ArchiCon Uncut

What does it really take to bring an unboring architecture conference to life?

In this episode of Archicon Uncut, Aya Shlachter and Nikita Morell go behind the scenes of the final stretch leading up to Archicon 2026. They talk about the decisions, details and unexpected moments that come with building a conference from the ground up, from hand-selecting the speakers and shaping the program to creating an experience where architects can connect, learn and actually enjoy themselves. They also discuss why simply showing up can sometimes lead to opportunities you never saw coming.

Key Takeaways

• What goes into building Archicon behind the scenes.

• Why Archicon was designed to be an interactive, unboring experience.

• The importance of creating genuine connections within the architecture community.

• Why showing up can lead to unexpected opportunities.

Timestamps

(0:00) Montage & Intro

(0:33) The idea behind an "unboring" architecture conference

(1:25) Building community over maximizing profit

(2:50) Behind the scenes of launching the event

(3:47) Why the talks are designed as conversations

(5:11) What Nikita is most excited to hear at the event

(6:00) Aya's shortlist of speakers and why experience matters

(8:20) Creating a space without ego or awkward networking

(10:12) Aya's reunion story and the power of showing up

(11:08) Why architects need to prepare for the future of the profession

(12:05) The coffee meeting that led to a career connection

(13:31) Final invitation to Archicon and closing remarks

About the Host:

Aya Shlachter is the Founder and CEO of MGS Global Group, an architectural support services firm serving hundreds of architecture practices worldwide. With over 18 years of industry experience, she helps firm owners scale smarter, adopt emerging technologies, and build resilient, future-ready practices. Aya also hosts the AI for Architects and Architect My Business podcasts and is the co-founder of Archicon 2026, a global architecture business conference. She was named a 2025 Global FWN100™ Most Influential Filipina Woman in the World in the Founder and Pioneer category for her leadership in business and AI.

Nikita Morell is a positioning and messaging strategist who works exclusively in the built environment. Nikita Morell is the only brand messaging agency in the world that services only architecture firms, helping them clarify their message, strengthen their brand, and win right-fit work. She is also the Founder of DIRT - a positioning and brand messaging agency for AEC tech and construction firms. She has spoken for AIA, RIBA, Architizer, and Business of Architecture, and publishes one of the most-read newsletters in the architecture business space.

Connect with Aya Shlachter:

Email: [email protected]

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aya_shlachter/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ayashlachter/

Connect with Nikita Morell:

Email: [email protected]

Website: https://nikitamorell.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nikita-morell/

What if the key to transforming the architecture industry lies in creating engaging and interactive experiences?

In this episode of Archicon Uncut, Aya Shlachter and Nikita Morell dive into the making of Archicon, a groundbreaking business conference designed to break the mold. They discuss the challenges of organizing an event that fosters community, encourages innovation, and leverages AI to enhance architectural practices. Join them as they explore how to make architecture conferences more impactful and why building a strong community is essential for the industry's future.

Key Takeaways

• The importance of community in architecture.

• How interactive presentations can enhance learning.

• The role of AI in modern architecture practices.

• Strategies for engaging conference attendees.

Timestamps

00:00 – Introduction to the loneliness pandemic in architecture.

00:21 – Behind the scenes of Archicon Uncut.

01:09 – The concept of context shifting.

02:15 – The overwhelming response to Archicon.

03:21 – Pushing boundaries with unboring presentations.

04:03 – Exciting speakers and their topics.

05:12 – Insights from 1001 presentations.

06:09 – Making architecture normal again.

09:26 – Day one: Interactive presentations.

10:13 – Day two: Engaging workshops.

11:21 – The importance of a speaker coach.

13:04 – Building community and connection.

16:03 – The loneliness pandemic and community building.

17:23 – Ticket sales and payment plans.

18:36 – Encouraging team participation.

19:58 – Closing remarks and call to action.

