Why Most AI Talks in Architecture Miss the Mark

What Architects Need to Hear Right Now | Paul Keskeys of Architizer

What if the real threat to architecture is not AI, but the industry's inability to communicate its own value? In this episode of Archicon Uncut, Aya Shlachter and Nikita Morell sit down with Paul Keskeys, Editor-in-Chief of Architizer, to unpack the challenges shaping the profession today, from low fees and talent loss to the rapid rise of AI. Paul shares his journey from practicing architect to leading a global platform, and how storytelling became central to elevating the role of architects. The conversation explores how AI is changing workflows while pushing architects to focus on higher-value thinking, coordination, and impact. They also break down the ongoing "race to the bottom" in fees and why it continues to drive innovation out of the industry, along with the need for better business models and stronger positioning. If the profession is evolving fast, this episode challenges architects to rethink how they communicate their value and stay competitive. Key Takeaways • Architects struggle to communicate their full value. • Low fees are driving talent out of the industry. • AI saves time but raises the bar for creativity. • Value lies beyond drawings, in strategy and coordination. • Better positioning can create more opportunities. Timestamps: 00:00 – Episode snippet 00:48 – Introducing our guest, Paul Keskeys of Architizer 03:00 – From "Angry Architect" blog to global platform 08:17 – Elevating the value of architects 12:27 – Why AI should be seen as a tool, not a replacement 16:36 – Using AI for storytelling and communication 17:57 – The problem with over-digitized design 21:32 – The missing piece: business education in architecture 24:22 – Opportunity for architects to lead with AI 25:39 – Why in-person events are making a comeback 29:07 – How ai and Architizer are opening doors for small firms 33:56 – The biggest global challenge: money and fees 35:24 – The talent drain and industry cycle 36:50 – How to connect with Architizer About the guest: Paul Keskeys is the Editor-in-Chief of Architizer and a UK-trained architect turned writer. He leads one of the world's largest architecture platforms, focused on storytelling, visibility, and elevating the value of architects globally. Connect with Paul Keskeys LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paul-keskeys-a1959292 [https://www.linkedin.com/in/paul-keskeys-a1959292] Website: https://architizer.com/ [https://architizer.com/] Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/architizer/ [https://www.instagram.com/architizer/] 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. Nikita Morell is a positioning and messaging strategist who works exclusively in the built environment. Nikita Morell is the only brand messaging agency in the world that services only architecture firms, helping them clarify their message, strengthen their brand, and win right-fit work. She is also the Founder of DIRT - a positioning and brand messaging agency for AEC tech and construction firms. She has spoken for AIA, RIBA, Architizer, and Business of Architecture, and publishes one of the most-read newsletters in the architecture business space. Connect with Aya Shlachter: Email: aya@mgsglobalgroup.com [aya@mgsglobalgroup.com] Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aya_shlachter/ [https://www.instagram.com/aya_shlachter/] LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ayashlachter/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/ayashlachter/] Connect with Nikita Morell: Email: hello@nikitamorell.com [hello@nikitamorell.com] Website: https://nikitamorell.com/ [https://nikitamorell.com/] LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nikita-morell/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/nikita-morell/]

The Reason Why We Haven't Promoted Our Women Speakers Yet…

In an AI-driven industry, the real competitive edge is no longer just tools or output, but how firms invest in education, marketing, and continuous upskilling to stay relevant and resilient. In this episode of Archicon Uncut, Aya Shlachter and Nikita Morell explore how these three pillars are becoming essential strategies for future-proofing architecture and AEC firms. The conversation unpacks why upskilling is one of the most cost-effective investments a business can make, especially as AI reshapes how firms operate, compete, and scale. They also reflect on how marketing and visibility are no longer optional, but central to growth, opportunity, and long-term positioning in a shifting market. Key Takeaways: * Education, marketing, and upskilling are critical drivers of firm resilience * Upskilling is a high-impact, low-cost strategy for future-proofing in the AI era * AI is speeding up the need for continuous learning across all levels of a business * Marketing is no longer support work but a core business growth function * Firms that invest during uncertainty often emerge stronger and more competitive Timestamps 00:00 – Episode snippet 00:22 – Welcome to Archicon Uncut 00:43 – Leadership, motherhood, and rest 02:58 – Women-led conference leadership 05:20 – Building women-focused AEC communities 07:00 – Entrepreneurship and parenting 08:52 – Investing during downturns 10:41 – Upskilling as an investment 12:31 – Curated expert speakers 14:34 – Get rid of scarcity mindset 15:07 – Find out more at archicon2026.com [http://archicon2026.com] About the Hosts: 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: Email: aya@mgsglobalgroup.com [aya@mgsglobalgroup.com] Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aya_shlachter/ [https://www.instagram.com/aya_shlachter/] LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ayashlachter/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/ayashlachter/] Nikita Morell is a messaging strategist specialising in the architecture and construction industry. For over a decade, she's helped architecture firms (from all around the world) put their value into words so they can get a steady stream of ridiculously good projects. Nikita has spoken for AIA, RIBA, Architizer, and Business of Architecture and is known for her slightly provocative LinkedIn posts and newsletters that architects describe as "scary good". She's also the co-founder of Archicon, the only unboring business conference built specifically for architects who want to run better businesses, and the founder of DIRT, a brand messaging agency helping construction, ConTech and building product companies say something more interesting than "innovative solutions." Connect with Nikita Morell: Email: hello@nikitamorell.com [hello@nikitamorell.com] Newsletter: www.nikitamorell.com/newsletter [http://www.nikitamorell.com/newsletter] LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nikita-morell/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/nikita-morell/]

