Olivia Morgan

I'm looking to take on some new storytelling projects, so I wanted to share an older animation project that represents the "concept sketch" style I like to use. Back in 2021 the University of Michigan's School of Architecture was a launching a new bachelor's degree in Urban Technology and they wanted to share the possibilities of the burgeoning field of study for potential students. The program was in its early stages of development, so this video was about clarifying the pitch as well as expressing the excitement of possibility. In an age where people would have you believe that gen AI is the answer for creating creative assets, I believe leaning into humanity is a competitive advantage. Especially when the pitch is for an offering that is forthcoming, hand drawn visuals help reinforce that notion of human ideas—it's a moving concept sketch! If you (or someone you know) is looking to bring ideas to life—reach out. --- Thanks to Bryan Boyer for the commission. Thanks to Steve Abueva for the motion work. Thanks to Eman Haggag for the VO. Shout out to Kiln (courtesy of Ghostly International) for the hyper local Ann Arbor music bed.

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𝗘𝘅𝗰𝗶𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝘁𝗼 𝘀𝗵𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗳𝗶𝗿𝘀𝘁 𝗠𝗮𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗼 𝘀𝘂𝗰𝗰𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘆 📑 𝗕𝗲𝗿𝗴𝗺𝗮𝗻 𝗪𝗮𝗹𝗹𝘀 & 𝗔𝘀𝘀𝗼𝗰𝗶𝗮𝘁𝗲𝘀 (BWA), an architecture firm in Las Vegas, was looking for a better way to scale automation in Autodesk #Revit without needing every team member to be a developer. Before Maestro, they had no scripting library, no way to distribute tools across the team, and no clear system for sharing internal workflows. Everything felt siloed. With Maestro, they changed that fast: ✔️ Built 30+ custom tools ✔️ Cut tool deployment time by 95% ✔️ Increased tool creation speed 10x ✔️ No programming background required Their #BIM Manager can now describe a problem, generate working scripts with AI, and share solutions across the entire firm in minutes. “𝘜𝘴𝘪���𝘨 𝘔𝘢𝘦𝘴𝘵𝘳𝘰, 𝘸𝘦’𝘷𝘦 𝘣𝘦𝘦𝘯 𝘢𝘣𝘭𝘦 𝘵𝘰 𝘤𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘵𝘦 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘥𝘦𝘱𝘭𝘰𝘺 𝘤𝘶𝘴𝘵𝘰𝘮 𝘵𝘰𝘰𝘭𝘴 𝘪𝘯 𝘮𝘪𝘯𝘶𝘵𝘦𝘴—𝘯𝘰𝘵 𝘥𝘢𝘺𝘴—𝘢𝘭𝘭 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩𝘰𝘶𝘵 𝘢𝘯 𝘪𝘯-𝘥𝘦𝘱𝘵𝘩 𝘱𝘳𝘰𝘨𝘳𝘢𝘮𝘮𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘣𝘢𝘤𝘬𝘨𝘳𝘰𝘶𝘯𝘥.” – Miguel Ayala, BIM Manager at BWA This is exactly why we built Maestro. To make automation something teams can actually use and build on, not just talk about. Sign up at https://maestroaec.com #MaestroAEC #AEC #DesignTechnology #Automation #CaseStudy #SuccessStory

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Shrei Crenshaw,BS,HT(ASCP) of The Crenshaw Method, and Teresa Rodriguez, IIDA, Assoc. AIA, LEED AP and Levy Minemann of LPA, Inc. offer lessons learned and collaboration techniques from a lab conversion project. #2026LDC

