Rhino User Webinar Instrumenting the Design Process: How R&D Creates Better Design Tools

An end-to-end look at iterative toolmaking with designers and domain experts: co-defining the data model, system and workflow architecture inside Grasshopper, instrumenting prototypes for real-time feedback, and converging toward a robust, user-friendly plugin. We show patterns, pitfalls, and handoffs that turn exploratory routes into maintainable, documented, deployable tools at scale.

Ashkan Rezaee is a designer and toolmaker who blends architecture with technology to create innovative solutions in AECO industry. With a master’s degree in Computational Building Development and Fabrication and a background in Architecture Engineering, Ashkan has a strong foundation in sustainable design and environmental simulation practices. His academic journey also includes a deep dive into fabrication tools and methods, enabling him to bridge the gap between design and production seamlessly.

In his current role as a Sustainability Specialist and Software Developer at Henning Larsen in Copenhagen, Ashkan leads the development of advanced digital tools for environmental and building analyses. He utilizes cloud-native solutions to create scalable applications accessible both locally and online. His expertise includes designing role-based SaaS platforms and architecting high-performance computing infrastructures, containerization, and advanced simulation systems.

Ashkan also harnesses the power of AI models to transform legacy tools into efficient, user-friendly solutions for designers. By leveraging machine learning, he develops smart tools that streamline workflows, create advanced digital pipelines, and implement Generative AI (GenAI) applications tailored to the AECO industry. This innovative approach empowers professionals to make data-driven decisions and enhances their ability to design sustainably.