Module 1 | BACK TO FUTURE: Storytelling Through AI-Powered Design Process

Misa is a landscape architect, urban designer, and graphic illustrator who is the creative mind behind STUDIO EDITION. With over 20 years of experience transforming public spaces at varied scales, Misa’s design philosophy is rooted in the vision of enriching public life in cities through site-responsive and high-quality outdoor spaces that intricately bring together culture, arts, and nature. From facilitating visioning workshops to spearheading design phases, Misa excels in diverse project typologies, including mixed-use development, multi-family housing, and educational institutions. Misa also serves as an adjunct professor at Thomas Jefferson University and a frequent design critic at respected local universities.

Ricardo J. Rodríguez de Santiago, an architect-turned-innovation strategist, boasts 17+ years of leadership in digital innovation. His global footprint spans projects exceeding 2 million sqft at renowned firms like Gensler and BASF. Honored as Emerging Architect of the Year and Top-50 Adoption Leader, he has served as an AIA Councilor and Global Head of Marketing & Digital Excellence at Master Builders Solutions. Teaching introductory AI for designers at the University of Pennsylvania, Ricardo founded Bytes & Mortar to accelerate business digital transformation. Passionate about generative art, he amplifies influence from Puerto Rico to international stages like Paris' BuiltWorlds Summit.

Joshua Vermillion is a designer, scholar, maker, and educator. As a design technologist he uses machines to augment his creative activities. As an associate professor in the School of Architecture at UNLV, Joshua has co-edited two books and has spoken, published, and presented peer-reviewed creative research worldwide. His creative and pedagogical interests include: artificial intelligence and machine learning; computational, parametric and algorithmic design; digital fabrication tools and techniques; and robotics. As an award-winning educator, Joshua’s students have won design awards and competitions, and as a designer, his collaborative work has been featured in diverse media outlets.

Patricia Matamoros is a landscape architect bringing seven years of experience in designing large-scale climate-resilient public infrastructure in Miami, a global frontline for sea-level rise. Her award-winning projects, including "The Barnacle Historic State Park Master Plan" and "Miami Baywalk-Riverwalk Design Guidelines," demonstrate her proven expertise in translating climate science into implementable, community-centered solutions. As a licensed architect in Venezuela with five years of experience across Latin America and the Caribbean, Patricia offers critical perspectives on regional adaptation strategies. Former Miami Chair for FLASLA and past Game Changers presenter, she holds SITES AP, Envision SP, and WEDG Associate certifications.