Why Most AI Talks in Architecture Miss the Mark

Most AI conversations in architecture fixate on image generation and renderings — but firm leaders are asking bigger questions: How will AI change workflows, staffing, business models, and profitability? In this episode of Archicon Uncut, Aya Shlachter and Nikita Morell look ahead to Archicon, where AI will run as a thread through the entire conference, revealing the AI speaker joining Archicon — Stjepan Mikulić, founder of AI in AEC and one of Architizer's leading AI experts, who helped a 250-person interior design firm save $4.5M through his nine-step AI implementation roadmap. Key Takeaways: * Firm leaders care about business impact, not just tools * Large firms use AI for operations; mid-sized for BIM; smaller firms for generative design * Experience helps architects use AI with better judgment. * AI should support professional expertise, not replace it Timestamps 00:00 – Episode snippet 00:31 – Welcome to Archicon Uncut 01:24 – Nikita introduces her new agency, Dirt 02:12 – Aya launches the Aya Alliance community 03:34 – Why Archicon will remain an in-person conference 04:33 – The real AI question firm leaders are asking 05:25 – AI is a business strategy, not just a tool 06:20 – Global research on how firms are adopting AI 08:19 – Experience vs AI slop: why seasoned architects have an edge 12:24 – Archicon speaker: Stefan Mikuli 16:16 – The global vision behind Archicon 17:30 – Join the waitlist: https://www.Archicon2026.com/#waitlist [https://www.archicon2026.com/#waitlist] 18:15 – VIP dinner and upcoming registration details About the Hosts: 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: Email: aya@mgsglobalgroup.com [aya@mgsglobalgroup.com] Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aya_shlachter/ [https://www.instagram.com/aya_shlachter/] LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ayashlachter/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/ayashlachter/] Nikita Morell is a messaging strategist specialising in the architecture and construction industry. For over a decade, she's helped architecture firms (from all around the world) put their value into words so they can get a steady stream of ridiculously good projects. Nikita has spoken for AIA, RIBA, Architizer, and Business of Architecture and is known for her slightly provocative LinkedIn posts and newsletters that architects describe as "scary good". She's also the co-founder of Archicon, the only unboring business conference built specifically for architects who want to run better businesses, and the founder of DIRT, a brand messaging agency helping construction, ConTech and building product companies say something more interesting than "innovative solutions." Connect with Nikita Morell: Email: hello@nikitamorell.com [hello@nikitamorell.com] Newsletter: www.nikitamorell.com/newsletter [http://www.nikitamorell.com/newsletter] LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nikita-morell/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/nikita-morell/]

