The Future of Architectural Design: AI and Digital Twins
In this episode of AI for Architects, host Aya Shlachter interviews Michael Jansen, Chief Business Officer of TwinMaster, an innovative AI platform leveraging digital twin technology to transform architectural design and project delivery. The conversation dives into the power of digital twins, the role of AI in speeding up processes, and the challenges architects face when navigating interoperability among today’s tools. Michael shares how Twin Master is built to simplify these challenges, unlock new revenue opportunities for architects, and keep data privacy at the forefront. The discussion also explores pricing models, the user-friendly approach behind Twin Master, and practical advice for architects and entrepreneurs embracing AI. Subscribe to the AI for Architects newsletter 👉 aiforarchitects.ai/subscribe Takeaways: Digital twins integrate real assets with surrounding data. AI can significantly speed up architectural processes. Interoperability among tools is a major challenge for architects. TwinMaster allows architects to iterate designs faster. Architects can generate new revenue through digital twins. AI tools are becoming essential for modern architects. Data privacy is a priority in TwinMaster's design. TwinMaster is designed to be user-friendly and intuitive. The future of architecture will heavily involve AI integration. Entrepreneurs in architecture should embrace technology and AI. ABOUT THE GUEST: Michael Jansen is the Chief Business Officer at TwinMaster, the company behind the world's first AI-powered copilot for architects. A graduate of Yale and Cambridge Universities and a Fulbright Scholar, Jansen has spent over two decades pioneering the use of digital twin technology in architecture and urban planning. Prior to TwinMaster, he founded and led CityZenith, where he developed groundbreaking smart city digital twin platforms for major projects including Amaravati, India's new capital city. His work has earned him recognition as a Building Design + Construction "40 Under 40" honoree and a World Cities Summit Young Leader. In 2025, TwinMaster won the prestigious Architosh "Best of Show" award at the AIA Conference in Boston for its innovative Arch-e platform, which allows architects to design and analyze projects using natural language. The platform is being piloted by leading firms including HOK, Gensler, and Jacobs. A sought-after speaker and World Economic Forum adviser, Jansen is recognized globally for his vision of how AI and digital twins can transform the built environment and create more sustainable communities. - - - Stay connected with AI for Architects! Subscribe to our newsletter at aiforarchitects.ai/subscribe and follow us on Instagram (@aiforarchitectspodcast) and LinkedIn for the latest updates and insights.
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Top 3 Questions Architects Ask About AI (And the Answers You Need)
AI is no longer optional for AEC firms, it’s the key to staying competitive. In this episode, we’re answering the 3 most asked questions by leaders in the AEC industry about adopting AI: 1️⃣ How do you measure ROI from AI investments? 2️⃣ What are the biggest barriers to AI implementation? 3️⃣ How can firms close the AI skills gap without losing team morale? This conversation highlights why AI is more than just technology. It’s a strategic business tool. Learn how to start small, integrate AI into workflows, and build a culture of innovation that empowers your team and enhances your firm’s competitiveness. Key Takeaways: Start small—you don’t need a massive AI strategy to see results. ROI from AI comes from productivity gains and risk reduction. Leadership buy-in is often the biggest barrier to adoption. High-quality data is the foundation for effective AI use. Upskill your existing team before hiring new talent. A culture of learning accelerates AI adoption. AI should augment, not replace, human capabilities. Invest in people to ensure long-term AI success. AI adoption is more about culture than technology. Start with one use case to test and refine AI tools. Stay connected with AI for Architects! Subscribe to our newsletter at aiforarchitects.ai/subscribe and follow us on Instagram (@aiforarchitectspodcast) and LinkedIn for the latest updates and insights.
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Why AI Is a Business Strategy, Not Just a Tool — Insights from AEC Innovate 2025
AI isn’t just a tool — it’s a strategic decision that could reshape how your firm operates. In this episode, Aya shares key takeaways from AEC Innovate 2025, including how top firms are using AI to transform leadership, business models, and team structures. 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. Subscribe to the AI for Architects newsletter 👉 aiforarchitects.ai/subscribe 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. Stay connected with AI for Architects! Subscribe to our newsletter at aiforarchitects.ai/subscribe and follow us on Instagram (@aiforarchitectspodcast) and LinkedIn for the latest updates and insights.
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Marketing Smarter: How Architects Can Use AI to Win Better Projects with Richard Petrie
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. Subscribe to the AI for Architects newsletter 👉 aiforarchitects.ai/subscribe 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." Stay connected with AI for Architects! Subscribe to our newsletter at aiforarchitects.ai/subscribe and follow us on Instagram (@aiforarchitectspodcast) and LinkedIn for the latest updates and insights. 🔗 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
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From Lot to Layout: Hektar's AI Site Planning Advantage
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. Subscribe to the AI for Architects newsletter 👉 aiforarchitects.ai/subscribe 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. Stay connected with AI for Architects! Subscribe to our newsletter at aiforarchitects.ai/subscribe and follow us on Instagram (@aiforarchitectspodcast) and LinkedIn for the latest updates and insights.
Exploring how artificial intelligence is transforming the AEC industry and what it means for the future of your practice and our profession. Hosted by Aya Shlachter, founder and CEO of MGS Global Group.
New Zealand