We are thrilled to share that Hilda Espinal, AIA, LEED AP, CDT, has joined CannonDesign as our firm’s Chief Technology Officer. Recognized as one of the industry’s foremost technology leaders, Hilda will be responsible for leading the implementation of innovative digital design technologies, including computational tools and workflows, augmented and virtual reality, building information modeling (BIM), and advanced building analysis and visualization.
Hilda joins the firm with more than 16 years’ experience leading technological advances at global design firms. Her expertise is in leveraging technology and intelligent data to help clients make informed decisions early in the design process — reducing risk and maximizing the impact of their investments.
“Hilda is a technology leader with a rare understanding of the constantly evolving world of digital design,” said Tom Bergmann, executive director of practice integration. “Her ability to identify real-world applications of emerging technologies will ensure our firm remains at the forefront of technology implementation, and her experience harnessing data and analytics will bring significant value to our clients.”
In addition to leading the vision for our firm’s “digital design experience,” Hilda will oversee our robust digital practice and virtual design team — a team widely recognized for pushing the digital design envelope. For example, for the BIM model the team created for the 3 million-sf Centre Hospitalier de l’Université de Montréal is one of the largest and most data-rich models ever employed.
“As an outsider, I’ve watched CannonDesign for quite some time and have been impressed with the firm’s evolution in the successful implementation of sophisticated design tools,” adds Hilda. “Like most industries, the architecture industry is experiencing an era of disruptive change, so my goal is to build on CannonDesign’s success by identifying new advancements and efficiencies that can keep the firm at the forefront of technological innovation for the benefit of our practice, clients and environment.”
Hilda sits on the national board of directors for Women for Economic Leadership and Development (WELD) and is active in the Digital Fabrication Network (DFabNet). She is a Microsoft-certified systems engineer, a regular speaker at both national and international industry events, and has been active in the Autodesk Executive Council and the AIA’s CIO/CTO Large Firm Roundtable. In 2016, Hilda named one of the “Top Women in Technology” by the Dallas Business Journal.