About the Host:

Aya Shlachter is the Founder and CEO of MGS Global Group, an architectural support services firm serving hundreds of architecture practices worldwide. With over 18 years of industry experience, she helps firm owners scale smarter, adopt emerging technologies, and build resilient, future-ready practices. Aya also hosts the AI for Architects and Architect My Business podcasts and is the co-founder of Archicon 2026, a global architecture business conference. She was named a 2025 Global FWN100™ Most Influential Filipina Woman in the World in the Founder and Pioneer category for her leadership in business and AI.

Nikita Morell is a positioning and messaging strategist who works exclusively in the built environment. Nikita Morell is the only brand messaging agency in the world that services only architecture firms, helping them clarify their message, strengthen their brand, and win right-fit work. She is also the Founder of DIRT - a positioning and brand messaging agency for AEC tech and construction firms. She has spoken for AIA, RIBA, Architizer, and Business of Architecture, and publishes one of the most-read newsletters in the architecture business space.

Connect with Aya Shlachter:

Email: [email protected]

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aya_shlachter/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ayashlachter/

Connect with Nikita Morell:

Email: [email protected]

Website: https://nikitamorell.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nikita-morell/

What if the real threat to architecture is not AI, but the industry's inability to communicate its own value?

In this episode of Archicon Uncut, Aya Shlachter and Nikita Morell sit down with Paul Keskeys, Editor-in-Chief of Architizer, to unpack the challenges shaping the profession today, from low fees and talent loss to the rapid rise of AI.

Paul shares his journey from practicing architect to leading a global platform, and how storytelling became central to elevating the role of architects. The conversation explores how AI is changing workflows while pushing architects to focus on higher-value thinking, coordination, and impact.

They also break down the ongoing "race to the bottom" in fees and why it continues to drive innovation out of the industry, along with the need for better business models and stronger positioning.

If the profession is evolving fast, this episode challenges architects to rethink how they communicate their value and stay competitive.

Key Takeaways • Architects struggle to communicate their full value. • Low fees are driving talent out of the industry. • AI saves time but raises the bar for creativity. • Value lies beyond drawings, in strategy and coordination. • Better positioning can create more opportunities.

Timestamps:

00:00 – Episode snippet 00:48 – Introducing our guest, Paul Keskeys of Architizer 03:00 – From "Angry Architect" blog to global platform 08:17 – Elevating the value of architects 12:27 – Why AI should be seen as a tool, not a replacement 16:36 – Using AI for storytelling and communication 17:57 – The problem with over-digitized design 21:32 – The missing piece: business education in architecture 24:22 – Opportunity for architects to lead with AI 25:39 – Why in-person events are making a comeback 29:07 – How ai and Architizer are opening doors for small firms 33:56 – The biggest global challenge: money and fees 35:24 – The talent drain and industry cycle 36:50 – How to connect with Architizer

About the guest:

Paul Keskeys is the Editor-in-Chief of Architizer and a UK-trained architect turned writer. He leads one of the world's largest architecture platforms, focused on storytelling, visibility, and elevating the value of architects globally.

Connect with Paul Keskeys LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paul-keskeys-a1959292

Website: https://architizer.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/architizer/

About the Host:

Aya Shlachter is the Founder and CEO of MGS Global Group, an architectural support services firm serving hundreds of architecture practices worldwide. With over 18 years of industry experience, she helps firm owners scale smarter, adopt emerging technologies, and build resilient, future-ready practices. Aya also hosts the AI for Architects and Architect My Business podcasts and is the co-founder of Archicon 2026, a global architecture business conference. She was named a 2025 Global FWN100™ Most Influential Filipina Woman in the World in the Founder and Pioneer category for her leadership in business and AI.

Nikita Morell is a positioning and messaging strategist who works exclusively in the built environment. Nikita Morell is the only brand messaging agency in the world that services only architecture firms, helping them clarify their message, strengthen their brand, and win right-fit work. She is also the Founder of DIRT - a positioning and brand messaging agency for AEC tech and construction firms. She has spoken for AIA, RIBA, Architizer, and Business of Architecture, and publishes one of the most-read newsletters in the architecture business space.

