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AI for Architects

AI for Architects

By: AI for Architects
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Exploring how artificial intelligence is transforming the AEC industry and what it means for the future of your practice and our profession.2024 Economics
Episodes
  • AI in Architecture: What the Hype Gets Wrong & What Actually Works with M. Hank Haeusler

    AI in Architecture: What the Hype Gets Wrong & What Actually Works with M. Hank Haeusler
    Apr 17 2026
    AI is becoming easier to use. Understanding how it actually works is where most architects struggle. In this episode, Aya Shlachter sits down with Prof. Hank Haeusler to explore how AI and computational design are reshaping architecture in practice and in business. Hank shares how thinking in systems, data, and computation is changing how architects design, make decisions, and deliver work. The conversation highlights the shift from manual, skill-based tasks to higher-level thinking. As AI takes over repetitive work, architects are being pushed toward strategy, problem-solving, and continuous learning. It also addresses the growing gap between academia and practice, and why firms must start treating AI as a business priority, not just a tool. What You'll Learn: How computational design is changing the foundation of architecture Why AI is more about business strategy than just design tools The difference between AI for architecture, architects, and the architecture business How user-friendly tools are lowering the barrier to entry for AI adoption Why lifelong learning is now essential for every architect Timestamps: 00:00 — Episode Snippet 01:22 — Introducing the guest, Prof. Hank Hauesler 02:44 — From electrician to AI researcher 05:28 — What computational design actually means 08:16 — The idea behind Giraffe Technology 09:40 — Sponsor Spotlight: Struggling to meet deadlines with limited staff? MGS Global Group is here for you. We provide qualified architectural professionals on demand so you can scale your projects without compromising quality. Visit https://mgsglobalgroup.com/ today. 13:00 — The rise of specialized tools 14:28 — The gap between academia and practice 16:31 — Why circular economy matters in architecture 18:52 — Technology has always shaped architecture 22:41 — Bridging academia and practice in architecture with AI 26:26 — AI will reshape architecture jobs 30:31 — Computational design is a way of thinking 34:20 — AI in architecture works on different levels 37:49 — The ethical role of AI 40:32 — AI, jobs, and the future of the next generation 44:19 — Firms that ignore AI risk disappearing 46:01 — Architects must think like business owners 52:35 — There is no single "best" AI tool 54:06 — What "vibe coding" really means 56:01 — Final advice: commit to lifelong learning Watch the podcast on YouTube. ➡️ https://youtube.com/@aiforarchitectspodcast?si=xUuaIvKIigqLsOJ0 🔔 Subscribe the channel for weekly insights on design, tech, and the future of creative business. Listen to the AI for Architects Podcast: Spotify: https://tinyurl.com/3b2r8e34 Apple Podcasts: https://tinyurl.com/bdcsx4nr Connect with Us! Instagram: instagram.com/aiforarchitectspodcast Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ai-for-architects-podcast/posts/?feedView=all About the Guest: Professor M. Hank Haeusler is Co-CEO Arch_Manu; Director ARC Centre for Next-Gen Architectural Manufacturing, Lead CI CRC-P 3D printing, Deputy Director UNSW AI Institute; Head of Research, Foresight and Innovation at Giraffe Technology; and known as researcher, educator, and entrepreneur in computational design and architectural computing through over 140 publications. Connect with Prof. Hank Hauesler: Hank's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/m-hank-haeusler-40998110/ Arch_Manu: https://www.linkedin.com/company/archmanu/?viewAsMember=true About the Host: Aya Shlachter is the Founder and CEO of MGS Global Group, an architectural support services firm serving hundreds of architecture practices worldwide.With over 18 years of industry experience, she helps firm owners scale smarter, adopt emerging technologies, and build resilient, future-ready practices. Aya also hosts the AI for Architects and Architect My Business podcasts and is the co -founder of Archicon 2026, a global architecture business conference. She was named the 2025 Global FWN100™ Most Influential Filipina Woman in the World in the Founder and Pioneer category for her leadership in business and AI. Connect with Aya Shlachter: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aya_shlachter/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ayashlachter/ AI for Architects Podcast - We make AI simple for architects. Real conversations with AI-ready firms. Real strategies. Practical insights you can adopt inside your practice. 👉 Explore how we can help you adopt AI in your practice. 🎙️ This episode is brought to you by - MGS Global Group End to End Architecture Production BIM | Revit | AutoCAD | ArchiCAD | 3D Rendering Since 2008 Learn more at: mgsglobalgroup.com
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    58 mins
  • AI for Interior Design: Inside the Workflows That Actually Work

