Inspiring Minds. Empowering Change.

From AI innovation to digital transformation, Bytes & Mortar brings a unique perspective that merges strategy, creativity, and technology. Whether speaking to global audiences or teaching in intimate workshops, our co-founder Ricardo equips leaders with the insights and tools to drive meaningful change.

Speaking
Building Customer Loyalty in a Digital World
Digital Strategy for Growth and Resilience
2017 Camera Austria Award - Graz
2016 British Wildlife Photography Awards - UK
Teaching
AI Basics for Architects and Designers
An introduction to AI concepts, generative design, and prompt engineering tailored for architects and designers. Participants will gain actionable insights into integrating AI into creative workflows.
Intermediate AI Image Generation
Isaac Davis
AI Governance & Ethical Frameworks
Explore frameworks for ethical AI implementation, balancing innovation with responsibility. Tailored workshops for leadership, faculty, and students to address AI governance challenges.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTION.
What is a Digital Maturity Assessment, and why is it important?

Topics include AI in AEC, customer-centric strategies, digital transformation, and future-ready innovation tailored to your audience’s needs.

How can I book Bytes & Mortar for an event or workshop?

Visit the Speaking & Teaching page to explore topics, download our media kit, or contact us directly for customized presentations.

Inquire About Speaking Engagements

EXPERIENCE
2024
ASLA 2024 Conference on Landscape Architecture
  • Location: Washington, DC
  • Date: October 8, 2024
  • Session: "Design Ethics, Storytelling, and Collaboration with AI"
JADE Philly Summit
  • Session: "Before the End: Reimagining Creativity & Identity with AI"
UPenn Sustainability Design Summit
  • Session: "A Collaborative Journey Through Generative AI"
Simposio Bajo Presión, Poli/Gráfica de Puerto Rico: Latinoamérica y el Caribe
  • Location: San Juan, Puerto Rico
  • Session: “Antes del Fin”
Podcast Appearance: Practice Disrupted, Episode 143
  • Title: "Architecture and AI & Head of Digital Marketing"
  • Description: Integration of AI in architecture and evolving digital strategies.
2023
BuiltWorlds Paris Summit
  • Location: Paris, France
  • Date: June 21-23, 2023
  • Topic: Scaling innovation in AEC through AI governance frameworks.
Understanding Economic & Industry Trends
  • Date: 8 September 2023
  • Location: Gensler, 2020 K St NW, Washington, DC 20006
  • Session: “AI in Architecture; How Emerging Technologies are Disrupting Design and Construction Practices”
AEC+Tech Blog Feature
  • Title: "Updating the Tech Stack: Ask a Design Technologist"
  • Date: October 2, 2023
  • Description: Insights on adopting new technologies in AEC.
AI and Creativity: Challenges and Opportunities for Creators
  • Profane Codes: Dystopias and Utopias in the Age of AI
  • Date: December 8, 2023
  • Location: Puerto Rico Science, Technology & Research Trust
2022
Fundación por la arquitectura
  • Location: San Juan, PR
  • Date: October 6, 2022
  • Session: "De aquí y de allá "
AIA Puerto Rico Annual Conference | Keynote Speaker
  • Location: San Juan, PR
  • Date: October 13-15, 2022
  • Session: "AI and Digital Transformation in Architecture"
AIA|DC CKLDP - Industry Game Changers
  • Location: 1011 K St NW, Washington, DC 20001
  • Date: August 2022
  • Session: Technology Workshop
YAF Summit 30: Mission 2130
  • Location: Pittsburgh, PA
  • Date: August 25-27, 2022
  • Topic: Digital literacy and AI’s impact on architecture’s present and future.
AIA | St. Louis - Expanding the Definition of Practice
  • Location: Remote
  • Date: April 1 2022
  • Session: Practice Innovations Pitch Session
2019
Congreso CITI AEC
  • Location: Guadalajara, Mexico
  • Date: October 16-18, 2019
  • Topic: AR/VR in Transforming AEC Business Workflows.
Tilt-Up Concrete Association Convention
  • Location: Atlanta, GA
  • Date: 2019
  • Topic: Innovations in BIM and Beyond.
The Role of AR/VR/XR in Enterprise Digital Transformation
  • Location: Atlanta, GA
  • Date: September 2019
Embedding XR in Enterprise
  • Location: Seattle, WA
  • Date: July 2019
  • Description: Highlighting the importance of pilot projects in enterprise adoption.
2020
Congreso CITI AEC
  • Session: "Transformación de Negocios AEC en la Era de AR/VR: Integración de XR a Escala"
  • Date: October 2020
Plastarc Webinar
  • The Role Tech Plays in the Future Office
  • Wed Oct 07 2020
Universidad Nacional de Colombia | Cátedra XV
  • Session: "BIM en la Era de AR/VR"
  • Date: 2020
PUBLICATION LIST
AI as a Design and Planning Partner
  • Published By: Matt Shaw, Center for Professional Learning at the Weitzman School of Design, University of Pennsylvania
  • Date: April 2024
YAF Summit 30 Post-Report: Mission 2130
  • Published By: Matt Shaw, Center for Professional Learning at the Weitzman School of Design, University of Pennsylvania
  • Date: April 2024
The year of the DAO - A beginner’s Guide
  • Published by: ArchiDAO
  • Date: April 28 2022
No Member Left Behind: Digital Maturity Frameworks for AIA Members
  • Published For: AIA Board of Directors
  • Date: 2020
  • Description: Proposed digital transformation strategies and maturity frameworks for AIA adoption.
Tech 2020 Predictions and 2010 Reflections in Architecture
  • Published By: Architect Magazine
  • Date: January 2020
  • Description: A retrospective on technological advancements over the past decade and predictions for architecture in 2020 and beyond.
AEC+Tech Blog Feature
  • Title: "Updating the Tech Stack: Ask a Design Technologist"
  • Date: October 2, 2023
  • Description: Insights into adopting scalable technology workflows and emerging tools in AEC
AI and Robotics in Construction
  • Published By: Bytes & Mortar Blog
  • Date: 2022
  • Description: Thought leadership on leveraging robotics and AI to streamline workflows and boost productivity in construction.
How Did I End Up Here?
  • Published On: Bytes & Mortar
  • Date: June 2020
  • Description: A personal narrative exploring the journey from traditional architecture to digital innovation.
AEC Business Innovation & the AIA
  • Published By: Bytes & Mortar Blog
  • Date: April 2021
  • Description: Insights into driving innovation and strategic initiatives for AIA leadership and membership.

