CDFAM Computational Design Symposium

Deterministic engineering analysis assigns fixed values to loading conditions, geometry, and material properties. The approach is tractable, but it forces a choice between conservative overdesign and exposure to failure modes that fall outside assumed limits. Neither outcome is satisfying.Greg Grigoriadis of Metisec describes a design toolkit that replaces fixed inputs with statistical distributions and runs Monte Carlo simulations across the resulting parameter space. The output is a probabilistic picture of performance: failure probabilities, sensitivity rankings, and the specific conditions that actually drive risk.A sensor mounting bracket for a smart wearable serves as the test case. Traditional optimization cut bracket weight by 30%. Probabilistic analysis revealed the design had been tuned to an improbable drop event and still carried unresolved thermal failure risk. Incorporating that information allowed the team to re-optimize and achieve a 50% weight reduction at a demonstrably low failure probability.Greg is an engineering consultant specializing in consumer electronics, digital twin technologies, and advanced simulation workflows. His practice combines physics-based modeling with data-driven methods across finite element analysis, predictive maintenance, and automated computation pipelines.Presented at CDFAM Barcelona 2026. Learn more at cdfam.com. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.designforam.com

Body-in-White development sits at the intersection of structural performance, manufacturability, and schedule pressure — and traditional workflows are increasingly strained by the pace of platform proliferation and regulatory demands. This episode examines how SEAT/CUPRA is modernizing BIW development through Synera’s Multi-Agent System (MAS), connecting CAD, CAE, and manufacturing processes within a unified automation framework to accelerate iteration and improve engineering traceability.Tilman Steininger, Customer Success Manager for Agentic Engineering at Synera, and Juan De Dios Escribano Felguera, Team Lead for Body-in-White and Corrosion Development at SEAT/CUPRA, present their collaborative work digitizing structural development workflows across the full BIW development cycle. Recorded at CDFAM Barcelona 2026.About CDFAMThe CDFAM Computational Design Symposium is a global conference series bringing together researchers, engineers, and software developers working at the intersection of computational design, AI and machine learning for engineering and architecture. The program spans computational geometry, generative design, topology optimization, simulation-driven workflows, and advanced manufacturing across scales from architected materials to architectural systems. CDFAM events are held worldwide.cdfam.com This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.designforam.com

Most 3D generative AI has been built to produce things that look right. Hao (Richard) Zhang argues that for the built environment, that is the wrong objective. Buildings must function — and that means AI systems need to reason about spatial relationships, load paths, equipment routing, and regulatory constraints, not just geometry.In this episode recorded at CDFAM Barcelona 2026, Richard introduces Functional AI as a framework for 3D design automation and walks through Augmenta’s work applying it to real building projects. The technical scope covers agentic AI for MEP path finding, generative modeling of complex structural and mechanical layouts, and progress toward a foundation model for building data. He also discusses what makes non-residential construction — commercial, medical, institutional, and mission critical — a particularly hard problem for AI systems to crack.The conversation closes on a concrete milestone: two elementary schools in Michigan where the electrical system was fully modeled and delivered using AI-powered generative design, a first for the industry.Hao (Richard) Zhang is VP of AI and R&D at Augmenta and a Professor in the School of Computing Science at Simon Fraser University. He is a Fellow of the IEEE, a member of the ACM SIGGRAPH Academy, and served as Technical Papers Chair for SIGGRAPH 2025.Recorded at CDFAM Barcelona 2026 — https://cdfam.com/barcelona-2026/ This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.designforam.com

Mike Frei, of ARENA Physica, joins CDFAM Barcelona 2026 to discuss the company’s AI foundation model for electromagnetism and what it means for the future of electronic hardware design.Mike brings an unusual combination of deep physics intuition - PhD from Columbia studying geometry and electron behavior at the molecular scale - and operational experience from McKinsey and C-suite roles at Swiss aerospace and defense company RUAG. That background informs Arena’s approach to reimagining electromagnetic simulation across semiconductors, aerospace, and automotive sectors.The conversation covers how Arena is building what they call Artificial Intuition for EM design, the limitations of current simulation approaches, and why a foundation model purpose-built for electromagnetism represents a fundamentally different path forward.Watch the full presentation: Full archive at cdfam.com/barcelona-2026/ This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.designforam.com

Pablo Hermoso Moreno, Senior Solutions Architect at NVIDIA, joins CDFAM Barcelona 2026 to discuss how AI is reshaping Computer-Aided Engineering workflows.Pablo draws on his background in aerospace engineering, aerodynamics at Mercedes F1, and cloud-scale AI at AWS to frame where CAE bottlenecks actually live - and what NVIDIA is doing about them. The conversation covers AI physics and surrogate models for real-time simulation feedback, the role of digital twins, and how agentic AI built on the NVIDIA NeMo stack is automating end-to-end engineering workflows.He also walks through the AI-Q Blueprint, a production-ready enterprise research agent, and explains how the NeMo Agent Toolkit manages LLM call prioritization to reduce latency without additional hardware investment.Full presentation and archive at cdfam.com/barcelona-2026/ This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.designforam.com

Recorded at CDFAM Computational Design Symposium, NYC, October 29-30, 2025https://cdfam.com/nyc-2025/Organization:MITPresenter:Alfonso Parra RubioCrease, Fold, Transform. Presentation AbstractFolding is a fundamental process found throughout nature on multiple scales. Rather than altering the material itself, folding transforms its shape, offering a powerful means of engineering without compromising integrity.This presentation explores, from an engineering and design perspective, the unique potential of folding and discrete assembly as a design and manufacturing tool across multiple scales in engineering.From millimeter-scale bulk cellular materials to meter-scale structural corrugations and actuated robotic systems, and ultimately to architectural shell structures spanning tens of meters, folding enables the creation of high-performance, architected materials.Speaker BioAlfonso Parra Rubio is a PhD candidate at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, working at the Center for Bits and Atoms led by Neil Gershenfeld. His research explores how folding and discrete assembly can be combined to design and manufacture architected materials across multiple scales: from bulk cellular materials (millimeters to centimeters), to structural corrugations and actuated systems (centimeters to meters), and up to architectural-scale shell structures (meters to decameters). His work fundamentally explores how materials and structures are designed, engineered, manufactured, and assembled. In addition to his academic research, he founded RnKolektive, a collaborative platform for sculptural exploration. This parallel practice focuses on mixed-media works that merge folding techniques with blown glass, creating pieces that use the same research contributions but with an expressive intention. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.designforam.com

Recorded at CDFAM Computational Design Symposium, NYC, October 29-30, 2025https://cdfam.com/nyc-2025/OrganizationPrinceton UniversityPresenter:Tuo ZhaoSuper-Modular Chiral Origami MetamaterialsPresentation AbstractMetamaterials with multimodal deformation mechanisms resemble machines, especially when endowed with autonomous functionality. A representative architected assembly, with tunable chirality, converts linear motion into rotation (1). These chiral metamaterials with a machine-like dual modality have potential use in areas such as wave manipulation, optical activity related to circular polarization and chiral active fluids. However, the dual motions are essentially coupled and cannot be independently controlled. Moreover, they are restricted to small deformation, that is, strain ≤2%, which limits their applications. Here we establish modular chiral metamaterials (2), consisting of auxetic planar tessellations and origami-inspired columnar arrays, with decoupled actuation. Under single-degree-of-freedom actuation, the assembly twists between 0° and 90°, contracts in-plane up to 25% and shrinks out-of-plane more than 50%. Using experiments and simulations, we show that the deformation of the assembly involves in-plane twist and contraction dominated by the rotating-square tessellations and out-of-plane shrinkage dominated by the tubular Kresling origami arrays. Moreover, we demonstrate two distinct actuation conditions: twist with free translation and linear displacement with free rotation. Our metamaterial is built on a highly modular assembly, which enables reprogrammable instability, local chirality control, tunable loading capacity and scalability. Our concept provides routes towards multimodal, multistable and reprogrammable machines, with applications in robotic transformers, thermoregulation, mechanical memories in hysteresis loops, non-commutative state transition and plug-and-play functional assemblies for energy absorption and information encryption.References:(1) Frenzel, T., Kadic, M. & Wegener, M. Three-dimensional mechanical metamaterials with a twist. Science 358, 1072–1074 (2017).(2) Zhao, Tuo (presenter), Dang, X., Manos, K., Zang, S., Mandal, J., Chen, M., & Paulino, G. H. Modular chiral origami metamaterials. Nature, 640(8060), 931-940 (2025).Speaker BioTuo Zhao is a postdoctoral research associate at Princeton University. His expertise is in computational mechanics, nonlinear topology optimization, soft robotics, and mechanical metamaterials. Tuo is currently addressing the scalability challenge for developing useful metamaterials. By integrating an untethered actuation scheme (e.g., three-dimensional magnetic fields and micro-magnetic responsive materials), he designs micro-robotic machines with tunable properties on demand. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.designforam.com

Recorded at CDFAM Computational Design Symposium, NYC, October 29-30, 2025https://cdfam.com/nyc-2025/Organization: STILFOLDhttps://www.stilfold.com/Presenter:Julia HannuGreener by Every Fold. Strength in Every Curve. Presentation AbstractThis talk introduces STILFOLD’s innovative origami-inspired manufacturing process, where metal sheets are folded into form. The process uses both straight and curved crease folding, expanding the possibilities of how sheets can be transformed into products. This, to make curved crease folding accessible to a wider community of designers and engineers – moving it from a niche research technique into a scalable industrial method. Our aim is to develop a more environmentally friendly way of making things – reducing the number of parts, energy consumption, material use and transportation needs. Achieving this involves multiple layers of complexity: from designing folding patterns of efficient structures to developing dedicated folding systems for production at scale.The presentation will share insights into how STILFOLD is pushing to transform folding into a sustainable and practical approach to manufacturing – and what that could mean for the future of design, engineering, and production.Speaker BioJulia Hannu is a Software Engineer and Computational Design Lead at STILFOLD, where she develops digital tools and algorithms to enable new approaches to sustainable manufacturing and design. Her work centers on transforming complex geometric challenges into practical, efficient, and user-friendly solutions. With a background in architecture and an MSc in Architectural Computation from UCL, she combines experience from practice and academia to bridge technology, design, and sustainability. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.designforam.com

