Episode Title: The AI Future in the Architecture
Guest: Jeames Hanley – Chief Technology Officer, FK Australia
Curious how AI will reshape architecture and design and how we stay human along the way? Meet Jeames Hanley.
In This Episode:
In this episode of the BE Connected Podcast, host Seton Walsh-Rose sits down with Jeames Hanley, Chief Technology Officer at FK Australia and author of Remaining Human in the Age of Artificial Intelligence.
They dive into the real opportunities and challenges AI presents for architecture, design, and the built environment. From generative design tools and automation to the risks of “brain drain” in the next generation of professionals, Jeames shares how firms can harness AI without losing sight of creativity, quality, and the human side of practice.
The conversation also explores how we balance technology with wellbeing — setting boundaries, raising children in a digital world, and ensuring we’re still building meaningful human connections in an AI-driven future.
We dive into:
- Why AI is both a disruptor and an enabler in architecture and design.
- The danger of losing learning-by-doing in an era of automation.
- How “agentic AI” could transform workflows by 2040.
- Balancing efficiency gains with quality assurance and human oversight.
The importance of soft skills, empathy, and relationships in a digital-first industry.
Connect and Follow Jeames Hanley:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeameshanley/
Website: https://fkaustralia.com/
Takeaways:
- Why differentiation—not sameness—is the key to growth
- The role of trust and relationships in winning work
- Practical ways to turn expertise into thought leadership
- Why emerging leaders must find their niche (their “piece of sunshine”)
- Marketing isn’t just promotion, it’s strategy
Chapters:
00:10 — Welcome & introduction
01:00 — Jeames’ journey into architecture and technology
02:00 — Writing Remaining Human in the Age of AI
05:00 — Technology boundaries and digital wellbeing
06:30 — AI in architecture: visualization, efficiency, and client expectations
10:30 — AI for business operations and data use
12:30 — Levelling the playing field for smaller practices
14:30 — Generational shifts and cross-pollination of knowledge
18:00 — Risks of “brain drain” and training the next generation
21:00 — AI in 2030 vs 2040: dot-com bubble or transformation?
26:00 — Text-to-BIM and emerging tools (Hypar)
32:00 — AI on construction sites: drones, cameras, and site data
34:00 — How AI could return creativity to architects
38:00 — Proving “why this is the best design” with AI
40:00 — The enduring value of soft skills
46:00 — Book recommendations for architects and technologists
Sound Bites / Quotes:
“I want to pay you to be the best possible designer you can be — not to sit in Excel drawing lines.”
“Soft skills are the one thing AI can’t replace — and they’re more important than ever.”
“Architecture is about buildings that last 50+ years. We can’t afford to let shortcuts replace expertise.”
“Our phones are like sugar — addictive, quick energy, but draining in the long run.”
Referenced in This Episode:
- Remaining Human in the Age of Artificial Intelligence — Jeames Hanley
- Machine Learning by Phil Bernstein — https://archinect.com/features/article/150348290/autonomous-algorithmic-architects-wicked-problems-of-machine-learning-in-architecture
- Superusers by Randy Deutsch — https://www.taylorfrancis.com/books/mono/10.4324/9781351138987/superusers-randy-deutsch
- Hypar (Text-to-BIM platform) — https://hypar.io
- DroneDeploy (AI for construction sites) — https://www.dronedeploy.com
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