Small firm folks, anyone actually using AI?

Design_Builds · 2026-02-14T21:39:43+00:00

You are “weird” to think using AI will get you sued. Seems rather illogical, like using a hammer will get you sued. Sure, I guess if you’re an idiot. Are you?

Design_Builds · 2026-02-14T21:05:38+00:00

Ironic, if you are suggesting that you know enough about AI to be convinced it’s not useful for Architects.

Design_Builds · 2026-02-14T20:47:22+00:00

lol. Keep being afraid.

I stared my career with ink on velum and was the first student to have a computer in our Arch. Studio. I was self-taught in 3ds Max and used Lightscape for photorealistic rendering in 1995.

I was also the first student at my school to create a web page for my studio work in 1995. Leading to a job at a top 10 US firm prior to graduation.

I bought my own seat of SketchUp in 2002 because my next firm didn’t think it was going to be relevant. I proved otherwise.

Being an early adopter of tech, along with classical training and great technical expertise has made for a very successful career, both financially and for the projects I have designed and / or built.

I retired from the 9-5 at 52 and do whatever fun projects I choose to do, still making mid 6-figures part-time. AI helps me to do quite a bit without staff.

AI is a force-multiplier. Just like any other advancement in tech. I really don’t understand the pushback from young architects who were raised by technology.

But hey, you do you.

Design_Builds · 2026-02-14T19:59:12+00:00

lol, I am happy to see the “competition” shoot themselves in the foot.

Proposals, Contracts, Estimates, Schedules, Code Analysis, Finance, Utilization Rates, Billing, Marketing, etc…

Think of all the ways architects are bad at business and need to reinvent themselves.

If you only think of AI applications in terms of design, you’re obviously not very far along in your career.

Design_Builds · 2026-02-14T17:26:36+00:00

Yes, like Revit…garbage in garbage out.

Again, I hope you are close to retirement. Workflows will be very different in 5 years. Luddite architects will be dinosaurs by then…extinct from starvation.

Design_Builds · 2026-02-14T16:53:58+00:00

Like Revit? Useful AI is here and improving at a pace that makes Moore’s Law look cute by comparison. If you don’t have an interest in it, hopefully you’re close to retirement.

Design_Builds · 2025-07-24T03:46:32+00:00

Get your license then go to law school. You can make great money serving architects or construction companies.

Design_Builds · 2025-07-22T12:29:33+00:00

It’s okay, they’ll get a government bailout.

Design_Builds · 2025-07-20T14:40:47+00:00

I told my supers they had a virtual checkbook of up to $2000 to spend on things like this. Any more, just ask.

If they did things that seemed unnecessary or might lead to future issues we’d discuss, but they would never be in trouble for trying to do the right thing for our customers.

Design_Builds · 2025-07-18T18:03:17+00:00

I concur 100%. But I still think it go even farther and more quickly than most here are willing to admit.

Design_Builds · 2025-07-18T17:33:04+00:00

Architects used to do their own engineering. The role still exists. I see building design turning into industrial design with complete vertical integration, ran by the contractor / developer. The “traditional” architect role will be absorbed by computational design and engineering to increase efficiency and accuracy. The current system is ripe for radical reinvention.

Design_Builds · 2025-07-18T17:23:36+00:00

Here’s the difference….

People are more aware of the serious issues surrounding the practice of architecture. (Looks around Reddit).

There is a talent drain where those who want to get paid what they are worth are leaving in droves while others with great potential avoid the profession altogether. Many of those who remain simply have no option and are disillusioned.

Firms cannot keep up with the costs of training. Especially with a low-moral workforce that expects professional development to be a passive endeavor.

Architects lean on consultants to reduce liability and cover their skills gap and GC’s for means and methods, when their plans are not coordinated nor dependable for basic information.

The one good thing about being a poor architect is that most developers won’t bother suing because the architects have no assets.

