AI Consulting
AI Consulting
AI Consulting
Academy of Art
From curiosity to capability: helping the Academy of Art design smarter with AI
From curiosity to capability: helping the Academy of Art design smarter with AI
From curiosity to capability: helping the Academy of Art design smarter with AI
Where they were starting from
Where they were starting from
Where they were starting from
The Academy of Art University, one of the oldest and largest learning institutions in San Francisco, recognized that AI was beginning to reshape creative workflows, from ideation and concept development, to production and refinement. While the university was curious about how these tools might fit into students’ creative process, there was no shared framework for how to evaluate or integrate AI into design practice, especially in a way that felt purposeful rather than trendy. Faculty and students alike were grappling with questions: Was AI a threat to originality, or a tool for expansion? How could it be used to enhance—not replace—design thinking and craft? With limited guidance and fast-moving developments in generative tools, the university saw an opportunity to bring in a trusted partner who could bridge the gap between emerging technology and creative education.
The Academy of Art University, one of the oldest and largest learning institutions in San Francisco, recognized that AI was beginning to reshape creative workflows, from ideation and concept development, to production and refinement. While the university was curious about how these tools might fit into students’ creative process, there was no shared framework for how to evaluate or integrate AI into design practice, especially in a way that felt purposeful rather than trendy. Faculty and students alike were grappling with questions: Was AI a threat to originality, or a tool for expansion? How could it be used to enhance—not replace—design thinking and craft? With limited guidance and fast-moving developments in generative tools, the university saw an opportunity to bring in a trusted partner who could bridge the gap between emerging technology and creative education.
The Academy of Art University, one of the oldest and largest learning institutions in San Francisco, recognized that AI was beginning to reshape creative workflows, from ideation and concept development, to production and refinement. While the university was curious about how these tools might fit into students’ creative process, there was no shared framework for how to evaluate or integrate AI into design practice, especially in a way that felt purposeful rather than trendy. Faculty and students alike were grappling with questions: Was AI a threat to originality, or a tool for expansion? How could it be used to enhance—not replace—design thinking and craft? With limited guidance and fast-moving developments in generative tools, the university saw an opportunity to bring in a trusted partner who could bridge the gap between emerging technology and creative education.
What was holding the Academy of Art back
What was holding the Academy of Art back
What was holding the Academy of Art back
Like many universities, the Academy of Art initially banned AI over concerns about plagiarism and academic integrity. But as a school that had already adapted to the rise of computers, the internet, and social media, they knew they couldn’t afford to get left behind. The challenge was figuring out how to embrace AI without compromising the institution’s core values. My approach was to position AI as a tool to deepen students’ thinking in the visual and applied arts. The curricula I developed focused on strengthening their conceptual rigor and creative reasoning—even as AI increasingly takes on executional tasks.
Like many universities, the Academy of Art initially banned AI over concerns about plagiarism and academic integrity. But as a school that had already adapted to the rise of computers, the internet, and social media, they knew they couldn’t afford to get left behind. The challenge was figuring out how to embrace AI without compromising the institution’s core values. My approach was to position AI as a tool to deepen students’ thinking in the visual and applied arts. The curricula I developed focused on strengthening their conceptual rigor and creative reasoning—even as AI increasingly takes on executional tasks.
Like many universities, the Academy of Art initially banned AI over concerns about plagiarism and academic integrity. But as a school that had already adapted to the rise of computers, the internet, and social media, they knew they couldn’t afford to get left behind. The challenge was figuring out how to embrace AI without compromising the institution’s core values. My approach was to position AI as a tool to deepen students’ thinking in the visual and applied arts. The curricula I developed focused on strengthening their conceptual rigor and creative reasoning—even as AI increasingly takes on executional tasks.
AI seen as oppositional to education
Too much noise, no direction
Too much noise, no direction
Many in the organization viewed AI as fundamentally at odds with the learning process.
Despite growing interest in AI, PCE didn’t know the first step to take and felt bombarded by too much information.
Despite growing interest in AI, PCE didn’t know the first step to take and felt bombarded by too much information.
No clear vision for implementation
Unsure about outsourcing
Unsure about outsourcing
Even AI advocates struggled to define how it could meaningfully fit into coursework or studio practice.