Priorities for Our Profession
  • Published By: Bytes & Mortar Blog
  • Date: March 2021
  • Description: Recommendations for advancing the architecture profession through innovation and inclusive leadership.

Towards an Organization that Truly Embraces Change
  • Published By: Bytes & Mortar Blog
  • Date: May 2021
  • Description: Final candidacy speech advocating for institutional change within professional organizations.

The Computer Made Me Do It Series
  • Published By: Bytes & Mortar Blog
  • Date: April - May 2021
  • Description: A five-part exploration series where AI-generated content addresses trends and innovations in construction technology, digitalization, and architecture's future.
  • Chapters
  • "Construction Automation"
  • Overview of robotic technologies transforming traditional construction practices, automation benefits, and lean construction processes.
  • "Digitization to Increase Construction's Productivity"some text
  • Analyze how digitalization can close the construction productivity gap by adopting data-driven tools and technology.
  • "End of Architectural Practice"
  • Examined how digital tools reshape architects' roles and challenge traditional architecture practice's future.
  • "Digital Construction"
  • Focused on Construction Information Modeling (CIM) as a critical tool across all project lifecycle phases, enhancing efficiency and planning.
  • "Innovations in Construction Technology"
  • Explored emerging technologies like AI, IoT, robotics, and BIM to revolutionize workflows and improve productivity.
Ready for Next: Thought Leadership for the Construction Industry
  • Published By: Master Builders Solutions
  • Contribution: Author and Creative Director.
  • Date: 2022
  • Description: A series of thought leadership articles exploring key innovations and trends revolutionizing the construction industry. Topics include AI, robotics, augmented reality, and more, offering actionable insights for industry professionals.
  • Chapters:

"Artificial Intelligence Empowers Construction Businesses"some text

  1. Overview of AI's transformative role in construction, including predictive feedback, risk avoidance, and generative design tools.

