AI for Architects

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 Schlachter 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 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:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/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
Running a growing architecture firm? You're probably not short on projects. You're short on people. That's where MGS Global Group comes in.
We provide qualified architects on demand so you can deliver more without overloading your team or sacrificing quality. Whether you need help with Construction Documents, Design Development, BIM support, or just don't have time to train someone new, our team integrates seamlessly with yours — no long hiring process, no hand-holding.
We work across time zones, so your projects keep moving even after you log off.
Learn more at mgsglobalgroup.com (https://mgsglobalgroup.com/)  
Listen to the Architect My Business Podcast:
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3G3Z1oswyqSw2RGQUsHuKc?si=7533d0188b4a409c
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/ph/podcast/ai-for-architects/id1772216915
Podcast Website: https://www.architectmybusiness.com  
Connect with Us!
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/architectmybusinesspodcast/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/architectmybusiness/
Get in Touch:
Ask Aya anything: www.speakpipe.com/AskAya  (https://www.speakpipe.com/AskAya) 
Be a Guest: bit.ly/AMBPodcastGuest (https://bit.ly/AMBPodcastGuest)

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 Schlachter 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 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:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/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
Running a growing architecture firm? You're probably not short on projects. You're short on people. That's where MGS Global Group comes in.
We provide qualified architects on demand so you can deliver more without overloading your team or sacrificing quality. Whether you need help with Construction Documents, Design Development, BIM support, or just don't have time to train someone new, our team integrates seamlessly with yours — no long hiring process, no hand-holding.
We work across time zones, so your projects keep moving even after you log off.
Learn more at mgsglobalgroup.com (https://mgsglobalgroup.com/)  
Listen to the Architect My Business Podcast:
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3G3Z1oswyqSw2RGQUsHuKc?si=7533d0188b4a409c
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/ph/podcast/ai-for-architects/id1772216915
Podcast Website: https://www.architectmybusiness.com  
Connect with Us!
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/architectmybusinesspodcast/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/architectmybusiness/
Get in Touch:
Ask Aya anything: www.speakpipe.com/AskAya  (https://www.speakpipe.com/AskAya) 
Be a Guest: bit.ly/AMBPodcastGuest (https://bit.ly/AMBPodcastGuest)

What happens when craftsmanship meets artificial intelligence? The future of architecture is changing fast, and it's challenging architects to rethink how they design, teach, and create.
"We have a responsibility to adapt for the betterment of our environment. To stay connected to humanity, we must earn it through craft, our core value that drives sustainable design, better quality of life, and a stronger built environment. That's the future Super Architect envisions."
In this episode with Beau Dromiack, Principal at WMA Architects in Phoenix, Arizona, we uncover the evolving intersection between architecture, craft, and artificial intelligence. Beau, a leading voice in mission critical design, shares how AI is beginning to reshape workflows. Drawing from his books The Craft Advantage and Super Architect, Beau explores how the architecture profession traded craft for efficiency and what it will take to reclaim influence in an AI-driven future. 
He introduces the concept of "Success Empathy," a principle he teaches to future architects, emphasizing that care, creativity, and optimism are the enduring values that machines can't replicate. Through his vision of ArchiDom AI and future-ready architectural models, Beau challenges both practitioners and educators to redefine the role of craft and humanity in the age of intelligent design.
Key Takeaways:
Architecture lost influence when efficiency replaced craftsmanship, reclaiming craft is key to regaining leadership.

AI is mainly used for documentation, but its real value lies in supporting creativity and innovation.

Super Architect defines success through craft, skill, and optimism, traits AI can't replace.

Strategic AI use lets architects focus on creative, high-value work instead of routine tasks.

ArchiDom AI represents a future where AI serves architects, not replaces them.

Education must evolve, blending empathy and technology to shape future-ready architects

Architects who learn to work with AI will shape its role in the industry, those who don't risk being replaced.

AI will shorten project timelines and cut costs, pushing firms to rethink their business models.

Even as technology evolves, craftsmanship and creativity remain the architect's greatest strengths.

Strong leadership and mentorship are essential to guide teams through this transformation.

Timestamps: 
00:00 – Episode Snippet
01:20 – Introducing our guest, Beau Dromiack
03:20 – How architects are using AI tools right now
05:30 – Why bringing back craft is key for architects
10:30 – Using AI as a helpful tool, not a threat
12:30 – Why the architecture field feels stuck
14:46 – What it means to be a "Super Architect"
17:55 – Why empathy is the new skill architects need
19:13 – What "Archidom AI" means for the future
23:57 – The good and bad sides of AI in the field
29:09 – AI adaption and reality check
30:02 – 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.
32:00 – Combining craft and AI strengthens the profession
33:50 – The need for future-focused leadership
38:30 – Adopting new tech takes time and effort
40:07 – Contractors adapt faster and gain advantage
44:02 – We can't control AI's pace, but we can master craft
47:04 – Rapid Fire Questions
49: 52 – Connect with Beau Dromiack
About the Guest:
Beau Dromiack is the Principal at WMA Architects in Phoenix, Arizona, and a leading thinker on the future of architecture in the age of AI. With over 30 years of experience in mission-critical and high-tech design, he's known for his work in semiconductor and advanced manufacturing facilities. As the author of The Craft Advantage and Super-Architect, Beau challenges architects to reclaim their influence through excellence in craft while strategically embracing AI. Through his teaching at Arizona State University and industry thought leadership, he's shaping how the next generation of architects balance technology, creativity, and human skill.
Connect with Beau Dromiack: 
Web: https://www.dromiackinvention.com/
FB: https://www.facebook.com/Thecraftadvantage
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/beau-dromiack-aia-dbia-ncarb-scup-310747124/
Book: https://www.amazon.com/Craft-Advantage-Architecture-Environment-Influence/dp/1953315313
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:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/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
Running a growing architecture firm? You're probably not short on projects. You're short on people. That's where MGS Global Group comes in.
We provide qualified architects on demand so you can deliver more without overloading your team or sacrificing quality. Whether you need help with Construction Documents, Design Development, BIM support, or just don't have time to train someone new, our team integrates seamlessly with yours — no long hiring process, no hand-holding.
We work across time zones, so your projects keep moving even after you log off.
Learn more at mgsglobalgroup.com (https://mgsglobalgroup.com/)  
Listen to the Architect My Business Podcast:
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3G3Z1oswyqSw2RGQUsHuKc?si=7533d0188b4a409c
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/ph/podcast/ai-for-architects/id1772216915
Podcast Website: https://www.architectmybusiness.com  
Connect with Us!
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/architectmybusinesspodcast/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/architectmybusiness/
Get in Touch:
Ask Aya anything: www.speakpipe.com/AskAya  (https://www.speakpipe.com/AskAya) 
Be a Guest: bit.ly/AMBPodcastGuest (https://bit.ly/AMBPodcastGuest)