Recorded at CDFAM Computational Design Symposium, NYC, October 29-30, 2025https://cdfam.com/nyc-2025/OrganizationTetmethttps://www.tetmet.net/Presenter:Rachel AzulayConformal Lattice Design Made Easy: A CAD-Integrated ApproachPresentation AbstractTETMET has developed an innovative process to produce large-scale lattice structures in an automated way, enabling applications across multiple industries.However, existing lattice design software has significant limitations, particularly when it comes to creating efficient, manufacturable conformal lattice structures. Most available tools were developed with general 3D printing in mind, offering only basic latticing capabilities that fail to meet the demands of more advanced applications.Our approach takes a different path by integrating lattice design seamlessly into traditional CAD workflows. By combining the flexibility of CAD with the specific requirements of lattice generation, we significantly enhance the design process—allowing engineers to work with familiar tools while unlocking new possibilities for complex, high-performance structures.Speaker BioRachel holds a PhD in Lattice Structure Design and leads the Application Engineering team at TETMET. She specializes in transforming complex customer challenges into innovative, lightweight lattice solutions, bridging cutting-edge research with real-world applications. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.designforam.com

Recorded at CDFAM Computational Design Symposium, NYC, October 29-30, 2025https://cdfam.com/nyc-2025/OrganizationScawo3DPresenter:Philip Schneider + Timo ZollnerComputational Design for Assembly: Automating Design Workflows for 3D Concrete Printed Freeform StaircasesPresentation AbstractBuilding large freeform reinforced concrete staircases has always been a challenge. Traditional methods rely on labor-intensive wooden or EPS formwork, making many designs too expensive. This can be changed with Selective Paste Intrusion, a new 3D concrete printing technique by Scawo3D using a large particle bed, with no constraints related to print overhangs or angles.While fabrication now allows full geometric freedom, the design process became the bottleneck. Our previous AutoCAD-based solution, initially developed for producing G-codes for CNC-milling EPS formwork blocks, was not viable for 3D printing. Manual 3D modeling made scaling production impossible, leaving the printer underused. To solve this, Timo Harboe Zollner developed an automated workflow that cuts design time by up to 95%. This approach balances automation with intuitive user input, transforming 2D geometry into finely detailed 3D models in minutes. It integrates SubDs, meshes, volumetric modeling, and implicit modeling, achieving in moments what once took days.This presentation highlights the adaptation of computational design to a new production method—one with only few geometric constraints yet capable of achieving material properties comparable to standard concrete.Speaker BioPhilip Schneider Computational & Architectural Design Lead at Scawo3D and founder of Skeno. He holds a M.A. from TU Munich with a focus on computational methods in architecture and specialises in 3D concrete printing by Selective Paste Intrusion at an architectural scale. Since 2022, he has led the design and fabrication of the first projects realised by SPI in academia and industry.Timo Harboe Zollner is the founder of Timo Harboe ApS, a Copenhagen-based consultancy specializing in automating processes related to geometry, particularly within additive manufacturing. With a background in structural engineering and computational design, Timo collaborates with clients to develop parametric workflows and digital tools that streamline complex design and fabrication processes. His recent projects include automating the generation of 3D-printed formwork for freeform concrete staircases together with Scawo3DAbout CDFAM:CDFAM is a global symposium series at the forefront of computational design, advanced manufacturing, and performance-driven engineering. With a strong emphasis on innovation, CDFAM highlights how leading companies and researchers are leveraging AI, machine learning, and simulation technologies to drive the next generation of design tools, workflows, and digital fabrication methods.The symposium fosters cross-disciplinary collaboration and knowledge exchange between designers, engineers, and technologists exploring the cutting edge of digital design — from generative workflows.Past presenters and partners include companies such as NVIDIA, NASA, New Balance, BMW, ARUP, Foster +, Partners, BIG, Autodesk, Dassault Systèmes, nTopology, PyhicsX, Neural Concept, Siemens and more, showcasing how computation and AI are transforming everything from aerospace to footwear.Learn more at https://cdfam.com This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.designforam.com

Recorded at CDFAM Computational Design Symposium, NYC, October 29-30, 2025https://cdfam.com/nyc-2025/nTopBradley RothenbergFrom 3 Configurations to 300: Rapid Trades for Advanced Aircraft DesignPresentation AbstractAircraft development timelines have collapsed from 7 years to 18 months, but design tools still assume you have years to iterate. The result: teams freeze architecture in week 2, before they understand the design space, and spend the rest of the program managing the consequences.The core problem is going from requirements-to-design is just too slow. Serial design evaluations, manual CAD updates that fail to parametrize correctly, and expensive simulation cycles create weeks-long iteration loops.nTop solves this through three architectural principles: Parametric models that remain robust under any design change. No geometry failures, no manual repairs; integrated notebooks capturing engineering knowledge in executable form; and GPU-native solvers enabling interactive design-analysis cycles with performance feedback in minutes.What’s the alternative? Exploring 3-4 hand-crafted configurations slowly or quickly committing to a single concept. Neither is likely to win. nTop enables systematic exploration of hundreds of variants in the time that traditional approaches evaluate three.This presentation demonstrates real examples: Group 1-3 UAS configurations generated and flight-tested in weeks, hypersonic vehicle trade studies evaluating hundreds of variants, and rapid weapons platform sizing with integrated CFD.The result: teams explore more, fail fast, and learn faster—improving win rates through comprehensive trade studies and defensible performance predictions.About CDFAM:CDFAM is a global symposium series at the forefront of computational design, advanced manufacturing, and performance-driven engineering. With a strong emphasis on innovation, CDFAM highlights how leading companies and researchers are leveraging AI, machine learning, and simulation technologies to drive the next generation of design tools, workflows, and digital fabrication methods.The symposium fosters cross-disciplinary collaboration and knowledge exchange between designers, engineers, and technologists exploring the cutting edge of digital design — from generative workflows.Past presenters and partners include companies such as NVIDIA, NASA, New Balance, BMW, ARUP, Foster +, Partners, BIG, Autodesk, Dassault Systèmes, nTopology, PyhicsX, Neural Concept, Siemens and more, showcasing how computation and AI are transforming everything from aerospace to footwear.Learn more at https://cdfam.com This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.designforam.com

Recorded at CDFAM Computational Design Symposium, NYC, October 29-30, 2025https://cdfam.com/nyc-2025/Organization:Pasteur LabsPresenter:Alexander LavinThe Unreasonable Effectiveness of Simulation IntelligencePresentation AbstractScientific rigor & engineering reliability have always been important yet contentious topics in the AI field. Recent AI trends crank up model sizes, but at what costs? Transparency and verifiability, amongst others that are core to industrial R&D—not to mention the massive spending. These costs are perhaps felt the most in physics simulation and digital engineering. Enter simulation intelligence (SI). SI is not antithetical to AI, rather it is the pragmatic approach to bringing AI capabilities into industrial R&D. Rather than LLMs atop legacy engineering tools or Foundation Models to opaquely replace physics solvers, we look to the combinatorial possibilities available when SI motifs are brought together—namely differentiable physics programming and surrogate modeling, yielding multiphysics modules. This talk will describe the distinction, that is: static CAE simulations vs dynamic simulators, bespoke surrogate models vs flexible multiphysics modules, massive black-box AI vs efficient programmatic SI. Examples from the SI Platform will elucidate end-to-end digital engineering pipelines, in diverse sectors from nuclear energy and data centers, to aerospace and automotive safety.Speaker BioAlexander Lavin is a leading expert in AI-for-science and probabilistic computing. He’s Founder & CEO of Pasteur Labs (and non-profit “sister” Institute for Simulation Intelligence), reshaping R&D with a new class of AI-native simulators, commercializing in energy security, aerospace, materials & manufacturing sectors (https://simulation.science). For the last dozen years, Lavin has focused on artificial general intelligence (AGI) research with top startups in neuroscience and robotics (Vicarious, Numenta), and sold his prior ML-simulation startup Latent Sciences to undisclosed pharmaco in neurodegeneration R&D. Lavin also serves as AI Advisor for NASA, overseeing physics-ML efforts for the NASA-ESA “Digital Twin Earth” projects. Previously, Lavin was a spacecraft engineer with NASA and Blue Origin, and won several international awards for work in rocket science and space robotics (including Google Lunar XPrize during graduate studies at Carnegie Mellon). Lavin was named Forbes 30 Under 30 in Science, and a Patrick J. McGovern Tech for Humanity ChangemakerAbout CDFAM:CDFAM is a global symposium series at the forefront of computational design, advanced manufacturing, and performance-driven engineering. With a strong emphasis on innovation, CDFAM highlights how leading companies and researchers are leveraging AI, machine learning, and simulation technologies to drive the next generation of design tools, workflows, and digital fabrication methods.The symposium fosters cross-disciplinary collaboration and knowledge exchange between designers, engineers, and technologists exploring the cutting edge of digital design — from generative workflows.Past presenters and partners include companies such as NVIDIA, NASA, New Balance, BMW, ARUP, Foster +, Partners, BIG, Autodesk, Dassault Systèmes, nTopology, PyhicsX, Neural Concept, Siemens and more, showcasing how computation and AI are transforming everything from aerospace to footwear.Learn more at https://cdfam.com. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.designforam.com

