Episode 143: Architecture And AI & Head of Digital Marketing

How can architecture and design professionals embrace technological advancements such as AI, bridge the gap between physical and digital, and stay relevant in a rapidly changing field? 

On this Practice Disrupted episode, I talked with Ricardo J Rodriguez, the chief marketing officer for Master Builder Solutions, to discuss his career journey from traditional architecture practice to embracing AI and education in the industry. His path highlights the importance of a willingness to consistently learn, adapt, and seek unconventional opportunities in the rapidly changing field.

First, Ricardo shares his background in architecture, including various challenges such as layoffs and industry shifts in DC that reflect some of the broader struggles within the field. He highlights the crucial need for digital implementation opportunities.

Then, we also explore Ricardo's initial fascination and commitment to staying at the forefront of industry trends with AI and its visual applications within architecture. He talks about his journey into digital art, particularly in response to personal trauma experienced during Hurricane Maria in Puerto Rico. He explains how AI art is part of the evolution of art as a whole, how he gained recognition as a digital artist, and the details of his exhibition, Present Futures.

I decided if I wanted to continue supporting, and speaking with folks in the construction industry about emerging transformation – I should do a deep dive into one of the trends that I knew least about, and take myself to the pieces of learning that I was uncomfortable with.  - Ricardo J Rodriguez 

To wrap up the episode, we discuss Ricardo's passion for bridging the gap between AI and creativity in his efforts to develop a curriculum for architects and designers on image generation in AI. He shares his advice for emerging architects in an evolving field, his perspective on how AI impacts the future of the practice, and why he believes we should embrace these tech advancements.

Tune in next week for an episode about the power of podcasting in architecture. 

Guests:

Ricardo J Rodriguez

Fascinated by the intersection between "bytes & mortar," Ricardo is a versatile leader with 15+ years of experience turning innovative ideas into tangible solutions. Passionate about driving digital transformation, entrepreneurship, and tackling challenges within the construction and real estate industries, Ricardo is adept at securing strategic partnerships and assessing the potential value of opportunities that bridge the gap between physical & digital.

Ricardo has worked with Gensler, NIKA Solutions, and WDG Architecture business leaders. After practicing corporate architecture for 12+ years, managing and designing over 2M sqft of real estate worldwide, Ricardo transitioned to a global enterprise role at BASF. Upon Master Builder Solution's divestiture from BASF, Ricardo's industry expertise served the organization globally. Firstly, working within the Virtual Design & Construction team, managed digital innovation pilots, and sourced con-tech startups as part of the Digital Excellence team. In 2022, Ricardo transitioned into a Global Digital Transformation Evangelist role within the Corporate Development department. In 2023, he was named Global Head of Digital Marketing Excellence.

Given his commitment to the construction industry, he's received AIA | DC's Emerging Architect of the Year award and Young Architect of the Year Award from the DC Council of Engineering and Architectural Societies. Ricardo has been a frequent speaker, presenting at over 40 international events over the past several years. In 2018, he was honored by BuiltWorlds, naming him one of the Nation's Top 50 Adoption Leaders. Ricardo's leadership and advocacy resulted in AIA appointing him to the National Strategic Council as an At-Large Representative in a board advisory role, which developed a framework to accelerate Digital Transformation. Ricardo supported launching a leadership development program in his native Puerto Rico. In June 2023, he was a guest panelist at the BuiltWorlds Summit in Paris, France. In his spare time, he obsesses with AI-generated digital art on @bytesandmortar, launching his first solo show, “Present Futures,” at the District Architecture Center in Washington, DC, which opened in September 2023. His artworks were also chosen by the government of Puerto Rico’s Institute of Culture to be exhibited in 2024 at their “Poli/Gráfica de Puerto Rico: América Latina y el Caribe” (est. 1970).  Ricardo is also an educator, mentoring four startups and developing graduate/executive courses on “AI Basics for Architects and Designers” for the University of Pennsylvania’s Weitzman School of Design Center.

📍 Show Links:  

Connect with Ricardo on LinkedIn

Connect with Master Builders Solutions on LinkedIn

Follow Ricardo/Bytes and Mortar on Instagram

Learn more about Practice Innovation Lab

Learn more about the Present Futures Show

📚Continue Learning:

AI Basics for Architects and Designers Weitzman Course

📚 Past Episodes Referenced:

PD # 140 Season 7 Finale, Behind the Scenes of Practice Disrupted

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