Archi-Tech Network

EP 63 | Arcol: Building the Figma of the AEC Industry with Founder Paul O’Carroll

In this episode, we talk with Paul O’Carroll, founder of Arcol, a startup on a mission to become the Figma of the AEC industry. Paul shares his journey from growing up in construction to leading a company redefining how architects, engineers, and contractors collaborate in the digital age.We unpack the vision behind BIM 2.0, exploring how Arcol is building a web-based design platform that connects feasibility, collaboration, and design freedom, all in one space. Paul also discusses the role of AI in shaping constructability and automation, and what it takes to build a startup in one of the world’s most complex industries.Tune in to discover how Arcol is reimagining the design process and what the future of BIM might look like.Paul O’Carroll | https://www.linkedin.com/in/paul-o-ca...Try Arcol | https://www.arcol.io/Learn more ‪@ArcolTech‬ ATN HOST | Oliver Thomas | https://www.instagram.com/olly____t/ATN MASTERCLASS | https://archi-tech.network00:00 Introduction and Personal Updates01:44 Hello Paul04:50 The Journey to Archol: Background and Inspiration07:43 Understanding Archol: The Elevator Pitch10:37 Focus on Feasibility: Why Start Here?13:39 Balancing Freedom and Automation in Design16:29 Collaboration as a Core Value19:34 The Technology Behind Archol22:34 Target Audience and Adoption Trends25:32 Navigating the BIM 2.0 Landscape30:47 Navigating Competition and Value Creation32:54 Product Development and User-Centric Design34:44 The Move to New York and Accessing Talent37:15 AI Integration in AEC and Future Trends45:36 Entrepreneurial Journey and Fundraising Insights54:27 Future Developments and User EngagementEnjoyed the video? Be sure to like, subscribe, and share for more insights into the intersection of the Metaverse and Architecture. Don't forget to hit the bell icon to stay updated on our latest content.Like our new wall art? check out our collaborator Zaglono here:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zaglono/Website: https://www.pared.art/artistas/zaglono/Join the conversation on our social media platforms:INSTAGRAM | https://www.instagram.com/architech.n...LINKEDIN | https://www.linkedin.com/company/arch...TIKTOK | https://www.tiktok.com/@architech.net...EVENTS | https://linktr.ee/architech_network#Arcol #BIM2.0 #Architecture #AEC #ATN #AIinDesign #BIM #architechnetwork #architecture #podcast

EP 62 | Giraffe: The new citybuilder for Architects & Developers with Founder Rob Asher

In this episode, Oliver speaks with Rob Asher, Founder of Giraffe, about how technology, data, and AI are transforming architecture and urban planning.Giraffe is a mapping, modeling, and calculation tool designed for architects and developers. It integrates data layers, automates workflows, and supports smarter, faster design decisions. Rob shares his journey from architect to entrepreneur, the challenges of building a startup in the AEC sector, and his vision for a future powered by BIM 2.0, AI, and design automation.📌 Topics covered:Why automation should handle the details in designHow Giraffe integrates mapping, modeling & data for smarter urban planningThe role of AI and computational design in architectureThe marketplace potential of sharing design scriptsLessons learned building a proptech startup🔔 Subscribe to Archi-Tech Network for more deep dives into architecture, design automation, and BIM 2.0.Rob Asher |   / rob-asher-2b343632  Try Giraffe | https://www.giraffe.build/ATN HOST | Oliver Thomas |   / olly____t  ATN MASTERCLASS | https://archi-tech.networkLike our new wall art? check out our collaborator Zaglono here:Instagram:   / zaglono  Website: https://www.pared.art/artistas/zaglono/00:00 Introduction01:40 Background04:34 The Journey to Giraffe07:32 Understanding Giraffe: The Tool for Architects13:37 The Role of Data in Urban Planning19:02 The Future of Design and Automation25:13 AI's Impact on Architecture31:17 Entrepreneurship and Lessons Learned37:10 The Vision for Giraffe43:23 Closing Thoughts and Future DirectionsEnjoyed the video? Be sure to like, subscribe, and share for more insights into the intersection of the Metaverse and Architecture. Don't forget to hit the bell icon to stay updated on our latest content.Join the conversation on our social media platforms:INSTAGRAM |   / architech.network  LINKEDIN |   / archi-tech-network  TIKTOK |   / architech.network  EVENTS | https://linktr.ee/architech_network#Snaptrude #BIM2.0 #Architecture #AEC #DesignTools #AIinDesign #BIM #ArchitectureTechnology #architecture #Podcast