The team wasn’t sure if they needed an external partner or if they could manage it internally.
The team wasn’t sure if they needed an external partner or if they could manage it internally.
Curriculum timing constraints
Data privacy concerns
Data privacy concerns
With curricula planned a year in advance, the institution couldn’t keep pace with the rapid evolution of AI.
As a public service company PCE has a greater responsibility in regards to data privacy, which they were concerned about.
As a public service company PCE has a greater responsibility in regards to data privacy, which they were concerned about.
Faculty lagged behind students
Public Records Act
Public Records Act
In many cases, students were ahead of faculty in both their use of AI tools and their understanding of how to apply.
As a public agency, PCE is subject to requests for information subject to the California Public Records Act.
As a public agency, PCE is subject to requests for information subject to the California Public Records Act.
A better way forward
A better way forward
A better way forward
The first step was to reframe AI’s role in education. The goal wasn’t just to teach the mechanics of AI, but to ground students in how it fits within ethics, history, and core design principles. These evergreen foundations don’t need to be rewritten with every new tool or trend. Next, we adopted a tool-agnostic approach. Rather than focus on specific platforms, we emphasized quality thinking and clear expectations. Students rooted their work in brand discovery, strategy, and the art of a well-crafted creative brief—then explored AI tools of their choice to execute. All work lived in a shared digital workbench, fostering transparency, collaboration, and cross-pollination. Students benefited not just from their own progress, but from seeing how their peers approached the same challenges. This model reflects a future where students—and professionals—co-create alongside both each other and AI.
The first step was to reframe AI’s role in education. The goal wasn’t just to teach the mechanics of AI, but to ground students in how it fits within ethics, history, and core design principles. These evergreen foundations don’t need to be rewritten with every new tool or trend. Next, we adopted a tool-agnostic approach. Rather than focus on specific platforms, we emphasized quality thinking and clear expectations. Students rooted their work in brand discovery, strategy, and the art of a well-crafted creative brief—then explored AI tools of their choice to execute. All work lived in a shared digital workbench, fostering transparency, collaboration, and cross-pollination. Students benefited not just from their own progress, but from seeing how their peers approached the same challenges. This model reflects a future where students—and professionals—co-create alongside both each other and AI.
The first step was to reframe AI’s role in education. The goal wasn’t just to teach the mechanics of AI, but to ground students in how it fits within ethics, history, and core design principles. These evergreen foundations don’t need to be rewritten with every new tool or trend. Next, we adopted a tool-agnostic approach. Rather than focus on specific platforms, we emphasized quality thinking and clear expectations. Students rooted their work in brand discovery, strategy, and the art of a well-crafted creative brief—then explored AI tools of their choice to execute. All work lived in a shared digital workbench, fostering transparency, collaboration, and cross-pollination. Students benefited not just from their own progress, but from seeing how their peers approached the same challenges. This model reflects a future where students—and professionals—co-create alongside both each other and AI.
Key Actions + Outcomes
Key Actions + Outcomes
Key Actions + Outcomes
Teaching students how to think with AI—not just use it
Teaching students how to think with AI—not just use it
A curriculum rooted in principles and collaboration helped students adapt to new tools while strengthening their core creative skills.
A curriculum rooted in principles and collaboration helped students adapt to new tools while strengthening their core creative skills.
Key Actions
Developed a curriculum rooted in evergreen design principles to ground AI exploration
Required students to build strong conceptual foundations before experimenting with AI
Created a platform-agnostic environment to reflect AI’s rapid evolution
Established a shared “workbench” for collaborative, transparent project development
Encouraged peer-to-peer learning through open prompting and tool-sharing practices
Key Outcomes
Students understood that strong ideas—not tools—are the foundation of meaningful AI work
Became fluent in working collaboratively across human and AI team dynamics
Learned cutting-edge AI techniques by observing and sharing with peers
Gained a repeatable model for adapting to the fast-moving AI landscape
“Jeff’s approach to AI is thorough and detailed, but also fun and approachable. We’ve greatly improved the way we use AI because of his workshops and demonstrations."
