Practice Disrupted by Practice of Architecture 218: A Founder’s View on AI and the Next Era of Architecture
How can artificial intelligence reduce administrative burden, simplify compliance, and help architects reclaim time for the design work they love?
This week, we are joined by Brandon Levey, the founder and CEO of Ichi, a promising young company building AI tools for the built environment.
Brandon brings a unique blend of two decades in technology leadership and a lifelong connection to construction through his family's business. He shares how these experiences shaped his belief that the spaces we occupy profoundly impact our lives, and that the current processes for building them are ripe for improvement. We discuss Ichi's mission to tackle the "compliance, administrative, and design" challenges that often bog down projects, from navigating complex building codes to automating quality assurance reviews. Brandon is clear: this isn't about replacing architects, but about augmenting their capabilities.
"I think directly within their profession, the biggest silver lining is that they're going to get back to being able to do more of what they love, and spend less of their time doing those things that don't bring them joy. Giving those people more time and space to be able to invest in that is just going to yield better impacts for society." - Brandon Levey
This episode concludes with a forward-looking conversation about the role of AI in bridging the industry's talent gap and the potential societal benefits of more efficient construction. Brandon addresses common fears around data privacy and AI adoption, explaining Ichi's "walled garden" approach and advocating for a future where technology empowers architects to focus on what matters most: creating better buildings, better cities, and a better world for everyone.
Guest:
Brandon Levey is the founder and CEO of Ichi, a technology company developing AI-powered tools for code compliance, quality review, and knowledge management in the AEC industry. With a background that includes founding Stitch Labs and leading R&D platform teams at Square, as well as hands-on experience in construction, Brandon is passionate about using technology to improve how we design and build our world.
Is This Episode for You?
This episode is for you if:
✅ You are an architect curious about practical AI applications beyond image generation.
✅ You want to understand how AI can help with code compliance, QA/QC, and knowledge management.
✅ You have concerns about data privacy and security when using AI tools.
✅ You are interested in the intersection of technology and the future of architectural practice.
✅ You believe in the potential of technology to create more joy and efficiency in your work.
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