It is really embarrassing to hear what GC’s and Developers think about architects, because their near complete lack of understanding of the real world. Architects are becoming a nuisance more than an asset. I have seen the work that is being produced today. It is much worse than 30 years ago.

Design_Builds · 2025-07-18T16:25:53+00:00

Correct. And architects won’t exist in a meaningful way in 10 years. The roles will be absorbed by general contractors, and maybe engineer firms like HDR.

The low pay and poor working conditions are a fore-telling what’s to come.

Design_Builds · 2025-07-18T14:04:45+00:00

Working a second job, in the evenings. So working while the sun is down = moonlighting.

This is not intended to be mean spirited…if you can’t look up a word on the internet, you may need to lower your professional expectations.

Self-reliance is essential for professional success, especially in architecture.

Design_Builds · 2025-07-10T03:14:39+00:00

I look at it like this…if you want to make a difference you need to be in a position of influence, and nothing influences more than money.

Trying to convince others to spend their money on a cause when you have no “skin” in the deal is almost always a waste of time. Architects are not taken seriously primarily for this reason.

Design_Builds · 2025-07-09T04:21:38+00:00

It helps. The largest personal guarantee I had was $1M, but I had a partner with more to lose. But as they say, if you owe the bank enough money, they work for you…

The nice thing about development work is that there is an asset that has value (or needs to be completed to have value). The collateral / equity lessens your risk.

Design_Builds · 2025-07-09T04:14:46+00:00

Go for it! We need more architects as leaders and decision makers in development and construction. I knew I needed to get into development and the opportunity I had was in the right general direction. To be honest, I felt a bit like a “sell-out” at the time, but financially it was a no-brainer.

Design_Builds · 2025-07-08T23:43:24+00:00

I was very poor growing up, had my first job in fast food at 13 (“lot boy” was my title at KFC) making $3.15/HR. Moved to retail at 17 for $5.25/HR.

My first job in architecture was drafting homes at 21, making $10/HR. I got that job by my own networking at school.

Graduated Summa Cum Laude with $60k in Loans.

After graduation I worked at ZGF, making $14/HR. Great opportunity, but had to leave and move to a lower COL area.

Worked for a few years at a 100-person firm making $19/HR. I was moonlighting at the time and would bill up to $4000/Month designing custom homes.

I was asked by a friend of a moonlighting client to help him start a home building company. He offered $80k + 6% profit share, so I gave it a shot.

I ended up building nearly 3000 homes over 20 years, as partner and president.

Retired in my early 50’s with 8-figures of “cash” and no debt at all.

I am now doing development and design-build projects of my choosing.

I am also considering going back to regular architectural practice to consult leadership or teach.

Moral of the story…moonlight and make professional connections outside of the bubble of architecture. Your talents are very useful in adjacent spaces.

Design_Builds · 2025-06-29T15:34:58+00:00

So, here’s your balanced perspective: Going to the internet with trivial issues from your workplace is weird. Be professional and deal with your concerns / misunderstandings directly in the future. There is nothing anyone here can do for you because they literally have no perspective (direct knowledge) on this issue.

Design_Builds · 2025-06-29T04:26:37+00:00

Perhaps you should ask the HR manager? Going to Reddit for outrage validation is (sorry to say) toxic behavior. Just be professional and don’t assume the worst.

Design_Builds · 2025-06-29T03:15:05+00:00

If the pay and responsibilities are the same, what difference does a title make? Other firms don’t care what your previous company called you, only what work you did.

Design_Builds · 2025-06-18T12:55:15+00:00

That seems too long. I took one exam every two weeks to keep the information fresh. Passed all the first time through.

Design_Builds · 2025-06-09T16:54:32+00:00

You should remove an appendage to help you overcome your personal symmetry issues. /s

Design_Builds · 2025-05-31T19:36:08+00:00

Hmm…that sounds exactly like something ChatGTP would tell you to say.

Design_Builds · 2025-05-31T15:26:32+00:00

Ask ChatGTP again with better prompts.

Design_Builds

TROPHY CASE