Leveraging Technology in Architectural Practice

From finance to recreation, multiple industries leverage technology to improve operations and expand service. Meanwhile, architecture is a long standing craft that has developed over centuries keeping the same foundational purpose. This purpose could evolve during changing times such as now. What can architects do if there’s a desire to work differently but no coherent strategy to move forward?

Welcome to the second season of Architecture 5 10 20! I’m your host, Guy Geier, Managing Partner of FXCollaborative Architects in New York. Guests from a wide range of backgrounds and experiences related to the built environment will come to share their thought leadership. Our conversations will start with understanding how they arrived at what they’re doing now. More importantly, we will focus on discussing their vision for the future, looking out 5, 10, and 20 years.

Today, we’re joined by Phil Bernstein, an expert in Architectural Technology and practice. He is currently associate dean and adjunct professor at the Yale School of Architecture, where he has taught courses in professional practice, project delivery, and technology since 1988. He was formerly a vice president at Autodesk and practiced architecture as a principal at Pelli Clarke and partners in New Haven.

Listen to Phil speak about how the architectural industry can better leverage new and upcoming technologies. Phil explains how technology is usually dispersed through the architecture industry and how the process could be different. He also mentions how we can work together to address important issues, including building an equitable supply chain. Later on he shares why architects should consider work related to the larger context of health, safety, and welfare in the industry.

Phil's research and thought leadership demonstrate that strategically harnessing tools and technology will be critical to the future of architectural practice. To move toward a positive vision for the future, we must not only integrate new technology into our practice, but we must also use it to address previously unanswered problems. In working together and thinking strategically about the field, we can prepare for a rise in automation and make strides toward issues such as transparency and equity in the building supply chain.

 

Time stamps:

[01:17] - Phil Bernstein shares how he got interested in architectural technology.

[03:52] - How did Phil’s early experiences influence his career?

[06:05] - Phil explains how technology is usually dispersed through the architecture industry and how the process could be different.

[08:46] - How much has the methodology of architecture changed in the past decades?

[11:12] - Phil talks about the usage of automation and machine learning in the architecture field. PART 1

[13:45] - Phil talks about the usage of automation and machine learning in the architecture field. PART 2

[15:25] - “Identify high value opportunities.”

[18:26] - Phil brings up advocacy for social equity and labor. How far do the impacts of architectural choices reach? PART 1

[21:17] - Phil brings up advocacy for social equity and labor. How far do the impacts of architectural choices reach? PART 2

[24:18] - How can architects have more conversations around the concerns and motivations of the built environment?

[27:05] - What have upcoming architects expressed about these concerns and motivations?

[28:48] - Phil says he is optimistic about the future and how the field will evolve.

[30:45] - Thank you Phil for reminding us to not only integrate new technology, but also address previously unanswered problems in our field.

 

Links / Resources:

Guy Geier

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Phil Bernstein