Jack Arens
Lead Software Architect @ Layer
Lincoln, Nebraska, United States
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Jack is the Lead Software Architect at Layer, where he builds the technical foundation for a platform that connects building data to Building Information Models (BIM). A Nebraska native and graduate of the University of Nebraska-Lincoln’s Raikes School, Jack combines a lifelong passion for solving complex problems with deep technical expertise to help the architecture, engineering, and construction industries work smarter.
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Turning Users into Engineers: Architecting a Visual Logic Engine
Every SaaS platform eventually faces the request for "Excel-like" capabilities, but implementing user-defined logic within a mature application is a full-stack architectural challenge that goes far beyond a simple UI widget. This session dissects the engineering behind Layer’s "FormulaV2," a drag-and-drop logic engine designed to bridge technical complexity and user usability.
We will examine the architectural realities of managing a custom evaluation engine across a large codebase, exploring how to synchronize backend performance with frontend flexibility using tools like Rete.js and Typebox. Attendees will gain insights into managing cross-cutting concerns—from strict type safety and recursive dependencies to API integrations—to build a system that intuitively guides users through complex logic without compromising engineering stability.
Stop Waiting for the Server: The Architecture of Instant Web Apps
We have conditioned users to stare at loading spinners while our apps fetch data that hasn't changed. But what if we flipped the script? What if we assumed the database was already on the user's device?
In this talk, we will explore the "Local-First" architecture—a paradigm shift where the network is removed from the critical rendering path. We will move beyond the standard Request/Response loop to a background synchronization model, allowing the client to act as the primary source of truth. Join to learn the tangible user benefits of zero-latency interactions and navigate the real-world architectural challenges of this approach—from handling local persistence and conflict resolution to managing synchronization state.
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