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Casas+Architects' leadership moves forward with new technologies
Architectural firm Casas+Architects enters a new era of leadership with Barbie del Castillo Go positioned at the helm. Assuming the roles of President and CEO, Go’s brand of leadership focuses on balancing strategy, innovation, and operational excellence to steer the firm’s next phase of growth. Furthermore, the young executive is tasked to fulfill Casas+Architects’ commitment to creating value through design by utilizing today’s technology.
Casas+Architects President and CEO, Barbie del Castillo Go
In her 15 years of experience at Casas+Architects, Go saw how the firm fuses technology into the design process. “I believe we are ahead in terms of using Building Information Modeling (BIM), subjecting projects for some of the country’s biggest real estate developers way back in 2019,” she recalled.
BIM involves a collaborative process that uses a 3D model and associated data to enhance planning, design, construction, and building management.
As an approach to architectural projects, Go recognizes BIM as a powerful tool for faster decision-making and better collaboration. “It is like creating a virtual version of a building before any construction begins. It allows architects, engineers, and clients to detect and resolve issues early and prevent costly errors. With the use of BIM, systems dealing with plumbing, electrical, and structural are coordinated in a single model. Thus, BIM minimizes rework, saves time and money, and leads to more precise, efficient design.”
Go added that “for clients, the process offers peace of mind by showing exactly what to expect, thus reducing surprises and keeping budgets and timelines on track.”
Casas+Architects also welcomes the introduction of artificial intelligence (AI) tools as part of the design process at its earliest stages. In pre-design, the AI platform Autodesk Forma analyzes sunlight, wind, and energy performance to guide sustainable planning. During concept development, AI image generators like Midjourney and PromeAI visualize design ideas. Testfit generates site layouts that follow zoning rules and optimize the use of space.
“These new technologies allow us to work with the more important part of design and production. It doesn’t mean we have less work; rather, we are more heavily focused on the matters that require more detail. These tools can’t replace human creativity, but they do enhance and speed up processes and provide the necessary data so we can make informed choices,” stressed Go.
She also reflects that, as technology advances, architecture is now evolving toward collaboration between human-driven design and technology-driven intelligence. Instead of being adversaries, the two form a symbiotic relationship where human creativity sets the vision, and technology empowers smarter, faster, and more sustainable decisions. For Go, this partnership strengthens the design process and ensures that innovation never comes at the cost of purpose or meaning.
Shang One Horizon, a corporate building designed by Casas+Architects
Sustainability is one of the design pillars of Casas+Architects, and Go acknowledges that technology plays a critical role in its application. “AI and performance-based design tools allow architects to analyze a building’s environmental impact from the start. These tools can also suggest the ideal building orientation, features that optimize energy use, and recommend materials that lower the carbon footprint.
As an example, a software can compare HVAC system efficiency, window sizes, and glazing types to reduce energy demand. Designers then can integrate solar panels or wind turbines and maximize natural light to reduce reliance on nonrenewable energy further and improve indoor health.”
“Our vision has always been to enrich the environment wherein our buildings are located. We are committed to sustainability, whether the client requires it or not, given the scale of the projects we work with,” Del Castillo Go added.
With 35 years in the industry, Casas+Architects’ portfolio of services includes architectural design, interior design, master planning, LEED consultancy, Building Information Modeling (BIM), research and development, and 3D scanning.