Recorded at CDFAM Computational Design Symposium, NYC, October 29-30, 2025https://cdfam.com/nyc-2025/Organization:ARENA-AIPresenter:Pratap RanadeArtificial Intuition: Building an AI Mind for Electromagnetic DesignPresentation AbstractMost advances in computational design focus on mechanical structure — domains we can visualize and have evolved an intuition for. But as modern hardware becomes increasingly software defined, the unseen and unintuitive world of electromagnetism is taking center stage. Conventional solvers can simulate fields, yet they cannot imagine new ones. In this talk, I’ll share how we’re pushing past that frontier by creating artificial intuition — AI systems that learn physical behavior inductively, not deductively. Drawing inspiration from quantum experiments like the Kondo mirage, where discovery outpaced simulation, I’ll show how our team built Atlas: an AI that learns directly from electromagnetic test data to verify, optimize, and eventually postulate new designs. We’ll share results from realworld applications in semiconductors and aerospace, and offer a teaser of what’s to come over the next twelve months.Speaker BioPratap Ranade, CEO and Founder of ARENA-AIJoin us at CDFAM Barcelona April 8-9, 2026, the premier symposium for computational design, AI, and engineering innovation.Don’t miss your chance to connect with global leaders in design and technology.Register by February 1st to secure the early bird rate and be part of the conversation shaping the future of design, architecture, and advanced manufacturing. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.designforam.com

Recorded at CDFAM Computational Design Symposium, NYC, October 29-30, 2025https://cdfam.com/nyc-2025/Organization:University of Southern CaliforniaPresenter:David GerberDigital Twining a Living LabPresentation AbstractThe Living Lab Project is an innovative Viterbi initiative designed to enhance academic research and provide practical learning experiences through real-time monitoring and analysis of the new Ginsburg Hall building. Leveraging sensors embedded in the building’s systems and integrating cutting-edge digital twin technology, this project captures and analyzes data on energy usage, water consumption, building health and occupant well being, and more, offering a comprehensive dataset for faculty and student research. The project treats our newest building, a LEED platinum accredited building, as a scientific instrument to support both near term and longitudinal research across a multitude of disciplines including but not limited to Human Building Interaction, to AI, and sustainability related research fieldsSpeaker BioDr. Gerber holds a joint appointment at USC’s Viterbi School of Engineering and the USC School of Architecture as a Professor of Civil and Environmental Engineering Practice and of Architecture. Dr. Gerber is the program Director for the Civil Engineering Building Science undergraduate program and the program Director for the Masters of Science in Emerging Technologies for Construction Program. Dr. Gerber is an associate director in the Office of Technology Innovation and Entrepreneurship. He teaches in the Viterbi School of Engineering, the School of Architecture and at the Viterbi Startup Garage. Dr. Gerber’s professional experience includes working in architectural, engineering and technology practices in the United States, Europe, India and Asia for Zaha Hadid Architects in London; for Gehry Technologies in Los Angeles; for Moshe Safdie Architects in Massachusetts; The Steinberg Group Architects in California; and for Arup as the Global Research Manager. Dr. Gerber’s research has been industry, fellowship, DoD, and NSF funded and is focussed on the development of innovative systems, tools, methods for design of the built environment. He has developed digital twin technologies and advises, and co advises PhD students from Architecture and Engineering on topics that integrate computer science, robotics, engineering, with architecture. David Gerber received his undergraduate architectural education at the University of California Berkeley (Bachelor of Arts in Architecture, 1996). He completed his first professional degree at the Design Research Laboratory of the Architectural Association in London (Master of Architecture, 2000), his post professional research degree (Master of Design Studies, 2003) and his Doctoral studies (Doctor of Design, June 2007) at the Harvard University Graduate School of Design. Dr. Gerber was the recipient of the Frederick Sheldon Fellowship at Harvard University and was a Research Fellow at MIT’s Media Lab in the Smart Cities group. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.designforam.com

Recorded at CDFAM Computational Design Symposium, NYC, October 29-30, 2025https://cdfam.com/nyc-2025/Organization:CORE studio | Thornton TomasettiPresenter:Sergey PigachEngineering Intelligence: Practical Applications of AI in Structural Engineering PracticePresentation AbstractArtificial Intelligence is no longer a distant future. It is actively shaping how structural engineers work, collaborate, and innovate. This session offers a practical look into how Thornton Tomasetti’s CORE studio is advancing AI integration within the firm, with a focus on real-world tools and workflows that enhance engineering practice. Attendees will explore the firm’s hands-on experimentation with generative models, domain-specific co-pilots, and applications of agentic workflows, as well as strategies for cross-disciplinary collaboration that ensure AI tools align with engineering priorities. The presentation will also share lessons learned in promoting firmwide adoption, cultivating technical fluency, and building an inclusive innovation culture that empowers all team members to contribute to AI-driven transformation.Speaker BioSergey Pigach is a Senior Associate Applications Engineer at CORE studio | Thornton Tomasetti. Sergey’s work builds on his architectural training by bridging the domains of technology and design, driving him to develop computational tools for architects, designers, and engineers. Since joining CORE studio he has worked on desktop and web-based projects including Swarm, a cloud compute solution for Grasshopper; ShapeDiver, a desktop client integration following a merger; and—most recently—Cortex, CORE Studio’s new MLOps platform. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.designforam.com

Recorded at CDFAM Computational Design Symposium, NYC, October 29-30, 2025https://cdfam.com/nyc-2025/Organization:NVIDIAPresenter:Ian PeglerKeynote Presentation: How NVIDIA Is Accelerating Product DevelopmentPresentation AbstractComputational simulation and design have transformed product development by significantly reducing time and costs. However, designing complex products remains a challenging and resource-intensive process.In this presentation, we will explore key industry challenges and demonstrate how NVIDIA is leveraging innovative solutions to address them. Specifically, we will highlight the use of accelerated computing to enable faster, higher-fidelity simulations, and AI surrogate models to provide designers with real-time feedback.Additionally, we will discuss integrated approaches that combine these technologies to create responsive, real-time digital twins. The foundational platform supporting these advancements will be examined, along with real-world industry applications illustrating their impact.Speaker BioIan Pegler is a member of the Computer-Aided Engineering (CAE) team at NVIDIA. With a career largely focused on computational fluid dynamics (CFD), Ian has extensive experience across various industries, including aerospace, automotive, energy, and marine. Currently, he collaborates with small and start-up CAE companies to help accelerate their engineering tools and workflows. Ian holds a Master’s degree in Aerospace Engineering from the University of Southampton, UK, and is based in Chicago.Join us at CDFAM Barcelona, April 8-9, 2026 to connect with leading designers, engineers and architects at the forefront of the adoption of AI and Machine learning through computational design for two days of knowledge sharing and networking. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.designforam.com

Recorded at CDFAM Computational Design Symposium, NYC, October 29-30, 2025https://cdfam.com/nyc-2025/OrganizationDavid Burpee DesignPresenter:David BurpeeComputational Morphogenesis: Leveraging Proceduralism to Unlock Temporal DesignPresentation AbstractCurrent paradigms of design and engineering operate on the premise that realized designs are static – that is once they are designed and manufactured they exist in their final state. Likewise even flexible computational systems tend to not incorporate the dimension of time as a design tool. Despite dozens or hundreds of sliders, variables, and graphs, most products – even those designed computationally – are “frozen” at a certain point and designed as a static object.New advancements in material science research particularly around Engineered Living Materials or ELMs have elucidated these shortcomings in our design and engineering workflows. How can we model, simulated, validate, product performance or behavior in this dynamic, temporal environment? We need new processes, workflows, methods, and tools in order to effectively utilize this new dimension of material typologies, as well as continue to design in ways that are more connected to engineering simulation and validation.In this presentation I will explore the use of proceduralism as an essential creation environment that is uniquely able to design in conjunction with these temporal constructs. I will present a subset of my work that utilizes computationally-driven simulations for the creation of physical product, as well as some of my teaching and research through the NSF grant project designing with Engineered Living Materials at the University of Washington.Speaker BioDavid Burpee is a multidisciplinary Computational Design Leader based in the Pacific Northwest, with expertise spanning Footwear, Apparel, Consumer Goods, Automotive, Medical, and Architecture industries. He lectures on Computational Design and Algorithmic Thinking at the University of Washington and is a Computational Researcher on a National Science Foundation grant exploring Engineered Living Materials (ELMs).With over a decade of Computational Design experience, David has delivered advanced design strategy, tools, and training for companies including Nike, PUMA, FILA, General Motors, Harry’s Razors, and EQLZ. His work demonstrates a proven methodology that merges creativity, deep technical capabilities, and broad market impact.Originally trained as an Architectural Designer with a Master of Architecture from USC, David has contributed to highrise and supertall projects in Los Angeles, Seattle, and across Asia. His work integrates computational approaches at every scale, from skyscrapers to small installations.Driven by a passion for biomimicry, generative systems, and sustainable innovation, David applies computational design to address complex ecological and social challenges through creative, high-performance solutions.Join us at CDFAM Barcelona, where the forefront of computational design and advanced manufacturing comes alive. This gathering brings together innovators, researchers, and industry leaders to explore the future of design through simulation, generative tools, and performance-driven workflows. Set in one of Europe’s most dynamic creative hubs, CDFAM Barcelona is the place to connect, learn, and be inspired by what's next in the world of computational fabrication. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.designforam.com

Organization:Harman InternationalPresenter:Austin MitchellAcoustic-Driven Computational Design: Premium Branded Audio In The Automotive IndustryPresentation AbstractIn the evolving landscape of automotive experiences, premium audio has become a defining element of in-cabin experiences and brand identity. At Harman International, we sit at the intersection of acoustic engineering, branded storytelling, and advanced manufacturing—designing audio systems globally for over fifty automotive manufacturers. This presentation explores how computational design is central to our industrial design strategy, enabling our team to generate highly manufacturable, acoustically-performative designs that are both brand-specific and scalable across diverse vehicle platforms.This talk will go beyond production work to discuss how computational design fosters entrepreneurship—creating space for designers to prototype new product categories and contribute to IP development.Speaker BioAustin Mitchell is a senior computational designer at Harman International leading acoustic-driven computational design initiatives across automotive and lifestyle industries. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.designforam.com

