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.
- TEACHING

Digital Alchemy: Unleashing Generative AI for Architects, Designers, and Creative Professionals
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.
- 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
- EXPERIENCE
ASLA 2024 Conference on Landscape Architecture
- Location: Washington, DC
- Date: October 8, 2024
- Session: “Design Ethics, Storytelling, and Collaboration with AI”
- Session: “Before the End: Reimagining Creativity & Identity with AI”
- Session: “A Collaborative Journey Through Generative AI”
- Location: San Juan, Puerto Rico
- Session: “Antes del Fin”
- Title: “Architecture and AI & Head of Digital Marketing”
- Description: Integration of AI in architecture and evolving digital strategies.
- Location: Paris, France
- Date: June 21-23, 2023
- Topic: Scaling innovation in AEC through AI governance frameworks.
- 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”
- Title: “Updating the Tech Stack: Ask a Design Technologist”
- Date: October 2, 2023
- Description: Insights on adopting new technologies in AEC.
- Profane Codes: Dystopias and Utopias in the Age of AI
- Date: December 8, 2023
- Location: Puerto Rico Science, Technology & Research Trust
Fundación por la arquitectura
- Location: San Juan, PR
- Date: October 6, 2022
- Session: “De aquí y de allá “
- Location: San Juan, PR
- Date: October 13-15, 2022
- Session: “AI and Digital Transformation in Architecture”
- Location: 1011 K St NW, Washington, DC 20001
- Date: August 2022
- Session: Technology Workshop
- Location: Pittsburgh, PA
- Date: August 25-27, 2022
- Topic: Digital literacy and AI’s impact on architecture’s present and future.
- Location: Remote
- Date: April 1 2022
- Session: Practice Innovations Pitch Session
Congreso CITI AEC
- Session: “Transformación de Negocios AEC en la Era de AR/VR: Integración de XR a Escala”
- Date: October 2020
- 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
- Location: Guadalajara, Mexico
- Date: October 16-18, 2019
- Topic: AR/VR in Transforming AEC Business Workflows.
- Location: Atlanta, GA
- Date: 2019
- Topic: Innovations in BIM and Beyond.
- Location: Atlanta, GA
- Date: September 2019
- Location: Seattle, WA
- Date: July 2019
- Description: Highlighting the importance of pilot projects in enterprise adoption.
- PUBLICATION LIST
- Published By: Matt Shaw, Center for Professional Learning at the Weitzman School of Design, University of Pennsylvania
- Date: April 2024
- Published By: Matt Shaw, Center for Professional Learning at the Weitzman School of Design, University of Pennsylvania
- Date: April 2024
- Published For: AIA Board of Directors
- Date: 2020
- Description: Proposed digital transformation strategies and maturity frameworks for AIA adoption.
- 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.
- 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
- Published By: Bytes & Mortar Blog
- Date: 2022
- Description: Thought leadership on leveraging robotics and AI to streamline workflows and boost productivity in construction.
- Published On: Bytes & Mortar
- Date: June 2020
- Description: A personal narrative exploring the journey from traditional architecture to digital innovation.
- Published By: Bytes & Mortar Blog
- Date: April 2021
- Description: Insights into driving innovation and strategic initiatives for AIA leadership and membership.
- Published By: Bytes & Mortar Blog
- Date: March 2021
- Description: Recommendations for advancing the architecture profession through innovation and inclusive leadership.
- Published By: Bytes & Mortar Blog
- Date: May 2021
- Description: Final candidacy speech advocating for institutional change within professional organizations.
- 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.
- 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
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
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
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
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
Discussion about blockchain-enabled smart contracts, NFTs, and their potential to revolutionize construction transactions.
“Robotics and AI: The Dynamic Duo Reshaping Construction”some text
Analyzing how automation and machine learning streamline workflows and enhance productivity.
“The Future of Materials: Sustainable Innovations for Modern Construction”some text
Overview of sustainable construction materials and their integration into eco-friendly building practices.
“Transformative Impact of IoT in Construction”some text
Examination of connected devices for real-time tracking, maintenance planning, and improved safety protocols.
- PRESS & MEDIA
- 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
- Date: Q1 2023
- Description: Ricardo explores the potential of NFTs in architecture and construction in this feature for Young Architects Forum.
- 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.
- Date: 2023
- Description: In this podcast, Ricardo discusses his journey and innovative contributions to the field of architecture and AI.
- Date: 2020
- Description: Ricardo reflects on a decade of technological advancements in architecture and predicts future trends.
- Publication: Architect Magazine
- Date: Q3 2023
- Description: Ricardo’s exhibition explores AI-generated designs addressing climate change and Puerto Rican identity.
- Publication: 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.
- Publication: Architect Magazine
- Date: November 2021
- Description: A profile highlighting Ricardo’s candidacy for the American Institute of Architects’ At-Large Director role.
- Date: 2024
- Description: A feature on Ricardo’s expertise in AI and its integration into architectural and cultural innovation.
- Date: 2015
- Description: AIA|DC highlights Ricardo’s contributions to innovation and his engagement with the architectural community.
- Date: 2018
- Description: Ricardo is recognized for his leadership in driving technology adoption in the architecture and construction industries.
- Date: March 11, 2016
- Description: A profile on Ricardo’s achievements and impact in the architecture and technology sectors.