AI in Action: Practical Uses for AEC Professionals

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Meet the Panelists!

Jamie Barr
Principal
Langan Engineering and Environmental Services

“READY OR NOT…HERE COMES Ai!” Jamie Barr, LEP, did not come from the tech world — and he is not here to explain how neural networks work. Instead, Barr is here to show you what actually matters: how to use generative AI to make you, and your business, smarter, faster, and way more competitive. Barr is a Principal at Langan Engineering and Environmental Services, where he leads the Environmental Consulting Practice across New England — and also co-leads the firm’s rapidly growing AI Initiative. He has been hands-on with generative AI since the early days of ChatGPT, founding Langan’s AI Steering Committee and helping professionals across industries turn AI from a confusing buzzword into a practical everyday tool. His reputation as a dynamic and accessible speaker has led to numerous AI speaking engagements at prestigious educational institutions, law firms, architecture firms, real estate development companies, and AEC related organizations nationwide. When he is not leading environmental projects, pioneering AI initiatives, or explaining why ChatGPT will not steal your job yet, you will find him at home in Guilford, Connecticut with his wife and three kids — possibly building something, writing a short film, or picking up a hobby he did not know he needed.

Michael Kyes
Senior Associate, Architecture Department Lead
SMMA

Michael Kyes, AIA, is an architect, educator, and researcher forging the future of design and construction by rethinking how we create, collaborate, and learn. Over the past 30 years, Kyes’ work has evolved from hands-on architectural practice to shaping the systems, cultures, and platforms that define design in the AEC industry. His experience spans housing, hospitality, life sciences, commerce, education, and humanitarian projects.
 
As the Architecture Department Lead at SMMA, Kyes has fostered a diverse and research-driven design studio for the past 10 years. Over the course of his career, he has seen the evolution of practice firsthand - from the drafting board to early AutoCAD, collaborative BIM, computational design, immersive environments, and now AI-enhanced design workflows. As a graduate-level educator, co-Lead of the BSA's Visualizing Design knowledge community and founder of DSCVR - an immersive (VR/ AR) training platform connecting design and construction knowledge with real-time learning - Kyes is working to transform how the current and next generation of architects and builders grow into the profession. He believes innovation in our profession is not just about new tools; it is about reshaping the mindset and culture of practice - how we imagine, how we collaborate, and how we pass knowledge forward.

Danielle O’Connell
Senior Director
Skanska USA Building

Danielle O’Connell serves as Senior Director for the emerging technology team at Skanska USA Building, a leading construction firm in the U.S. She focuses on the integration of new technologies into design and construction processes to improve project outcomes. Through business partnerships and client facing services, she helps teams by implementing BIM and technology applications throughout the project lifecycle, applying reality capture tools and developing customized deliverables to meet the needs of the client and project team. With over 16 years in the AEC industry, O’Connell’s experience in both BIM/VDC and project and program management, provide a wealth of knowledge surrounding building system constructability and serviceability requirements. Prior to joining Skanska, she served as manager of the Design Technologies Integration Group at the Massachusetts Port Authority and held roles at Bluebeam, Gilbane Building Company and Consigli Construction..

Stephen Piper
Partner
IBM Consulting

Moderating the panel discussion, Stephen Piper is an accomplished sales executive and technology strategist with over 20 years of experience driving business transformation, enhancing operational efficiency, and leading high-performing teams. As a Partner at IBM Consulting, Piper specializes in digital twin solutions, data transformation strategies, and enterprise AI/ML deployment for state and local governments. His extensive background includes leading global sales analytics initiatives, streamlining IBM's internal operations, and fostering strategic partnerships with public sector clients. Piper holds an MBA from Brown University & Instituto de Empresa. He is a recognized leader with multiple awards, including the Gold Stevie™ Award and CIO Top 100™ Award.

Final speaker announced soon!

Cancellation Policy
Please note our updated cancellation policy, reflective of venue and vendor deadlines. Cancellations must be made 10 business days prior to the start of the series in order to be eligible for a refund. If amount is outstanding, the entire amount will still be due to The Construction Institute. Substitutions may be made before the start date of any event. Events may be rescheduled due to severe weather. We reserve the right to cancel due to insufficient enrollment, in which case event fees will be refunded in full.

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