Recorded at CDFAM Computational Design Symposium, NYC, October 29-30, 2025https://cdfam.com/nyc-2025/Organization:New BalancePresenter:Samuel WhitworthComputational Craft: One Footwear Designer’s Quest To Replace HimselfPresentation AbstractFootwear design, like many design domains, has long been defined by the combination of two-dimensional drawings and designers’ intuition. While these remain important elements of the field, various digital design methods are currently surging and have significantly altered the traditional footwear design process. This presentation will explore the opportunities presented by this shift through the lens of my own experience as an industrial designer turned computational designer—specifically how the application of computational methods has allowed me to expand the types of design solutions I can explore. In this sense, it’s been a journey of “replacing” my traditional industrial design role with a new hybrid role defined by what I call “computational craft.”Computational craft can be defined as a collaborative human/computer design approach, where the computer extends the reach of the human designer, while the human grounds computational results in the real world of manufactured objects and human sensibility. I will demonstrate several examples of this method in Grasshopper, including Kangaroo-based simulations, multi-objective optimization, and mesh generation/manipulation. Audience members will be able to take away new inspiration for using computational methods in their design workflows, and a feeling of confidence that computational design is accessible to anyone regardless of academic or professional background.Speaker BioSamuel Whitworth is a Computational Designer II at New Balance Athletics, where he has contributed to both inline and innovation projects for the past six years (recent releases include the SuperComp Elite v4 and More v5.) Sam focuses on the intersection of footwear geometry and function using scripting, simulation and functional prototyping, leveraging deep skillsets in both Grasshopper and Blender. He holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Industrial Design from Brigham Young University. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.designforam.com

OrganizationVARIANT3DPresenter:Will SamosirKnit Everything: Surfaces, Systems, and the Future of TextilesPresentation AbstractWhat if anyone who can draw could knit?VARIANT3D exists to break down the barriers to textile manufacturing. Our proprietary software LOOP is the first and only WYSIWYG CAD system for knitting that requires zero knowledge about how knitting works.Unlike conventional knit engineering, which demands months of expert iteration, LOOP lets anyone access a vast library of knit structures and generate machine-ready files in minutes, bringing industrial complexity down to a creative interface. From instant prototyping to scalable product lines, our platform also supports automated calibration and grading. In a world saturated with cut-and-sew fabrics, we’re pioneering a decentralized, on-demand, and zero-waste model of textile production.Beyond that, we recognize that knitting is a medium that blends the language of computation, powerfully soft and flexible materials, as well as pure, collaborative human ingenuity. At VARIANT3D, we’re not just building tools—we’re also cultivating a new language for textile and material innovation. We are excited to share how this vision has shaped our process and journey as an organization, and how we are empowering the future of textiles.Speaker BioWill Samosir is the CTO and Co-Founder of VARIANT3D, where he champions a future that is expressive, adaptive, sustainable, and open. He leads a multidisciplinary team and spearheaded the development of LOOP, a state-of-the-art software platform that reimagines how textiles are made—and who gets to make them. His life’s work is rooted in the belief that humans and computers are co-authors, and that our relationship with complex systems should be intuitive and human-centered.Will is also obsessed with computational geometry, topology, generative design, and emergent behavior. His favorite language is Python, and he’s drawn to all things polymorphic—surfaces, materials, tactile stuff, naming systems, myth and mythology, the many languages of art, and how tools shape thought. He loves music and live shows, and if you’re lucky, you might catch him biking through the summer streets of Brooklyn! This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.designforam.com

OrganizationEaton + Intact SolutionsPresenter:Karthik Rajan VenkatesanNeel KumarAccelerating Metal-to-Plastic Conversion with AI, Implicit CAD, and Mesh-Free SimulationPresentation AbstractThis work presents a simulation-driven generative design framework for reengineering a metallic explosion-proof enclosure into a lightweight, injection-molded fiber-reinforced plastic alternative. The methodology integrates advanced process and performance simulations with AI-guided optimization to enable rapid, intelligent design iteration.Central to this workflow is the use of implicit CAD modeling in nTop, which allows for highly flexible and parameterized geometry generation, seamlessly integrated with a robust, mesh-free simulation engine from Intact Solutions. This combination eliminates traditional meshing bottlenecks and enables direct evaluation of complex geometries without meshing or format conversion.The workflow is executed in two stages. Stage I establishes baseline using Moldflow for plastic flow simulation, Digimat for fiber orientation mapping, and ABAQUS for traditional FEA, culminating in a stress field point cloud. Stage II transitions to an AI-driven design space exploration loop, where models are trained and evaluated through a Bayesian optimization framework. The implicit CAD models are directly analyzed using Intact.Simulation for Automation without any manual pre-processing, enabling a seamless feedback loop between design and performance while supporting rapid, large-scale design iterations.This approach exemplifies the power of computational design at scale—reducing turnaround time from over 48 hours with traditional CAD and FEA methods to under 1.5 hours with the full AI-driven pipeline with implicit modeling and automated, mesh-free simulation.Speaker BioKarthik Venkatesan is a Lead Engineer in Computational and Digital Product Development at Eaton’s Center for Materials & Manufacturing Innovation in Southfield, Michigan. His work focuses on bridging advanced simulation, AI, and generative design to accelerate the development of next-generation engineered systems. Karthik leads R&D initiatives that span simulation-driven design automation, lightweighting, and digital workflows for both traditional and additive manufacturing (AM) processes.He holds a Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering from Arizona State University, where he led multiscale modeling efforts for composite materials under DoD- and industry-funded programs. His broader research spans geometry compensation for binder jet AM, performance prediction for polymer extrusion-based AM, virtual design of experiments, and generative AI for material discovery.Karthik is also passionate about computational creativity, with interests spanning astro photography, AI-generated media, and music production This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.designforam.com

Organization:NovineerPresenter:Dr. Ali TamijaniSimulation and Optimization for FFF/FDM Printed PartsPresentation AbstractAdditive manufacturing with FFF/FDM 3D printing has long struggled to optimize toolpaths for better structural performance. Traditional slicing software failed to fully take advantage of material anisotropy, missing opportunities to boost strength and stiffness. Novineer’s toolpath optimization software changes this by maximizing material properties through tailored print paths based on load paths, resulting in a 60% increase in structural stiffness without changing the geometry.Speaker BioDr. Ali Tamijani, the co-founder/CEO of Novineer, is a professor of Aerospace Engineering at ERAU. He has spent three summers at Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) as a Faculty Fellow to explore the structural load paths and load flow. This was followed by investigating a Load Path-based Topology Optimization funded by the Air Force Office of Scientific Research (AFOSR)-Young Investigator Program (YIP). Ali is also working on Multiscale Optimization of Additively Manufacturable Cellular Microstructures that received the National Science Foundation (NSF) -CAREER.RECENT INTERVIEWS & ARTICLES* Call for Speakers: CDFAM Barcelona – April 8–9, 2026Flexcompute: Real-Time Computer-Aided OptimizationAcoustic-Driven Computational Design: Premium Branded Audio In The Automotive Industry – Austin Mitchell – Harman InternationalSimulation and Optimization for FFF/FDM Printed Parts – NovineerEngineering Intelligence- Sergey Pigach – CORE studio | Thornton TomasettiAutomating Design Workflows for 3D Concrete Printed Freeform Staircases – Philip Schneider + Timo Zollner This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.designforam.com

Recorded at CDFAM Computational Design Symposium, NYC, October 29-30, 2025https://cdfam.com/nyc-2025/Organization:Alloy EnterprisesPresenter:Ryan O’HaraShaping Flow: Computational Design Strategies for High-Performance Liquid Heat ExchangersPresentation AbstractAt Alloy Enterprises, we combine traditional CAD, implicit geometry modeling, and advanced simulation workflows to engineer high-performance cold plates tailored to the unique thermal and dimensional requirements of each customer. Our approach begins with a curated library of optimized, periodic internal geometries that serve as a foundation for thermal performance and manufacturability. Using computational design tools, we scale and adapt these geometries through parametric controls and implicit modeling techniques, enabling rapid customization across a wide range of form factors. Simulation-driven iteration ensures that each design meets target pressure drop and heat transfer criteria before it reaches the build stage. This integrated workflow allows us to balance design flexibility, performance, and production efficiency in delivering scalable liquid heat exchangers for demanding applications.Speaker BioI am a results-oriented business development leader with over 20 years of DoD acquisition experience. I have extensive experience in advanced manufacturing, aerospace engineering, and federal contracting. I have a proven track record of driving significant revenue growth and securing substantial funding through strategic proposals and federal contracts. With expertise in technical hardware and software sales, I enable cross-functional collaboration in aerospace application development. My technical experience includes transitioning research and development activities from concept to full-scale production, leveraging advanced design and manufacturing concepts. I have demonstrated success in initiating and developing processes, including the certification of materials, equipment, and procedures that comply with aerospace and maritime standards. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.designforam.com

