AI in Architecture: Leveling the Playing Field with Peter Williams

About this episode

Peter Williams is a UK-qualified architect working in Vancouver, Canada for the past 7 years. Peter is a Project Architect for a large North American practice and also completes projects and competitions under his own studio, K1 Architecture. He has been exploring AI use in architecture for the past couple of years and found success with tools at masterplanning stages, visualization tools in concept design, and regulatory checking. If anyone would like to know more about his AI successes and failures, or the process of relocating abroad as an architect, feel free to reach out via his website or LinkedIn.

Tools & Resources Mentioned

• LookX.ai — AI-powered architectural rendering from sketches
• Midjourney — Image generation for design inspiration and renders
• ChatGPT — Regulatory research, investment analysis
• Google Gemini — Image generation (demoed live)
• Notebook LM (Google) — Document-focused AI analysis, recommended for multi-document research
• DeepSeek — Open source LLM that can be hosted locally for data privacy
• Microsoft Copilot — Used by larger firms in closed-loop systems

Find Peter

• Website: K1-Architecture.com
• LinkedIn: @peterzwilliams

00:00 — Cold Open 00:27 — Introduction 00:59 — Meet Peter Williams 01:37 — What Does an Architect Actually Do? 04:11 — Team Structure & Collaboration 05:22 — 3D Models, Digital Twins & BIM 06:05 — The Breadth of an Architect's Skillset 09:21 — How AI is Showing Up in Architecture 10:49 — AI Empowering Smaller Firms & Solo Practitioners 12:17 — Using AI for Regulatory Research on a Project in Ireland 13:27 — Dealing with Hallucinations in High-Stakes Professions 15:32 — The Importance of Professional Judgment 16:30 — Transparency with Clients About AI Use 18:34 — Clients Using Midjourney to Communicate Design Ideas 20:09 — Peter's Experience with AI Rendering Tools (LookX.ai) 22:15 — Winning a Design Competition Using AI 25:42 — Live Screen Share: Peter's Competition Submission 28:58 — Live Demo: Bobby Tests Google Gemini on Peter's Sketches 32:10 — AI as Proof of Concept & Vibe Coding Parallels 34:32 — AI as an Equalizer Across Industries 35:56 — Will AI Reduce Entry-Level Roles? 37:37 — Quick Tips: General Advice 39:03 — Quick Tips: Personal Superpower / Hack 41:22 — Quick Tips: Fun or Unexpected Use Case (Investing) 46:23 — AI for Property Analysis 47:43 — Notebook LM & Document Analysis Best Practices 49:27 — Data Privacy, Closed-Loop Systems & Open Source Models 53:09 — AGI, ASI & the Future of Intelligence 1:00:18 — Where to Find Peter 1:01:05 — Outro