EP 61 | Leading the BIM 2.0 Revolution: Snaptrude’s Vision for AEC Software with Altaf Ganihar

In this episode, Oliver Thomas interviews Altaf Ganihar, founder and CEO of Snaptrude, to explore the BIM 2.0 revolution in the AEC industry. Discover how Snaptrude is rethinking early-stage design, enabling real-time collaboration in the cloud, and building a truly modern design stack for architects, engineers, and developers. Altaf shares his journey from tech to AEC, the challenges of designing intuitive tools for complex workflows, and how AI can enhance—not replace—human creativity in architecture. The conversation also covers Snaptrude’s funding story and its vision for the future of design technology.Whether you're an architect, designer, engineer, or tech enthusiast, this conversation will give you insights into the future of AEC design tools and the movement toward a connected, collaborative, AI-enhanced design stack.Altaf Ganihar |   / altaf-ganihar-54512367  Snaptrude | https://www.snaptrude.com/ATN HOST | Oliver Thomas |   / olly____t  ATN MASTERCLASS | https://archi-tech.network

EP 60 | From Parametricism to AI: Patrik Schumacher on the Future of Architecture

In this podcast episode, Oliver interviews Patrick Schumacher, principal of Zaha Hadid Architects, discussing his journey in architecture, the evolution of technology in design, and the emergence of parametricism as a significant architectural movement. Schumacher reflects on his early experiences with Zaha Hadid, the role of technology in their work, and the impact of economic factors on architectural trends. He also shares insights on the future of architecture with AI and the importance of the code team in their projects.In this conversation, Patrik Schumacher discusses the innovative research being conducted in urban development, particularly the integration of AI and technology in architecture. He emphasizes the democratization of design through these advancements, while also addressing the challenges and opportunities within the current business models of architecture practices. Schumacher explores the potential of blockchain in real estate and the transformative role of the metaverse in architectural design and interaction.Patrik Schumacher |   / patrik-schumacher-49a02515  Zaha Hadid Architects | https://www.zaha-hadid.com/ATN HOST | Oliver Thomas |   / olly____t  ATN MASTERCLASS | https://archi-tech.networkEnjoyed the video? Be sure to like, subscribe, and share for more insights into the intersection of the Metaverse and Architecture. Don't forget to hit the bell icon to stay updated on our latest content.Join the conversation on our social media platforms:INSTAGRAM |   / architech.network  LINKEDIN |   / archi-tech-network  TIKTOK |   / architech.network  EVENTS | https://linktr.ee/architech_network#architecture #parametricdesign #PatrikSchumacher #zahahadidarchitects #aiinarchitecture #metaverse #parametricism #FutureOfArchitecture #BIM #zahahadid

EP 59 | How to Land Clients and Grow your Architecture Practice | Growthitect | Tyler Suomala

In this episode of the ATN Podcast, we sit down with Tyler Suomala founder of Growthitect, a platform dedicated to helping architects grow their businesses through proven sales and marketing strategies.Tyler shares actionable insights on how architects can land real clients, stand out in a competitive market, and build a thriving architecture practice. We dive deep into:How to attract and win the right clientsSales and marketing growth hacks tailored for architectsThe mindset shift from designer to business ownerCommon mistakes architects make when running their own practiceHow Growthitect is reshaping the way architects think about business developmentWhether you're just starting your own firm or looking to scale up an existing practice, this episode is packed with practical tips and honest conversations about the business side of architecture.My 9 most controversial takes on the business of architecture in 2025:https://www.linkedin.com/posts/tylers...Tyler Suomala |   / tylersuomala  Join the newsletter and get the Top 5 growth hacks for firms: https://growthitect.com/joinGrowthitect podcast: https://podcast.growthitect.com/LinkedIn:   / tylersuomala  Instagram:   / growthitect_com  YouTube:    / @growthitect  ATN HOST | Oliver Thomas |   / olly____t  ATN MASTERCLASS | https://archi-tech.networkLike our new wall art? check out our collaborator Zaglono here:Instagram:   / zaglono  Website: https://www.pared.art/artistas/zaglono/Enjoyed the video? Be sure to like, subscribe, and share for more insights into the intersection of the Metaverse and Architecture. Don't forget to hit the bell icon to stay updated on our latest content.Join the conversation on our social media platforms:INSTAGRAM |   / architech.network  LINKEDIN |   / archi-tech-network  TIKTOK |   / architech.network  EVENTS | https://linktr.ee/architech_network#growthitect #marketing #computationaldesign #aectech #startup #architect #architecturepractice