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 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: [email protected] Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aya_shlachter/ LinkedIn: 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: [email protected] Newsletter: www.nikitamorell.com/newsletter LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nikita-morell/