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Claude just killed the creative sector. Or at least, the version of it we knew until last week. On April 28th, Anthropic walked into Blender, Adobe, Ableton, Autodesk Fusion, SketchUp, Splice, Affinity, Resolume, and Wire, and handed Claude the keys. Not to suggest from the outside. To actually operate the software. A 3D artist can now say "fix the lighting in this scene", in Blender. A VJ can control live visuals at a festival by typing English. An architect can describe a room and open it in SketchUp seconds later. One prompt can run a workflow across 50+ Adobe apps without switching windows. AI used to live outside your creative tools. Now it lives inside them. And here's the move nobody's talking about: Anthropic has also partnered with three of the world's top art and design schools, Rhode Island School of Design, Ringling College of Art and Design, and Goldsmiths, University of London. Students and faculty get Claude and these connectors built into their curriculum. Which means the next generation of 3D artists, motion designers, architects, and music producers won't learn their craft and then add AI on top. They'll learn with AI native to the tools from day one. That's not a product launch. That's a culture shift. Here's what most people are missing: Taste isn't being automated. Imagination isn't being automated. What's being automated is the distance between an idea and its execution. The specialist scripting. The repetitive setup. The hours of context-switching. That gap is closing fast. The creatives who win from here aren't the ones with the fastest hands. They're the ones who figure out how to spend the hours they just got back on the things only humans can do. The sector isn't dying. It's being restructured. Right now. Watch the complete video on my YouTube channel (link in comments). #ClaudeAI #Anthropic #AIforCreatives #GenerativeAI #CreativeIndustry

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🔥 Every future AEC tech shift in 2026 will start at one of these events - and no, it’s not Autodesk University. Over the last year, I’ve met hundreds of ConTech founders, startups,, and digital design leaders. What’s clear is that the real innovation in AEC isn’t happening in closed ecosystems, it’s happening in the spaces where architects, engineers, and technologists collide. These events aren’t just about selling software. They’re about sharing problems, prototyping ideas, and building the next generation of workflows that provide real value. If you want to see where the industry is headed, start by showing up in the right rooms. Here are five that consistently push the boundaries of what’s possible in design and construction tech 👇 1. 🏗️ Speckle - #SpeckleCon is where the brightest minds in architecture, engineering, construction, and design gather to shape how AEC uses its data. This flagship event highlights how Speckle is transforming AEC workflows through real-world success stories from industry leaders like Alex Richards, Losinger Marazzi SA, Araham Jesus Martinez Lagunas, David Brownstein, Emiliano Lupo, Rami Evans, Jan Buthke, Lasath Siriwardena, Ljuba Tascheva, Yazid Ben Said, Michael Drobnik, David Morgan, Martyn Day, Murat Melek, PhD SEm Vignesh Srinivas Kaushik, Gensler, Multiconsult, Stantec, and Haskoning. PLUS: Exclusive Discount Code for 10% off is "ATJ" at checkout: Link in comments. https://lnkd.in/ezBR8x3e 2. 🚀 RELEASE [AEC] - A new and unique event for the AEC industry. Speakers include Stjepan Mikulić Tim Fu Ismail Seleit Jeronimo Tani (and me!) 3. 🤖 ArchiTech Network ATN Summit - Ideas that Challenge, Inspire and Elevate the Future of Architecture and Technology. Join Oliver Thomas in this industry first event 4. 🎨 NXT BLD - BIM 2.0 and beyond. Speakers to be announced! 5. 💡 PSMJ Resources, Inc. AEC Innovate - The AI and Technology Strategies Summit. Speakers to be announced! Action: Pick one event and show up with intention - plan who to meet, what to learn, and how it connects back to your next project. That single decision could shape your next 12 months. Which one are you most excited about? Or better yet, which event do you think will define the next big AEC tech shift? 👇 ---------- Hi I'm Allister - Built the world’s largest AEC software database (1,600+ tools) - Create technology strategies and digital roadmaps for architects - Design workflows that save teams time and money #ConTech #AECInnovation #DesignTechnology #DigitalTransformation #ConstructionTech

