In this episode of AI for Architects, host Aya Shlachter shares her key insights from the AEC Innovate 2025 conference, where the conversation around AI has shifted from being just a tool to a strategic decision that reshapes how firms operate.

Aya highlights keynotes, firm case studies, and panel discussions from industry leaders—including Deltek, Nvidia, and top architecture firms—emphasizing how AI is impacting everything from design workflows to firm strategy, staffing, and client engagement.

The episode encourages architects and firm owners to rethink AI as more than tech—it’s a business model shift. Aya also explores the importance of investing in people, data systems, and long-term integration for AI success.

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Key Takeaways:

• AI is an amplifier and not a replacement.
• AI isn't about tech, it's about transforming business.
• Start your AI journey now.
• Your people are the key to AI's success.
• Invest in your people, systems, and security.
• Firms need to understand their own data.
• AI can predict physical outcomes instantly.
• Don't use AI as an isolated initiative.
• AI is a strategic business decision, not a tech add-on.
• Embrace a holistic approach to AI integration.

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In this episode, host Aya Shlachter interviews Richard Petrie about his journey from a professional cricket career to founding the Architect Marketing Institute. The discussion revolves around the importance of niching down in marketing, particularly for architects, and the common challenges they face.

Richard emphasizes the role of AI in enhancing marketing strategies and introduces his six+ AI framework, which includes AI agents designed to streamline marketing efforts for architects. The conversation also covers the onboarding process for architects to utilize these AI solutions effectively, and the significance of building a comprehensive marketing system to enhance project acquisition and business success.

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Takeaways:

• Richard Petrie transitioned from professional cricket to architecture marketing.
• Psychology plays a crucial role in both sports and marketing.
• Narrowing down to a niche can simplify marketing efforts.
• Architects often struggle with lead generation and fee objections.
• AI can significantly enhance marketing strategies for architects.
• AI agents can automate and improve marketing messaging.
• Using AI tools can save time and improve content quality.
• The six thinking hats method can help clients align their design preferences. Storytelling is crucial for effective marketing.
• Onboarding to AI solutions can be simplified for architects.

ABOUT THE GUEST:

Richard Petrie, creator of the SIX-ai System and founder of the SIX+ai program, has coached over 1200 small firm architects globally for 15+ years, guiding them to win higher-value projects and elevate their practices.

Richard’s philosophy is that true success comes from winning the right projects. His program helps architects scale their firms or boost earnings with fewer, high-impact commissions by integrating core pillars—market, message, and media—with AI. This enables them to articulate unique value, create a competitive advantage, and confidently answer 'Why should I hire you?' Richard emphasizes, "You won't lose a project to AI, but you will lose to an architect using AI."

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🔗 Connect with Richard Petrie and the Architect Marketing Institute (AMI)

Tag and follow Richard Petrie and AMI on social media to stay up to date with their latest insights, AI frameworks, and marketing tips for architects:

📱 Instagram
@archmarketing
@petrie.richard

📘 Facebook
Architect Marketing Institute
Richard Petrie

💼 LinkedIn
Architect Marketing Institute
Richard Petrie

📚 Explore AMI’s AI Marketing Resources for Architects

Book a Game Plan Call: go.archmarketing.org/gameplan-call

Webinars:
go.archmarketing.org/six-ai-everwebinar-registration
go.archmarketing.org/ai-powered-marketing-webinar-registration

In this episode of AI For Architects, host Aya Shlachter dives into the evolving world of AI in architectural design, with a spotlight on the innovative tool, Hektar.

Aya shares insights from a recent webinar on AI in architecture education, emphasizing the critical need for AI literacy among students. The discussion explores various AI tools applicable across different design phases, highlighting Hektar's capabilities for ideation and site planning, and the broader implications of AI's inevitable integration into the industry.

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Key Takeaways:

• AI literacy is crucial for the next generation of architects.
• Different AI tools cater to specific needs throughout the design process.
• Hektar offers user-friendly solutions for ideation and site planning.
• AI can significantly speed up decision-making for property developers.
• AI tools like Hektar streamline feasibility studies.
• Sharing AI knowledge and collaborating is vital for industry progress.
• Understanding and utilizing AI can lead to increased productivity.
• AI is transforming the architecture profession, but it won't replace human creativity.
• AI adoption is inevitable and already reshaping architectural practices.

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In this episode of AI For Architects, host Aya Shlachter explores ArchiTechtures, a cutting-edge generative AI platform transforming residential building design. The discussion examines how this powerful tool enables architects and developers to rapidly generate and iterate designs, dramatically accelerating the journey from initial concept to detailed feasibility studies. Aya also emphasizes the importance of adapting to new technologies and the potential for AI to transform traditional architectural practices.

