In the rush toward the new, we've overlooked some of the most advanced technologies we've ever had.

This session makes the case that structural masonry – used for millennia in arches, vaults, domes, and walls – isn’t a relic of the past, but a powerful blueprint for the future. These ancient construction systems, from Guastavino vaults to flying buttresses, embody a deep understanding of geometry, gravity, and material efficiency that modern professionals often misunderstand – or outright dismiss.

Today’s building industry is dominated by short-term thinking, special interests, and an entrenched belief in progress as novelty. But what if true progress means remembering what we've forgotten? This talk explores how to recover lost knowledge and pair it with modern tools – AI, computational analysis, robotics, and 3D printing – not to replicate the past, but to build a future that is more resilient, sustainable, and deeply human.

This is about reimagining what’s possible when we stop throwing out wisdom just because it’s old – and start integrating it in new, creative ways.

Austin Tunnell is the founder of Building Culture, a holistic real estate development company creating walkable, human-scaled neighborhoods that enrich communities. Committed to long-term stewardship, he blends traditional design and construction with modern innovation to craft resilient, thriving places.

A former CPA, Peace Corps volunteer, and masonry apprentice turned designer, builder, and developer, Austin brings a multidisciplinary approach to the human habitat – fusing the liberal arts with construction and real estate.

He also hosts the Building Culture Podcast and writes a newsletter exploring how we can build a more beautiful, resilient, and people-centered world.