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How cool would it be to have X-ray vision?! In case you lack this superpower, this rudimentary SketchUp model may help clarify what’s happening inside a typical grouted, reinforced masonry wall. Unreinforced CMU is relatively brittle and weak in tension, so here I’ve added vertical steel reinforcement embedded in grout at 40 inches on center (a theoretical spacing), increasing the wall's ability to resist bending, shear, and tensile stress. This is especially important in loadbearing walls, tall walls, or walls subject to wind or seismic forces. The reinforcement also helps control cracking caused by shrinkage, temperature changes, and differential movement. The vertical bars overlap the foundation dowels per design, to develop effective continuity of the reinforcement. In seismic areas, reinforcement gives CMU walls ductility, meaning they can bend and absorb energy rather than suddenly failing. The grout helps to bond the reinforcement to the CMU, making the wall act as a composite system. This ensures the steel and masonry work together, distributing loads more efficiently. The grout also protects the steel reinforcement from contact with moisture. The reinforced lintels carry the masonry across the span of the window openings without expensive structural steel. In short: CMU walls may be reinforced for strength, and they’re grouted to bond and protect that reinforcement, making the wall a locally sourced, competitively priced structural assembly. #XRayVision #Masonry #StructuralMasonry #CMU #SketchUp

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https://zurl.co/Yca0m -- Strategic acquisition brings famed Morpholio Trace, Board, and Journal into the Vectorworks ecosystem. #vectorworks #morpholio #sketching #design #architecture #ai #visualization #moodboards #aecindustrynews #aecnews

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Recovering architects take a caffeinated journey to the metaverse and beyond. Join Paul Doherty, IFMA Fellow, DFC Senior Fellow, and me at Café Zai. He doesn’t just talk about the future, he’s built it. From early days designing IBM tech showcases to bringing Revit to market, Paul has always asked the hard questions: • What if buildings were computers? • What if our contracts didn’t end at occupancy? • What if design practice extended into operations, economics, and ownership? In this short clip, we explore what it means to be a recovering architect and why the next generation of practice isn’t about more drawings, it’s about conversations, systems, and staying in the game after construction is done. Watch the clip, then dive into the full session here: https://lnkd.in/g5ZtSxHn This conversation is cross-disciplinary, and unafraid to ask: Why are smart buildings still so dumb? Content authenticity note(part of the ZAi process): Café ZAi is now tagging all content to show whether it features real humans, AI-generated humans, AI-assisted media, or no AI at all. This episode: #RealHuman — recorded live with actual people, no AI-generated voices, faces, or footage. #RealHuman #CaféZai #PainInTheGlass #Architecture #DigitalTwins #SmartCities #SmartBuildings #Blockchain #AI #BuiltEnvironment #FutureOfPractice #Revit #FacilitiesManagement #AutomatedBuildings #AIA

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Brooks Scarpa partner Jeff Huber, FAIA, and some of his colleagues met with more than 20 legislators from both sides of the aisle in Tallahassee, FL this week. Discussions centered on the critical regulatory role of the Board of Architecture and Interior Design and the importance of preserving continuing education requirements for architects.

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GoDesigns El Paso is known for building precisely according to their 3D design work. Their process is intentionally detailed and client-focused to ensure that what is presented during the design phase is exactly what gets built on-site. Here’s how they typically approach it: ✅ 3D Design as the Blueprint Their 3D designs aren't just for show—they serve as the actual visual blueprint for the entire project. Clients are involved in reviewing and approving all design elements, including layout, materials, finishes, and features (like lighting, landscaping, and elevation changes). 🛠️ Field Execution Matches the Design Once the design is approved, their build team uses that exact model to guide construction. This includes everything from pool shape and tile placement to plant layout, lighting, elevation changes, and custom details like fire features, water elements, and outdoor living spaces. 📐 Precision & Accountability Because GoDesigns also handles terrain mapping, drainage, elevation grading, and other civil site planning, the 3D design isn’t just conceptual—it’s accurate to site conditions. They're known for not cutting corners, ensuring their projects meet both aesthetic goals and structural integrity standards. 💬 Summary If GoDesigns shows you a specific layout, feature, or aesthetic in 3D, you can expect that’s exactly what will be built—unless you make changes along the way. Their reputation is built on delivering what they show, how they show it! #elpaso #texas #landscapedesign #landscapecontractor #phta #backyard #backyarddesign #newmexico #lascruces #masterpoolsguild #landscape #design #designer #designlife #designbuild #odessatx #landscapelighting #outdoorliving #Outdoordesign #customdesign #eptx #poolbuilder #awardwinning #renovation Lori Ocampo Jorge Limon

