How long did it take you to learn your last new piece of software?
Many Hong Kong practices still draw in 2D AutoCAD. Not because they don't want to switch, but because they can't. With AI, six things change in an architect's work:
- Software: we used to bend to the software. Now the software listens to us.
- Design: it used to be whoever knew the software. Now it's whoever has the idea. But pretty is not the same as right.
- Rules and contracts: Hong Kong has over 220 practice notes (PNAPs) in force. AI finds and cites; you read the source and you sign.
- Admin: AI writes the first draft, you edit, you are responsible.
- Running the firm: the data shows where the trouble is, but whoever reads the data still has to read people.
- The team: it can shrink, but the responsibility doesn't.
Will AI replace architects? My answer: it won't replace architects, but it will replace the way architects used to work. I'm trying it myself, one person plus a few AI agents. Some of it works and some goes wrong, so nothing goes out until I've read it. Every demo in the video is a demo or fictional project, and every number has its source on screen.
Every demo in the video is a demo or fictional project, and every number has its source on screen.
How much of your daily work do you already hand to AI? With AI, how many people do you think your firm needs? Tell me what you think in the comments 👇
Main sources: RIBA AI Report 2026 · CIC BIM Adoption Survey 2019 · DEVB TC(W) 1/2025 · Digital Policy Office 2024 · Buildings Department PNAP index and registers (9 Oct 2026) · BD reply DEVB(PL)083 · Arcadis 2022 · Navigant 2013 · Chaos & Architizer 2024 · RIBA Workplace and Wellbeing 2025 · Deltek Clarity 2026 · RIBA Business Benchmarking 2024 · Stanford RegLab/HAI 2024