"Drones in Construction: How Robots are Changing the Way We Build"some text

  1. Exploration of robotics and drones in enhancing efficiency, safety, and real-time project tracking.

"Big Data Should Be in the Construction Industry's Toolbox"some text

  1. Insights into leveraging big data for project optimization, risk management, and waste reduction.

"Augmented & Virtual Reality Devices Will Be the New Normal on Construction Sites"some text

  1. Examination of AR/VR applications, from on-site 3D model visualization to safety training programs.

"Con-Tech Trends to Watch Out For in 2022"some text

  1. Discussion about blockchain-enabled smart contracts, NFTs, and their potential to revolutionize construction transactions.

"Robotics and AI: The Dynamic Duo Reshaping Construction"some text

  1. Analyzing how automation and machine learning streamline workflows and enhance productivity.

"The Future of Materials: Sustainable Innovations for Modern Construction"some text

  1. Overview of sustainable construction materials and their integration into eco-friendly building practices.

"Transformative Impact of IoT in Construction"some text

  1. Examination of connected devices for real-time tracking, maintenance planning, and improved safety protocols.

PRESS & MEDIA
Ricardo J. Rodríguez De Santiago fusiona la arquitectura con la inteligencia artificial en Poli/Gráfica
  • Date: July 30, 2024
  • Description: Ricardo discusses his innovative use of AI to reimagine architecture and culture in his exhibition Poli/Gráfica.
  • Publication: El Adoquín Times
AI in the Profession of Architecture: An Interview with Ricardo Rodriguez of Bytes & Mortar
  • Date: Q1 2023
  • Description: Ricardo explores the potential of NFTs in architecture and construction in this feature for Young Architects Forum.
El boricua Ricardo Rodríguez concibe imágenes con la ayuda de la inteligencia artificial y recrea la crisis del huracán María
  • Date: January 2024
  • Description: In his first “solo-show”, Ricardo highlights the role of AI in depicting the Hurricane Maria crisis and rebuilding cultural resilience.
Pod Chaos-T with AIAS Young Architects Forum
  • Date: 2023
  • Description: In this podcast, Ricardo discusses his journey and innovative contributions to the field of architecture and AI.
Tech 2020 Predictions Reflections in Architecture
  • Date: 2020
  • Description: Ricardo reflects on a decade of technological advancements in architecture and predicts future trends.
  • Publication: Architect Magazine
NFTs: Speculative Applications in the Architecture & Construction Industry
  • Date: Q3 2023
  • Description: Ricardo’s exhibition explores AI-generated designs addressing climate change and Puerto Rican identity.
  • Publication: District Architecture Center
Present Futures Exhibition at District Architecture Center
  • Published By: Bytes & Mortar Blog
  • Date: 2022
  • Description: Thought leadership on leveraging robotics and AI to streamline workflows and boost productivity in construction.
Meet the Candidates for AIA 2022-2024 At-Large Director
  • Publication: Architect Magazine
  • Date: November 2021
  • Description: A profile highlighting Ricardo’s candidacy for the American Institute of Architects’ At-Large Director role.
Ricardo Rodríguez Boricua Experto en Inteligencia Artificial
  • Date: 2024
  • Description: A feature on Ricardo’s expertise in AI and its integration into architectural and cultural innovation.

Our very own Ricardo Rodríguez De Santiago and Ryan McEnroe are famous!
  • Date: 2015
  • Description: AIA|DC highlights Ricardo’s contributions to innovation and his engagement with the architectural community.

Adoption Leaders 50 List 2018
  • Date: 2018
  • Description: Ricardo is recognized for his leadership in driving technology adoption in the architecture and construction industries.

In the Spotlight: Ricardo Rodríguez
  • Date: March 11, 2016
  • Description: A profile on Ricardo’s achievements and impact in the architecture and technology sectors.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTION.
What topics do Bytes & Mortar’s workshops and speaking engagements cover?

Topics include AI in AEC, customer-centric strategies, digital transformation, and future-ready innovation tailored to your audience’s needs.

How can I book Bytes & Mortar for an event or workshop?

Visit the Speaking & Teaching page to explore topics, download our media kit, or contact us directly for customized presentations.