Are Architects Ready for AI? How Tech is Disrupting Design" – Ep 75 with Garrett Herbst

In this episode of Better Buildings for Humans, host Joe Menchefski sits down with Garrett Herbst, an architect and computational design expert at Little Diversified Architectural Consulting, to tackle a pressing question: Is AI disrupting architecture—or saving it?Garrett shares his journey from designing football stadiums in his high school dream house to pioneering advanced computational techniques that are reshaping architecture. He dives deep into AI-driven design, parametric modeling, and digital fabrication, exploring how these tools are transforming efficiency, sustainability, and even aesthetics in modern buildings.The conversation also covers regenerative design, microalgae facades, and mass timber construction, pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in sustainable architecture. Whether you're an architect, engineer, or simply fascinated by the future of buildings, this episode is packed with insights.Tune in to discover how AI and computation are redefining the built environment!More About Garrett HerbstGarrett Herbst is an architect, project manager, and leader in computational design and sustainable innovation at Little Diversified Architectural Consulting. As a founder of Little’s Emerging Tech CoLab, he has driven the integration of AI, parametric scripting, and data analysis into architectural practice, enhancing efficiency and expanding design possibilities. Working with UNC Charlotte’s Integrated Design Research Lab and Dr. Kyoung-Hee Kim’s EcoClosure he helped develop next-generation microalgae façade systems—recognized with an Architect Magazine R+D Award and supported by multiple National Science Foundation grants. Named one of Charlotte Business Journal’s Top 100 Innovators of 2024, Garrett has played a key role in major mass timber and commercial projects, including the Truist Center Plaza, Ally Charlotte Center, and BMW’s Technical Training Facility. In addition to his professional practice, he served as an adjunct professor at UNC Charlotte, where he taught computational design and emerging technologies within the profession, mentoring the next generation of architects.CONTACT:https://www.linkedin.com/in/garrettmichaelherbst/https://www.littleonline.com/leadership/garrett-herbst/ Where To Find Us:https://bbfhpod.advancedglazings.com/                                                   www.advancedglazings.comhttps://www.linkedin.com/company/better-buildings-for-humans-podcastwww.linkedin.com/in/advanced-glazings-ltd-848b4625                https://twitter.com/bbfhpod                                                              https://twitter.com/Solera_Daylight                                            https://www.instagram.com/bbfhpod/                       https://www.instagram.com/advancedglazingsltdhttps://www.facebook.com/AdvancedGlazingsltd