Why Architects Are Losing Influence in Construction | Lance Cayko

Welcome to a new episode of I’m The Gaffer 👷‍♂️ If you're a construction business owner, architect, engineer, contractor, project manager, developer, or someone involved in designing and delivering projects, this conversation offers valuable insights into architecture, construction, entrepreneurship, AI, leadership, and the future of the built environment. In this episode, Lance Cayko joins Gavin Coyle to discuss why architects need to reconnect with the construction industry, how builders and architects can work more effectively together, the impact of AI on professional services, and why understanding construction can make you a better designer and business owner. You'll learn: Why architects need stronger relationships with builders, subcontractors, and the people actually delivering projects How spending time in the field can improve designs, reduce mistakes, and earn respect from trades Why many architecture firms struggle with business, profitability, and long-term growth How AI is changing architecture and why practical construction experience is becoming more valuable Why Lance believes architects should reclaim the role of the master builder and take a bigger role in construction projects 🎯 Episode Highlights / Timestamps 00:00 Why builders earn more than architects 01:12 Introduction to Lance Cayko 02:27 Starting in construction at age 13 08:54 Why entrepreneurship and architecture rarely go together 12:10 The ego problem in architecture 15:08 Why architects don't talk to tradespeople 17:29 How subcontractors improved architectural drawings 21:44 AI and the future of architecture 31:00 Why architectural firms are going out of business 38:00 Why owners and clients suffer from poor collaboration 40:52 Knowing what you know now 42:07 The book that changed Lance's life Connect with Lance Cayko LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/lance-cayko-1227031a/ Inside The Firm Podcast https://insidethefirmpodcast.com/ F9 Productions https://www.f9productions.com/ About Coyle Group Coyle Group provides safety outsourcing and managed services for high-impact projects across wind, utilities, power generation, engineering, and construction. With 25+ years of experience, 100+ safety professionals, and 1M+ safety hours completed, Coyle Group helps projects run safely and compliantly. Learn more: https://coyle-group.com/ About the Podcast I’m The Gaffer, hosted by construction professional Gavin Coyle, brings together industry leaders, entrepreneurs, and experts to share real insights on leadership, growth, safety, engineering, construction, and business success. Listen on: Apple Podcasts https://bit.ly/ImTheGaffer Spotify https://bit.ly/ImTheGafferSpotify YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@imthegafferpodcast Website https://www.imthegaffer.com Subscribe for more insights for construction business owners, architects, engineers, contractors, project leaders, developers, and industry professionals. #ImTheGaffer #Architecture #ConstructionIndustry #Architects #ConstructionLeadership #BuildingDesign #ConstructionManagement #ConstructionBusiness #ProjectManagement #AIInConstruction #ConstructionTechnology #Entrepreneurship #ArchitectureBusiness #GeneralContractor #ConstructionPodcast