AEC Global Teamwork is an international educational project organized by Stanford University, where students worldwide—architects, engineers, and construction professionals—collaborate remotely on a building design. It simulates a real-world design process based on project-based learning and supported by modern ICT infrastructure.

Work follows the Integrated Project Delivery (IPD) approach, emphasizing interdisciplinary collaboration from the project outset. Participants develop communication and teamwork skills in globally diverse groups.

"Three teams participated in this year’s edition. My team—Pacific—comprised an architect (my role), three structural engineers (Lillian Alansari, Helong Huang, Yushun Zou), a building services (MEP) engineer (Klaudiusz Wloka), two construction management engineers (Emilio Murillo Sierra, Anya Ghose), and a building life-cycle financial management specialist (Julian Börkircher)."

The team’s task was to design a new engineering building for San Francisco State University in California, addressing climate challenges and local conditions (e.g., earthquakes, high temperatures, strong winds, humidity).

"As the architect, I was responsible for developing the building concept—aesthetically and technically—in collaboration with structural and MEP engineers. We co-developed a shared BIM model, exchanging ideas and coordinating in real time during online meetings. The project began with a week at Stanford University, where we met teammates and received the design brief. Initially, we developed two concepts in parallel; after weeks of refinement, we selected one for final development. Weekly sessions with clients and mentors allowed us to present progress and integrate feedback."

Some meetings and activities took place in a VR environment, enabling virtual walkthroughs of the building, design analysis, and decision-making in an immersive 3D setting.

The final presentation of the project was once again held at Stanford University, where all teams and industry guests were invited to present their designs officially. Aleksandra Nowosad’s team received awards in two categories:

•  7th Technology Challenge 2025 (Sustainable Intelligent Supply Chain)
• 16th DPR IPD Challenge 2025 (*T-Mind: Cultivating a Team Mindset in Support of Productivity in the Age of Construction 4.0*)

During their stay at Stanford University, the Polish students also had a unique opportunity to meet Professor Piotr Moncarz – a faculty member at Stanford University, who has supported collaboration between the university and Polish academic institutions for many years. Thanks to his efforts, the participation of Polish students in the AEC Global Teamwork programme is possible.