[157] The Skills Required for a Technology Driven Future

What skills do architects need to succeed in a technology-driven future?

On this episode of Practice Disrupted, we’ve invited Andy Robert and Mercedes Carriquiry back on the show to talk about the skills architects need to succeed in a technology-driven future. Andy and Mercedes are the co-founders of slantis, where they partner with architecture firms to provide services such as architecture & production coordination, high-end visualization, workflow automation, and architecture for the metaverse to support teams and empower them to incorporate smart tech into their projects. 

First, Andy and Mercedes discuss slantis’ mission and why they felt the need to create this company as licensed architects to transform the industry. They touch on how they’ve shifted their offerings in the era of AI to align with the significant changes they see within the industry. 

Then, we explore the importance of a collaborative culture within architecture firms to foster innovation, highlighting the importance of a strong culture and employees willing to tackle tech-driven challenges. They explain how the offerings at slantis help to solve these issues within firms, keeping them up to date with technological advances, communicating effectively, and enhancing team and client collaboration and interactions.

We’ve experienced firsthand how technology can really improve the quality of life of architects, impact the buildings we are designing, and the people that are using and operating those buildings. So if we can figure out how technology can speed it up and make architects happier, then I think we kind of checked the box. Technology is a huge game changer and biggest enabler. We want to accomplish a better quality of life for our profession which can translate into designing better buildings in the end – Andy Robert

To wrap up the conversation, Andy and Mercedes share their vision for the future of slantis, advice on connecting with people from various industries to stay ahead of the technology, and tips for young leaders who have the desire for change within their firms.

Tune in next week for an episode about the expanding roles of architects within the built environment.

Guests:

Andy Robert

Andy Robert is a professional architect from ORT University in Uruguay. She lived in Germany and pursued graduate studies in Dessau, where the former Bauhaus was located. Today she is CEO of /slantis, co-founded in 2016 with her lifelong friend Mercedes Carriquiry, and willing to disrupt the way architecture Very energetic, curious, and entrepreneurial, she is actively involved in events that advocate for women as leaders.She’s Beltrán and Jaime’s mum, a vegan and a life-long learner.

Mercedes Carriquiry

Mercedes Carriquiry is a licensed architect and entrepreneur specializing in innovation and technology. She received her degree from the Faculty of Architecture UDELAR in Uruguay and also studied at the ENSAG in Grenoble, France. Additionally, she graduated in digital fabrication from MIT Fabacademy. After working at Jean Nouvel’s studio in Paris and leading multiple developments in Montevideo, she co-founded /slantis in 2016 with her lifelong friend Andy, where leads innovation, operations and strategy. When she’s not working, she enjoys art, skating, and spending time with her family.

📍 Show Links:  

Connect with Andy on Linkedin

Connect with Mercedes on Linkedin

Check out slantis

📚Continue Learning:

The Fall of the Human Intellect by A. Parthasarathy 

The Psychology of Money by Morgan Housel

Jack: Straight from the Gut by Jack Welch 

📚Past Related Episodes: 

PD #92: /slantis, Enabling Technology in Practice