Business
How far have the architecture and construction technology fields come in the past decade, and where will these industries be in another decade? As we close out a decade, Skender Chief Design Officer Tim Swanson and Chief Technology Officer Stacy Scopano sit down to discuss the past, present, and future of construction, design, and the technology that supports those industries. Tim and Stacy delve into how technology has democratized the design industry, and predict what lies on the horizon in terms of “wild, audacious collaboration.” About Tim SwansonChief Design OfficerTim leads Skender’s team of architects and designers—bringing his passion for integrating the design and construction process to the firm’s clients. In his former position of Chicago office director at CannonDesign, he was the youngest office leader in the history of the century-old firm. Throughout his decade there, Tim oversaw a team of more than 200 architecture, engineering, and planning experts. He also led its City Design practice, a national group focused on helping cities around the world grow and prosper. Having lived in Abu Dhabi, rural India and major American cities like New York and Chicago, Tim brings a unique, global perspective to his design work. He is an advocate for smart growth and sustainable development, working with leaders at the intersection of urban planning, public health, and education. Tim earned a Master of Architecture with a specialization in urban development and infill from the University of Illinois at Chicago, and undergraduate degrees in fine arts and economics from Colgate University.About Stacy ScopanoChief Technology OfficerStacy ensures that Skender is continually evolving its technological capabilities and integrating industry-leading innovations across the company. His experience includes a broad spectrum of technologies used by real estate, architecture, engineering and construction industries. Most recently, Stacy was vice president of innovation at Skanska USA, a subsidiary of the multinational construction and development firm. Previously, he was the senior strategist for building construction at Autodesk, Inc., where he partnered with the global construction community to identify, develop and deliver innovative digital workflows. Stacy has served as a past chairman of technology for the AGC BIMForum. Currently he is a member of the Social and Economic Policy Advisory Board for the RAND Corporation, an international research organization that develops policy solutions to make communities safer, healthier and more prosperous. He holds a degree in economics from the Georgia Institute of Technology.