Talk Series 17

Designing with AI: Context, Continuity, and Control

Speaker:

Dr Geoff Kimm, Swinburne University of Technology

Summary:

The practice of architecture is deeply contextual, yet AI tools often operate without effectual context unless we provide it. Aimed at architects with little or no background in AI, this session explores how designers can introduce context into AI-enhanced workflows – an increasingly vital skill as AI shifts from rule-following to interpreting user intent. Drawing on a software development perspective, the talk presents straightforward strategies for reusing core values, logic, and goals across evolving tools. It offers practical ways to begin working intentionally and confidently with AI, grounded in accessible examples and design computing insights.

This talk was delivered at Swinburne University of Technology on 29 May 2025. Talk duration is 55 minutes.

Speaker Bio:

Geoff is a designer, researcher, and software developer. He has worked at the University of Melbourne and Swinburne University of Technology, and as a systems developer in the fintech sector. His work focuses on accessible visualisation, human–tool interaction, and AI-enhanced design workflows in the built environment. 

CPD Details:

This talk is offered as a formal CPD activity for architects, mapped to performance criteria PC18 and PC28 in the Australian 2021 National Standard of Competencies for Architects.

A copy of the CPD questions can be accessed here. If you take notes in digital format during the video, you will be able to copy/paste your answers into the questionnaire form at the end. 

Upon completion of the video, a link to the CPD questionnaire will be unlocked. Submit your answers via that link to earn 1 formal CPD point and receive your certificate for record-keeping purposes. Note: The questionnaire link will only load if the video is viewed from this webpage. If you navigate to YouTube to view the video, you will not be able to access it.