Episode
Building the Community That Drives AEC Innovation
- Podcast
- Innovation by Design
- Published
- Apr 10, 2026
- Duration seconds
- 2645
- Processing state
not_requested- Canonical source
- https://innovationbydesign.captivate.fm
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Summary
In this episode, hosts Evan Troxel and Candace Kitchen sit down with David Mans, Director of AECtech at Thornton Tomasetti's CORE studio, to explore the intersection of computational design, community building, and hands-on innovation in AEC. David traces his path from undergraduate architecture at Pratt Institute through early computational design experiments to leading what has become one of the industry's most influential technology conferences. He explains how parametric and computational design opened the door to discovery and surprise in the design process, and how that same spirit of experimentation now drives the AECtech hackathon format. The conversation digs into what actually happens at an AECtech event, from hackathon teams building working prototypes in 24 hours to symposium panels on technology-driven career paths in architecture. David shares standout moments, including the hackathon project that became the foundation for Rhino Compute, and a recent London hack where agents simulated consultant negotiations before a project even started. David also reflects on the tension between automation and reflection, the value of cross-industry thinking, and why Thornton Tomasetti continues to invest in these events as a way to stay ahead of where the industry is headed. Key Topics How computational and parametric design introduced the idea of discovery and surprise into the architectural design process The origin and evolution of AECtech from a single New York hackathon to five global events per year Why the hackathon format works: constrained time, self-forming teams, and cross-disciplinary collaboration Standout hackathon projects, including the prototype that became Rhino Compute and an agent-based consultant negotiation tool The emergence of agentic AI workflo…