The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) in facility design, construction, and operation is revolutionizing our industry, fueling both excitement and apprehension as professionals navigate this rapidly evolving landscape. As AI technologies continue to advance, early adopters have experienced a spectrum of outcomes, ranging from groundbreaking successes to unexpected challenges.
In this session, we will delve into the captivating world of AI applications in the building sciences, share the lessons learned by these pioneers, and present outcomes from a series of global webinars that the National Institute of Building Sciences, Asset Leadership Network, and American Institute of Architects have participated in.
Our discussion will explore the transformative impact of AI on digital twins, industry standards, building information modeling (BIM), resiliency, sustainability, and more. Participants will gain an introductory understanding of how AI can be harnessed to optimize various aspects of the design, construction, and operation processes in the building industry. The presenters will share recent observations from the BuildingsAI conference about how Owners and the C-Suite are starting to notice the value of their data, how AI can use it, and how AI is driving the need for standards to reduce “building hallucinations.”
Moreover, this session will present valuable methods and processes that promote effective communication and collaboration among architects, stakeholders, and AI tools. By adopting these techniques, attendees can drive project outcomes and contribute to the development of safer, healthier, and more sustainable built environments. Case studies, practical examples, and insights from the global webinar series will be shared, illustrating the challenges and opportunities of integrating AI in the building sciences.
View the Webinar Slides
Vice President, Building Technology, NIBS
Roger Grant
Vice President, Building Technology, NIBS
Roger J. Grant is Vice President, Building Technology with the National Institute of Building Sciences. Grant has focused on developing and delivering information products and services to support design, construction and management of the built environment for more than 30 years. He has experience in whole building performance; building and civil infrastructure information modeling; safety and security assessment; cost planning and estimating; and technology, project and business management. As a member of AEC industry associations, Grant has been extensively involved in technology and standards development nationally and internationally. He began working with buildingSMART International (bSI) shortly after its founding and is a bSI Fellow. Grant holds a Bachelor of Science in Construction Management and a Masters of Business Administration, both from Bradley University.
Director, Project Management, NIBS
Jay Kline
Director, Project Management, NIBS
James (Jay) Kline is a Product Owner and Developer for NIBS, where he directly supports the federal sector in creating programs to leverage and implement building technology for higher quality, safer, more affordable, and more sustainable living and mission success. Kline has provided building information modeling (BIM) and technology innovation business strategy in excess of 10 years, with focuses in system interconnectivity, data infrastructure, BIM adoption and maturity, BIM programming, training, and MEP engineering. His experience in developing agency-specific technical training programs has empowered individuals to work efficiently and influentially in their role in the AEC industry. Kline holds a Bachelor of Architectural Engineering and a Minor in Military Studies from The Pennsylvania State University. He is a licensed Professional Engineer, certified Lighting Designer, and continues to learn and grow through memberships to multiple industry organizations focused on leadership, technology, and engineering.
President, Onuma, Inc.
Kimon Onuma
President, Onuma, Inc.
Kimon Onuma has a rich international background that has influenced his innovative approach to "Build Informed Environments." Onuma has contributed to the industry through over 40 BIMStorms, the most notable being the 24-hour BIMStorm LAX event in 2008, which received a prestigious 2008 AIA TAP Award. These BIM charrettes have been called the "Woodstock" of the building industry.
Onuma has presented at more than 400 events globally and authored numerous industry journals, including the influential 2006 AIA Report on Integrated Practice, "The 21st Century Practitioner." He has collaborated with federal agencies through the National Institute of Building Sciences, working with the Department of Defense Military Health System, the Department of Veterans Affairs, and the Department of State Overseas Building Operations. Onuma’s unique approach emphasizes agile, lean, and implementable big ideas applicable throughout a facility's lifecycle. As a thought leader, he has served as the Past Chair of the Thought Leadership Subcommittee of the buildingSMART Alliance, 2013 AIA TAP Chair, and is an active member of the National Institute of Building Sciences Digital Twin Integration Subcommittee.