Recorded at CDFAM Computational Design Symposium, NYC, October 29-30, 2025https://cdfam.com/nyc-2025/Organization:FlexcomputePresenter:Gregory Roberts + Qiqi WangReal-Time Computer-Aided Optimization (CAO): How GPU-Native CFD Changes the IndustryPresentation AbstractComputer-aided engineering (CAE) has been a foundational tool in aerospace and photonics design, but slow workflows, high costs, and constrained design exploration limit its potential. Traditional methods rely heavily on intuition and a few simulations to validate designs, leaving vast opportunities untapped. However, a paradigm shift is underway: integrating mathematical optimization techniques like adjoint optimization and inverse design into CAE is redefining what’s possible in engineering.This modern approach – Computer-Aided Optimization (CAO) – directly leverages advanced mathematical optimization to automate and enhance the design process. CAO replaces intuition-driven, validation-focused methods with a data-driven, goal-oriented workflow by specifying design goals and using algorithms to refine configurations iteratively. Techniques like inverse design, which uses objective functions and gradient-based optimization, and adjoint methods, which enable efficient sensitivity analysis, are central to this transformation.GPU-native simulations amplify the impact of these methodologies, making it feasible to address industry-scale problems in a fraction of the time previously required. High-performance GPU computing accelerates the iterative optimization process, enabling rapid exploration of vast design spaces with unprecedented fidelity. Applications range from optimizing aerodynamic performance in aerospace to creating innovative photonic devices like metalenses and quantum computing components.This synergy of mathematical optimization and GPU acceleration positions CAO as the future of engineering design. By reducing costs, accelerating development cycles, and enabling robust design exploration, CAO allows engineers to confidently tackle complex challenges. Whether designing aircraft or photonic circuits, these advancements fundamentally reshape how industries approach innovation, driving breakthroughs across disciplines and unlocking new possibilities for high-performance, efficient design.Speaker BioGreg Roberts is a research scientist at Flexcompute working on building gradient-based inverse design tools for photonic optimizations. He earned his PhD from Caltech in August 2023 on this same topic. His dissertation focused on the inverse design of 3-dimensional structures for advanced and high efficiency mid-infrared imaging applications. By using gradient information, he demonstrated practical design of color and polarization sorting devices that could be tiled on the pixels of focal plane arrays. Using multilayer fabrication via a finely tuned two photon lithography process, he was able to measure these novel devices to confirm their complex, target behavior. Greg followed graduate school with a postdoctoral research role at NYU applying inverse design to enhance contrast in biomedical imaging. Before graduate school, Greg worked as an embedded software engineer at an augmented reality startup called Magic Leap. Here, he optimized computer vision and machine learning algorithms to run at high speeds on a low-power embedded processor. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.designforam.com

Recorded at CDFAM Computational Design Symposium, NYC, October 29-30, 2025https://cdfam.com/nyc-2025/Organization:C-InfinityPresenter:Sai NelaturiAssembly Configuration SpacesPresentation AbstractAll non-trivial hardware products are assembled. They are also designed and manufactured in multiple configurations to serve diverse customer needs. Product designs define a configuration space of options that can be instantiated into variants per customer order. OEMs seek to maximize reuse of subassemblies across this space to balance flexibility with cost efficiency—especially in high-mix, low-volume manufacturing.The challenge is translating a product’s design structure into its assembly process structure: reframing design intent as a sequence of operations executed on the factory floor. In Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) terms, this is the translation from the Engineering Bill of Materials (EBOM, “as-designed”) to the Manufacturing Bill of Materials (MBOM, “as-planned”). EBOM and MBOM are not separate domains, but dual representations of the same configuration. Today this translation is manual and painful.At C-Infinity we are automating this translation and building assembly configuration spaces as a foundation for product design and manufacturing planning. By treating EBOM and MBOM as dual views of one structured space, we strengthen reuse, change propagation, streamline configuration management, and enable tighter digital-to-physical integration—addressing long-standing challenges at the heart of advanced manufacturing competitiveness.Speaker BioPh.D. Mechanical Engineering, UW-Madison. Expert in CAD, AI, and Digital Manufacturing. Former R&D Director at Carbon and PARC. DARPA and UW career award recipient. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.designforam.com

Recorded at CDFAM Computational Design Symposium, NYC, October 29-30, 2025https://cdfam.com/nyc-2025/OrganizationCarbonPresenter:Andrew SinkPodium Performance: The Future is PersonalPresentation AbstractIn this presentation, learn how world-renowned saddle manufacturer, fizik, has embraced the latest in computational design, customization automation and advanced manufacturing to offer cyclists– from amateur to elite– a one-of-a-kind 3d printed saddle, tuned to their specific needs.The One-to-One saddle leverages each partner’s expertise– fizik’s dedication to saddle craftsmanship, Carbon’s groundbreaking lattice design automation and printing technology, and gebioMized’s dynamic pressure mapping precision– to create a saddle that is not only tuned to custom to each rider, but is also fit for champions. In 2025, Tadej Pogačar rode victorious over the Tour de France finish line on a fully custom One-to-One saddle.But podium performance isn’t achieved overnight. In this presentation, we’ll share how we worked to identify the base saddle geometry, developed robust stress testing, and built a custom pipeline to produce this groundbreaking custom bike saddle at scale.Speaker BioAndrew Sink is a Senior Applications Engineer at Carbon and is currently focused on enabling companies to create the next generation of production 3D printed parts at scale. An enthusiastic voice in the additive manufacturing industry, Andrew is always excited to talk about what the future holds for this technology.In addition to his work at Carbon, Andrew has written and published software tools that are designed for home and hobbyist 3D printing as well as various technical guides and videos related to additive manufacturing. After graduating from the University of South Florida with a degree in Technical Communications, Andrew has had feature articles published in traditional print media and has also created a YouTube channel focused on 3D printing that currently has a view count of over 9.5 million. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.designforam.com

Recorded at CDFAM Computational Design Symposium, NYC, October 29-30, 2025https://cdfam.com/nyc-2025/OrganizationMoon Rabbit Lab X PUMAPresenter:Jesus Marini ParissiRunning Revolution: Computational Design Behind Fast-R NITRO Elite 3Presentation AbstractThe Fast-R NITROTM Elite 3 marks a true performance revolution, combining cutting-edge engineering with data-driven design. As part of the Collaboration with PUMA, Moon Rabbit Lab developed a computational design workflow that integrates digital simulation, biomechanical analysis and advanced optimization techniques that combined different KPI’s of the shoe’s performance before the first prototype was even made.By running several virtual iterations and hundreds of simulation hours, we achieved a 30 % weight reduction alongside a 3.15 % improvement in running economy versus the previous model, gains that translate directly into seconds shaved off personal bests. This approach unites creative engineering, deep knowledge in material science and targeted biomechanical data, with computational design as the central force driving each decision.This case study highlights the power of combining different areas of expertise with computational design at its core. By prioritizing digital testing and optimization, the process reduces errors and minimizes the need for physical prototyping.Beyond footwear, this scalable framework has broad potential across athletic performance products and a wider range of data-driven consumer goods.Speaker BioJesus Marini Parissi is a computational design engineer who merges creative design with advanced engineering methods. He holds a MSc (Master of Science) of Design Engineering from Politecnico di Milano and BSc (Bachelor of Science) in Mechatronics Engineering from Universidad Nacional Autonoma de Mexico, and his portfolio spans performance engineering, consumer goods, automotive product development, and experimental research.He has contributed to global innovation programs like Stanford ME310 and the MIT Design Lab, and worked at Ford Motor Company, earning four patents. He also consulted for brands such as PUMA and Samsung Research America, helping to establish their first Computational Design department.Today, he leads Moon Rabbit Lab, pioneering new frontiers in product development, system optimization, and design research. By fusing imagination with technical expertise, he fosters collaborative innovation and shapes the future of computational design. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.designforam.com

Organization:Not a RobotPresenter:Matt ShomperRecorded at CDFAM Computational Design Symposium, NYC, October 29-30, 2025https://cdfam.com/nyc-2025/Intelligent Anatomic Models from CT Utilizing MLPresentation AbstractThis presentation discusses an accessible system that takes CT scans and automatically turns them into detailed 3D models while intelligently tagging important anatomical features. Instead of engineers and researchers spending hours manually creating these models and identifying landmarks, our approach uses machine learning to do the heavy lifting.The process works by feeding CT scan data through specialized algorithms that can recognize the structures and convert the flat scan slices into three-dimensional representations. At the same time, the system automatically identifies and labels key anatomical points like bone structures or tissue edges – creating a smart, annotated 3D map of what was scanned.This has the ability to dramatically speed up workflows that previously required tedious manual work. The automated tagging means that medical professionals get consistent, standardized labels across different cases, which is especially valuable for surgical planning and patient-specific implants.The presentation will cover some challenges of utilizing M/L, how manual inputs can train algorithms over time, and looking towards the future of validating such systems for true use in commercialized systems.Speaker BioMatthew is a visionary leader in the computational design of advanced 3D-printed medical implants, with close to 15 years of experience in engineering, research, and innovation. As an inventor, creator, and passionate leader, he has been a part of founding businesses focused on additive manufacturing and is an internationally recognized speaker on biomimicry, computational modeling, and additive manufacturing – lecturing at conferences and prestigious universities including MIT and Harvard. Matthew’s work is driven by his passion for exploring the macro and micro of biological forms, turning algorithms into functional structures for physical devices. He has pioneered the idea of a “biologically advantageous implant,” and has also spearheaded multiple public initiatives to synthesize biological structures as computational models for use in engineered products. He currently is the founder and principal consultant of Not a Robot Engineering, a co-founder of LatticeRobot, and involved in several other stealth startups. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.designforam.com

Organization:Carnegie Mellon UniversityPresenter:Chris McCombRecorded at CDFAM Computational Design Symposium, NYC, October 29-30, 2025https://cdfam.com/nyc-2025/AI and the Battle for the Soul of DesignPresentation AbstractArtificial intelligence is reshaping the landscape of design and additive manufacturing, accelerating creative workflows while challenging long-held assumptions about authorship, originality, and human intuition. As AI becomes more deeply embedded in computational design tools, it offers unprecedented capabilities for exploration, optimization, and customization—often revealing solutions that elude traditional design methods. Yet this power comes with profound questions: What does it mean to design when machines generate ideas? How do we preserve the human element in a process increasingly influenced by algorithmic reasoning? This presentation examines emerging patterns in AI-driven design, the shifting role of the designer, and the ethical dilemmas that arise when intelligence—natural and artificial—co-create. Through examples from additive manufacturing and beyond, it offers a vision for navigating this new design frontier without losing sight of the creative soul at its core.Speaker BioChris McComb is the Gerard G. Elia Associate Professor of Mechanical Engineering at Carnegie Mellon University. His lab, the Design Research Collective, advances interdisciplinary design research by merging perspectives from engineering, manufacturing, psychology, and computer science. He also serves as the Director of the Human+AI Design Initiative, an interdisciplinary and international group of researchers focused on application of human-AI collaboration to design, with support by industry partners. He is affiliated with the NextManufacturing Center, the Manufacturing Future Institute, and the Wilton E. Scott Institute for Energy Innovation. His research interests include human social systems in design and engineering; machine learning for engineering design; human-AI collaboration and teaming; computation for advanced manufacturing; and STEM education. He received dual B.S. degrees in civil and mechanical engineering from California State University-Fresno. He later attended Carnegie Mellon University as a National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellow, where he obtained his M.S. and Ph.D. in mechanical engineering. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.designforam.com

