia’s expertise lies in leveraging data and AI to inform and enhance design processes, ensuring that each project is both cutting-edge and efficient. Her commitment to blending technology with architectural practice and integrating advanced methodologies and tools has positioned her as a forward-thinking leader in the architectural community, driving the future of design and construction.

As the Director of Technology at KTGY, a renowned national architecture, branding, interiors, and planning firm, Gautam leads the Technology team. He excels in leveraging design technology to enhance project delivery systems and develop comprehensive workflows, specializing in strategic planning and overseeing firmwide infrastructure technology, cybersecurity, and digital transformation initiatives.

With over two decades of experience in the field, Gautam has managed several high-profile projects and served as the LABUG co-Champion for five years. He holds a Technology Leadership certificate from eCornell. Passionate about teaching and sharing his extensive knowledge, Gautam frequently speaks at conferences nationwide, aiming to guide and inspire the next generation of industry leaders.

Pirros was started by two structural engineers turned entrepreneurs. Peter and his Co-Founder, Ari, spent time at a handful of different structural engineering firms and kept experiencing the same problems when it came to detail management and production. The technology industry has overlooked the AE design space and the importance of details to a firm’s success. Pirros is on a mission to change that.

Gabee Cho has a rich background in architecture, holding a Bachelor’s degree from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and a Master’s degree from Washington University in St. Louis. She has extensive experience as a designer, project architect, and project manager at Zimmer Gunsul Frasca, as well as the founder of her own design studio, Agency 2184. Currently, she is serving as a Design Advocate at Snaptrude, where she bridges the gap between architects and the product team, ensuring that user experiences and industry challenges are addressed and inform product development to enhance architectural workflows.

Passionate about combining research with project work, Brendan serves as the region’s dedicated technology partner, defining the requirements and uses of software, digital tools, and digital expertise. His role is to empower staff to innovate through technology and stay ahead of the curve.

Major areas of Brendan’s focus include computational design, advanced visualization, and artificial intelligence. He’s currently working as an architect on the Lucas Museum of Narrative Art in Los Angeles, where we are paving the way for advanced visualization, computational design, and advanced building information modeling workflows.

Apart from project and research work, Brendan regularly volunteers with ACE Mentoring, a free after-school program in which industry professionals teach high school students about the architecture, engineering, and construction industry.

A results-oriented and customer-focused sales leader with over 20+ years of experience recruiting and managing channel sales to resellers in the architectural, engineering, and construction (AEC) industries. Skilled in developing and executing effective channel sales strategies, building and maintaining strong relationships with key partners and customers, and identifying and launching advanced technologies. Proven track record of exceeding sales targets, increasing market share, and expanding product portfolio.

Mustapha Benosman is a seasoned sales manager with a decade of experience in finance and tech, now leading go-to-market sales at D5 Render for North America, LATAM, and MENA in the AEC industry. He has a proven track record in strategic sales planning and team leadership, contributing significantly to D5 Render’s position as a leader in AEC rendering technology. His dynamic approach and commitment to mentoring make him a pivotal figure in the sales and tech communities.

Al is an innovative architect and entrepreneur with a Ph.D in Architecture Digital Design. After teaching internationally, he founded DRAMS Architects in California, ventured into construction with DRAMS Construction, and developed technology with Blueprints AI, showcasing his forward-thinking approach to integrating architecture and digital advancements. He is active in the design and technology community and is co-chair of the AIA SF Design Technology Committee.

Jamie is an Investor at The Westly Group, a Menlo Park-based venture firm founded in 2007. The Westly Group invests in early- to mid-stage startups within AEC and the broader foundational sectors of buildings, energy, industry, and mobility. The firm has had a long history of working across the AEC sector, having backed sector winners such as Procore and newer disruptors such as Condoit. Prior to joining The Westly Group, Jamie was in management consulting with public and private building, energy, and industrial sector clients. He holds a BA from Colorado College and an MBA from UC Berkeley.

Colin has guided dozens of global brands (generating over $500 million in revenues) and hundreds of entrepreneurs (securing over $80 million in capital) through birth, growth, and rebirth. With the Net Zero Accelerator and USGBC-California, he guides startups in speeding commercialization of cleantech innovation to move us all toward net zero energy, carbon, water, and waste.

His mentorship and guidance is further informed by his position as co-founder and COO of Morpho Energy, where he’s focused on optimizing people and systems to unlock the idle asset value of commercial and industrial rooftops. Further, with his approach to what he’s defined as Natural Innovation, Colin develops brands and go-to-market strategies rooted in deeply human motives and aligned with nature’s operating principles.

His “Find Your Woods” TEDx and appearances on CNN’s “Going Green” have helped establish him as an internationally recognized voice for biomimicry and nature-based innovation. As a Liverpool MBA and LSU Tiger, Colin lectures frequently at universities including UCLA, USC, LMU, DePaul, The University of Helsinki, and the ESB Business School at Reutlingen University (Germany) where he is Visiting Faculty. His certifications include Biomimicry Specialist, LEED Green Associate, and Living Future Ambassador. Colin has been an Angeleno since 1998 and is now rooted in the hills with his wife, kids, cats, and whatever neighboring species happen along.

Niknaz is the CEO and co-founder at aec+tech, an all-in-one innovation platform and community connecting AEC/O (Architecture, Engineering, Construction & Operations) professionals with the latest tools and technologies. Prior to launching aec+tech Niknaz practiced architecture in the bay area, California, both as a design professional as well as a design technologist. Niknaz is passionate about technology and innovation in the AEC space, and she has been a keynote speaker at various international aec-tech events. Niknaz is a member of AIA San Francisco design technology committee, and has also been developing curriculum and teaching architecture courses online to Bahai students in Iran who continue to be deprived of access to universities in their own country.

Dionne Darling has been with The A|N Media Group for over five years. As A|N’s Associate Publisher, she manages A|N’s Texas headquarters and handles accounts in the West, Southwest and Chicago territories.

Dionne has over 25 years of direct B2B sales and business development experience. Dionne holds an Associate Degree from El Centro Junior College at Dallas, Texas.

Darling is CEO and cofounder of The Architect’s Newspaper, celebrating its 12th year. The A|N media company consists of print and digital publications covering architecture and design news, as well as the Facades+ conferences. As A|N’s publisher, Darling won the AIA National Collaboration Award, Grassroots Preservation Award, and ASLA NY’s President’s Award. She began her publishing career as director of print production for The Gap’s European markets. She holds a BS from The University of Texas at Austin.

Marty Wood is the Program Director for The Architect’s Newspaper’s Facades+ Conferences and other AN events and initiatives that bring together AEC professionals to share their stories, expertise, and projects. As a writer, he’s contributed to The Architect’s Newspaper, Metropolis, and other design publications. He is also a visiting instructor at Pratt Institute. Wood has a BA in Communications from San Francisco State University and a M.S. from Columbia University GSAPP.