Fascinated by the intersection between "bytes & mortar," Ricardo is a versatile leader with 15+ years of experience turning innovative ideas into tangible solutions. Passionate about driving digital transformation, entrepreneurship, and tackling challenges within the construction and real estate industries, Ricardo is adept at securing strategic partnerships and assessing the potential value of opportunities that bridge the gap between physical & digital.
Ricardo has worked with Gensler, NIKA Solutions, and WDG Architecture business leaders. After practicing corporate architecture for 12+ years, managing and designing over 2M sqft. of real estate worldwide, Ricardo transitioned to a global enterprise role at BASF. Upon Master Builder Solution's divestiture from BASF, Ricardo's industry expertise served the organization globally. Firstly, working within the Virtual Design & Construction team, managed digital innovation pilots, and sourced con-tech startups as part of the Digital Excellence team. In 2022, Ricardo transitioned into a Global Digital Transformation Evangelist role within the Corporate Development department. In 2023 was named Global Head of Digital Marketing Excellence.
Given his commitment to the construction industry, he's received AIA| DC's Emerging Architect of the Year award and Young Architect of the Year Award from the DC Council of Engineering and Architectural Societies. Ricardo has been a frequent speaker presenting at over 40 international events over the past several years. In 2018, he was honored by BuiltWorlds, naming him one of the Nation's Top 50 Adoption Leaders. Ricardo's leadership and advocacy resulted in AIA appointing him to the National Strategic Council, serving as an At-Large Representative, a board advisory role developing a framework to accelerate Digital Transformation. Ricardo has been focusing on kicking off a Leadership Development Program in his native Puerto Rico. In his spare time obsesses with AI-generated digital art on @bytesandmortar, and mentors four startups. In June 2023, he was a guest panelist at the BuiltWorlds Summit in Paris, France, discussing the Challenges & Opportunities in Digital Supply & Manufacturing.