Ever spent weeks figuring out if an AI tool is actually worth your time? Welcome to the AEC industry, where researching companies, checking funding, sitting through demos, and dodging overpromises can feel like a full-time job. AI has huge potential, but without a game plan, it can quickly become chaos in a spreadsheet.
In this episode with Stjepan Mikulić, we explore how AI is reshaping the architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) industry through both education and technology management. Our guest breaks down the challenges firms face when evaluating AI tools, how to avoid biased recommendations, and how to choose the right technology to save time, reduce costs, and improve workflow efficiency. We also discuss strategies for implementing AI across teams, addressing common misconceptions about data privacy, and creating a structured approach that aligns tools with a firm's long-term goals.
Beyond AI, we explore entrepreneurship, success, and values, from family influences to the choice between city life and simple living, showing that true success comes from following your own mission, not chasing numbers.
 
Key Takeaways:
Finding the right AI tools can be confusing, but Neostack makes it simple and unbiased.

AI works best when it's part of a structured plan, not just a shiny gadget. Firms need a strategy to align AI with real goals.

Following a step-by-step process helps firms implement AI efficiently, saving time, money, and resources.

AI allows professionals to focus on creative, high-value, and meaningful work instead of getting bogged down by routine tasks.

Most fears about AI stealing data are overblown; with proper security, information remains safe.

True success is personal. It comes from living and working in alignment with your own mission, not just chasing money or trends.

Every professional has a unique version of success, and AI can help them focus on what truly matters while avoiding burnout.

The goal is for every AEC professional to use AI well and focus on the work that matters most.

 
Timestamps: 
00:00 – Episode Snippet
01:20 – Introducing our guest, Stjepan Mikulić
05:39 – Why doing business in the US is different
09:08 – Building a global team across 4 continents
15:43 – Making courses fair with Purchasing Power Parity (PPP)
19:07 – Who do you serve and want to serve more?
24:44 – What is NeoStack and the problems it solves
29:04 – NIO (built-in AI) spots blind spots and recommends apps
29:59 – 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.
31:30 – Firms can scale faster with support partners
36:40 – The Nine-step process of AI implementation
39:00 – AI must align with firm strategy, not just tools
46:57 – The biggest misconception about AI
51:31 – Stjepan's upcoming courses and speaking engagements
53:52 – Connect with Stjepan
58:14 – Curious about AI in architecture? Subscribe to the podcast and join our newsletter at AIforArchitects.AI/subscribe for exclusive content and AI tool reviews.
 
About the Guest: 
Stjepan Mikulić is the CEO of AI in AEC and founder of the AEC AI Hub, the world's largest database of AI tools for the architecture, engineering, and construction industry. Recognized as one of Architizer's leading experts in AI, he has trained hundreds of professionals, helped firms save millions, and built a global community of over 27,000 LinkedIn followers. With his mission to make AI education accessible and practical, Stjepan is a trusted voice helping AEC professionals harness the power of AI.
 
Connect with Stjepan Mikulić: 
Email: [email protected]
Website: https://www.aiinaec.com/ 
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stjepanmikulic/
Testimonials: https://testimonial.to/mastering-ai-in-aec-course/all 
 
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:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/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
 
Running a growing architecture firm? You're probably not short on projects. You're short on people. That's where MGS Global Group comes in.
 
We provide qualified architects on demand so you can deliver more without overloading your team or sacrificing quality. Whether you need help with Construction Documents, Design Development, BIM support, or just don't have time to train someone new, our team integrates seamlessly with yours — no long hiring process, no hand-holding.
 
We work across time zones, so your projects keep moving even after you log off.
Learn more at mgsglobalgroup.com (https://mgsglobalgroup.com/)  
 
Listen to the Architect My Business Podcast:
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3G3Z1oswyqSw2RGQUsHuKc?si=7533d0188b4a409c
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/ph/podcast/ai-for-architects/id1772216915
Podcast Website: https://www.architectmybusiness.com  
 
Connect with Us!
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/architectmybusinesspodcast/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/architectmybusiness/
 
Get in Touch:
Ask Aya anything: www.speakpipe.com/AskAya  (https://www.speakpipe.com/AskAya) 
Be a Guest: bit.ly/AMBPodcastGuest (https://bit.ly/AMBPodcastGuest)

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.