Artificial intelligence may be reshaping the world, but the most profound transformations are happening where data meets design - and where technology enhances, rather than replaces, human insight. At this year’s Sustainability Summit, several leading researchers and practitioners are exploring how AI can become a driver of smarter, more sustainable environments while keeping people at the heart of innovation.

Designing with intelligence - not just data

For Dr Donna Wheatley, a nationally recognised expert in workspace and education design at Gray Puksand, the rise of AI presents enormous opportunities to reimagine how we create spaces for learning, collaboration and wellbeing. Her academic background and design leadership converge in a practice that blends research and technology, using AI to analyse complex data sets, test design concepts and visualise how people experience a space before it’s built.

Wheatley’s approach shows that AI is not simply an analytical tool - it’s a creative partner. By translating behavioural insights into design outcomes, her work demonstrates how technology can make workplaces and campuses more adaptive, inclusive and sustainable.

Building the digital foundations of sustainability

Meanwhile, Dr Saeed Banihashemi, Associate Professor at UTS, sits at the forefront of digital transformation in construction. His interdisciplinary research fuses architecture, construction and data science - exploring how tools like AI, virtual and augmented reality, and digital twins can radically improve efficiency and reduce environmental impact across the built environment.

Banihashemi’s work represents the next evolution of academic research: practical, scalable innovation that helps industry embed sustainability across every stage of a project’s lifecycle. His influence extends beyond the classroom, helping shape a new generation of construction professionals who understand both the science of sustainability and the technology that can deliver it.

SUS-25-Speakers-1000x1000-Donna Wheatley.jpg — Dr Donna Wheatley, Partner Gray Puksand

SUS-25-Speakers-1000x1000-Dr Saeed.jpg — Dr Donna Wheatley, Partner Gray Puksand

Leading with AI: from ethics to action

At Deloitte, Dr Kellie Nuttall leads the AI Institute Australia, where her research in decision and nudge psychology meets enterprise transformation. Through her academic and advisory work, she helps leaders navigate the ethical and strategic dimensions of AI - ensuring that technology adoption drives human progress rather than disconnection.

Nuttall’s work underscores a vital message: true digital sustainability depends as much on leadership and trust as on algorithms. By guiding boards and executives to develop AI strategies grounded in purpose and transparency, she’s helping to build a future where data and empathy coexist - shaping organisations that are not only efficient, but ethical, inclusive and resilient.

Humanising the digital transition

Across design, construction and leadership, these three thought leaders show that sustainability in the AI era is not about replacing human decision-making - it’s about refining it. When technology amplifies human creativity, understanding and empathy, it becomes a force for balance: helping us design smarter spaces, build cleaner infrastructure and lead with integrity.

As AI continues to accelerate change across every industry, their work reminds us that sustainability begins not in the machine, but in the mindset - where innovation serves people, not the other way around.

The Sustainability Summit is on in Sydney & livestreamed 19th November 2025.

Book your ticket an join the conversation.

Architecture & Design Team

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