Autodesk University 2025

When Nick Craggs returned from Autodesk University 2025 in Nashville, his reflections sparked an engaging discussion across the studio. The annual event gathers designers, engineers, and digital innovators from around the world to explore the future of design and construction. For Nick, it was an opportunity to see how technology is evolving globally and how practices like ours can continue to lead in this space.

Autodesk University has always been a meeting point between creativity and computation. This year’s theme, Make More with Less, focused on efficiency, automation, and the intelligent use of data. The message was clear: digital tools should enhance creative thinking rather than replace it.

Nick described the experience as both inspiring and reassuring. Inspiring in terms of the scale of innovation and shared learning on display, and reassuring because it showed that the UK, and SPACE, remain at the forefront of digital practice and BIM integration. While much of the discussion centered on artificial intelligence, the consensus was that its real value lies in support, not substitution.

Autodesk made a major announcement with the development of Autodesk Forma, a reimagined cloud-based platform that combines all stages of a project into one connected workspace. For Nick, its potential to simplify workflows and strengthen understanding between teams and clients stood out.

In classes and on the expo floor, the focus was firmly on AI-assisted design. Tools such as Autodesk Assistant, a soon to be released AI copilot within Autodesk software, and Workshop XR, a system for virtual pre-construction walkthroughs, highlighted how technology can make everyday work more intuitive. A common theme was the emergence of applications that act more like virtual assistants than replacements, supporting the design process while allowing people to focus on the creative decisions that matter most.

Sessions throughout the week showed how AI is being applied across different stages of design. Zaha Hadid Architects demonstrated how it can generate early briefs and test design ideas with clients in real-time, while Chaos Group presented rendering tools that use AI to streamline visualisation and drawing production. Across every example, technology was being used to strengthen intent and improve clarity, not to replace design judgement.

For SPACE Architects, the takeaways were both practical and forward-looking. Multiple presentations spoke about the importance of working more efficiently by automating repetitive steps, improving environmental performance through data-led validation, and exploring collaborative tools that bring people and information together more effectively.

The conference closed with the Design and Make Celebration at Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena, a lively finale to a week focused on progress and connection.

Reflecting on the event, Nick noted that genuine innovation isn’t about chasing every new piece of software but about using the right tools intelligently. It’s about refining how we design, communicate, and deliver projects that respond to real needs.