Juan Ayala is an assistant professor of practice at the Edward J. Bloustein School of Planning and Public Policy, Rutgers University. He is a co-founder and managing principal of GRID Design Studios LLC. He is a highly skilled architect and urban designer with national and international experience in managing and designing complex design projects.  He has 27 years of experience in leading a wide range of design projects from small towns and resorts to large mixed-use urban development/redevelopment projects for firms like Robert A. M. Stern Architects, Cooper, Robertson & Partners, and A. Nelessen Associates. Juan is a registered candidate of the National Council of Architectural Registration Board (NCARB).  His research interests focuses on the use of Computer Vision in the urban planning and design process. His research seeks to improve evidence-based analysis and understand what metrics can be used to make sound decision about design, its performance, and its relevance to a place and its context.