Design-Tech Talk 3.0

Olivia Nielsen is a Principal at Miyamoto International where she focuses on resilient housing solutions. From post-disaster Haiti to Papua New Guinea, she has developed and worked on critical housing programs in over 45 countries.

Olivia has over a decade of experience in housing finance, housing public-private partnerships, post-disaster reconstruction, and green construction. Through her work, she hopes to make safe and affordable housing available to all.

Through collaborative efforts and strategic planning, Olivia is dedicated to shaping urban landscapes that balance thriving communities with their natural environments, ensuring equitable and forward-thinking urban growth.

José Antonio Carrillo is an Associate Professor of Architecture at the American University in Dubai (AUD), where he specializes in computational design, digital fabrication, and exploring the relationship between architecture and gastronomy. He is the creator of "archEatable," which combines architectural design processes with haute pâtisserie, challenging students to design and fabricate edible works of art.With over 20 years of international experience in architecture and building engineering, Professor Carrillo has worked on diverse projects across Spain, Amsterdam, Baku, and Dubai. He joined AUD in 2015 and has since been recognized for his innovative teaching, earning the Provost’s Award for Innovation in Teaching and the President’s Award for Teaching Excellence.His work has been featured in international exhibitions such as the Venice Architecture Biennale and Art Dubai, showcasing his creative approach to design. Professor Carrillo also advises the AIAS chapter at AUD, which has won accolades for its contributions to architectural education and student engagement.

Víctor Imperiale Calisto is a Chilean architect and designer and a founding member of gt2P (Great Things to People), a Santiago-based studio acclaimed for merging parametric design with traditional craftsmanship. The studio creates innovative works that reflect Chile's cultural heritage and natural landscapes. gt2P's creations are part of prestigious international exhibitions and collections, including the Metropolitan Museum of Art and the Design Museum London. Represented by Friedman Benda Gallery, the studio is a leader in exploring the intersection of digital technology and artisanal techniques in contemporary design.

Ila Colombo is a modern-day polymathic mind – a former athlete, award-winning creative director, AI collaborator, design strategist, and artist with over a decade of experience in the avant-garde world of Design, Art, Architecture, and Technology. Her unique perspective combines spatial computing, 3D printing, design art installations, and conceptual works, pushing the boundaries of creative possibilities. She’s co-director of Ross Lovegrove Studio and CEO co-founder of DEOND, a Dubai-based multidisciplinary AI, R&D & 3DPA practice, merging human-centric creativity with advanced computation and digital fabrication with the mission of developing circular adaptive solutions for the built environment.

Ila is a member of the RIBA and an appointed member of the Architecture Program Advisory Board at the American University in Dubai (AUD); she lectures around the world and recently contributed to the landmark report on ‘AI for Creative Industries’ by the Dubai Future Foundation and Centre for the Fourth Industrial Revolution highlighting fundamental principles, insights, and guidelines for the technology. Her current research on the practical and philosophical impacts of generative AI within the creative industries involves a range of aspects, from specialized multi-modal workflows, team training, students’ education, and Ethical considerations.

Florian Markus is a licensed architect based in Haarlem, The Netherlands, whose innovative work lies at the intersection of art and architecture. He is dedicated to exploring and challenging the boundaries of digital fabrication technologies to craft the artistry of the future. With a focus on integrating traditional craftsmanship with cutting-edge tools, Florian's designs reflect a unique fusion of creativity and technical expertise, offering a fresh perspective on contemporary architecture and design.Drawing inspiration from the dynamic interplay between human ingenuity and technological advancement, Florian strives to push the limits of what is possible in digital fabrication. His projects embody a forward-thinking approach, showcasing how technology can be harnessed to redefine craftsmanship for the modern era. Whether designing intricate architectural forms or collaborating on interdisciplinary artistic ventures

Hamid Hassanzadeh is a distinguished architect, entrepreneur, researcher, and speaker. Having earned his degree in architectural engineering in 2012, Hamid has since contributed to various architectural projects across multiple regions around the globe.

In early 2016, he founded the ParametricArchitecture platform, initially launching on Instagram. Today, ParametricArchitecture, often abbreviated as PA, stands as a globally renowned hub for parametric, computational design, and AI lovers, boasting over 20 million monthly interactions on the internet. Hamid endeavors to demystify the intricacies of the parametric, computational, and AI realms through compelling articles, interviews, workshops, podcasts, and conferences disseminated across various digital platforms.

Furthermore, he’s the visionary behind PAACADEMY, an educational entity under the aegis of PA, dedicated to propagating the concepts of computational architecture and design. The PAACADEMY, as an educational platform, educates and engages with its audience, introducing them to advanced techniques and algorithms employed by architects, designers, and coders alike. He highlights exemplary projects executed using state-of-the-art design software, ensuring that his audience not only witnesses but also comprehends the depth and philosophy of these avant-garde design practices.

Moreover, as the esteemed host of the 'PA Talks' interview series, he engages in enriching conversations with architects, orchestrates numerous workshops, conferences, and events, and has had the privilege of interviewing myriad globally acclaimed architects, delving into their methodologies and foresighted visions for the architectural landscape.