177: 'The Digital Futures of Architectural Practice', with Kristen Forward
Kristen Forward joins the podcast to talk about her trajectory from computational design to leading emerging technology initiatives, particularly focusing on AI implementation and digital transformation in architecture.
Key Highlights
- NBBJ's innovative approach to integrating emerging technologies and applied research
- The importance of human-centered technology adoption and maintaining agency while embracing new tools
- The role of design futures thinking and strategic foresight in shaping architectural practice
In this conversation with Kristen Forward, we explore the intersection of traditional architecture and emerging technologies, offering insights into how firms can proactively shape their future while creating impactful physical spaces.
As Technology Futures Leader at NBBJ, Kristen leads the firm's strategy for integrating artificial intelligence and other emerging technologies into architectural practice. She also contributes to industry research on data and AI, driving innovation within the field.
Kristen also lectures and teaches on design technology, strategic foresight, and design futures at institutions like the University of Calgary.
Discussion with Kristen Forward
Evan Troxel: Welcome to the TRXL podcast. I'm Evan Troxel. In this episode, I'm joined by Kristen Forward. As Technology Futures Leader at NBBJ, Kristen leads the firm's strategy for integrating artificial intelligence and other emerging technologies into architectural practice.
Kristen Forward: Discusses her trajectory from computational design to leading emerging technology initiatives, particularly focusing on AI implementation and digital transformation in architecture.
Additional highlights from our conversation include NBBJ's innovative approach to integrating emerging technologies and applied research, including their practice-embedded digital team structure, the importance of human-centered technology adoption, and how NBBJ ensures team members maintain agency while embracing new tools.
We also delve into the role of design futures thinking and strategic foresight in shaping architectural practice. We explore the intersection of traditional architecture and emerging technologies, offering insights into how firms can proactively shape their future while maintaining their core mission of creating impactful physical spaces.
Kristen's career journey involved starting in business and finance, transitioning to architecture through computational design, and eventually leading NBBJ's technology initiatives, focusing on performance design and emerging technologies like AI.
She emphasizes the human-centric approach to technology adoption and the importance of considering people's preferences and agency in shaping the future of architectural practice.
