Leadership Edge Bonus Edition - Confluence Podcast S2E7
Harnessing AI for engineering knowledge transfer, integrating computational design for seamless collaboration, and driving innovation through R&D and hackathons to future-proof structural workflows in the AEC industry.
The Evolution of Computational Design and AI in Structural Engineering
Episode Summary
In this episode of the Confluence Podcast, Randall Stevens and I sat down with Rob Otani, CTO of Thornton Tomasetti, to explore the evolution of computational design, AI, and the role of innovation in structural engineering.
Rob shared his journey from a traditional structural engineer to a technology leader and discussed how computational tools, AI, and R&D initiatives are reshaping the industry. The conversation got into key topics such as the importance of hackathons, the power of AI-driven knowledge capture, and the challenges of scaling computational design.
Key Takeaways
Computational Design as a Game Changer – The adoption of tools like Grasshopper and generative design has revolutionized structural engineering, allowing for faster iteration and improved collaboration with architects.
The Value of R&D in AEC – Thornton Tomasetti formalized its R&D efforts through its CORE Studio, fostering innovation that extends beyond internal projects to impact the broader AEC industry.
AI and Machine Learning for Engineering Knowledge – AI’s potential in structural engineering extends beyond automation; it can capture and transfer institutional knowledge, as seen in the firm’s innovative work preserving expertise through machine learning models.
Industry-Wide Collaboration on Software Development – Creating digital tools that benefit both architects and engineers—rather than only for themselves—can drive efficiency and improve project outcomes.
The Role of Hackathons in Innovation – Events like their AEC Hackathon and internal R&D efforts at Thornton Tomasetti have been instrumental in fostering a culture of experimentation and rapid problem-solving.
Episode Analysis
From Traditional Engineering to CTO
Rob Otani’s journey into computational design began with a realization in the early 2000s: traditional engineering workflows were becoming obsolete. The emergence of generative design and parametric modeling opened new doors for engineers to work seamlessly with architects. He describes the early days of adopting Grasshopper and how it changed the way Thornton Tomasetti approached problem-solving.
Initially, computational design was seen as a niche skillset, but the firm recognized its potential and formed an Advanced Computational Modeling group, which later evolved into the CORE Studio. The transition was not just about new tools—it was about changing how engineers approach and solve problems.
AI as the Ultimate Knowledge Transfer Tool
One of the most compelling discussions in the episode revolves around the use of AI to preserve and transfer engineering knowledge. Rob shares the story of Mike DeLashmit, a legendary structural engineer at Thornton Tomasetti who meticulously documented his expertise through emails filled with detailed explanations and references.
Before his unexpected passing, the firm began using machine learning to train a model on his knowledge, allowing engineers to query past insights in real-time. This initiative highlights AI’s potential in capturing and institutionalizing engineering wisdom, ensuring that expertise is not lost when key individuals leave or retire—which is happening throughout the industry at an alarming rate.
The Challenge of Scaling Computational Design
Despite the success of computational workflows, Rob acknowledges that scalability remains a challenge. Computational design often plays a crucial role in only 2-5% of a project’s lifecycle, but its impact is disproportionally large. One of the ongoing challenges is making computational tools accessible to a broader range of engineers who may not have programming backgrounds.
The firm’s CORE Studio continues to explore ways to integrate these tools seamlessly into everyday workflows, so they become part of the standard engineering process rather than an add-on. This strategy also helps with adoption which is a well-known challenge experienced by technology teams across the industry.
Collaboration Beyond Silos: Industry-Wide Software Development
A key insight from the conversation is the need for cross-disciplinary digital tools. Rob emphasizes that the AEC industry must move beyond individual firm-focused solutions and instead develop collaborative platforms that benefit architects, engineers, and contractors alike. He references tools like Asterisk, a web application available outside TT that was developed to quickly compare different structural materials and their implications—an example of how digital tools can streamline early-stage design decisions across disciplines.
The Role of Hackathons in Driving Innovation
Rob credits AEC Hackathons and internal hackathons at Thornton Tomasetti for accelerating innovation. These events provide a unique space for designers, engineers, and developers to rapidly prototype solutions. One of the most intriguing aspects is the spontaneous team formation that happens organically—participants pitch ideas, form teams, and develop working prototypes in less than 24 hours.
These hackathons have played a pivotal role in identifying new R&D initiatives and reinforcing the company’s culture of continuous improvement.
Conclusion
This episode underscores the critical role of computational design and AI in transforming structural engineering and beyond. Rob’s insights reveal how Thornton Tomasetti has positioned itself at the forefront of technological innovation, leveraging R&D, hackathons, and AI-driven knowledge systems to help future-proof engineering workflows.
For leaders in AEC, the key takeaway is clear: although it takes considerable effort to fire on multiple cylinders like TT and CORE Studio has, innovation should be embedded in company culture, not treated as an afterthought. The ability to capture institutional knowledge, develop digital tools that foster collaboration, and continuously push the boundaries of computational design will define the next generation of architecture and engineering firms.
The discussion also serves as a reminder that by embracing these technologies, firms can streamline workflows, reduce redundant tasks, and ensure knowledge continuity for decades to come.
To hear more about how computational design and AI are shaping the future of structural engineering, I encourage you to listen to the full episode. Rob is a fantastic thinker and communicator.