Gunther Lie
Executive CD, Maison / Aix en Provence, France
“I worked with Jeff on an AI-driven project for the BMW Foundation – I was amazed by his responsiveness, attention to detail, and his ability to communicate clearly."
Amit Pradhan
CEO / Rainfall.one / Zurich, Switzerland
“Consistently, again and again, Jeff gets rave reviews for giving students the information they need to excel in a fun and entertaining working environment."
Ross Patrick
Director of AI / Academy of Art University, San Francisco
“From the very beginning, I’ve seen in Jeff a real determination to demonstrate value. He cares deeply about the effectiveness of his work and about client satisfaction."
Shawn Marshall
CEO / Peninsula Clean Energy
“Jeff’s a fantastic partner all around. He understands our needs and how we work. He's knowledgeable, incredibly responsive, and easy to work with.”
Kim Le
Sr. Director of Data & Technology / Peninsula Clean Energy
“Jeff’s approach to AI is thorough and detailed, but also fun and approachable. We’ve greatly improved the way we use AI because of his workshops and demonstrations."
Gunther Lie
Executive CD, Maison / Aix en Provence, France
“I worked with Jeff on an AI-driven project for the BMW Foundation – I was amazed by his responsiveness, attention to detail, and his ability to communicate clearly."
Amit Pradhan
CEO / Rainfall.one / Zurich, Switzerland
“Consistently, again and again, Jeff gets rave reviews for giving students the information they need to excel in a fun and entertaining working environment."
Ross Patrick
Director of AI / Academy of Art University, San Francisco
“From the very beginning, I’ve seen in Jeff a real determination to demonstrate value. He cares deeply about the effectiveness of his work and about client satisfaction."
Shawn Marshall
CEO / Peninsula Clean Energy
“Jeff’s a fantastic partner all around. He understands our needs and how we work. He's knowledgeable, incredibly responsive, and easy to work with.”
Kim Le
Sr. Director of Data & Technology / Peninsula Clean Energy
“Jeff’s approach to AI is thorough and detailed, but also fun and approachable. We’ve greatly improved the way we use AI because of his workshops and demonstrations."
Gunther Lie
Executive CD, Maison / Aix en Provence, France
“I worked with Jeff on an AI-driven project for the BMW Foundation – I was amazed by his responsiveness, attention to detail, and his ability to communicate clearly."
Amit Pradhan
CEO / Rainfall.one / Zurich, Switzerland
“Consistently, again and again, Jeff gets rave reviews for giving students the information they need to excel in a fun and entertaining working environment."
Ross Patrick
Director of AI / Academy of Art University, San Francisco
“From the very beginning, I’ve seen in Jeff a real determination to demonstrate value. He cares deeply about the effectiveness of his work and about client satisfaction."
Shawn Marshall
CEO / Peninsula Clean Energy
“Jeff’s a fantastic partner all around. He understands our needs and how we work. He's knowledgeable, incredibly responsive, and easy to work with.”
Kim Le
Sr. Director of Data & Technology / Peninsula Clean Energy
“Jeff’s approach to AI is thorough and detailed, but also fun and approachable. We’ve greatly improved the way we use AI because of his workshops and demonstrations."
Gunther Lie
Executive CD, Maison / Aix en Provence, France
“I worked with Jeff on an AI-driven project for the BMW Foundation – I was amazed by his responsiveness, attention to detail, and his ability to communicate clearly."
Amit Pradhan
CEO / Rainfall.one / Zurich, Switzerland
“Consistently, again and again, Jeff gets rave reviews for giving students the information they need to excel in a fun and entertaining working environment."
Ross Patrick
Director of AI / Academy of Art University, San Francisco
“From the very beginning, I’ve seen in Jeff a real determination to demonstrate value. He cares deeply about the effectiveness of his work and about client satisfaction."
Shawn Marshall
CEO / Peninsula Clean Energy
“Jeff’s a fantastic partner all around. He understands our needs and how we work. He's knowledgeable, incredibly responsive, and easy to work with.”
Kim Le
Sr. Director of Data & Technology / Peninsula Clean Energy
“I worked with Jeff on an AI-driven project for the BMW Foundation – I was amazed by his responsiveness, attention to detail, and his ability to communicate clearly."
