Beyond the Facade: AI, Sustainability & the Future of Design

Simon Whelan from FenestraPro returns to Bridging the Gap for another insightful conversation—this time live from Autodesk University! In this episode, Simon and Todd Weyandt dive into the evolving world of facade design, the critical role of sustainability in architecture, and how AI is transforming the design process.

Simon shares why early design decisions matter more than ever, clears up common misconceptions about facade analysis, and explores the delicate balance between aesthetics, cost, and performance. This episode is a must-listen for architects, designers, and innovators looking to stay ahead of the curve in a rapidly changing industry.

MEET OUR GUEST

Simon Whelan is Co-Founder and COO of FenestraPro. He has worked with global firms like AECOM, Gensler, and Jacobs to integrate real-time energy modeling and facade performance directly into their workflows, inside Autodesk Revit and Forma. With a background in architecture and environmental systems (MSc, LEED GA), he bridges the gap between design intent and performance outcomes.

TODD TAKES Shift the envelope decisions left

Early-stage choices on glazing, shading, and orientation drive most of a building’s comfort, energy, and cost outcomes. With fast feedback loops in tools like Forma (and envelope extensions), teams can iterate on facades before documentation locks them in—letting designers be both creative and analytical where it matters most.

AI should remove drudgery, not replace design

The win isn’t “AI as auteur,” it’s automating the tedious stuff—option sweeps, target-finding, and heavy documentation—so architects and engineers can focus on judgment and intent. Treat AI like a power tool: useful, fast, and verifiable.

Sustainability works when it hits the wallet—and the workflow

Sustainability is past the hype and into everyday practice, especially when early envelope moves cut operational costs. The next unlock: stronger interoperability (ideally a common backbone) so insights flow cleanly from concept to detail without getting lost in translation.

 

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