    AI for Interior Design: Inside the Workflows That Actually Work
    Feb 25 2026
    Most design firms are experimenting with AI. Very few know how to make it work. In this episode, Aya Shlachter sits down with Stephanie Lindsay and Jessica Nelson, co-founders of Etch Design Group and AI for Interiors, to explore how design firms can stop treating AI as a side experiment and start using it as a core business strategy. Stephanie and Jessica share how they went from testing AI tools to building real workflows — and eventually a platform that helps designers understand where AI actually fits in practice. From client intake and documentation to budgeting, scheduling, and quality control, they break down exactly how AI is helping firms do more with less. What You'll Learn: How AI is filling talent gaps and freeing teams to focus on higher-value work Why custom GPTs are transforming everyday firm processes How strong prompting leads to better, more reliable AI outputs Why a flexible multi-tool approach outperforms any single platform How AI handles the repetitive 80% — so your team can own the other 20% Timestamps: 00:00 – Episode Snippet 01:17 – Introducing the guests, Stephanie Lindsey and Jessica Nelson 02:33 – How AI supports work instead of replacing people 04:37 – From Geek Squad to interior design and AI 08:25 – The "AI curiosity → anxiety → clarity" adoption curve 10:05 – How the firm uses custom GPTs in real workflows 12:04 – Building better prompts with deep research 14:19 – Why you shouldn't stick to just one AI platform 16:38 – How Gemini Pro speeds up design work 18:58 – Checking plans and finding blind spots with AI 21:46 – The "60% to 90%" multi-tool AI workflow approach 25:05 – Midjourney, Gamma, and NotebookLM in practice 29:37 – Sponsor Spotlight: Struggling to meet deadlines with limited staff? MGS Global Group is here for you. We provide qualified architectural professionals on demand so you can scale your projects without compromising quality. Visit https://mgsglobalgroup.com today. 30:39 – Fyxer, Otter, and Plaud for daily workflows 34:17 – Inside the AI for Interiors Design Academy and community 37:23 – The 4-month firm-wide AI onboarding process 41:31 – Custom GPTs and AEO as standalone services 42:55 – Upcoming speaking engagements 45:24 – "Earn the right to push the easy button" 47:25 – Why resisting AI won't stop it 51:39 – AI services beyond the design industry 53:22 – What's next for AI for Interiors and future offerings About the Guests: Stephanie Lindsey and Jessica Nelson are the co-founders of Etch Design Group, a luxury full-service interior design firm based in Austin, Texas. Together, they also launched AI for Interiors, a groundbreaking venture dedicated to educating interior designers, builders, and vendors on how to harness the power of artificial intelligence to grow and future-proof their businesses. Under Stephanie and Jessica's leadership, Etch's talented team has mastered a signature process rooted in listening, creativity, and care. They design extraordinary spaces that reflect each client's unique story and style, proving that friendship, passion, and purpose can build something truly meaningful. Connect with Etch Design Group: Websites: https://aiforinteriors.com/ , https://etchinteriordesign.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aiforinteriors LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ai-for-interiors/ About the Host: Aya Shlachter is the Founder and CEO of MGS Global Group, an architectural support services firm serving hundreds of architecture practices worldwide.With over 18 years of industry experience, she helps firm owners scale smarter, adopt emerging technologies, and build resilient, future-ready practices. Aya also hosts the AI for Architects and Architect My Business podcasts and is the co -founder of Archicon 2026, a global architecture business conference. She was named the 2025 Global FWN100™ Most Influential Filipina Woman in the World in the Founder and Pioneer category for her leadership in business and AI. Connect with Aya Shlachter: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aya_shlachter/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ayashlachter/ _______________________________________________ 🎙️ This episode is brought to you by MGS Global Group Listen to the AI for Architects Podcast: Spotify: https://tinyurl.com/3b2r8e34 Apple Podcasts: https://tinyurl.com/bdcsx4nr Connect with Us! Instagram: aiforarchitectspodcast
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    57 mins
  • How Architects Can Use AI Without Losing the Human Touch with Mark R LePage

