Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Architecture Machine Learning (ML) for Architectural Design Social and Ethical Role of the Architect Explianability / Interpretability of AI in Architecture and Building Future Regulation of the Architect Decoding A.I for the Architect Parametric Architecture for Design Optimisation Software for Design Bioclimatic / Kinetic Facades Prototyping in Architecture Dataset Bias Architecture

Head of Architecture at Lancaster, Des’s field of research interest is in Optimisation and Deep Learning (Artificial Intelligence) for Decision Support Systems in design. He is particularly interested in the impact that Machine Learning will have on design processes and the regulatory and policy implications for the RIBA and ARB.

In his current role as Chair of the National Practice and Policy at the RIBA, Des oversees the development of a programme of policy and public affairs activity, representing over forty thousand UK architects, to affect change in Whitehall, Westminster and beyond. His roles in the field of AI and Architecture include Co-Chair of the Expert Advisory Group on Data and AI in Practice (RIBA), and Lead of the Working Group on AI in Architectural Education (SCOSA) where he leads  a network of industry partners including AutoDesk, Google and OpenAI, to guide the future integration of AI across UK practices and teaching across all 65 Schools of Architecture.

Prior to working in academia, he worked on several international award‐winning projects, including as Project Architect for the London Olympic Village 2012 and for Glasgow Transport Museum at Zaha Hadid Architects, winner of European Museum of the Year 2013.

Des is currently working on a UKRI funded project: AILab: Artificial Intelligence in Low Carbon Building (PI- £20k) with the Eden Project and Grimshaw Architects, to realise the advantages of Machine Learning for low carbon construction of Eden Morecambe. He has published two books ‐ ‘UEM’ which reimagines the future of a sustainably eco‐centric City, and ‘Datascape’ – a collaborative research document which records the data activities and exchanges of a city.