The rapid evolution of AI technologies, especially Generative Pre-trained Transformers (GPTs), has revolutionized various industries, offering unprecedented opportunities for innovation and creativity. This presentation delves into the transformative potential of custom GPT models in design. It aims to demonstrate how designers, architects, and business leaders can leverage these advanced AI tools to enhance creativity, optimize workflow, and foster groundbreaking ideas in all facets of design. The session will provide a comprehensive overview of GPT technology, emphasizing its adaptability and capacity for generating creative design concepts, textual descriptions, and functional specifications. Key focus areas will include GPTs in automating routine tasks, freeing designers to focus on more creative and complex challenges, and integrating AI in conceptualizing innovative design solutions that are smart, efficient, and impactful. Attendees will gain insights into the practical applications of custom GPT models in generating unique design attributes, elements, approaches, economics, and patterns and in predicting and analyzing design trends. Interactive demonstrations will showcase real-world examples where GPTs have been successfully implemented in the design process, offering a glimpse into the future of design. By the end of this session, participants will be equipped with a deeper understanding of how custom GPTs can be a game-changer in design, empowering them to stay at the forefront of innovation in this dynamic industry. Check out our NeoCon microsite here.

The commercial building landscape is in crisis mode, with 1 billion square feet currently sitting empty. But our buildings were already experiencing an existential quandary even before the pandemic-induced vacancy uptick, with end users unmotivated to engage with spaces that don't serve our needs. Aging infrastructure, stressful commutes, inflexible interiors, and one-size-fits-all spaces designed for the majority are hardly wellness-inducing--nor welcoming to minority communities, from neurodivergent individuals to those affected by physical disabilities. Moving forward, we have an unprecedented opportunity to shape the future of our communities by repositioning buildings in a manner that will drive sustainable, revolutionary change and growth. The future is in our hands, but our collective attempts to steer it in a new direction have fallen short, shaped by a reactionary approach overly reliant on quick fixes, single data points, and return-to-office mandates. Truly innovative and effective designs require a more nuanced and strategic take. IA will share a holistic framework for generating design concepts rooted in futurism and based on observation, science, and data. Audience members will learn how to leverage an all-encompassing competitive analysis tool to organize and make sense of the manifold facets impacting real estate, looking at the past and present through political, economic, social, technological, environmental, and legal lenses. They will discern how to filter this data through the various wellness dimensions and client values to find an intersection of wants and needs, allowing the creation of revolutionary, future-minded spatial solutions that connect all the dots.

*In-person sessions will be recorded and available on-demand starting Monday, June 17.

In a world where the environmental impact of our choices has never been more pronounced, it's time for enterprises to rethink their approach to interior design. The prevailing paradigm of "style" for interiors has by definition favored ephemeral trends, but in the face of climate change and dwindling resources, the need for a more sustainable and heritage-based approach is becoming increasingly evident. This paradigm shift prioritizes sustainable materials, embracing timeless designs, and ultimately ensuring the longevity of our planet. This presentation will focus on our need to rethink "style" in interiors from a business perspective. It is not merely a matter of aesthetics - it's a call to action for a more sustainable and responsible approach. By embracing sustainable materials and design principles, businesses and institutions can make a positive impact on the environment while creating interiors that stand the test of time. This approach aligns with the principles of environmental conservation and caters to the evolving preferences of a more eco-conscious consumer base. Our exploration of this topic will demonstrate that sustainable interior design is not just a trend - it's a legacy that will leave a lasting impression on both our interiors and the planet.

*In-person sessions will be recorded and available on-demand starting Monday, June 17.

The presentation explores the story behind the software company Intuit's newly completed ground-up office building. The project serves as an expansion of their Mountain View Headquarters, and a progressive expression of the future of workplace design. Led by Steven McCollom, Global Design Lead with Intuit and Caroline Morris, Associate Principal with Clive Wilkinson Architects, this presentation unveils the dynamic process of being confronted with the COVID-19 pandemic mid-construction and rapidly embracing a new workplace strategy and design to address the emerging needs of a hybrid workforce.

Discover how the design team reimagined the use of the office during the pandemic - learn the questions asked, key considerations, challenges and design outcomes. We'll delve into how the design meets not just today's needs but tomorrows as well, all the while fostering collaboration, creating a sense of belonging and a physical representation of the culture and values of Intuit. We will explore the strategic choices emphasizing mental and physical well-being, showcasing Intuit's dedication to an inclusive workspace for all, and what that means post-pandemic.

Join us for a candid exploration of the considerations that led to reimagining the office for new ways of working. We'll highlight practical aspects of the new workplace strategy - including new space types explored, flexible design principles, and insights into future-ready workplaces. Our goal is to contribute fresh perspectives into the evolving landscape of workplace design, grounded in real-time challenges and solutions.

*In-person sessions will be recorded and available on-demand starting Monday, June 17.

Trends Impacting 2025 and Beyond delves deep into the trends poised to reshape the built environment landscape with business and design-level insights. Leveraging the Future Today Institute's proprietary strategic foresight methodology, this session is not just a peek into the future--it's a strategic roadmap. Our exploration will cover cutting-edge trends influencing the industry, from metamaterials to AI-driven design tools, and how these advancements are set to revolutionize how we think about the places and spaces we design and build. Gain valuable insights into where the savvy investments lie, understand potential risks, and confidently navigate the rapidly evolving technological landscape. We don't stop at knowing about tomorrow, either. The presentation offers realistic, data-driven scenarios for the next 5 to 15 years and beyond, highlighting crucial implications for industry practices and strategies. As global experts in strategic foresight, we provide a unique perspective that will empower you to stay ahead in a world where change is the only constant.

*In-person sessions will be recorded and available on-demand starting Monday, June 17.

It is undeniable that our world is made up of people with different sizes, shapes, levels of mobility, sensory needs, variations in cognitive processing and communication styles as well as cultural backgrounds and practices. Yet, as an industry, we have only recently begun to ramp up our efforts to design for these underserved populations more meaningfully within our public and workspaces through Inclusive Design efforts. Inclusive Design focuses on "one size fits one" through flexibility and choice to create environments that are healthier, safer, easier, more convenient, and more comfortable for everyone. To this end, it is important to investigate whether the choices and degree of flexibility provided are good choices and for whom. This program will take a deeper dive into Inclusive Design strategies for neurodivergent people, with a focus on sensory design. Knowing that an estimated 15-20% of the global population exhibits some form of neurodivergence and knowing that the prevalence of neurodiversity is only expected to rise, it's increasingly critical to understand how all spaces could be more inclusive of those who are neurodivergent. Research tells us that for many who are neurodivergent, spatial stimuli can contribute to either stress and anxiety or support focus and productivity. We'll explore differences in the ways we process information in our environments and the implications for built space. As an industry, we've only just started to uncover the impact of our design decisions on the experiences of those who are neurodivergent. We'll highlight current gaps in interior design, review sensory-based design strategies for addressing those gaps, and discuss where we believe the future of designing for neurodiversity is headed. Attendees will walk away from the program with a better understanding of Inclusive Design strategies, through the lens of sensory design, to create more effective spaces for ALL.

*In-person sessions will be recorded and available on-demand starting Monday, June 17.

This session will explain how ergonomic considerations integrate into a human-centered design process. By integrating the science of fitting furniture to the worker, designers and their clients can promote healthy workstyles that enhance safety, wellness, and satisfaction in any work environment.

*In-person sessions will be recorded and available on-demand starting Monday, June 17.

The presentation explores the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into design processes, and its impact on creativity and efficiency. It showcases specific AI-Assisted Design tools like Stable Diffusion, Midjourney, Hypar and Upcodes, which streamline tasks and open new creative avenues. Additionally, it discusses the relationship between AI-Assisted Design and user experiences across different generations, addressing challenges and opportunities while advocating for a balanced integra approach. The audience is encouraged to delve deeper into AI's potential in design through exploratory questions.

*In-person sessions will be recorded and available on-demand starting Monday, June 17.

What have neuroscientists learned about humans that's useful to designers, people solving wicked problems? Plenty, when study findings are discussed in everyday language and practical terms, not as isolated, cryptic soundbites. This session provides insights to inform tough design decisions, not to dictate how they are resolved. Topics reviewed range from the design-related ramifications of sensory experiences (such as colors seen and textures felt) to the consequences of individual factors (for example, personality and neurodiversity) and social ones (like the language users speak) for designed outcomes, and, perhaps most importantly, how design elements can be tackled in a coordinated way in the real world.

*In-person sessions will be recorded and available on-demand starting Monday, June 17.

Are we addicted to our workstations? The modern workplace has thrusted us into multitasking ad nauseum - to be and do everything, everywhere, all at once - and it is taking a toll on our health. HKS and the Center for Brain Health at UT Dallas partnered to study the relationship between brain healthy behaviors and the design of workplace environments. The study included the Center's Brain Healthy Workplace program, which provided on-demand training on brain health strategies intended to facilitate peak performance. Our research found that not only is multitasking bad for us, but our workstations are multitasking alongside us. We found that 43% of employees frequently multitasked and 60% were dissatisfied with their control over their work environment. Employees that embrace flexibility say there are different types of work they do best at home versus in the office - what is preventing us from applying this strategy to the office itself? Our dependence on the workstation prevents us from asking WHAT we need to do before deciding WHERE best to do it. Although the standard workstation offers some level of flexibility in performing tasks, it does not cater to the specific needs for individuals to reach peak performance. Is it time to break the habit and rethink workplace design for better brain health? Can brain healthy design help us break the habit? Join us as we unpack how brain healthy workplaces can unlock new potential in commercial real estate.