Time: 7:30AM – 9:00AM PST
AI is no longer an abstract concept in our industry—it’s becoming more embedded in how design-build teams plan, coordinate, and deliver projects. But as adoption grows, so do the questions: when is it worth the investment of time, how do you integrate it smoothly, and where can you actually trust the results? This panel continues our conversation from the regional conference on practical AI and VDC, with a focus on audience-driven Q&A. The format is designed for you to bring questions and get real answers from practitioners about what’s working—and what’s not. DBIA credit will be offered.
Our panelists will be available to answer questions and share real project examples on:
- How AI and VDC tools are (and aren’t) bridging gaps in the design-build process
- Integrating software platforms without disrupting existing workflows
- Using AI for documentation and as-builts
- Early experiments with generative AI in design and proposals
- Building trust in AI outputs while guarding against “garbage in, garbage out”
Rather than another presentation, this session is about your questions and candid discussion on how AI is impacting design-build today, and where we see it going.
This panel will also kick off a new program aimed to connect our Regional, streaming live from Portland with interactive question/responses from other
chapters ‘watch parties’!
Learning Objectives:
- Evaluate Value & Risk: Understand how to assess the ROI of AI tools in design-build delivery, includingwhen they add measurable value and where trust or risk concerns still limit their use.
- Integrate & Adapt Workflows: Learn practical strategies for integrating AI into existing DB workflows—covering training, documentation, and as-builts—without disrupting team roles or losing human judgment.
- Explore Emerging Applications: Gain insight into generative AI and early-phase applications (concept design, proposals, estimating), and how these tools are reshaping decision-making and project delivery.
Oregon:
Portland
Location: The Portland Building – 1120 SW 5th Ave. Portland, OR 97204
Cost: Members: $45 | Non-Members: $55 | Virtual Members: $20 | Virtual Non-Members: $30
Bend
Location: Skanska – 2275 NE Doctors Drive, Suite 3, Bend, OR 97701
Cost: Members: $45 | Non-Members: $55
Washington:
Western Washington
Location: McKinstry – 5005 3rd Ave S, Seattle, WA 98134
Cost: Member: $30 | Non-Member: $40 | Owner & Young Professional: $20
Inland
Location: Coffman Engineers
221 N Wall Street, Ste 500, Spokane, WA 99201
Located in the Red Wagon Room – There is street parking and garage parking in River Park Square.
Cost: $25
Central
Location: Bouten Construction – 1060 Jadwin Ave Ste 300, Richland, WA 99352
Cost: $25
Speakers Include:
Maret Thatcher, J.D. – CEO & Founder, Argyle
Maret Thatcher is the founder and CEO of Argyle, a mobile app helping design-build teams access BIM data where it matters most—on the jobsite. A former construction attorney turned tech founder, she believes BIM is a beautiful database, and she’s built a platform that makes it instantly useful in the field through precisely aligned augmented reality. Argyle has been deployed by contractors and owners on complex projects from hospitals to airports, unlocking faster layout, better QA/QC, and clearer coordination across teams. Maret brings a practical, field-first perspective on how AI and VDC tools can actually make work easier.
Mark Green – Senior Superintendent, O’Brien Construction
With nearly 30 years in the construction industry, Mark Green brings deep field expertise and a pragmatic view on how technology can truly support the people building the work. His interest in virtual design took off with the introduction of GPS-equipped bulldozers and excavators—showing him firsthand how digital tools could transform precision and efficiency. Today, he utilizes platforms like OpenSpace and Argyle to track project development and bring BIM out of the trailer and into the field, helping teams stay aligned and make informed decisions in real time.
Anartis McKerral – Integrated Construction Manager, Mortenson Construction
Anartis McKerral is the integrated construction manager for Mortenson’s Portland office, where she leads the Virtual Design and Construction (VDC) department. She is known for skillfully merging the human element of a project with her technical insights to drive an innovative and holistic BIM experience from early proposal planning to project closeout. Anartis advances Mortenson’s company-wide initiatives for the future of technology in construction as a member of their Integrated Delivery Advancement Team and is a sponsor for their BIM Coordination Community of Practice. Anartis has a BA in the History of Art from UC Berkeley and trained in Architectural Drafting, Carpentry, and Historic Preservation and Restoration at the College of the Redwoods. She’s worked on multiple national DBIA award-winning projects, including the Hyatt Regency Hotel at the Oregon Convention Center and The Technical Services Building for Bonneville Power Administration.
Will Dam – Senior BIM/VDC Manager, Andersen Construction
With over 27 years of experience spanning surveying, 3D reality capture, and BIM/VDC, Will Dam brings a deep understanding of how technology drives construction forward. He currently serves as the Senior BIM/VDC Manager for Andersen Construction, where he specializes in bridging the gap between office and field through technology integration, workflow optimization, and tailored in-house training. His expertise includes Trimble, FARO, and Autodesk platforms, with a proven track record in Scan-to-BIM processes, high-quality deliverables, and construction survey excellence. Beyond project execution, Will is committed to workforce development—serving as a training agent for IUOE 701 Technical Engineers and mentoring the next generation of construction professionals. Over the course of his career, Will has contributed to projects of every scale, from hospitals and high-rises to sports stadiums and complex infrastructure. Each experience has reinforced his belief in combining innovation with craftsmanship to deliver results that stand the test of time.
Sarah Young, NCARB, CDT, DBIA – Senior Project Manager, Open Concept Architecture
Sarah Young is a Senior Project Manager at Open Concept Architecture. With a B.S. in Interior Design from Texas State and an M.Arch from Pratt Institute, she has built her career across a wide range of project types—from high-rise developments in New York City to local wineries in Oregon. Throughout her career, she has always worn many hats, an experience that shapes her belief that good structure and design-build best practices aren’t just for large projects but add value at every scale. Passionate about the connection between design and construction, Sarah focuses on integrating teams rather than treating design and construction as separate phases. She uses VDC tools to support communication, decision-making, and collaboration, and has presented nationally on collaborative delivery. She continues to advocate for practical, people-first innovation and stronger representation across the design-build industry.
Thank You to Our Program Sponsors!
Central:
