Arka Works on Understories Podcast

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Understories 010: Keir Regan-Alexander, Arka Works

Host Lindsay Faller (Cloudfields), meets Keir the founder of Arka Works, a creative consultancy specialising in the Built Environment and AI.

We discusses the impact of AI on the architectural profession and the need for architects to embrace AI to adapt to the changing landscape. Keir and Lindsay discuss the importance of staying informed and keeping up with new AI developments, while encouraging architects to focus on their unique value and specialise in specific areas to differentiate themselves in the market. Keir shares his own journey of starting Arka Works and as well as his interest in blending product design and architecture, his iterative approach to building his business, and his future plans. Keir also talks about the challenges and rewards of running his own business and how he defines success.

Takeaways

- Architects need to embrace AI and adapt to the changing landscape of the profession.

- Diffusion models and parametric design are powerful tools that can transform the way architects work.

- Staying informed and keeping up with new AI developments is crucial for architects.

- Architects should focus on their unique value and specialize in specific areas to differentiate themselves in the market.

- Blending product design and architecture can lead to innovative solutions and new opportunities.

- An iterative approach to building a business allows for adaptation and growth based on client feedback.

- Architects have valuable skills in early stage strategy and product development.Creating a practice that is unique and addresses specific needs can be more fulfilling than starting a traditional architecture practice.

- Running a business can be challenging but also rewarding, providing the freedom to work on projects that are personally fulfilling.

- Success is defined by the ability to choose and work on projects that align with one’s passions and interests.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Background

01:20 Interest in Tech and Software

02:17 Diffusion Models and Parametric Design

04:03 Keeping Up with AI in Architecture

05:34 Overwhelm and Starting with AI0

6:28 The Power of AI in Architecture

07:56 AI Tools for Writing and Transforming Content

09:07 Using AI in Collaborative Projects

10:41 Navigating the Ever-Changing AI Landscape

11:53 Architects’ Response to AI

13:43 The Value of Architects in the AI Era

15:37 Adapting to AI in Architecture

17:53 Scaling and Specializing in Architecture

20:45 The Future of AI in Architecture

24:46 Being Clear on Value and Specialization

30:50 Starting ArcaWorks and Future Plans

32:15 Interest in Product Design and Development

33:32 Iterative Approach and Future Plans

35:00 Blending Architecture and Tech Startups

36:41 Creating a Practice Worth Existing

39:26 Starting Arka Works

42:19 Challenges and Rewards of Running a Business

44:35 Defining Success

46:44 Quick Fire Questions

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Generative AI (GenAI) is extremely promising, but achieving tangible results is more complex than the hype suggests. Keir Regan-Alexander, architect and founder of creative consultancy, Arka Works, highlights the challenges of implementing GenAI and offers practical strategies for professional practice

September 10, 2024