The KPF Associate Principal and Senior Computational Designer joined Neil Katz, FAIA, Associate Principal at Skidmore, Owings & Merrill, at KPF’s New York office for the AIA New York’s “Future Now 2025: Computational Design Insights for Emerging Architects,” sharing his expertise in digital practice and design technology.
Held on December 15 and organized by the AIA New York | Center for Architecture Emerging New York Architects Committee, the event brought together professionals to discuss the evolving role of computational design in architecture. Joe and Neil discussed topics such as the career path of design technology specialists, the integration of advanced digital workflows, and the balance between practice and pedagogy, moderated by Hao-Yeh Lu, Assoc. AIA, Co-chair, AIANY Emerging New York Architects Committee. Attendees gained valuable insights into how evolving computational tools and fabrication technologies are reshaping design.
Joe Brennan, AIA, is a licensed architect, educator, and writer with a passion for digital practice and design technology. As Senior Computational Designer and Associate Principal at KPF, Joe leads the firm’s computation and digital fabrication efforts, leveraging advanced digital processes to enhance project outcomes. Joe is also committed to mentorship and research, helping emerging professionals build fluency in computational tools and understand their impact on architectural innovation. In addition to his role at KPF, Joe serves as an Adjunct Assistant Professor at Columbia University, where he teaches graduate courses in technology implementation and computational design.