The Business Reality of Firm Owners No One Talks About

What if the most important thing missing from architecture conferences is not better speakers, but a space where people can finally admit what is not working? In this episode of Archicon Uncut, Aya Shlachter and Nikita Morrell share the thinking behind ArchiCon and why it is intentionally different from a typical industry event. From opening with a comedian to creating space for real discussions about burnout, business pressure, and mistakes, they explore how psychological safety leads to practical change. They dive into what architects are asking for right now: building firms that do not rely entirely on the founder, clarifying business development, positioning with intention, and understanding how AI is reshaping practice. If you are done with inspiration that fades by Monday, this episode unpacks a conference designed to create lasting impact. Key Takeaways • Laughter helps people speak honestly about real business problems. • The conference is built to be worth coming back to. • Architects want practical topics: founder independence, business development, and AI. • Messaging must attract the right clients and filter out the wrong ones. • Growth requires stepping out of production and building systems. • Time is more valuable than money, and the business should protect it. Timestamps 00:00 – Episode snippet 00:23 – Welcome to ArchiCon Uncut 03:02 – Setting the tone with laughter 05:08 – Building a conference worth coming back to 07:36 – Topics that drive real action in your firm 09:25 – Burnout, joy, and work satisfaction 10:29 – Big partners, growing waitlist, limited seats 12:41 – ArchiCon after hours and exploring Melbourne 15:09 – The biggest messaging mistake architects make 16:21 – Stand out and stand for something 17:50 – How stepping out of production unlocked growth 19:23 – The real reason to escape founder dependence 21:01 – Why the waitlist emails are part of the fun 23:29 – Final call to join the waitlist: https://www.archicon2026.com/#waitlist 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. Nikita Morell is a positioning and messaging strategist who works exclusively with architects. She is the only copywriter in the world who writes solely for architecture firms, helping them clarify their message, strengthen their brand, and win right-fit work. She has spoken for AIA, RIBA, Architizer, and Business of Architecture, and publishes one of the most-read newsletters in the architecture business space. Connect with Aya Shlachter: Email: aya@mgsglobalgroup.com [aya@mgsglobalgroup.com] Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aya_shlachter [https://www.instagram.com/aya_shlachter/] LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ayashlachter [https://www.linkedin.com/in/ayashlachter/] Connect with Nikita Morell: Email: hello@nikitamorell.com [hello@nikitamorell.com] Website: https://nikitamorell.com [https://nikitamorell.com/] LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nikita-morell [https://www.linkedin.com/in/nikita-morell/]

What Architects Actually Want From Conferences (But Don't Say)

Why do so many architecture conferences feel inspiring in the moment but lead to no real change afterward? Firm owners attend sessions, take notes, earn credits, and leave motivated, only to return to the same challenges the next week. Most events focus on ideas instead of practical business skills, and inspiration alone does not help firms grow. In this episode of ArchiCon Uncut, Aya Shlachter and Nikita Morrell share what they are learning as they build ArchiCon in real time, guided by feedback from a fast-growing waitlist of architects and firm owners. They explain the top topics architects asked for most, including business development and marketing, AI and emerging technology, and firm strategy, systems, and processes. The episode explains why business development and marketing are often confused, why referrals are risky, and why architects need business skills beyond design school. Aya and Nikita also discuss why interest in AI is growing and why it should be part of a firm's overall strategy. They also share what makes conference learning effective, focusing on clear takeaways, real stories, and formats that drive action, accountability, and results. If you want to understand what architects are asking for right now, what is missing from traditional architecture conferences, and how ArchiCon is being built to deliver practical learning firm owners can use immediately, this episode explains it clearly. Key Takeaways • Architects want learning they can apply right away • Business development and marketing are different and both matter • Referrals alone are not a reliable growth strategy • AI should support firm strategy, systems, and profitability • Smaller, focused lessons lead to better action • Stories and real experiences are more memorable than slides • Conferences should create accountability, not just motivation Timestamps 00:00 – Episode snippet 00:17 – Welcome to ArchiCon Uncut 00:37 – What the waitlist data reveals 01:05 – Marketing vs business development explained 03:32 – AI is part of firm strategy 05:00 – A globally recognized AI speaker joins ArchiCon 07:27 – Learning styles that lead to action 08:45 – Why stories and mistakes stick 10:03 – The role of accountability 12:35 – How to join the waitlist: https://www.archicon2026.com/#waitlist 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. Nikita Morell is a positioning and messaging strategist who works exclusively with architects. She is the only copywriter in the world who writes solely for architecture firms, helping them clarify their message, strengthen their brand, and win right-fit work. She has spoken for AIA, RIBA, Architizer, and Business of Architecture, and publishes one of the most-read newsletters in the architecture business space. Connect with Aya Shlachter: Email: aya@mgsglobalgroup.com [aya@mgsglobalgroup.com] Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aya_shlachter/ [https://www.instagram.com/aya_shlachter/] LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ayashlachter/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/ayashlachter/] Connect with Nikita Morell: Email: hello@nikitamorell.com Website: https://nikitamorell.com/ [https://nikitamorell.com/] LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nikita-morell/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/nikita-morell/]