TT5: Beyond Shiny Objects

 

Happy February! We’re deep into winter, and it's cold here in the Northeast. I've been making daily trips to the woodpile to keep my stove going. Hopefully it's warmer and sunnier where you are!

 

This week's links share a common thread: they're all about navigating technological change with intention. Whether it's understanding the hardware powering your workflows, adopting materials that demand integrated thinking, or embracing emerging design tools, this week’s articles ask us how we should adopt new approaches, not just whether we should. Good stuff for anyone trying to stay current without chasing every shiny object.

 

On another note, I'm hosting a free workshop next week on a new approach to Revit automation that focuses on building tools first and learning the coding concepts along the way. It flips the traditional method on its head: instead of months of study before you build anything real, you start building right away. If you've ever wanted to automate something in Revit but felt intimidated by the learning curve, this is for you. Click here to register for the free workshop on February 11th.

 

Alright, here are five things to check out this week:

 

#1: The BIM Manager Role is Evolving

Allister Lewis makes a compelling case that the BIM Manager title is outgrowing itself. The role is shifting toward something broader, Digital Design Leadership, that encompasses data strategy, workflows, and decision-making beyond just standards and coordination. Click the link to watch a roundtable discussion on this topic. Good stuff!

 

#2: Why GPU Memory Matters More Than You Think

Greg Corke at AEC Magazine digs into something most of us don't think about until it's too late: GPU memory. If you've ever had Twinmotion or Enscape grind to a halt in the middle of a render, this explains why and what to do about it. The piece covers CAD, BIM, visualization, and AI workloads, with practical advice on monitoring usage and avoiding performance cliffs.

 

#3: 10 Things to Know About Mass Timber

Robert Norton from IMEG shares a decade's worth of lessons on designing with mass timber. The big takeaway: if you design for steel or concrete first and then try to "convert" to mass timber, expect a 25-30% cost premium. The material needs to be part of the conversation from day one. Practical insights for anyone considering it.

 

#4: Arcol is Rethinking Architectural Authoring

Architosh takes an in-depth look at Arcol, the browser-based BIM tool that won its Best of Show award last year. Founder Paul O'Carroll's ambition goes beyond feasibility studies. He wants to rebuild architectural authoring around real-time collaboration, AI agents, and integrated cost logic. The Rhino integration, coming soon, could be particularly interesting for firms doing complex geometry.

 

#5: Be Wary of Digital Deskilling

Cal Newport offers a counterpoint to all the AI enthusiasm. He looks at how Anthropic's Claude Code creator manages five AI agents simultaneously and asks: What happens when we outsource skilled work to machines? It's a thoughtful piece that doesn't dismiss AI tools but questions whether "just assign agents work" is really the natural next step, or something more troubling.

 

That's all from me. Have a great week.

Michael