Gunther Lie
Executive CD, Maison / Aix en Provence, France
“I worked with Jeff on an AI-driven project for the BMW Foundation – I was amazed by his responsiveness, attention to detail, and his ability to communicate clearly."
Amit Pradhan
CEO / Rainfall.one / Zurich, Switzerland
“Consistently, again and again, Jeff gets rave reviews for giving students the information they need to excel in a fun and entertaining working environment."
Ross Patrick
Director of AI / Academy of Art University, San Francisco
“From the very beginning, I’ve seen in Jeff a real determination to demonstrate value. He cares deeply about the effectiveness of his work and about client satisfaction."
Shawn Marshall
CEO / Peninsula Clean Energy
“Jeff’s a fantastic partner all around. He understands our needs and how we work. He's knowledgeable, incredibly responsive, and easy to work with.”
Kim Le
Sr. Director of Data & Technology / Peninsula Clean Energy
“I worked with Jeff on an AI-driven project for the BMW Foundation – I was amazed by his responsiveness, attention to detail, and his ability to communicate clearly."
Gunther Lie
Executive CD, Maison / Aix en Provence, France
“I worked with Jeff on an AI-driven project for the BMW Foundation – I was amazed by his responsiveness, attention to detail, and his ability to communicate clearly."
Amit Pradhan
CEO / Rainfall.one / Zurich, Switzerland
“Consistently, again and again, Jeff gets rave reviews for giving students the information they need to excel in a fun and entertaining working environment."
Ross Patrick
Director of AI / Academy of Art University, San Francisco
“From the very beginning, I’ve seen in Jeff a real determination to demonstrate value. He cares deeply about the effectiveness of his work and about client satisfaction."
Shawn Marshall
CEO / Peninsula Clean Energy
“Jeff’s a fantastic partner all around. He understands our needs and how we work. He's knowledgeable, incredibly responsive, and easy to work with.”
Kim Le
Sr. Director of Data & Technology / Peninsula Clean Energy
“I worked with Jeff on an AI-driven project for the BMW Foundation – I was amazed by his responsiveness, attention to detail, and his ability to communicate clearly."
Gunther Lie
Executive CD, Maison / Aix en Provence, France
“I worked with Jeff on an AI-driven project for the BMW Foundation – I was amazed by his responsiveness, attention to detail, and his ability to communicate clearly."
Amit Pradhan
CEO / Rainfall.one / Zurich, Switzerland
“Consistently, again and again, Jeff gets rave reviews for giving students the information they need to excel in a fun and entertaining working environment."
Ross Patrick
Director of AI / Academy of Art University, San Francisco
“From the very beginning, I’ve seen in Jeff a real determination to demonstrate value. He cares deeply about the effectiveness of his work and about client satisfaction."
Shawn Marshall
CEO / Peninsula Clean Energy
“Jeff’s a fantastic partner all around. He understands our needs and how we work. He's knowledgeable, incredibly responsive, and easy to work with.”
Kim Le
Sr. Director of Data & Technology / Peninsula Clean Energy
“I worked with Jeff on an AI-driven project for the BMW Foundation – I was amazed by his responsiveness, attention to detail, and his ability to communicate clearly."
Gunther Lie
Executive CD, Maison / Aix en Provence, France
“I worked with Jeff on an AI-driven project for the BMW Foundation – I was amazed by his responsiveness, attention to detail, and his ability to communicate clearly."
Amit Pradhan
CEO / Rainfall.one / Zurich, Switzerland
“Consistently, again and again, Jeff gets rave reviews for giving students the information they need to excel in a fun and entertaining working environment."
Ross Patrick
Director of AI / Academy of Art University, San Francisco
“From the very beginning, I’ve seen in Jeff a real determination to demonstrate value. He cares deeply about the effectiveness of his work and about client satisfaction."
Shawn Marshall
CEO / Peninsula Clean Energy
“Jeff’s a fantastic partner all around. He understands our needs and how we work. He's knowledgeable, incredibly responsive, and easy to work with.”
Kim Le
Sr. Director of Data & Technology / Peninsula Clean Energy
"Thanks to Gence, we reached a larger audiene. Their cce than ever beforreative team crafted campaigns that not only told our story."
