AI at SSOE: Redefine Possibility

We don’t just use AI. We’re building a smarter way to design, together.

At SSOE, we believe the future of architecture and engineering is AI-powered—but human led. We’re not waiting for transformation to happen around us. We’re making it happen—responsibly, boldly, and in a way that truly benefits our clients and our people. That’s what this space is for: to share our story, spark ideas, and show you what’s possible when an A/E firm starts thinking like an AI company.

A philosophy that starts at the top

    “To truly transform the AEC industry, we must think like an AI firm aiming to deliver A/E services — not like an engineering firm merely trying to incorporate AI.”

    Vince DiPofi, CEO

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    “The architecture, engineering, and construction industries stand at a crossroads with the opportunity to harness AI’s potential and shape the future. By proactively adopting and strategically integrating AI, we can redefine industry competitiveness and client satisfaction, paving the way for a smarter, more sustainable tomorrow.”

    Brett Susany, Executive – AI and Innovation

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    This is more than a tagline—it’s a mindset. SSOE’s approach to AI is intentional and integrated.

    We’ve asked big questions:

    • How do we make responsibility and ethics foundational to our AI strategy?
    • How do we ensure it uplifts our teams and our client outcomes?
    • How do we protect what makes our work deeply human?

    This thinking led us to create the AI Governance Team (AIGT) —a diverse, cross-functional group that guides how we use AI safely, ethically, and effectively across our company. Today, we’ve evolved into an overarching AI Implementation team, made up of our AIGT and an R&D team focused on proof-of-concept development, testing, and integration / product rollout.

    AI in action: on our projects, with our people

    In-house Resource Planning Tool

    A solution to one of the AEC industry’s toughest challenges.

    We found ourselves in need of a more robust tool to enhance resource forecasting and staff assignment capabilities. Instead of waiting for the perfect tool, we’re building it…

    Microsoft Copilot

    Empowering our teams with everyday AI.

    SSOE is utilizing Microsoft Copilot to significantly enhance work efficiency and accuracy across various departments. Copilot is accessible to all staff after training. Key areas of application include using it as a writing assistant, for idea generation, document summarization and generation, research assistant, excel assistant, programming code assistant, language translations, product comparison and data analysis…

    AI Knowledge Retention

    Lessons learned shouldn’t disappear when people move on.

    SSOE has developed a proof-of-concept to use an AI Agent to act as a Master Engineer trained in SSOE’s processes, best-known-methods, and trainings…

    Autodesk Forma

    Early-stage design modeling in extreme climates.

    We helped our client visualize and optimize façade design for occupant comfort—long before breaking ground through the use of the Autodesk Forma tool…

    Agentic Automation

    Empowering Teams with AI-Driven Workflows.

    SSOE is actively piloting AI copilots that use Natural Language Processing (NLP) to streamline both design and development tasks, transforming how our teams interact with software and each other. By integrating copilot engines into platforms like Revit and GitHub, we’re enabling users to prompt complex actions using simple, conversational commands…

    ACC AI Assistant

    Accelerating Project Clarity with AI-Driven Specification Search.

    Autodesk Construction Cloud (ACC) is SSOE’s enterprise-wide project delivery platform. We partner with the Autodesk Product team and have research access…

    Our journey: from pilot to platform

    2022

    December 2022: CEO shares vision for AI integration into all parts of our business.

    2023

    May 2023: Established Data/AI Ethics Principles Policy for generative AI use.

    July 2023: Annual planning session focused on AI opportunities / challenges. Sourced top project ideas to move forward.

    September 2023: AI Governance Team announced. Began YegaTech & Valkyrie collaboration identify potential AI initiatives.

    October 2023: SSOE appoints PMO and SVP of AI Integration, highlighting their commitment to improving project delivery best practices through the use of AI.

    2024

    February 2024: Roll out of generative AI across the organization using Microsoft Copilot Enterprise.

    October 2024: SSOE appoints full-time Executive overseeing AI, highlighting the company’s commitment to advancing AI initiatives.

    October 2024: SSOE’s Brett Susany’s article, Embracing AI’s Transformative Power Has Massive Potential for Design and Construction, published in ENR.

    December 2024: SSOE launches Innovation Pipeline to prioritize and move AI and automation projects forward.

    2025

    April 2025: CEO participates at YegaTech AI Summit: Aligning Business, Culture, and Operations.

    May 2025: SSOE advances a full-time Director of AI, furthering their focus on AI.

    July 2025: Launch and participation of the Expert A&E Business Plan Advisor Persona at the organization’s annual planning session.

    August 2025: SSOE achieves 100% completion of its voluntary AI responsibility training—an essential milestone for gaining access to LLMs.

    Voices & Vision

    Want to know how we’re thinking about AI? Take a look.