    How Architects Can Use AI Without Losing the Human Touch with Mark R LePage
    Jan 30 2026
    In a profession facing rapid technological change, understanding how to use AI without losing the human element has become one of the most important challenges for architects today. In this episode, Aya Shlachter sits down with Mark R. LePage, an entrepreneur architect and Chief Executive Officer and co-founder of Gābl Media Group, Inc., to explore how AI is reshaping the AEC industry and what it means for the future of architectural practice. With decades of experience building firms, communities, and media platforms, Mark shares how his journey from practicing architect to business educator has shaped his perspective on leadership, creativity, and growth. They discuss why AI should be viewed as a powerful tool rather than a threat, how architects can build AI literacy at every level of their business, and why human connection will remain the profession's greatest differentiator. Mark also breaks down the business gaps left by traditional architectural education, the rise of community-driven learning, and how initiatives like EntreArchitect and the EntreArchitect Academy are helping architects build stronger firms. Tune in for practical insights on building sustainable firms, developing leadership skills, preserving institutional knowledge, and preparing the next generation of architects for long-term success. Key Takeaways: AI is a powerful tool that can improve efficiency, productivity, and creativity at every level of architectural practice. Architects who build AI literacy early will be better prepared as technology continues to accelerate. AI will not replace architects, but architects who fail to adapt risk falling behind. Human connection, trust, and empathy remain the strongest differentiators in an AI-driven profession. Architecture requires emotional intelligence and human judgment that technology cannot replicate. Financially stable firms create better architecture by giving architects time, focus, and freedom. Strong culture and flexibility are critical for attracting and retaining the next generation of architects. Timestamps: 00:00 – Episode Snippet 01:43 – Introducing our guest, Mark R. LePage 03:07 – Mark's early foundations of building and problem-solving 08:16 – The power of openly sharing business knowledge within the profession 10:01 – Sponsor Spotlight: Struggling to meet deadlines with limited staff? MGS Global Group is here for you. We provide qualified architectural professionals on demand so you can scale your projects without compromising quality. Visit https://mgsglobalgroup.com today. 11:56 – The power of public accountability (12-12-12) 13:24 – Financial success enables better architecture 16:31 – Masterminds scale through shared leadership 20:06 – How EntreArchitect Academy fills a critical education gap 22:51 – How Gābl Media gives architects a stronger voice 25:10 – A website should be a sales tool 30:28 – Fear of AI is common but misplaced 32:24 – Human connection is irreplaceable 34:33 – AI creates time to invest in relationships 36:12 – Mastery comes from repetition and self-review 39:31 – Start small with AI to avoid overwhelm 40:56 – The limits of AI and the role of human judgment 43:43 – How business pulse surveys help firms measure progress against peers 45:48 – Economic data supports smarter planning 49:28 – Becoming irreplaceable means focusing on people 51:26 – Strong culture attracts the next generation 53:40 – Internal podcasts preserve and activate firm knowledge 56:22 – What's next for Mark? 57:51 – The passion and purpose to serve architects About the Guest: Mark R. LePage is an entrepreneur architect based in the Charlotte Metro area who is known for helping architects think differently about business, leadership, and creativity. He is the co-founder and CEO of Gābl Media Group, where he works to give architects and AEC professionals a stronger voice through podcasting, storytelling, and education. Mark is also the founder of EntreArchitect, a platform he started in 2007 to support small firm architects who want to build successful businesses without losing sight of good design. Through writing, podcasting, and community building, he has helped thousands of architects grow their firms with more clarity and confidence. Connect with Mark R. LePage: Web: https://gablmedia.com/; https://entrearchitect.com/ IG: https://www.instagram.com/gablmedia/ YT: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCSQNTZAcGQ9hxt-8ngzj5WA LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/markrlepage/ About the Host: Aya Shlachter is the Founder and CEO of MGS Global Group, an architectural support services firm serving hundreds of architecture practices worldwide. With over 18 years of industry experience, she helps firm owners scale smarter, adopt emerging technologies, and build resilient, future-ready practices. Aya also hosts the AI for Architects and Architect My Business podcasts and is the co-founder of ArchiCon 2026, a global ...
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    1 hr and 1 min
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