NJIT Alumni Women Leading Architecture Design Technology

The architecture, engineering and construction industry is undergoing a profound transformation, driven by technological advancements reshaping how projects are designed, coordinated and executed. Three alumnae of New Jersey Institute of Technology’s Hillier College of Architecture and Design — Gayatri Desai ’14, Veronica Quintero ’07 and Alexandra Pollock ’03 — are leading this evolution. 

Each of them have leveraged their expertise in building information modeling (BIM), computational design and digital transformation to enhance efficiency, collaboration and innovation within the industry. Their contributions exemplify the impact of women at the intersection of design and technology, paving the way for the next generation of architects and technologists.

Desai is a senior associate, director of design technology and head of BIM practice at Ennead Architects and NJIT adjunct professor; Quintero is a senior associate principal, head of BIM at KPF’s New York office; and Pollock is a senior director of CORE studio at Thornton Tomasetti. 

“My experience as an adjunct professor at NJIT holds special significance to me, as it reflects the impact of my own mentors – Andrzej Zarzycki and Martina Decker,” said Desai. “Their teaching and research on smart and emerging materials, as well as advanced digital technologies in architecture and digital design, played a pivotal role in shaping both my education and career. 

“It was under their guidance that I learned to think beyond conventional architecture and design, challenging the limitations of the present and yearning for the future of the unknown. Their unwavering support and encouragement was instrumental in shaping who I have become today, both in the profession and in academia. Now, I feel it's my turn to leave a similar impact on students at NJIT.”

Their leadership in BIM, computational design and digital design technologies underscores the growing importance of digital innovation in the built environment. As HCAD alumnae, they reflect the university’s strong legacy of fostering technically skilled and forward-thinking architects who are shaping the future of the industry.

How did NJIT play a role in your career?

Desai: NJIT played a pivotal role in shaping my career by providing a strong foundation in design, technology, and problem-solving. I was at NJIT during a transformative period in architectural technology, particularly right after the release of Rhino Grasshopper in 2007 and at a time when Autodesk Revit for Architecture had just boomed. These advancements marked a major shift in the industry, opening new possibilities for computational design, parametric modeling, and BIM-driven workflows.

At the time, NJIT had both the right people and the right environment to foster exploration and experimentation with these emerging digital tools. The faculty encouraged innovation, and the academic setting provided access to cutting-edge software, research initiatives, and a community of like-minded individuals eager to redefine architectural workflows. This dynamic ecosystem allowed me to immerse myself in computational methodologies, ultimately shaping my specialization in BIM, automation, and digital transformation.

Quintero: NJIT provided me with a strong foundation in both architectural design and design technology. It was where I was first introduced to BIM, during my 3rd year arch-studio class. The hands-on studio experience and exposure to tools like Revit and Rhino gave me a solid understanding of how to integrate technology into the design process. It was then that I realized I had a strong interest and aptitude for emerging technologies, which I believe prepared me for real-world applications and projects. I also took a digital tectonics course in my last year which not only introduced me to new design software and techniques but also helped me explore how technology can enhance my design thinking and how to communicate my ideas more effectively.

Pollock: I had many experiences during my time at NJIT that helped shape my career, including exposure to a diverse group of professors, students, and friends who fostered critical thinking and broadened my perspectives. However, one of the most significant things for me was the access to technology.

When I started at NJIT in 1998, every new student was provided with a personal desktop computer. This was incredibly impactful for me, as I wouldn’t have been able to afford one otherwise. Having your own computer, rather than relying on a lab, completely changed how students could engage with and leverage technology.

At that time, digital technologies were just beginning to make their way into architectural education. Tools like 3D modeling, rendering and animation, laser cutting and 3D printing were changing the design process. For me, these technologies weren’t just tools for representation or output - they became a way to explore and discover design in new and unexpected ways, which has had a lasting impact on how I think about the design process today. 

With the addition of new technologies, where do you see the industry heading?

Desai: The AEC industry is rapidly evolving, with digital design technology at the heart of this innovation. Advancements in BIM, digital twins, AI, and automation are streamlining workflows, enhancing collaboration, and enabling data-driven decision-making. Computational design and real-time analytics are optimizing efficiency, while digital twins are bridging the gap between design and operations. As sustainability and smart building strategies gain priority, embracing these technologies will be key to shaping the future of design and construction.

Quintero: The industry is heading toward a smarter, more data-driven design, with AI and generative design taking on a bigger role in problem-solving and creating optimized designs. BIM will continue evolving, as it becomes the main tool for design, coordination, and data management. We’ll probably see more immersive experiences with VR and AR, making discussions and presentations with clients more interactive. Ultimately, the goal should be to have architects/designers spend less time on repetitive tasks and more time on creative problem-solving and design innovation.

Pollock: The pace of technological change will continue to grow exponentially. In particular, AI has the potential to profoundly reshape our industry. Unlike previous technological shifts in the AEC industry, AI is transforming all professions across the board, rather than just architecture or engineering, and as such, will have a much larger impact. It has the potential to supercharge the value we bring, by solving bigger problems, automating the mundane, and augmenting and accelerating the areas where we bring the most value to projects. However, to fully capitalize on these possibilities, we must move faster as an industry and take the lead in driving change otherwise we risk the erosion of the services we provide. As the now-famous saying from Jensen Huang goes, “AI is not going to take your jobs. The person who uses AI is going to take your job.”

What advice would you give to current HCAD students?

Desai: It’s important for architects today to plan to be architects of the future. To do that, they must be prepared to navigate the digital era and embrace the age of artificial intelligence. Technology is reshaping the industry, and those who develop strong design fundamentals while integrating AI, BIM, and computational tools into their workflows will be at the forefront of innovation. Stay curious, be adaptable, and continuously seek opportunities to learn and collaborate – architecture is evolving, and the future belongs to those who embrace change.

Quintero: Take advantage of all the resources available to you. Take an extra coding class, and get comfortable with parametric design using computational tools like Grasshopper, and BIM workflows - this will set you apart. Also, consider certifications in platforms like Autodesk Revit or gaining experience with emerging AI and design visualization tools. The more adaptable you are with technology, the more valuable you’ll be in the workplace.

Pollock: Enjoy your time as a student. Think big, explore new areas, try new things and then bring your ideas to the industry. Work with others on group projects. Collaboration is key to delivering projects both big and small. Follow your instincts on what you are passionate about. Your career does not need to follow a straight path. Be curious, keep learning, and never let yourself get too comfortable. Your greatest growth will always come when you are outside your comfort zone. There is something to learn from all professional experiences. If possible, try to find an employer that will support and challenge you as you continue to discover your potential.