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Key Takeaways:

• Cost estimation tools provide real-time budget updates during design.
• Customization options allow for flexibility in project financial planning.
• AI can significantly reduce time spent on repetitive design tasks.
• ArchiTechtures is beneficial for both small and large firms.
• Real-time cost estimates help in making informed design decisions.
• The software's performance can vary based on project complexity.
• AI is creating new job roles within the architecture industry.
• Learning new skills is essential for adapting to AI tools.
• The integration of AI in architecture is already transforming the field.

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In this second episode of season 2 of AI for Architects, host Aya Shlachter explores LookX.AI, a powerful architectural rendering tool that utilizes a diffusion model to generate high-quality images from sketches.

The conversation also covers insights from the Podfest Expo, including the potential of custom GPTs for architectural firms. Aya discusses the features of LookX.AI, its user-friendly interface, and its applications in architectural design, emphasizing the tool's ability to enhance client presentations and streamline the design process. The episode concludes with a review of LookX.AI's performance compared to other tools and a reflection on the evolving role of AI in architecture.

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Key Takeaways:

• Podfest Expo provided valuable insights into AI applications.
• Custom GPTs can enhance firm operations and onboarding.
• LookX.AI is a powerful rendering tool for architects.
• LookX.AI generates high-quality images from sketches.
• The tool offers a user-friendly interface with predefined prompts.
• LookX.AI can be used for architectural competitions.
• AI tools are changing the way architects design buildings.
• The importance of critical thinking in architecture remains.

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In this season opener of AI For Architects, Aya Shlachter discusses the implications of AI in architecture, focusing on the predictions made by Ray Kurzweil regarding The Singularity and the future of human-AI integration. She then introduces Veras, an AI-powered visualization tool for architects, detailing its features and the importance of prompt engineering for effective rendering. The discussion finally emphasizes the need for architects to adapt and leverage AI as a tool to enhance their services.

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Key Takeaways:

• AI will not be a competitor, but rather an extension of ourselves.
• The singularity is a theoretical future point when AI surpasses human intelligence.
• Veras is an AI-powered visualization app that integrates with design software.
• Prompt engineering is crucial for getting the desired rendering results.
• AI can significantly reduce the time required for high-quality renderings.
• Architects need to adapt and use AI to enhance their services.
• Sharing use cases can accelerate the understanding of AI applications.

Links, Resources, and References:

👉The Singularity is Nearer by Ray Kurzweil: https://www.penguin.co.uk/books/462759/the-singularity-is-nearer-by-kurzweil-ray/9781847928290

👉 AI For Architects - Veras Tips and Tricks You May Not Have Known Existed: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hCGRCU5luKM

👉 Veras 1.9 Release Is Here!: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FKSYUQsuKyY

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In this season ender of AI for Architects, host Aya Shlachter reflects on the podcast’s highlights of the past year and discusses the future of AI in architecture. She emphasizes the importance of integrating AI tools into architectural practices, the need for leaders to adapt and educate themselves, and the potential for AI to enhance productivity and creativity.

The episode also features insights from industry leaders and a review of various AI tools that can benefit architects. Aya encourages listeners to prioritize self-care and continuous learning as they navigate the evolving landscape of AI in their profession.

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Takeaways:

AI is essential for staying competitive in architecture.
62% of architecture firms are already using AI.
New job roles will emerge alongside AI advancements.
AI tools can automate repetitive tasks and reduce burnout.
Leaders must understand AI capabilities and limitations.
Establish ethical guidelines for AI use in firms.
Collaboration and knowledge sharing are key to understanding AI.

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In this episode of AI for Architects, host Aya Shlachter discusses Maket, a generative design tool tailored for residential architects. She explores its features, pricing, strengths, and weaknesses, while also sharing personal insights and real-world use cases. The conversation emphasizes the potential of AI in architecture, the importance of human creativity, and the evolving landscape of design tools.

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Takeaways:

• Maket aims to democratize architecture by simplifying design processes.

• Key features of Maket include plan generation, 3D visualization, and residential floor planning.

• Maket’s pricing plans cater to both beginners and professionals.

• Real-world use cases highlight the tool's practical applications.

• Strengths of Maket include ease of use and cost-effectiveness.

• Limitations include output quality and integration challenges.

• AI-generated designs require human oversight for quality assurance.

Links, Resources, and References:

👉 A Complete Overview Of Maket: maket.ai/post/a-complete-overview-of-maket

👉 Creating Floor Plans with AI Using “Maket” – Does it really work? (Use Case #1): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2Gi8rIb90lY

👉 Meta-Morphing Architectural Domains: Humans and AI in Post-Human Architecture (Use Case #2): https://www.researchgate.net/publication/378412824_Meta-morphing_Architectural_Domains_The_Role_of_Humans_and_AI_in_Post-human_Architecture

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