Design x Technology: Alexis Kim

Strategy: A New Discipline in Design and Technology

Join Lawrence Technological University College of Architecture and Design on Tuesday, April 1 at 12:30 PM for another important Design x Technology lecture featuring Sr. Principal, Sr. Workplace Strategist with SmithGroup, Alexis Kim.

The world is undergoing rapid and dramatic changes. According to McKinsey, “artificial intelligence has the potential to be as transformative as the steam engine was to the 19th-century Industrial Revolution.” What implications does this hold for design and the design industry? While we may not yet have definitive answers, it is clear that both the approach to design and the profession must evolve.

Design, as a creative problem-solving discipline, is confronted with increasingly complex challenges on a daily basis. The integration of the digital world adds layers of complexity while simultaneously streamlining and enhancing solutions. In this context, strategic thinking and approach can thrive with a potential to position us as leaders rather than followers in a technology-driven world.

Through real-life examples and experience in deploying strategic thinking, this session will offer a dynamic conversation on the role and value of strategy. It will explore how strategy as a discipline can help us rethink not only design methods but also their underlying purposes. The discussion aims to provide insights into applying these concepts to our work as well as professional paths, ensuring a viable future.

Participants will gain a comprehensive understanding of the foundational principles of strategy while challenging the traditional concepts of design and the design thinking process. Through real-world examples, they will learn what it means to develop design-related strategies, elevating problem-solving to new heights. Additionally, they will learn to recognize technology as a crucial component in uncovering problems and devising innovative solutions through data integration and advancing tools, while balancing human-centric engagement and outcomes.

By grasping the strategic approach framework, participants will also explore applications across various industries and apply this thinking to their career paths. They will learn how to design their own strategic and adaptable future in an increasingly digital world, positioning themselves with a unique value proposition.

CEU: This lecture equals 1 professional architecture credit towards licensure requirements. LTU is not a registered AIA CE provider. By virtue of having a NAAB-accredited architecture program, the State of Michigan authorizes LTU to offer continuing education credit.

As part of CoAD's Design x Technology Lecture Series, this lecture is free and open to the public. Guests may watch online or on campus. Register for the location/viewing details. Your on-campus registration includes a pizza lunch.

About:

As the leading workplace strategist for SmithGroup’s National Workplace Practice, Alexis has spent 28 years harmonizing the built environment with the human experience. A respected thought leader and change agent, Alexis's work is grounded in the conviction that strategic solutions, whether design-related or otherwise, can drive successful outcomes.

Alexis possesses unique expertise, integrating a strategic mindset with data- and research-driven solutions to projects of all scales. She has developed innovative solutions for Fortune 500 clients, solving complex business and space challenges nationwide.

Committed to evolving her role and profession to meet the demands of an increasingly connected world, Alexis acts as a catalyst, integrating the physical and digital realms to better connect businesses and people.

Her personal journey embodies change. Born and raised in South Korea, Alexis moved to the U.S. as a teen, forging a career from coast to coast. These diverse experiences provide unique perspective for her work. Her transformation continues as she delves deeper into research, data analytics, and organizational design, while pursuing personal interests such as pottery, travel, and learning new languages.