AI Problem Solving in A/E/C: From Challenges to Solutions

Facilitators

Victoria Mechtly

Victoria Mechtly is a passionate business professional seeking ways to help others develop their professional skills and assist clients with finding new solutions to their challenges. As the Federal Client Services Manager and Assistant Vice President at TranSystems, she must stay current on the latest trends and technologies and how they impact the industry and business. As Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning have made it into the mainstream, she has seen firsthand how it is changing how we work. This led to her taking on leading the new National SAME Industry Government Engagement on AI as the chair. This group meets to discuss ways AI is impacting their organizations and how we can be prepared as an industry. 
 
Victoria has nearly 15 years of experience working in the A/E/C industry's Federal, Aerospace, Transportation, and Transmission Distribution markets.  She is a proud citizen of the Chickasaw Nation, actively contributing to and bringing awareness to Indigenous communities. Through her work, she is able to integrate her cultural tradition of storytelling.

Pooja Jain, P.E., S.E.

Pooja Jain is the CEO of Innov8 Consulting LLC, where she advises startups and established companies on scaling AI, digital platforms, and emerging technologies across the AEC industry. Over her 25-year career, she has built high-performing teams and delivered more than 200 infrastructure projects across all seven continents, driving innovation in some of the world's most sensitive and complex environments. Pooja has also launched and led a corporate incubator at a global engineering firm, focused on digital growth and technology commercialization for the built environment, and create a first-of-its-kind partnership program for early- and growth-stage ventures. She currently serves on the Board of Circa Technologies Inc., sustainability tech startup.

Pooja is also a visiting scholar at Stanford University's School of Engineering, where she mentors graduate students in the AI for AEC program. She holds an MS in Structural Engineering from the University of California, Berkeley, and an MSx (Executive MBA) from the Stanford Graduate School of Business.

Ben Graf, P.E.

Ben Graf finds new ways to tackle old problems by applying data visualization, advanced statistical analysis, modeling, and machine learning. His current role is Chief Data Scientist at Matrix Design Group. Prior to that, he worked nearly 20 years in civil service at base level and staff level in construction management, energy management, asset management, and data science. His last 4 years were as a Senior Data Scientist at the Air Force Civil Engineer Center, where he spearheaded award-winning analysis, visualization, modeling, and machine learning projects. He holds Master’s degrees in Electrical & Computer Engineering and Statistics & Data Science and is licensed as a Professional Engineer. When not analyzing data, you can find him striving for a deeper understanding of his wife and kids, strategy board games, sports, musical theater, improv comedy, and anything else that tickles his curiosity.

Mike Ramos

Michael Ramos is the President at Raymond, a Minority and Service-Disabled, Veteran-Owned Small Business that provides full A/E services. After joining Raymond in 2017, Mr. Ramos has worked to grow Raymond's engagement and presence in the federal market and serves as the Person-in-Charge for contracts with USACE, NAVFAC, AFCEC, and the Department of Veterans Affairs. Further, he leads Raymond’s Internal Research & Development (IRAD) program, which is currently developing multiple AI-based an software solutions for the A/E/C industry. Prior to Raymond, Mr. Ramos was the Director of Analysis at DeWolff, Boberg & Associates and a Senior Associate with Booz Allen Hamilton. Mr. Ramos holds a B.S. in Chemical Engineering from MIT and a M.S. in Chemistry from Tufts University. Mr. Ramos is a passionate technology enthusiast.

Tom Clark, P.E.

Tom Clark, P.E., is an innovator bringing unique expertise in construction and a passion for leveraging AI to optimize business outcomes. In his previous role as Director of Construction for NAVFAC, he oversaw $2 billion in annual construction projects, gaining invaluable experience in managing complex endeavors.  He developed a cross-functional team that evaluates and awards NAVFAC’s AE IDIQs and Construction contracts (MACC). Recognizing the transformative potential of AI, Tom began working with a dedicated team to integrate AI into NAVFAC’s operations. As he begins the next chapter of his career, Tom has started a new company PE4AI where he aims to help small businesses to understand and harness the power of AI to drive ROI for new levels of business success.  
 
Tom has been a guest speaker at numerous conferences including the Society of American Military Engineers (SAME), Associated General Contractors (AGC), Native American National Conference, and DOD Housing National Conference. Tom published articles on Partnering and Military Housing construction.