In this densely layered episode of Infrared City's Community Talks, Angelos Chronis (CEO, infrared.city) welcomes Dimitrie Stefanescu, CEO and co-founder of Speckle, for a catalytic exchange on evolutions in AEC data interoperability, the mechanics of open-source ecosystems, and the deeper sociotechnical implications of digital collaboration.

Dimitri shares his journey from disillusioned architecture student at UCL to building Speckle—an open-source platform that's changing how the construction industry handles data. This isn't a typical startup success story, but rather a thoughtful exploration of how technology can reshape entire industries when built with the right principles.

The conversation covers crucial topics like why current file-based systems hold back collaboration, how Speckle's approach to data modeling enables better project coordination, and the challenges of building sustainable open-source infrastructure in a venture-backed world. They discuss Speckle's evolution from early plugins for Grasshopper and Dynamo to becoming a comprehensive platform that serves the entire AEC ecosystem.

Diverging from today's AI hype, Dimitri and Angelos explore how structured AEC data could genuinely improve machine learning applications—without exploiting user data. They examine what it means to build transparent, accountable tools in an industry hungry for real innovation.

Key insights include:

• Why moving beyond file-based workflows unlocks better project coordination
• How tracking design changes at the transaction level enables smarter risk analysis
• The undervalued importance of team dynamics in successful co-founder partnerships
• What it means for AEC tools to be both flexible and accountable

This conversation is between two innovators who understand that digital transformation in architecture isn't just about better software—it's about who controls the underlying systems and how that shapes our built environment. Real change comes not from flashy interfaces or AI buzzwords, but from examining the ownership structures in the foundational protocols that power our industry.

Whether you're working in AEC technology, computational design, or researching the intersection of practice and theory, this episode offers a clear perspective: code isn't neutral, and the future of construction depends on what we choose to make transparent, modular, and shared.

Speckle represents more than a platform—it's testing a hypothesis about how open collaboration can transform industries. Learn more at speckle.systems

Through infrared.city Community Talks, we connect experts who share knowledge and tools for building a more sustainable future. Learn more and join a growing revolution in realtime simulation for data informed design at infrared.city.

Stream now and help us debug the future. Join the community at infrared.city

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