Join AIA Milwaukee and CSI Milwaukee Chapter for a social, dinner, and presentation by Keith Besserud, AIA, AI Director at EXP.

Artificial intelligence is evolving from a tool that responds to instructions into agents that can pursue goals, make decisions, and perform complex tasks. This shift raises interesting questions about the future of architectural and engineering practice. This talk examines AI agents through the lens of professional agency: how architects and engineers exercise judgment, delegate authority, develop expertise, and remain accountable for consequential outcomes.

Attendees will learn about potential implications for labor, professional development, subject-matter expertise, firm knowledge, and emerging competition from AI-augmented stakeholders. A practical agent example will be shared to illustrate how human domain expertise, firm data, and AI can combine to improve professional judgment. The talk will conclude with a number of very basic actions firms can take today to begin implementing a strategic plan.

Presented by: Keith Besserud, AIA, AI Director at EXP

Please arrive by 5:45PM for the complimentary dinner. 1-hour presentation and learning period will begin at 6:30PM. Both valet ramp parking and metered street parking are available. 

Event Details:

• 5:00PM Cocktails Social
• 5:45PM Dinner / Chapter Announcements
• 6:30PM Presentation

Learning Objectives:

• Differentiate AI agents from traditional chatbots and automation by explaining how agents use goals, context, delegated authority, and autonomous decision-making to accomplish professional tasks.
• Evaluate how AI agents may affect architectural and engineering practice, including workforce needs, professional development, subject-matter expertise, competition, and the distribution of professional judgment and accountability.
• Analyze how domain expertise, institutional knowledge, and project data can be combined with AI agents to strengthen professional decision-making, using an Earned Value agent as a practical example.
• Identify strategic actions architecture and engineering firms can take to preserve and expand professional agency, including cultivating subject-matter expertise, developing AI and data strategies, organizing institutional knowledge, and experimenting with agentic workflows.

ABOUT THE PRESENTER: Keith Besserud, AIA, AI Director at EXP

Serving as AI Director for EXP—a multidisciplinary Architecture, Engineering, and Consulting firm with 4,700 employees—Keith spearheads the organization’s transition into agentic practice. He views this technological shift as a catalyst for firms to leverage proprietary data and domain expertise into advanced knowledge management systems. By cultivating what he defines as a "tribal brain," firms can achieve significant operational gains, establish competitive advantages, and launch innovative services within a shifting professional landscape. Keith’s background includes directing digital innovation and transformation at SOM, Gensler, and Gresham Smith. 

Submitted for AIA/CES approval

No refunds day of event.

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