1. AEC software keeps failing architects but not for the reasons people think.

Too many great AEC software tools fail for the same simple reason:
Architects were never in the room when they were built.

So I’m building the room.

Over the last few years, I’ve been deep in the AEC software ecosystem, testing tools, advising founders, and helping practices untangle increasingly complex tech stacks. And every single week, I hear the same thing from early-stage ConTech companies:

“We need real architects to test this and tell us what actually works.”

It’s clear our industry is missing something essential:

-A place where architects, designers, and engineers can try emerging tools before anyone else.

-A way to give honest, structured feedback that actually shapes product roadmaps.

-A community that helps build the next generation of AEC software, before it hits the market.

So today, I’m launching AEC TestLab - the first community-driven testing group for AEC software.

1. A space where early-stage ConTech tools meet real users.
2. A space where practitioners can influence what gets built, how it works, and why it matters.
3. A space that brings architects into the room from day one.

If you’re curious about new tools, passionate about improving workflows, or simply want your voice to shape the future of AEC tech, this group is for you. We have nearly 100 people in the last 4 days signup.

To Sign up:

Just reply ‘TestLab’ to join and I will send you a link.

2. Most firms still design like it’s 2015.

This week I’m reminding you about my BIM 2.0 and Generative Design Report, a resource built to help architects understand the emerging software challenging tools like Revit, Archicad, and Vectorworks.

These legacy platforms haven’t evolved fast enough. Meanwhile, a new wave of AI-assisted, data-driven, and generative design tools is reshaping how architects design, evaluate, and deliver projects.

I wanted to make it easier for architects to cut through the noise and see what’s really out there.

What’s inside

Over the past year, I’ve analysed 30+ of the most innovative tools driving this transformation. The report includes:

✅ A cheat sheet comparing all the main options with links, strengths, and summaries
✅ A detailed review of 20 key tools using my Future AEC Software Specification (FASS), a quantitative scoring framework showing each tool’s maturity
✅ A “Best For” guide to help you quickly find the right solution for your workflow
✅ Diagrams and visual comparisons to help you understand the emerging landscape

This is the first independent comparison of next-generation design tools shaping the BIM 2.0 era.

Why it matters

This type of consultancy would normally cost thousands to produce for an individual practice. But for Black Friday, you can get the full report for just £49 (normally £499), available for two weeks only.

This isn’t another trends piece. It’s a roadmap for architects ready to connect data, intelligence, and design into one seamless workflow.

What you’ll take away

-Know which tools actually deliver value in practice

-See which are still experimental

-Learn how to future-proof your digital strategy for the decade ahead

👉 Get the BIM 2.0 Landscape Report (£49 Black Friday Edition):

3. Architects Don’t Need Another Marketplace, They Need a Map

After 18 months of running the ADDD Marketplace, I’ve realised something uncomfortable;
Architects don’t want another place to browse tools.
They want clarity. They want direction. They want workflows that actually work.

And they’re right.

Over the last two years, I’ve met with founders, tested hundreds of tools, and mapped out how these systems really fit together. And it’s now obvious: the real value isn’t in listing software…
It’s in connecting it.

So in 2026, I’m pivoting to something much more powerful:

🔥 Introducing: ADDD Certified Workflows

A new way to adopt technology, built around working solutions rather than disconnected tools. Each Certified Workflow will include:

-6–7 curated tools bundled into a real, validated workflow

-A community to help you adopt the tools properly

-User feedback powered by the new AEC TestLab

-Step-by-step guidance and implementation notes

-Video walkthroughs

-Free trials and setup resources

Think of it as a “plug-and-play tech stack” for architects:

1.Simple

2.Trusted

3.Tested

You’ll get fewer tabs, fewer headaches, and much faster adoption, because the hard work of evaluation has already been done for you. The first Certified Workflow bundle launches early next year, alongside our new community space. This is where I believe AEC tech needs to go:
Less chaos. More clarity.

4. I gave a Keynote at Release AEC last week!

Last Week, I delivered my first-ever keynote. And the response was overwhelming.

I spoke at RELEASE [AEC] in Paris, a brand-new event celebrating emerging technology in architecture, engineering, and construction. My talk explored:

1.How windsurfing embraces new tech (and what AEC can learn from it)

2.My own journey from Architect → BIM Manager → Head of Technology → Founder of ADDD & AEC Tech Jobs

3.What BIM 2.0 really is and how to identify next-generation tools using the Future AEC Software Specification

4.The 6-week Technology Blueprint we’ve been running with architecture practices

5.Why interviewing staff is essential to understanding real workflows and uncovering actual pain points

6.The top technology gaps appearing across architecture organisations today

The most encouraging part? After the talk, many people approached me to say how much it resonated with where their organisations are right now. The industry knows it’s at an inflection point, people just need clarity and a path forward.

I also built the entire presentation in Figma, and I’m officially converted.
No more PowerPoint! Figma is now my go-to for talks.

A huge thank you to Philippe Brocart for inviting me to speak, and to fellow speakers Tim Fu, Stjepan Mikulić, Ismail Seleit, and Jeronimo Tani for an inspiring lineup.

If you want to explore the cutting-edge software showcased at RELEASE AEC, you can find the full list on their website.

Want me to give this keynote to your team or event? Hit reply.

5. 10 ConTech Startups Hiring Right Now

One of the questions I get asked most often is, "Which companies are hiring in ConTech and digital design?" So here is a snapshot of who is hiring right now!

Companies and Roles

1. CONSIGLI - PRODUCT MANAGER -Your AI Agent for real estate development

2. laiout - REVIT DEVELOPER - Automated floor plans in seconds

3. FieldAI - AGENTIC AI/ML ENGINEER - Field-proven embodied AI that is unlocking the full potential of robots in the real world.

4. nPlan - PRODUCT MARKETING MANAGER - Plan. Assure. De-risk. Deliver.

5. Struck - FOUNDING AI ENGINEER - AI to Accelerate Construction Compliance

6. Acelab - PRODUCT DESIGNER - Acelab’s Material Hub is the all-in-one materials management platform.

7. Kroo - FOUNDING ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE - Supercharge your construction data with Kroo. Unify your siloed data to automate powerful business intelligence.

8. Guardian for Revit - PRODUCT EXPERIENCE OWNER - Helping Revit users automate consistency and guarantee a standard of quality in their project models.

9. Monograph - MARKETING OPERATIONS - The easy-to-use project management platform built exclusively for architecture and engineering firms. R

10. Datagrid AI - GROWTH AND SALES - Datagrid is the AI Agent that gets work done for you.

Interested in transferring to Product Management? See out FREE How to become a Product manager resource! https://contech.carrd.co/

If you want updates like this every week, don’t waste time searching. AEC Tech Jobs is the only place that brings all of this together for you.

PS: We also help ConTech startups grow their brand. You are busy building the product. We will make sure the right people hear about it.

Thanks for reading!

See you next week,
Allister

Founder, ADDD & CoFounder AEC Tech Jobs

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!

P.S. There are over 550 jobs on the AEC Tech Jobs website!