OrganizationHDR IncPresenters:Matthew Goldsberry & Junling ZhuangRecorded at CDFAM Computational Design Symposium, NYC, October 29-30, 2025https://cdfam.com/nyc-2025/Presentation AbstractWhile AI is often used for visualization in architecture, its potential to directly generate and shape geometry within the design process is still emerging. This presentation explores how we have been integrating model-aware AI agents into our design process.We begin with Synthesizer, a custom browser-based modeling tool paired with an Arduino-powered physical controller. Through a simple physical controller, designers trigger higher-order parametric actions, making the act of modeling feel more performative than procedural. Our early beta experiments, focused on building minimal, controller-driven interfaces, explore new possibilities beyond the traditional mouse and keyboard.We then introduce Form Jamming, a method developed within our RhinoMCP workflow. It treats the initial burst of AI-generated geometry as provisional material—something to be shaped and refined into architecture through intentional, iterative moves. While still experimental, this approach has shown promising results in several recent projects, a few of which we will share.This work outlines a new model of computational authorship in which designers and AI agents collaborate through structured dialogue. It points toward a future where generative design is not only more contextual and adaptive but also legible, editable, and deeply integrated into the design process through natural language interaction.Speaker BioMatthew GoldsberryMatt oversees the applied research and implementation of advanced computational design workflows. He is the director of Data-Driven Design and is responsible for developing new computational tools and workflows to facilitate design exploration, automated analysis, and advanced data management. Matt is also a Lecturer at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, where he teaches courses on advanced geometry and building information modeling. Matt holds a Master of Architecture degree from the University of California Los Angeles and a Bachelor of Science in Architecture degree from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.Junling ZhuangJunling is a design technologist bridging research and practice in the AEC industry. As a software engineer at HDR’s Data-Driven Design team, he develops AI-powered 3D tools. Junling holds an M.S. in Computational Design from Columbia and is pursuing an M.S. in Computer Science at Georgia Tech. His work has appeared in ACADIA and CAADRIA, and he reviews for top venues including ACADIA, CAADRIA, TAD, and FoA This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.designforam.com

We open Season 5 of the CDFAM podcast with a keynote presentation from the CDFAM Computational Design Symposium NYC 2025 by Markus J. Buehler, McAfee Professor of Engineering at MIT.In this session, Buehler outlines how AI is becoming an autonomous partner in scientific discovery—capable not only of analysis but of generating new knowledge. Drawing on examples from materials science and bioengineering, he presents multi-agent AI systems designed to reason, hypothesize, and evolve—creating a framework for discovery engines that extend the boundaries of human-led research.Buehler’s work brings together reinforcement learning, graph-based reasoning, and physics-informed generative models, with case studies showing applications in medicine, food, agriculture, and beyond.Organization:MITPresenter:Markus J. BuehlerMcAfee Professor of EngineeringMassachusetts Institute of TechnologyPresentation AbstractAI is rapidly transitioning from a passive analytical assistant to an active, self-improving partner in scientific discovery.In the material world, this shift means developing systems that not only recognize patterns but also reason, hypothesize, and autonomously explore new ideas for design, discovery and manufacturing.This talk presents emerging approaches toward ‘superintelligent’ discovery engines -integrating reinforcement learning, graph-based reasoning, and physics-informed neural architectures with generative models capable of cross-domain synthesis.We explore multi-agent systems inspired by collective intelligence in nature, enabling continuous self-evolution as they solve problems.Case studies from materials science, engineering and biology illustrate how these systems can uncover hidden structure-property relationships, design novel materials, and accelerate innovations in medicine, food, and agriculture.These advances chart a path toward AI that actively expands the boundaries of human knowledge in engineering.Speaker BioMarkus J. Buehler is the McAfee Professor of Engineering at MIT and a pioneer in AI‑driven knowledge discovery. He created powerful graph‑aware, multi‑agent AI platforms that turn heterogeneous data into science-grounded actionable insight, powering breakthroughs in materials science, biology and healthcare. Buehler is among the world’s most‑cited materials scientists and the recipient of numerous honors, including the Feynman Prize, ASME Drucker Medal, J. R. Rice Medal, and the Washington Award. He is a member of the U.S. National Academy of Engineering. For more than a decade he has also taught executive and technical professionals at MIT, shaping the next generation of leaders in engineering, knowledge discovery, and artificial intelligence. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.designforam.com

Organization:Cornell UniversityPresenter:Tiffany ChengBioinspired And Biobased 4D-Printing For Adaptive Building FacadesPresentation AbstractWhat if our buildings and products could be manufactured and operated the way biological systems grow and adapt? As an alternative to conventional construction and manufacturing, I will present a bioinspired approach to making through material programming and 4D-printing. By integrating material, structure, and function, plants change shape over varying spatial-temporal scales in response to external stimuli. I will introduce how computational fabrication enable the bioinspired interplay of cellulosic materials, mesostructures, and adaptive motions to create hygromorphic systems powered by the environment. The developed methods are transferable across scales and applications – from hobbyist 3D-printers to industrial robot platforms and self-adjusting wearables for the body to weather-responsive shading in buildings. Through integrative technologies and interdisciplinary solutions, we can leverage biobased materials and bioinspired design principles to create a built environment that is transformative and resilient.Interview: Bioinspired and Biobased 4D-Printing for Adaptive Building Facades – Tiffany ChengTiffany Cheng is a Taiwanese American designer and builder whose work examines the performance potential of natural and biobased materials for smarter and more sustainable forms of making. As Assistant Professor at Cornell University’s Department of Design Tech, Tiffany directs the MULTIMESO Lab to develop computational fabrication processes for creating bioinspired systems across scales, from self-forming furniture to adaptive building components.Previously, Tiffany was Research Group Leader at the Institute for Computational Design and Construction (ICD) at the University of Stuttgart, where she led the Material Programming research group and earned her Doctorate in Engineering. Tiffany holds a Master in Design Studies (Technology) from Harvard University and a Bachelor of Architecture from the University of Southern California. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.designforam.com

Organization:Key WardPresenter:Asparuh StoyanovBuilding Surrogate Models for Physics Simulation using a No-Code ApproachPresentation AbstractThis project demonstrates a no-code methodology for building surrogate models for engineering simulation. Using such methods, physics simulation analysts can tap seamlessly into the potential of surrogate models, transforming traditional simulation workflows to be more efficient and flexible. In this abstract, we present a workflow of how to use simulation result data to build a 3D surrogate model that any analyst can utilize without requiring programming skills—enhancing the usability of AI-driven simulation tools for broader adoption.Finite Element Method (FEM) simulations are often computationally intensive and challenging to scale, especially for complex structural applications. Our methodology minimizes these resource-heavy processes with a graph-based surrogate model optimized for computational efficiency. To achieve this, we utilized automated extract, transform, and load (ETL) workflows to process the raw simulation data into a shape and format suitable for AI ingestion. We show how, through no-code data processing automation, analysts can focus on deriving insights rather than getting lost in technical details.The dataset used comprised linear static analysis results of a Press Bench model, performed using SOLIDWORKS Simulation. Parametric variables included back height, feet width, and plate length, and the results predicted were displacement and stress. Using data processing and management tools, we first extracted and converted the surface field and volumetric field data, from the original raw format into an open-source “AI-ready” format (. csv,.vtk). This allowed us to gather all simulation data in one place to better understand the data distributions, patterns, and correlations between variables. In the next step, we cleaned the collected data while maintaining different data versions and keeping track of changes. As a final step, using the cleaned and processed dataset, we trained a Graph Neural Network. The model was trained to predict accurate stress and displacement fields within seconds (>90% accuracy), using the 3D volume mesh data as inputs. The whole process from raw data to a trained model took approximately one workday to develop. The same approach will be tested on large deformation nonlinear structural analysis.This project demonstrates how structural simulation data can be used to build surrogate models that accelerate the design process. Advances in AI modeling tools now make these models widely accessible, enabling engineers to leverage physics simulation data without coding or deep machine learning expertise—expanding the possibilities in product design optimization.RECENT INTERVIEWS & ARTICLES* AI Judges in Design: Kristen Edwards – MIT* Manufacturing Driven Design with Rhushik Matroja – CDS* Beyond Surfaces: Applying Intrinsic Geometry Processing in Art and Design: Math Whittaker, New Balance* Maia Zheliazkova – On LightSpray* Design for Additive Manufacturing at CDFAM – Part 2: 2024 Berlin* Design for Additive Manufacturing at CDFAM – Part 1: 2023 NYC This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.designforam.com

Recorded at CDFAM Computational Design Symposium, Amsterdam , 2025 https://cdfam.com/amsterdam-2025/ Organization: DTU Presenter: Luca Breseghello Stress-Based Design Of Lightweight Horizontal Structures For 3D Concrete Printing Presentation Abstract Concrete is one of the most widely used materials in construction, but it’s also a major contributor to CO₂ emissions. In mid-rise buildings, slabs and beams alone account for over 40% of the concrete used. This raises an important question: how can we build these elements more efficiently while reducing their environmental impact? In this talk, I’ll share how robotic 3D Concrete Printing (3DCP) and structural optimisation can work together to create lighter, more material-efficient beams and slabs. By integrating computational design, Finite Element Analysis (FEA), and stress-based material placement, we developed a workflow that reduces waste while maintaining strength. I’ll introduce 3DLightBeam and 3DLightBeam+, beams with double the strength-to-weight ratio of conventional 3DCP beams, and 3DLightSlab, a ribbed slab designed for efficiency. Structural testing and Life-Cycle Analysis (LCA) confirmed that this approach can lead to more sustainable concrete structures. This presentation will explore the practical potential of 3DCP in structural applications and what it means for the future of concrete construction. Interview: Stress-Based Design Of Lightweight Horizontal Structures For 3D Concrete Printing – Luca Breseghello – DTUJoin us at CDFAM, October 29–30, to connect with the people defining the future of computational design.Not just the speakers on stage, but the researchers developing new algorithms, engineers scaling workflows into production, architects rethinking building systems, and designers pushing the boundaries of products and materials. CDFAM is where leaders and practitioners from across industries come together, sharing methods, exchanging ideas, and building collaborations that carry far beyond the event itself. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.designforam.com

