About

Our Purpose

VDCForum exists to strengthen the built environment by providing practical implementations of innovation for the use of project owners and their teams in Virtual Design and Construction (VDC). Our mission is to support both VDC professionals and the leaders who guide them, giving them the tools and insights needed to deliver higher‑performing projects.

Although VDCForum benefits from the rigorous research conducted by the Ascend Building Knowledge Foundation, our focus remains firmly on real‑world application.

Research + Experience 

The content developed for VDCForum is grounded in Ascend’s research across architecture, engineering, construction, and Operations/Facility Management (AECO‑FM). This research is strengthened by direct feedback from professionals, project owners, and industry partners who work alongside Ascend.

By blending evidence‑based research with insights from the field, we aim to deliver resources that are both technically sound and immediately usable by VDC professionals and their organizations.

Partnered Organizations

Ascend BKF

Established in 2017, the Ascend Building Knowledge Foundation was created to provide the AECO‑FM community with research, which focuses on understanding emerging trends in the built environment. Ascend transforms those insights into practical training and resources, and is the parent foundation of VDCForum.

The goal is to equip today’s and tomorrow’s AECO‑FM professionals with the educational tools to implement innovation and advancements in technology and processes in their teams, organizations, and projects.

Independent Nonprofit Leadership

The Ascend Building Knowledge Foundation is an independent nonprofit, public‑benefit organization with 501(c)(3) charitable status.

Leadership

Executive Coordinator

  • Luisa De Luna, Executive Coordinator

Advisory Panel:

  • David Merrifield – NISD
  • Bryan Pravda, AIA/ NCARB/ WELL AP, Principal – PRAVDA ARCHITECTURE
  • Brenda Herrera Ikerd,  LATAM Delegate

Research & Education

  • Dr. Will Ikerd, II, P.E., PhD, Director of Research & Education, Taskforce Coordinator

Please submit inquires to the board to Ms. De Luna’s attention, and she will coordinate your items on the board’s future agendas. Email: info@vdcforum.com