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    Meet the AI implementation team

    Brett Susany

    Executive - AI and Innovation

    Lauren Collier

    Director of AI and Innovation

    Scott Thompson

    Technology | Vice President

    David Smiljanich

    Manager, Digital Delivery

    Baalaganapathy (Baala) Manohar, PE, LEED AP, CPD

    Mechanical Engineer

    Denys Chernenko, EIT

    Structural Engineer

    Chelsea Whetsel

    Product Support Manager

    Brett Susany

    Executive - AI and Innovation

    Brett joined SSOE in 2013 as a Principal Business Leader resulting from the merger between the firm and Evergreen EDC. He quickly became a Department Manager within SSOE’s Advanced Technology SBU. In 2019, Brett was promoted to Senior Vice President of Program Management within the Advanced Technology SBU, and in 2022, he became Senior Vice President of Complex Project Execution. In 2023, Brett moved into a new leadership role, reporting directly to the CEO and overseeing all execution of AI within SSOE. Brett has 29 years of experience in project management and mechanical engineering, with a strong focus on semiconductor and other advanced technology market projects. His experience with project management has been demonstrated on projects large and small. He has proven his ability to organize and mobilize project teams while providing support for site offices often on multiple concurrent projects. Brett is a graduate of Vanderbilt University and holds a Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering. Brett works out of SSOE’s Portland, Oregon office.  

    Lauren Collier

    Director of AI and Innovation

    An architect by education who transitioned to technology early in her career, Lauren holds a Master of Architecture from the Savannah College of Art and Design and a Bachelor of Art and Architecture from Miami University. She has 16 years of industry experience ranging from healthcare and industrial architectural design to BIM implementation, innovation projects, and executing corporate initiatives. Her creative passion lies in Lean, continuous improvements, and innovative model / data use solutions for design and construction operations. Lauren currently leads a diverse group of VDC technology leaders, software DevOps, and model managers whose focus is on implementing new and innovative technologies, processes, and best practices in design and construction. Over the past several years, Lauren has presented at numerous conferences and is also a published thought leader in well-known industry-leading publications such as Building Design + Construction and Engineering News-Record. In 2022, she was named in Autodesk’s “40 Under 40: Champions of Construction” list, which honors innovative individuals who continue to push the industry forward.

    Scott Thompson

    Technology | Vice President

    Scott joined SSOE as Vice President of Technology in 2020, with a more than 25-year track record of technology leadership within the architecture and engineering industry. He previously held the positions of Information Service Delivery Director at Worley, Information Service Delivery Director at Jacobs, International Director of Information Technology at CH2M Hill, and Chief Information Officer at Industrial Design Corporation. Scott holds a Master of Arts in Educational Technology from San Diego State University and Bachelor of Science in Computer Science from the University of California at San Diego. He’s actively involved in several groups and initiatives focused on strengthening technology and education sectors, as well as promoting emerging and green technologies.

    David Smiljanich

    Manager, Digital Delivery

    David is a section manager at SSOE, leading the tool install engineering team with over 20 years of experience in the semiconductor, chemical, and oil and gas industries. He excels in managing multidisciplinary design teams and implementing scalable, tech-driven solutions for tool installation. David has developed BIM execution strategies tailored to semiconductor projects and introduced secure, custom scheduling tools to streamline project delivery. As a member of SSOE’s AI Governance Team, he also contributes to initiatives that enhance design and execution through emerging technologies.

    Baalaganapathy (Baala) Manohar, PE, LEED AP, CPD

    Mechanical Engineer

    Baala Manor is a distinguished leader in mechanical engineering, known for co-authoring the ASPE/ANSI 45-2025 Siphonic Roof Drainage standard and delivering a highly attended session at the ASHRAE 2025 Annual Conference on AI applications in HVAC. As a founding member of SSOE’s AI Governance and Development Teams, Baala has led the development of enterprise-ready AI innovations, enhancing efficiency and reducing human error. His leadership is characterized by a commitment to innovation, quality, agility, collaboration, integrity, social responsibility, and diversity.

    Denys Chernenko, EIT

    Structural Engineer

    Based in Atlanta, GA, Denys is known for his expertise in structural engineering and his contributions to various projects within the company. He has been actively involved in enhancing project execution through AI and has authored several insightful articles on the subject. Denys is also a key player in the company's AIGT, frequently collaborating with colleagues to improve and implement AI-driven solutions.

    Chelsea Whetsel

    Product Support Manager

    Based in Toledo, OH, Chelsea is known for her exceptional leadership and dedication to supporting her team. Chelsea has been instrumental in various projects, including the Windows 11 upgrade progress and the development of training sessions. Her commitment to excellence and her ability to manage complex tasks make her a valuable asset to the organization.

    Let’s shape the future of design together

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