Recorded at CDFAM Computational Design Symposium, Amsterdam , 2025 https://cdfam.com/amsterdam-2025/ Organization: University of Bologna Presenter: Vittoria Laghi How Topology Optimization And Additive Manufacturing Can Create A New Generation Of Green Steel Construction Presentation Abstract The digitalization of the construction sector could potentially produce more efficient structures, reduce material waste and increase work safety. Current strategies for the realization of automated steel constructions see the application of metal 3D printing processes as an opportunity to build a new generation of efficient steel structures with reduced material use. This, though, requires advanced multidisciplinary knowledge in manufacturing, metallurgy, structural engineering and computational design. Recent effort has been made in order to combine computational design with current digital fabrication procedures to realize efficient steel structures for the future. The present work aims at providing insights to current explorations on the combined application of computational design and metal 3D printing process in construction towards a new generation of optimized and resource-efficient structures Interview: How topology optimization and additive manufacturing can create a new generation of green steel construction This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.designforam.com

Recorded at CDFAM Computational Design Symposium, Amsterdam , 2025 https://cdfam.com/amsterdam-2025/ Organization: McNeel & cydric.com Presenter: Mathias Fuchs Rhino, Grasshopper 2, and TRfem: Computing Heat Flow Inside Solids Presentation Abstract While environmental analysis tools in Rhino typically focus on surfaces and 2D domains, optimization workflows in design for additive manufacturing often require analyzing physical properties inside solids. In this talk, we introduce some of the key novelties of Grasshopper 2 for Rhino, we show why its concept of field manipulation is an ideal platform for such tasks, and present TRmesh and TRfem – a pair of finite element plugins for Grasshopper 1 and 2 that compute heat conduction within volumetric/tetrahedral domains, natively in Rhino. We focus on typical applications such as the design of heat exchangers or, conversely, insulation. Covering both geometric modeling and accurate simulation, GH2, TRmesh and TRfem together enable a slick physics-informed topology workflow. Interview: TRfem: Thermal Simulation in Grasshopper II with Mathias Fuchs This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.designforam.com

Recorded at CDFAM Computational Design Symposium, Amsterdam , 2025 https://cdfam.com/amsterdam-2025/ Organization: Cognitive Design Systems Presenter: Rhushik MATROJA Manufacturing Driven Design Presentation Abstract Cognitive Design Systems integrates Manufacturing-Driven Design (MDD) and Simulation-Driven Design into its proprietary Cognitive Design software, transforming the way products are conceived. This innovative approach enables engineers to convert concepts into manufacturable, high-performance designs within seconds. With automated Design for Manufacturing (DfM) checks and real-time modifications, the software ensures compatibility with processes like Additive Manufacturing, Machining, Die Casting, Injection Molding, and Forging. Proven through collaborations with Safran, Thales, Valeo, and Mitsubishi Electric, the platform reduces design cycle times by up to 90%. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.designforam.com

Recorded at CDFAM Computational Design Symposium, Amsterdam , 2025https://cdfam.com/amsterdam-2025/Organization: ToffeeX Presenter: Thomas Rees Physics-Driven Generative Design for Laser Powder Bed Fusion in Aerospace Presentation Abstract Laser Powder Bed Fusion (L-PBF) has shown transformative potential for the aerospace industry, with substantial investments being directed globally to leverage its benefits. However, broader industrial adoption of L-PBF faces barriers primarily due to limitations in the performance of components manufactured with the technique, productivity of the technique, and scalability of the technology. These limitations currently hinder L-PBF’s competitiveness with traditional manufacturing methods for aerospace, affecting both cost-efficiency and sustainability. In this talk we will present a physics-driven generative design framework tailored for L-PBF, leveraging advanced multi-physics simulations to tackle the complex thermo-fluid-structural design challenges that arise in aerospace applications. The framework integrates computational fluid dynamics, heat transfer, and structural mechanics simulations. By coupling these simulation-driven insights with generative design techniques, our approach offers a robust pathway to create high-performance aerospace components. Results from case studies demonstrate the ability of our framework to reduce costs and design times while achieving superior mechanical properties under aerospace-relevant loading conditions. Read the CDFAM Interview with ToffeeX This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.designforam.com

Recorded at CDFAM Computational Design Symposium, Amsterdam , 2025 https://cdfam.com/amsterdam-2025/ Organization: Flexcompute Presenter: Momchil Minkov + Qiqi Wang Real-Time Computer-Aided Optimization (CAO): How GPU-Native Simulation Changes the Industry Presentation Abstract Computer-aided engineering (CAE) has been a foundational tool in aerospace and photonics design, but slow workflows, high costs, and constrained design exploration limit its potential. Traditional methods rely heavily on intuition and a few simulations to validate designs, leaving vast opportunities untapped. However, a paradigm shift is underway: integrating mathematical optimization techniques like adjoint optimization and inverse design into CAE is redefining what’s possible in engineering. This modern approach – Computer-Aided Optimization (CAO) – directly leverages advanced mathematical optimization to automate and enhance the design process. CAO replaces intuition-driven, validation-focused methods with a data-driven, goal-oriented workflow by specifying design goals and using algorithms to refine configurations iteratively. Techniques like inverse design, which uses objective functions and gradient-based optimization, and adjoint methods, which enable efficient sensitivity analysis, are central to this transformation. GPU-native simulations amplify the impact of these methodologies, making it feasible to address industry-scale problems in a fraction of the time previously required. High-performance GPU computing accelerates the iterative optimization process, enabling rapid exploration of vast design spaces with unprecedented fidelity. Applications range from optimizing aerodynamic performance in aerospace to creating innovative photonic devices like metalenses and quantum computing components. This synergy of mathematical optimization and GPU acceleration positions CAO as the future of engineering design. By reducing costs, accelerating development cycles, and enabling robust design exploration, CAO allows engineers to confidently tackle complex challenges. Whether designing aircraft or photonic circuits, these advancements fundamentally reshape how industries approach innovation, driving breakthroughs across disciplines and unlocking new possibilities for high-performance, efficient design. Read the interview Real-Time Computer-Aided Optimization (CAO): How GPU-Native Simulation Changes the Industry This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.designforam.com

Recorded at CDFAM Computational Design Symposium, Amsterdam , 2025 https://cdfam.com/amsterdam-2025/ Organization: Synera Presenter: Andrew Sartorelli From Days to Hours – Accelerating the RFQ process through scalable FEA automations Presentation Abstract Engineering organizations tackling process automation face a persistent challenge: how to effectively share and distribute automation solutions across teams. Critical knowledge often remains siloed, limiting its impact and accessibility, while non-automation experts struggle to utilize tools created by domain specialists. This slows processes and places additional strain on already overburdened expert departments. This presentation examines a real-life example where automating an FEA simulation enables CAD designers to independently evaluate their designs, receiving results within hours rather than waiting days for the FEA department. This shift allowed for more frequent evaluations, faster feedback, reduced dependencies, and, most importantly, a significantly faster RFQ process. We’ll explore practical approaches to implementing similar solutions, highlighting strategies for scaling expert knowledge and unlocking organizational potential. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.designforam.com

Recorded at CDFAM Computational Design Symposium, Amsterdam , 2025 https://cdfam.com/amsterdam-2025/ Organization: ShapeDiver + Orthosolid Presenter: Edwin Hernandez + Age Van Boxem Democratising Computational Design via Cloud Based Applications Presentation Abstract While computational designers have always created powerful and sophisticated software, the reach of their work often couldn’t exceed that of their modeling tool of choice. We’ll show a novel way to build and deploy web applications, including complex user interfaces and interactions with 3d geometry and data visualization with nothing but Grasshopper. As part of ShapeDiver’s presentation, Age Van Boxem will present Orthosolid, a platform powered by ShapeDiver that enables clinicians to design and order custom 3D-printed orthoses through an intuitive digital interface. He will explore how computational design and UX come together to simplify complex and outdated workflows, making advanced customization accessible within clinical practice and without engineering expertise. Read the CDFAM ShapeDiver interview This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.designforam.com

Recorded at CDFAM Computational Design Symposium, Amsterdam , 2025 https://cdfam.com/amsterdam-2025/ Organization: Toolkit3D Presenter: Sarah Clevinger From 2D to Mass Production: Computational Design at Scale with Toolkit3D Presentation Abstract Toolkit3D will showcase how brands have reduced product design timelines from days to minutes by integrating anatomical scan data, performance parameters, and lattice optimization into a repeatable design engine. The result is a scalable pipeline for mass customization that accelerates production without sacrificing precision. This session will walk through how the platform ingests variable input data (such as unique body shapes or pressure maps), generates manufacturable geometry including conformal lattice structures, and automates preparation for production, regardless of manufacturing process. This isn’t conceptual, it’s computational design powering real-world, on-demand manufacturing at industrial scale. Whether you’re working in orthotics, wearables, protective gear, or consumer products, you’ll see how our design engines and modular workflows can radically compress timelines, reduce complexity, and democratize access to custom-fit manufacturing. Toolkit3D is creating a new standard: design once, fit anything, manufacture anywhere. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.designforam.com

