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- “AI relies on the data structure that architects don’t have.” Plus access my Database of 1600+ solutions FREE
“AI relies on the data structure that architects don’t have.” Plus access my Database of 1600+ solutions FREE
ADDDitive: Transforming Practice: Tools, Strategies, and Insights for the Digital Architect.

Welcome to ADDDitive!
👋 Hi there,
This week’s issue is all about connection; between data, careers, and technology in AEC.
Architects are rethinking how they work, what tools they use, and even what career paths are possible. From designing buildings to designing software, from managing drawings to managing data, the boundaries between architecture and technology have never been thinner.
In this edition, we explore:
1. Why AI needs structured data (and how to design it like your buildings)
2. How one architect made the leap into ConTech and how you can too
3. Why most firms don’t have a software problem, but a workflow problem
4. How to access the world’s largest ConTech software database, now open to everyone
5. And a look ahead to RELEASE [AEC] in Paris 2025, the must-attend event for the future of AEC
Whether you’re an architect exploring AI, a founder building ConTech products, or just curious about where the industry is heading, you’ll find something here to spark ideas for your next step.
Let’s dive in 👇
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1. AI relies on the data structure that architects don’t have.
When I heard this quote recently, it stopped me in my tracks because it’s true.
Most architecture practices are sitting on decades of projects, drawings, emails, and lessons learned. But here’s the problem: it’s all unstructured. Which means:
-AI tools can’t find the insights buried inside it
-Knowledge can’t be reused
-Teams keep reinventing the wheel
We talk a lot about AI in architecture'; automation, co-pilots, agents but none of that works unless your firm’s knowledge is structured and searchable.

Designing your data like you design your buildings
Earlier last week, I shared Knowledge Management tools that use AI to help firms find internal information. But then I realised none of that matters if the foundation is messy.
So, I mapped out a simple framework showing how to turn your firm’s project history into structured data, ready for Knowledge Management, search, and AI.
It’s not about buying another tool. It’s about designing your firm’s data the same way you design your buildings: with intention, structure, and purpose.
If you are looking for software I have made my database open to everyone:
👉 Explore the database for FREE yourself: https://contechdatabase.softr.app/
👉 Want me to design your stack? Hit reply! E: [email protected]
What’s the biggest bottleneck in your workflow right now?
2. From Studio Design Director → ConTech Product Designer
How does a Studio Design Director in architecture end up designing software for ConTech? For Shawna Jacoby, that leap started with a single job post she almost ignored.
Her story isn’t rare anymore. Every month, more architects and engineers are discovering opportunities in ConTech, roles that let them use their design thinking, project delivery, and problem-solving skills to shape the very tools that define the future of our industry.
At AEC Tech Jobs, we’re helping more people like Shawna bridge that gap, one job at a time, with over 500 roles currently live across AI, software, and digital design.
Thinking about making the same leap?
I’ve put together a new free resource to help you navigate the transition:
AEC-to-ConTech Playbook: How to Become a Product Manager
Inside, you’ll learn:
- Why architects & engineers are moving into tech
- The core skills to develop (fast)
- A clear roadmap to move from practice → product
- The mindset shifts that top ConTech PMs share
You’ll also find 3 real-world case studies:
Ewelina Mita → Shaping AI tools at Tektome
Joseph Price → Product Growth Manager at Autodesk Forma
Tazeen Raza → Driving digital transformation at Glider Technology
What they all had in common
✅ Deep AEC workflow knowledge
✅ Curiosity about technology
✅ Transferable skills in problem-solving, collaboration, and communication
And what they gained:
⚡ Impact at scale — beyond individual projects
🌍 Global opportunities in fast-growing ConTech startups
📈 Career growth across product, AI, and digital transformation
If you’ve ever wondered what it takes to go from practice to product - this guide will show you the path.
3. Most practices don’t have a software problem - they have a workflow problem.
Over the last month, I’ve been having a lot of conversations with architects and ConTech founders, and one theme really stood out: it’s not about individual tools, it’s about workflows.
Using my database, I’ve been exploring how different software tools fit together into workflows.
And what’s clear is that every practice has its own needs.
The real value isn’t in picking the latest app, it’s in finding the right combination of tools that work seamlessly for your projects.
The practices that win are the ones who know how to connect the right pieces into a system that actually delivers value.
I’ll be sharing more of these insights every week as I continue mapping the software landscape.
👉 Want me to design your stack? Hit reply! E: [email protected]
4. Access my ConTech Database
I have been collecting new software into a database which I have always wanted to enable access for architects, engineers and construction professionals to search and find the right solutions for them. I have now built front end for this and you can access this below! Access the World’s Largest AEC ConTech Software Database - ADDD
This structured database of 1,600+ AEC & ConTech solutions is searchable by:
🔎 Tag
🔎 Category
🔎 Keyword
Each entry includes:
✔️ Software name
✔️ Intro text
✔️ Website link
✔️ Careers page (if available)
✔️ Company logo and product images
Whether you’re an architect, AEC consultant, or startup, you can finally cut through the noise and find the tools that actually fit. It will save you so much time.
To charge or not to charge!
“I have decided to make this free to access! Try it out here and let me know your thoughts.”
If you subscribed to this previously let me know…
5. Release [AEC] is coming in November 2025!
If you’re curious about the bleeding edge of AEC + tech, mark your calendar: RELEASE [AEC] is the new event bringing together architects, engineers, builders, and tech innovators under one roof. release-aec.com
📆 When & Where
Date: November 17, 2025
Venue: Paris Pleyel Resort (for in-person attendance only)
Format: 9 AM – 10 PM of keynotes, demos, networking & workshops
🎯 What to Expect
Live demos from ~50 leading and emerging tech firms, showing tools you can put into practice today
Five keynote sessions exploring how AI, digital tools, and future tech can boost both efficiency and creativity in AEC workflows
Deep dives and interactive workshops to get hands on with new methodologies and platforms
Networking, community building, and the Architizer A+ Awards celebration to close out the evening
👤 Why This Matters to You
RELEASE is built to accelerate adoption. The real value lies in discovering tools, workflows, strategies, and partnerships that can transform your practice right now. If you’re thinking about building a ConTech stack, shifting into product, or staying ahead of where AEC is going, this is a launchpad.
Register now (it’s free for AEC professionals) - https://www.release-aec.com/attend#register
Thanks for reading!
Please forward this to a colleague that you think will benefit from the content.
Get in touch with any questions you may have: [email protected]
Thanks for reading!
PS: If you only have time for one thing today, check out the workflow map, it could save you hours of research.
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