In this talk, Jesper reflects on an alternative way of influencing architecture: not through traditional practice alone, but by shaping the tools architects use every day. Trained as an architect in Norway, Jesper began his career in practice before becoming frustrated by the limits of outdated workflows and design software. That frustration eventually led him into the world of architectural technology, first through Spacemaker and later through Autodesk after its acquisition. He describes his role as something of a translator or “sleeper agent” within a large tech company, helping software developers, marketers, and executives better understand the needs, language, and priorities of architects.

Rather than focusing on Autodesk as a company, the talk centers on the idea that influencing architecture can also mean influencing process. Jesper speaks about working between architects and technologists, advocating for tools that support design thinking, early-stage exploration, and better decision-making. He introduces Autodesk Forma and its newer Building Design workflows as examples of tools intended to bridge conceptual design, site analysis, environmental performance, and early feasibility testing. The emphasis is less on replacing existing software and more on creating a more intuitive, responsive design environment that helps architects stay in the flow of making decisions for longer, before committing to heavier BIM workflows.

The talk concludes with an invitation rather than just a presentation. Jesper announces a design competition linked to the event, asking attendees to test the software through a live infill housing brief and, more importantly, to help shape the direction of the tool itself. In that sense, the talk is about collaboration as influence: architects not only using software, but feeding back into its development so that future tools better reflect the realities of architectural design.

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