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We are called to be Architects of the Future

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We are called to be Architects of the Future

Thursday, September 17, 2026 • Rosenfeld Community

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We are called to be Architects of the Future
Speakers: Sarah B. Nelson
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Summary

Buckminster Fuller said "We are called to be Architects of the Future, not victims of it." Sometimes you have to work towards change inside the system, and sometimes you need to step outside it to find your voice and imagine a different world. I’ve been privileged to have a front row seat in the development of user experience: experimental CD-roms, dotcom boom and bust, Web 2.0, smartphones, social media, the industrialization of design, and now the AI-driven upheaval. From the time I coded The Cave of Time on TRS80 and reconstructed ELIZA on an Osborne with a voice module, I have believed that great creativity lies in the dialog between humans and machine. In this conversation, I’ll discuss my journey to from Chief Design Officer back to multi-media artist, how I’m creating opportunities in my own community to help people connect with their inner muse, and how you can find your own voice again when you start listening to it. We are all called to be Architects of the Future.

Key Insights

  • •

    Sarah’s early artistic identity influenced her lifelong interest in human-computer creative relationships, from generative music to AI art.

  • •

    Disillusionment with corporate bureaucracy and stifling organizational systems can drive experienced designers to pivot careers toward creative authenticity.

  • •

    Resilience for design professionals requires carving out moments of self-connection and reflection amidst fast-paced, delivery-driven work environments.

  • •

    Human imagination and creativity remain fundamental differentiators from AI, making them vital skills for designers to nurture.

  • •

    Sarah’s Neural Transmission System experiment flips AI-human interaction by having AI send messages she interprets artistically, revealing new creative dynamics.

  • •

    Large organizations often struggle with procurement and cultural inertia, requiring tenacity and political navigation from design leaders.

  • •

    There is a growing fatigue with AI-generated generic content, which may increase demand for authentic, human-driven creative services.

  • •

    In-person collaboration is regaining value post-pandemic as essential for connection and creative energy that virtual tools often lack.

  • •

    The design community is grappling with existential questions about agency, the future of work, and maintaining humanity in technology-driven fields.

  • •

    Supporting others through leadership means balancing authenticity, corporate politics, emotional safety, and ongoing advocacy for creative teams.

Notable Quotes

"When did I become the person where things are impossible? We did that. We tried it."

"AI is so incredibly persuasive; you have to be super mindful and present with it."

"Creative people are needed in this time, and it’s important to listen to that little loud voice and give it space."

"I’m following breadcrumbs, weak signals—in conversations with people I respect to find new paths."

"Designers live in disappointed dreams a lot—seeing what’s possible but drowning in the garbage in the way."

"I’m going to go over here and get shot in the face so that the team has what they need."

"There’s going to be a desire for AI-free boutique companies not very far away."

"We have an enormous amount of power together as groups of people to steer our futures."

"Authenticity in leadership is about creating safe spaces but also knowing when to say unpopular things."

"The only hopeful bits in 1984 are the moments when he’s out in the field or with another person; that’s what we’ve got."

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