At AEC Tech Connect, we are driven by a singular mission: to propel the Architecture, Engineering, and Construction (AEC) industry in the Philippines into a new era of innovation and collaboration. Our commitment is to provide a dynamic platform where professionals unite, ideas flourish, and technology reshapes the landscape. By fostering a vibrant community, we aim to inspire, connect, and empower individuals to harness the power of cutting-edge technology. Through knowledge-sharing, exploration, and collaboration, we envision a future where AEC professionals transform challenges into opportunities, and together, we build a smarter, more sustainable, and interconnected industry. AEC Tech Connect: Shaping the Future, Building Together.
Team
Rexter Retana
Founding Member
Rexter is a licensed civil engineer with almost 15 years of experience, specializes in applied technology for design and engineering project delivery. He has worked on diverse building and infrastructure projects while establishing community presence through leadership roles in organizations like the Singapore Building Construction Authority. Rexter actively promotes BIM adoption in Singapore, Hong Kong, and the region, contributing as a primary author and speaker in international conferences such as BILT Asia and Autodesk University. He is a member of various engineering institutes and holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Civil Engineering, a Master's in BIM Management with First Class Honours, and a Post-Graduate Diploma in Construction Project Management. Additionally, Rexter pursued units in a Master's in Finance and a PhD in Engineering.
Ralph Loyola
Founding Member
With 15 years of expertise in Architecture Design and Technology practice, Ralph is a seasoned professional. With a decade dedicated to serving as a BIM Manager and Innovations Lead, Ralph proved to be an effective innovator and manager, having successfully delivered multiple high-profile BIM and Technology related projects.
Notably, majority of Ralph's experience was focused on handling foreign design, BIM, and automation projects. This international perspective adds a unique dimension to his portfolio, showcasing adaptability and global outlook.
Having completed the Leadership and Management Development Course at Ateneo Graduate School, Ralph seamlessly combines practical experience with formal education. His commitment to excellence and innovation positions him as a dynamic leader, ready to tackle unique challenges in the ever-evolving field.
Jay Merlan
Founding Member
With over 20 years in the AEC industry, Jay Merlan, a Revit Certified Professional, boasts a rich career spanning BIM management in design, construction, owner/client, and software startup organizations. While Jay spent most of his career transitioning MEP engineering firms from AutoCAD to Revit, he eventually made his way to a software startup as a subject matter expert which was ultimately acquired by Autodesk. At the peak of his BIM management journey, he provided leadership throughout multiple organizations within Amazon, where he spearheaded BIM standards, construction technology (e.g., laser scanning), design automation, and asset data management for multiple physical retail programs.
Today, Jay leads Triple Zero Labs, a tech consultancy for AEC which develops solutions focused on design automation and data management for the built environment. In addition, he is the lead developer on the open source project OpenDefinery and occasionally writes articles for BIM Extension.