Swarm Intelligence, 4D Printing & BIM: Inside Paarija’s World

In this conversation, Paarija Saxena shares her journey as a design technologist in the architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) industry. She talks about her educational background, the role of mentorship, and how design technology is rapidly reshaping architecture. Paarija stresses the importance of curiosity, problem-solving, and embracing experimentation. She emphasizes that architecture is not just about aesthetics—it’s about execution, adaptability, and continuous learning. She also highlights how innovation in generative and parametric design, as well as new approaches in education, can empower the next generation of architects and designers to navigate their careers with confidence.

Key Takeaways
Architecture is not just about beauty—it’s about execution.
Be curious, and take it seriously.
Tech in AEC is evolving fast; keep learning and adapting.
Don’t get stuck chasing perfection—progress matters more.
Being a generalist can be a strength.
Learning is problem-solving, not memorization.
Mentorship is crucial to growth in this field.
Experimentation drives innovation in design.

Chapters
00:00 – Journey from Jaipur to Design Technology
02:24 – The Role of Technology in Architecture
05:05 – Generative Design and Its Impact
07:36 – Navigating Challenges in the AEC Industry
10:08 – The Importance of Mentorship and Continuous Learning
12:56 – Transitioning to Government Projects
15:25 – Interoperability in Large-Scale Projects
18:11 – Advice for Aspiring Architects
20:12 – The Role of Curiosity in Design
22:56 – Exploring 4D Printing and Material Behavior
25:35 – Courses and Learning at Novator
29:35 – Rapid Fire Round and Closing Thoughts

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