SGA to Lead Panel Discussion on Artificial Intelligence in Architecture at AIA’s Project Delivery Knowledge Community Symposium

SGA, a national, multi-disciplinary firm whose work spans architecture, interior design and master planning for life sciences, academic, mixed-use and commercial clients, today announced that as part of AIA’s Project Delivery Symposium, it will present a high-powered panel discussion on Artificial Intelligence’s Impact in Architecture at AIA’s Project Delivery Knowledge Community Symposium, scheduled for March 7th at 2:15pm.

SGA Partner Michael Schroeder, CCM, will be joined by Peter Botelho, Senior VDC/BIM Manager, Dimeo Construction; and Antonio Furgiuele, Associate Professor, School of Architecture & Design at Wentworth Institute of Technology. SGA Chair Al Spagnolo, AIA, NCARB, will moderate the AI virtual panel. 

“Artificial intelligence, or AI, will revolutionize the design and architecture world in the near future. It has already started to impact our industry,” said Mr. Schroeder. “SGA is a cutting-edge, technology-driven firm, and we are excited to present this AI panel to our AIA colleagues nationwide. Our panelists will talk about where we are seeing AI being used in today’s world and how it is being applied into the architecture industry.” 

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The panelists for the AI & Architecture discussion are as follows:

Michael Schroeder, CCM

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. SGA Partner Michael Schroeder played an instrumental role in attaining this honor, leading the growth and development of the discipline since 2014. VDC is a proven delivery method that utilizes a combination of people, process, and technology. By bringing together the design team, construction managers, and subcontractors early in the planning phase, VDC uses the power of intelligent collaboration to design and build to clients’ goals and objectives. At the beginning of every commission, Michael onboards 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 Spagnolo, AIA, NCARB

An eminent figure in the architectural profession, Al is founder and Chairman of SGA.  Since establishing the firm in 1991, he has led its efforts to balance design excellence with responsible pragmatism, enhance the public realm, apply the latest technological advances and promote environmental conservation. A registered architect in 13 states, he is an active member of the AIA, BSA, NCARB, the National Organization of Minority Architects, and the Urban Land Institute.  He also serves as a guest lecturer at Wentworth Institute of Technology and Boston Architectural College.

Peter Botelho

Peter, a technologist and Sr. VDC manager at Dimeo Construction Company, has spent the last nine years in the construction industry navigating how Dimeo can leverage and demonstrate the benefits of VDC to improve construction practices. He was formerly Director of 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, he uses his IT background to pursue the benefits of machine learning and AI for the creation and advancement of best practices related to the integration of BIM-enabled technologies. Peter has also spoken at AGC BIMForum in 2017 and is a past member of significant committees from the Construction Institute, University of Hartford and US Institute of Building Documentation.

Antonio Furgiuele 

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.

The online symposium is part of AIA’s Project Delivery Knowledge Community Symposium scheduled for March 7-9, 2023.

About AIA

Founded in 1857, AIA consistently works to create more valuable, healthy, secure, and sustainable buildings, neighborhoods, and communities. Through more than 200 international, state, and local chapters, AIA advocates for public policies that promote economic vitality and public wellbeing. AIA provides members with tools and resources to assist them in their careers and business as well as engaging civic and government leaders and the public to find solutions to pressing issues facing our communities, institutions, nation, and world. Members adhere to a code of ethics and conduct to ensure the highest professional standards.