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Can a "BASE MODEL POLICY" help return value to the tax payers with an iterative collection of public facilities to be shared among agencies, vendors or suppliers for streamlines RFPs, expedited PERMITS, reduced RFIs and reduced rework to improve design strategy and community feedback? Eliminating BUSY WORK of 3D existing conditions using LiDAR, BIM-VDC workflows = more time to analyze & implment improved 4D (schedule) 5D (costs). Does your municipality have a (BMP) "BASE MODEL POLICY" that requires a base model of each facility to be added to a PUBLIC register?

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An internal competition inspires designers to explore AI tools in their everyday workflow. What did we learn? Find out here: https://ow.ly/u20C50Z1TXG

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A new Archispeak podcast episode is out → #383 - Why We Still Love This Profession In this episode of Archispeak, we catch up after Evan’s trip to New York City and the AECtech conference, where he moderated a panel with design technology leaders who’ve climbed all the way into firm leadership. We also talk about the c... 🎧 https://lnkd.in/gpj3RvJF

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If you are in Appleton this week for the AIA Wisconsin Conference and curious about how AI is influencing how architects design, would love for you to attend my session on Architectural Visualization with Artificial Intelligence.

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Reposting the latest big update from Artificial Dimension. From configurator slop to real MCPs in rhino making decision. I’m finding real beauty in abstracting buildings into computational systems: site agents, slab agents, structure agents, and facade agents coordinating inside Rhino. At some point it starts to feel less like making a single model and more like building an architectural operating system. I think back to using Grasshopper in school to model every project. Now we’re building agents in Rhino to reshape Manhattan. What a thrill.

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For Eric Gatti it’s not just about making something look good - it’s about solving the right problem for the client and getting the right team in the room to make it happen. Definitely worth watching the latest episode of The Anti-Architect Podcast if you’re curious how thoughtful design actually gets built! "When we look for design teams, we look for people that are going to be part of a team that can bring expertise and value to defining the operation for the finished product much faster." - Eric Gatti, President and Managing Partner of G William Group LLC 🎧 Tune in: https://lnkd.in/grs85yAV #theantiarchitect #antiarchitect #podcast #newepisode #mancini #gwilliamgroup #architecture #design

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Lincoln Beach Redevelopment. Rendering by Sasaki @sasakidesign from the masterplanning phase of the project. MKS is continuing to support Lincoln Beach’s return to the public as the historic preservation consultant to Digital Engineering & Imaging in the current construction phase. Something we are tracking from the prior phase is the production of the state historic marker sign, and our general role for the current phase is reviewing design work for historic preservation best practices so permitting goes smoothly when it’s time for a cultural resources impact review. Having a preservation professional looped in during design phases is a smart efficiency move, because it prevents cases where developers fund a full design package only to be sent back to the drawing board when the regulatory agencies check for compliance. Lincoln Beach is historically significant under Criteria A for its role in the development of social history in the area of Ethnic/Black Heritage as a once-segregated Black amusement park. So it’s less about who designed the buildings, and more about the cultural role of the site as a whole. There was no other place like Lincoln Beach in New Orleans during the time it operated from 1941-1965. According to federal guidelines for the treatment of certified historic sites, the general rule in redevelopment is to repair what can be repaired, and if alterations are proposed they should be done in a way to promote life safety while remaining sympathetic to the historic resources. This includes using similar or in-kind materials, or using new materials that clearly delineate the difference between old and new. This boardwalk design was my favorite part of the new interventions proposed in the prior design phase. It’s a boardwalk structure built on top of the compromised pool deck structure below. Much like in Europe when viewing ancient ruins via platforms above, it allows the visitor a safe way to experience what is real. As always, I recommend following New Orleans for Lincoln Beach for the latest community updates. Find them on instagram at @neworleans_for_lincolnbeach

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