AI is reshaping the built environment, and it demands structured, open data. In this Café Zai episode, Kimon Onuma meets with BuildingSmart USA industry leaders to explore how decades of buildingSMART standards are now becoming the fuel for both humans and machines. opnBIM standards are now have one of the best use cases for AI-driven innovation, helping buildings finally get smarter.

Guests:

• Calvin Kam, PhD, PE, FAIA — President of Strategic Building Innovation (SBI) and a founding leader in buildingSMART USA and buildingSMART International, Calvin has been advancing open standards, owner adoption, and global collaboration for over two decades.

• Tony Rinella — Principal at SBI, long-time buildingSMART USA leader, and champion of education and training programs that help project teams embrace openBIM and data-driven collaboration.

• Min Song, PhD — Technical Director at SBI, active contributor to buildingSMART USA and buildingSMART International initiatives, including open data exchanges.

  
  

  Together, they unpack:

  • How AI raises the stakes for openBIM

  • Why IFC5 and modular data matter for digital twins

  • Owners’ role in making buildings truly smarter

  • Moving from file exchanges to living, connected data

  Listen now to When AI Meets openBIM: How Buildings Are Getting Smarter