AI Open Mic and Agentic Workshop

The AIA New York Chapter’s AI+A Salon Series is an ongoing series of worshops and conversations on the emerging role of AI in the Architecture, Engineering, Construction, and Operations (AECO) industries. The next event in this series: AI Open Mic and Agentic Workshops will be held Saturday, September 19 at the NYC Center for Architecture.

The AI Open Mic will be held from noon to 2:30. This is an open event featuring short presentations by members of the New York City based AECO and technology communities. We are seeking a broad range of presentations on real-world applications, research, lessons learned, and future opportunities. Anyone working on interesting AI and building industry research or professional initiatives is invited to present! To present, sign up using this form: https://forms.gle/1dPU3BcpDnbbNba89.

The Agentic Workshops will be held from 2:30 to 5PM. These workshops will provide hands-on experience in the use of AI Agents - applications that can be directed by prompts or events to autonomously conduct professional workflows. Attendance is limited; sign up to participate.

Workshop 1:
From Zero to AI Tool: Building a Design Chatbot
Instructor: Andres Roncal, Sr. Digital Practice Specialist, Computational Design Associate, HKS.

This workshop will introduce participants to the basic building blocks behind an AI-enabled design application. Starting from a simple development environment and starter repository, participants will get a chatbot running locally, understand how the pieces connect, and then begin modifying its behavior, interface, prompts, and tutorial content. The goal is to demystify how these tools are actually built and give participants a working foundation they can continue developing after the workshop. No prior software development experience is required.

Workshop requirements: Windows or Mac laptop with administrator access. Additional software, setup instructions, and the starter repository will be provided before the workshop.

Workshop 2:
Agentic Generative Design to Simulation Workflows
Instructor: Dennis Shelden, Associate Professor, RPI

This workshop will introduce the exciting emerging possibilities of automated connected BIM and simulation workflows. MCP agent enabled plugins in CAD and BIM modeling tools (Revit, Rhino / Grasshopper) as well as simulation technologies (EnergyPlus) will be introduced. Complex chains of automated modeling, simulation, assessment and regeneration will be demonstrated. Attendees will be able to develop their own applications using selections of these tools. Working knowledge of Revit and / or Rhino is required.

Workshop requirements: Windows 11 PC, a 1 month subscription to Claude Pro or higher, Claude Co-work installed. Other tools to be provided after registration.

Workshop 3:
Agentify Your Business
Instructor: Own Bush, CEO, Scan2Plan / Twinner

This workshop is targeted at small firm principles and business leaders. While professional firm leaders are focus on the practice of architecture, the operational tasks of running and maintaining the business are often a secondary consideration. Agentic systems can automate much of the ongoing work of running a firm, such as generating financial reports, utilization, scheduling, and marketing. This workshop will introduce the possibilities of agentifying firm operations using AI and provide hands on experience setting up key operations.

Workshop requirements: Windows 11 PC or Macbook, a 1 month subscription to Claude Pro or higher, Claude Co-work installed. Other tools to be provided after registration.

If you register for a virtual ticket, you will receive an email with a Zoom link to access the program.