Gunther Lie
Executive CD, Maison / Aix en Provence, France
“I worked with Jeff on an AI-driven project for the BMW Foundation – I was amazed by his responsiveness, attention to detail, and his ability to communicate clearly."
Amit Pradhan
CEO / Rainfall.one / Zurich, Switzerland
“Consistently, again and again, Jeff gets rave reviews for giving students the information they need to excel in a fun and entertaining working environment."
Ross Patrick
Director of AI / Academy of Art University, San Francisco
“From the very beginning, I’ve seen in Jeff a real determination to demonstrate value. He cares deeply about the effectiveness of his work and about client satisfaction."
Shawn Marshall
CEO / Peninsula Clean Energy
“Jeff’s a fantastic partner all around. He understands our needs and how we work. He's knowledgeable, incredibly responsive, and easy to work with.”
Kim Le
Sr. Director of Data & Technology / Peninsula Clean Energy
"Thanks to Gence, we reached a larger audiene. Their cce than ever beforreative team crafted campaigns that not only told our story."
Gunther Lie
Executive CD, Maison / Aix en Provence, France
“I worked with Jeff on an AI-driven project for the BMW Foundation – I was amazed by his responsiveness, attention to detail, and his ability to communicate clearly."
Amit Pradhan
CEO / Rainfall.one / Zurich, Switzerland
“Consistently, again and again, Jeff gets rave reviews for giving students the information they need to excel in a fun and entertaining working environment."
Ross Patrick
Director of AI / Academy of Art University, San Francisco
“From the very beginning, I’ve seen in Jeff a real determination to demonstrate value. He cares deeply about the effectiveness of his work and about client satisfaction."
Shawn Marshall
CEO / Peninsula Clean Energy
“Jeff’s a fantastic partner all around. He understands our needs and how we work. He's knowledgeable, incredibly responsive, and easy to work with.”
Kim Le
Sr. Director of Data & Technology / Peninsula Clean Energy
"Thanks to Gence, we reached a larger audiene. Their cce than ever beforreative team crafted campaigns that not only told our story."
Gunther Lie
Executive CD, Maison / Aix en Provence, France
“I worked with Jeff on an AI-driven project for the BMW Foundation – I was amazed by his responsiveness, attention to detail, and his ability to communicate clearly."
Amit Pradhan
CEO / Rainfall.one / Zurich, Switzerland
“Consistently, again and again, Jeff gets rave reviews for giving students the information they need to excel in a fun and entertaining working environment."
Ross Patrick
Director of AI / Academy of Art University, San Francisco
“From the very beginning, I’ve seen in Jeff a real determination to demonstrate value. He cares deeply about the effectiveness of his work and about client satisfaction."
Shawn Marshall
CEO / Peninsula Clean Energy
“Jeff’s a fantastic partner all around. He understands our needs and how we work. He's knowledgeable, incredibly responsive, and easy to work with.”
Kim Le
Sr. Director of Data & Technology / Peninsula Clean Energy
"Thanks to Gence, we reached a larger audiene. Their cce than ever beforreative team crafted campaigns that not only told our story."
Gunther Lie
Executive CD, Maison / Aix en Provence, France
“I worked with Jeff on an AI-driven project for the BMW Foundation – I was amazed by his responsiveness, attention to detail, and his ability to communicate clearly."
Amit Pradhan
CEO / Rainfall.one / Zurich, Switzerland
“Consistently, again and again, Jeff gets rave reviews for giving students the information they need to excel in a fun and entertaining working environment."
Ross Patrick
Director of AI / Academy of Art University, San Francisco
“From the very beginning, I’ve seen in Jeff a real determination to demonstrate value. He cares deeply about the effectiveness of his work and about client satisfaction."
Shawn Marshall
CEO / Peninsula Clean Energy
“Jeff’s a fantastic partner all around. He understands our needs and how we work. He's knowledgeable, incredibly responsive, and easy to work with.”
Kim Le
Sr. Director of Data & Technology / Peninsula Clean Energy
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Get your team AI-ready
The AI Clarity Call is a free 1:1 session where we look at where your team is now and where AI could make a real difference.
Get your team AI-ready
The AI Clarity Call is a free 1:1 session where we look at where your team is now and where AI could make a real difference.