AI for Architects

What if the biggest challenge in AI adoption isn't technology at all, but understanding people, culture, and practice? 
In this episode, host Aya Shlachter sits down with Annie Ferguson, Head of AI & Digital Innovation at DKO Architecture, to explore why most firms get AI adoption wrong, not because of the tools, but because of the people.
Before leading one of Australia's most ambitious architecture AI transformations, Annie studied languages, conducted ethnographic research in rural Mexico, and spent over a decade designing user experiences for companies like Autodesk and Lonely Planet. She brings a refreshingly human lens to a conversation usually dominated by prompts and productivity hacks.

Key Takeaways:
Explore the problem before the technology. The real wins come from identifying a specific pain point and setting a measurable target, not chasing every shiny AI tool.

The "micro-skill" mindset. Sometimes the fix isn't a new AI tool, but a small skill upgrade (e.g., learning email rules or a Photoshop lighting trick).

The competence factor. Over-relying on AI erodes your confidence in solving problems yourself, know your baseline before you outsource it.

The 60% rule. Use AI for what you're not good at, it will get you 60% of the way, and you should budget time to close the remaining gap.

AI adoption in professional practices (architecture, medicine, law) is harder because these professions carry data sensitivity and craft precision that make "quick experiments" risky.

Feminine leadership in tech often brings grounded, context-aware thinking that keeps AI adoption practical rather than hype-driven.

AI backlash and burnout stem from an oversold "solution without a problem" marketing cycle, not from AI itself being bad.

Timestamps: 
00:00 – Episode Snippet
2:27 – Introduction to Annie Ferguson and her background
4:08 – The mini-disc story: lessons on riding (and missing) tech waves
6:59 – How ethnographic research in Mexico shapes her approach to workplace culture
13:32 – From linguistics to UX design to architecture AI leadership
15:53 – Her work at Autodesk on plastic manufacturing simulation software
17:50 – Why architecture, law, and medicine lag behind tech companies in AI literacy
23:60 – 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.
25:27 – Feminine leadership and grounded technology adoption
27:54 – "Solution without a problem": unpacking AI's marketing hype
35:04 – Practical framework: explore your problem before your tool
38:13 – Micro-skill learning and the competence factor
42:52 – The Kolb learning cycle and "earning the right" to use AI
45:59 – AI burnout, AI backlash, and Claude's approach to healthy engagement
49:58 – Closing advice: the 60% rule for firm owners getting started with AI
 
About the Guest:
Annie Fergusson heads AI and Digital Innovation at DKO Architecture. She holds a PhD focused on human resilience and social systems, and spent over a decade as a UX/service designer at companies including Autodesk and Lonely Planet before moving into architecture.
Connect with Annie Fergusson: 
Website: https://www.deepc.com.au/about?
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-annie-fergusson/ 
 
About the Host: 
Aya Shlachter is the CEO and Founder of MGS Global Group and the creator of the Architect My Life Community and Podcast. With degrees from Columbia University and NJIT, plus advanced studies at Harvard, she helps architects and designers grow their businesses while living more fulfilling lives. Outside of work, Aya is a wife, mom of two, world traveler, and recreational triathlete. 
Connect with Aya Shlachter:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aya_shlachter/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ayashlachter/
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🎙️ 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

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

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

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 architecture business conference. She was named a 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

In a world where knowledge is power, having the right system to manage that knowledge might just be the smartest investment a growing firm can make.
In this episode, Aya Shlachter sits down with Christopher Parsons, founder and CEO of Knowledge Architecture, the team behind Synthesis and the KA Connect conference. With over 15 years of experience shaping knowledge management in AEC firms, Chris shares his journey from history major to tech consultant during the dot-com boom, and eventually to leading Knowledge Architecture since 2009.
They discuss how knowledge management has evolved from capturing information to strategically sharing it across firms, and now, how AI is embedding knowledge directly into workflows. Chris also highlights Synthesis's new AI search platform, already being used by over 80 firms, and shares real-world case studies demonstrating how knowledge infrastructure can transform firms.
This episode explores the power of designing knowledge as an intentional part of business growth, creating sustainable learning systems, and preparing for the rapid changes AI is bringing to the AEC industry.
Key Takeaways:
Knowledge management in AEC firms has evolved from simply capturing information to embedding it directly into workflows.

AI can transform knowledge management by making information instantly searchable and accessible across firms.

Effective knowledge management treats knowledge as infrastructure, not just files or data.

Career pivots are possible through curiosity, early tech exposure, and seizing opportunities during industry shifts.

Building community is a powerful marketing tool, sharing knowledge and best practices accelerates adoption and growth.

Proactive and intentional knowledge management differentiates high-performing firms from reactive ones.

Learning management systems (LMS) deliver the right knowledge at the right time, supporting onboarding, role changes, and project-specific learning.

Firms should focus on the knowledge that matters most rather than trying to capture everything.

Successful adoption requires champions from both business and practice sides, but maintenance is low once the system is live.

Timestamps: 
00:00 – Episode Snippet
01:10 – Introducing our guest, Christopher Parsons
05:31 – Founding knowledge architecture to share best practices
08:01 – Growing the business from consulting to product development
10:07 – Creating Synthesis to scale knowledge management
12:26 – Launching KA Connect conference
14:32 – KA Connect focus on AEC professionals
16:45 – The "Smarter by Design" Newsletter
19:11 – How AI is shifting the industry
22:00 – Case Study: Bora Architecture
24:18 – 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.
25:24 – AI adoption and firm readiness for onboarding
27:14 – Architecture as internal internet and search engine
30:28 – Prioritizing knowledge management and learning from peers
33:00 – Onboarding and Costs
37:03 – ROI: engagement, retention, efficiency, innovation
39:40 – Scaling operations and client success team
41:39 – Key people keep knowledge management simple and effective
42:59 – Build your business "as if to sell" to improve value
45:41 – Future plans: learning management and AI knowledge agents
48:44 – Emerging professionals: join open industry communities
About the Guest:
Christopher Parsons is the Founder and CEO of Knowledge Architecture, where he leads product design, marketing strategy, and organizational development. With over two decades of experience in the AEC industry, he has a deep understanding of knowledge management and technology. Christopher is also the executive producer of KA Connect, an annual conference focused on knowledge management in architecture, engineering, and construction. 
Connect with Christopher Parsons: 
Web: https://www.knowledge-architecture.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christopherjparsons/
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:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ayashlachter/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aya_shlachter/
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