Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, and the Future of the Firm

A Conversation for Emerging Professionals

Sponsored by Think Wood and Vitro Architectural Glass | Presented by Marc Syp, Jonah Hawk, and Ellis Herman

Webinar On-Demand

AI tools like ChatGPT and Gemini are transforming the way we work. But architecture firms are using artificial intelligence and machine learning for more than just automation and email writing. Many have embraced advancements in these technologies and have developed their own proprietary tools to evolve their practices. On April 23, join RECORD, Marc Syp from Gensler, Jonah Hawk from ZGF, and Ellis Herman from Autodesk for a robust and expansive conversation aimed at emerging professionals that cuts through the hype to investigate the growing role AI is playing in the firm and how it will (and won't) change the practice of architecture.

Photo courtesy of Getty Images

	Marc Syp is an established leader in architectural design computation and Artificial Intelligence, Marc has over two decades of experience in computation, software development, and innovation at leading architectural practices and startups. As part of a global team of digital innovators at Gensler, Marc focuses on strategy, philosophy, and practice modernization through the development and implementation of technology platforms at scale, to augment our human capabilities and design process to deliver positive impact for our projects, clients, and built environment.

	Jonah Hawk has more than twenty years of experience in computational design, software design, and design technology leadership. In his role at ZGF, Jonah works with clients and project teams to uncover bespoke solutions to complex design problems. His passion for teaching and developing tools to enhance efficiency and creativity has led him to create in-house custom apps and plugins utilized across the firm. Adept at collaborating on design exploration and analysis, Jonah has contributed to design and visualization solutions for clients including the recent Portland International Airport Main Terminal Expansion, Expensify, University of Oregon, and Stanford University.

	Ellis Herman is the product manager of Autodesk Forma's embodied and total carbon analyses, working on putting accessible sustainability tools in the hands of architects at the earliest stages of design. Formerly a machine learning engineer, I am interested in improving the trust, transparency, and usability of AI-based products for users without ML-expertise.

Originally published in Architectural Record

Originally published in March 2025

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

Explore the ways architects and firms are using artificial intelligence and machine learning tools (both those commercially available and proprietary programs).
Discuss the benefits and hazards of AI and machine learning.
Survey the short- and long-term impacts of AI technologies on the practice of architecture firm.
Identify opportunities for productively integrating AI tools into an architecture firm and strategies for ensuring the human element remains in the work.