Recorded at CDFAM Computational Design Symposium, Amsterdam, 2025 https://cdfam.com/amsterdam-2025/ Organization: MIT Presenter: Kristen Edwards Presentation Abstract The subjective evaluation of early stage engineering designs, such as conceptual sketches, traditionally relies on human experts. However, expert evaluations are time-consuming, expensive, and sometimes inconsistent. Recent advances in vision-language models (VLMs) offer the potential to automate design assessments, but it is crucial to ensure that these AI “judges” perform on par with human experts. However, no existing framework assesses expert equivalence. This research introduces a rigorous statistical framework to determine whether an AI judge’s ratings match those of human experts. We propose statistical metrics that broadly cover these assessment areas: interrater reliability, agreement, error metrics, correlation and relative rank assessment, distribution-similarity analysis, and equivalence tests. We apply this framework in a case study evaluating four VLM-based judges on key design metrics (uniqueness, creativity, usefulness, and drawing quality). These AI judges employ various in-context learning (ICL) techniques, including uni- vs. multimodal prompts and inference-time reasoning. The same statistical framework is used to assess three trained novices for expert-equivalence. Results show that the top-performing AI judge, using text- and image-based ICL with reasoning, achieves expert-level agreement for uniqueness and drawing quality and outperforms or matches trained novices across all metrics. This has implications for scaling design evaluation in education and practice, and provides a general statistical framework for validating AI judges in other domains requiring subjective content evaluation. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.designforam.com

Recorded at CDFAM Computational Design Symposium, Amsterdam , 2025 https://cdfam.com/amsterdam-2025/ Organization: nTop Presenter: Bradley Rothenberg + Max GaedtkeBrad Rothenberg, CEO of nTop, outlines a shift toward co-intelligent engineering—a framework where human intent is augmented by high-performance modeling and simulation tools to meet the increasing demands of modern engineering timelines.The talk explores how traditional CAD and simulation workflows fall short under compressed development cycles, particularly in aerospace, and introduces a modular, parametric approach to design that supports rapid iteration, reuse, and performance-driven exploration. Rothenberg highlights how implicit modeling and GPU-native solvers can be combined to eliminate bottlenecks in geometry creation and simulation, enabling faster, more informed decision-making.The broader message emphasizes a move from digitizing drawings to capturing design intent—using tools that work withengineers to accelerate innovation without compromising performance or rigor.—Learn more about the CDFAM Computational Design Symposium series—including past presentations and upcoming events—at https://cdfam.com#CDFAM #nTop #ComputationalDesign #ImplicitModeling #EngineeringWorkflow #CoIntelligentEngineering #Simulation #DesignAutomation #AerospaceDesign #CFD #GenerativeDesign This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.designforam.com

Recorded at CDFAM Computational Design Symposium, Amsterdam , 2025 https://cdfam.com/amsterdam-2025/ Organization SimScale Presenter: David Heiny CEO & Co-FounderIn this presentation from CDFAM Amsterdam 2025, David Heiny, co-founder and CEO of SimScale, outlines a pragmatic approach to integrating AI into engineering workflows. Drawing from conversations with engineering leaders and data collected from a recent industry survey, he shares key insights into why widespread adoption of AI in core engineering remains limited—despite significant advances in generative design, simulation acceleration, and surrogate modeling.The talk explores:* The structural complexity of modern engineering organizations* Why conventional AI success in image generation or code translation hasn't translated to simulation workflows* A layered view of how AI tools are beginning to augment specific stages of the product development cycleHeiny introduces SimScale’s approach to cloud-native simulation, including the use of frontier models for automating setup and interpretation, and the deployment of physics-based AI surrogates for fast, scalable parametric optimization. A live demonstration showcases how AI agents can assist in simulation setup and design evaluation directly within SimScale's platform.Additional topics include:* AI adoption trends from a 300-leader survey* The role of data structuring and cloud infrastructure in enabling automation* Use cases from industry and academia, including work on snap-fit prediction, pump optimization, and native integration of implicit geometry via nTopThis presentation highlights the emerging convergence of simulation, design data, and AI, and presents a compelling case for how engineering teams can begin implementing these capabilities today.—To learn more about the CDFAM Computational Design Symposium series, including previous presentations and future events visit https://cdfam.com#CDFAM #ComputationalDesign #AIinEngineering #Simulation #CAE #DesignAutomation #SimScale #nTop #PhysicsAI #EngineeringWorkflow #GenerativeDesign #SurrogateModeling This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.designforam.com

Recorded at CDFAM Computational Design Symposium, Amsterdam, 2025 https://cdfam.com/amsterdam-2025/ Organization: Altair Presenter: Wesley Essink Flexible Geometric Modeling and Atypical Simulation Solvers to Streamline Design Optimization Presentation Abstract Simulation-driven design serves two important purposes: wider exploration of the design space and goal-seeking optimization. Regardless of the regime, the workflow spanning geometry creation, simulation setup, results interrogation and geometry redesign needs to be as seamless as possible to make this approach viable. However, there is often a significant overhead associated with manual, non-value-adding tasks. Examples include converting all geometry into a common representation prior to simulation, meshing for simulation, (re)applying simulation boundary conditions and, finally, making meaningful geometry updates based on simulation results. In this talk, we will showcase some of the approaches and methods we use in Altair Inspire to: Concurrently model with up to four different geometry representations Prepare simulation boundary conditions that remain fixed, irrespective of geometry changes Run simulations on components and assemblies without having to harmonise all geometry into a single representation Prepare a design exploration or optimization to close the loop between design and simulation Automatically update geometry based on the simulation findings These workflows take place entirely within Altair Inspire, which also reduces the need for lossy conversions or file transfers between different software products. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.designforam.com

Organization: Ku Leuven Presenter: Vanessa Cool From Structure To Sound: Unlocking The Potential Of Vibroacoustic Design Presentation Abstract Noise pollution is one of the leading global environmental pollutants, resulting in the loss of one million life years annually. This has prompted the introduction of stringent regulations on the acoustic performance of structures, without compromising their structural integrity. Topology optimization offers a promising approach to developing innovative structures that meet these conflicting requirements. However, in many applications, considering vibroacoustic coupling from the early design stages is essential, as it directly impacts the accuracy of the acoustic performance and structural stability, ensuring that both functional and regulatory requirements are met. This added complexity to the optimization process largely influences the resulting structures and is crucial for achieving optimal performance. This presentation will provide a comprehensive overview of an intricate vibroacoustic topology optimization framework and focusses on its potential applications. It will showcase optimization results across various scales, from unit cell and metamaterial design to supercell and finite component levels. Novel, intricately engineered structures that balance lightweight design, structural stiffness, and acoustic performance will be presented, demonstrating the potential of vibroacoustic design in meeting modern performance standards. Interview: Vanessa Cool – From Structure To Sound: Unlocking The Potential Of Vibroacoustic Design This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.designforam.com

Recorded at CDFAM Computational Design Symposium, Amsterdam , 2025 https://cdfam.com/amsterdam-2025/ https://www.datameister.ai The presentation explores the transformative potential of AI in automotive design, emphasizing the need for tools that embrace constrained creativity within the industry’s unique challenges. Current generic 2D and 3D generative tools often fall short in addressing the intricate constraints of automotive design, such as manufacturability, stakeholder needs, and engineering requirements. By collaborating with a world-renowned design studio, we have mapped out a novel inside-out design process that integrates custom AI tooling directly into designers’ workflows. Rather than replacing designers, this approach empowers them by eliminating non-creative, time-consuming tasks and reducing design iterations between stakeholders. The result is a faster, more effective path to optimal designs that balance creativity, feasibility, and client requirements. During the talk, we will share insights from this collaboration and showcase in-house results that highlight how AI can redefine workflows in automotive design. Interview: Datameister – Constrained creativity in AI-accelerated automotive design https://cdfam.com/datameister-constrained-creativity-in-ai-accelerated-automotive-design/ https://www.datameister.ai This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.designforam.com

This presentation delves into our collaboration with Coperni to develop and release the Ariel Swipe Bag for Paris Fashion Week 2024, a project exemplifying the principles of Design for Advanced Manufacturing. By leveraging our novel production methods, we navigated design creativity and manufacturing constraints to realize an innovative outcome. Key topics include the design development process, technical advancements, and the synergy between aesthetics and functionality enabled by our unique capabilities. The presentation further highlights our portfolio of past projects, including BMW and Hyundai concept seats, Black Imagination lamps, and luxury handbags, showcasing the breadth and versatility of our approach to advanced manufacturing in design.Recorded at CDFAM Computational Design Symposium, Amsterdam , 2025https://cdfam.com/amsterdam-2025/Read the CDFAM interview with RLP This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.designforam.com

Recorded at CDFAM Computational Design Symposium, Amsterdam , 2025 https://cdfam.com/amsterdam-2025/ Open Source, Parametrics, and Lattice Obsession https://fequalsf.blogspot.com/p/about.html https://www.food4rhino.com/en/app/crystallon In this deeply personal and wide-ranging talk, industrial designer Aaron Porterfield reflects on his path from early explorations with BASIC and Blender to founding F=F (Form Equals Function). Aaron shares how a childhood without video games led to a lifelong fascination with design tools, parametric modeling, and open-source collaboration. From early contributions to the Blender Foundation and experiments with lattice hinges and origami tessellations to impactful work on custom 3D-printed medical devices, this talk traces the evolution of his design thinking. Aaron walks through highlights including: Founding the Crystallon plugin for Grasshopper Collaborating on patient-specific helmets and orthotics Volunteering at Burning Man with Arthur Mamou-Mani Building a DIY compression testing rig for lattice experiments Rediscovering and reviving open-source projects with community help He concludes with a discussion on creative commons, the value of attribution, and how open-source culture helps people like him—self-proclaimed “severely ADD” designers—get their projects finished… by others. This presentation captures the spirit of CDFAM: openness, experimentation, and the computational rethinking of design at every scale. 📍 To learn more about the CDFAM Computational Design Symposium, visit cdfam.com #computationaldesign #additivemanufacturing #opensource #grasshopper3d #blender3d #latticestructures #parametricdesign #medicaldevices #burningman #crystallon This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.designforam.com