Connect with Aya Shlachter:

Email: [email protected]

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aya_shlachter/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ayashlachter/

Connect with Nikita Morell:

Email: [email protected]

Website: https://nikitamorell.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nikita-morell/

In an AI-driven industry, the real competitive edge is no longer just tools or output, but how firms invest in education, marketing, and continuous upskilling to stay relevant and resilient.

In this episode of Archicon Uncut, Aya Shlachter and Nikita Morell explore how these three pillars are becoming essential strategies for future-proofing architecture and AEC firms. The conversation unpacks why upskilling is one of the most cost-effective investments a business can make, especially as AI reshapes how firms operate, compete, and scale. They also reflect on how marketing and visibility are no longer optional, but central to growth, opportunity, and long-term positioning in a shifting market.

Key Takeaways:

• Education, marketing, and upskilling are critical drivers of firm resilience

• Upskilling is a high-impact, low-cost strategy for future-proofing in the AI era

• AI is speeding up the need for continuous learning across all levels of a business

• Marketing is no longer support work but a core business growth function

• Firms that invest during uncertainty often emerge stronger and more competitive

Timestamps

00:00 – Episode snippet

00:22 – Welcome to Archicon Uncut

00:43 – Leadership, motherhood, and rest

02:58 – Women-led conference leadership

05:20 – Building women-focused AEC communities

07:00 – Entrepreneurship and parenting

08:52 – Investing during downturns

10:41 – Upskilling as an investment

12:31 – Curated expert speakers

14:34 – Get rid of scarcity mindset

15:07 – Find out more at archicon2026.com

About the Hosts:

Aya Shlachter is the Founder and CEO of MGS Global Group, an architectural support services firm serving hundreds of architecture practices worldwide. With over 18 years of industry experience, she helps firm owners scale smarter, adopt emerging technologies, and build resilient, future-ready practices.

Aya also hosts the AI for Architects and Architect My Business podcasts and is the co-founder of Archicon 2026, a global architecture business conference. She was named a 2025 Global FWN100™ Most Influential Filipina Woman in the World in the Founder and Pioneer category for her leadership in business and AI.

Connect with Aya Shlachter:

Email: [email protected]

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aya_shlachter/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ayashlachter/

Nikita Morell is a messaging strategist specialising in the architecture and construction industry. For over a decade, she's helped architecture firms (from all around the world) put their value into words so they can get a steady stream of ridiculously good projects. Nikita has spoken for AIA, RIBA, Architizer, and Business of Architecture and is known for her slightly provocative LinkedIn posts and newsletters that architects describe as "scary good".

She's also the co-founder of Archicon, the only unboring business conference built specifically for architects who want to run better businesses, and the founder of DIRT, a brand messaging agency helping construction, ConTech and building product companies say something more interesting than "innovative solutions."

Connect with Nikita Morell:

Email: [email protected]

Newsletter: www.nikitamorell.com/newsletter

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nikita-morell/

Most AI conversations in architecture fixate on image generation and renderings — but firm leaders are asking bigger questions: How will AI change workflows, staffing, business models, and profitability?

In this episode of Archicon Uncut, Aya Shlachter and Nikita Morell look ahead to Archicon, where AI will run as a thread through the entire conference, revealing the AI speaker joining Archicon — Stjepan Mikulić, founder of AI in AEC and one of Architizer's leading AI experts, who helped a 250-person interior design firm save $4.5M through his nine-step AI implementation roadmap.

Key Takeaways:

• Firm leaders care about business impact, not just tools
• Large firms use AI for operations; mid-sized for BIM; smaller firms for generative design
• Experience helps architects use AI with better judgment.
• AI should support professional expertise, not replace it

Timestamps

00:00 – Episode snippet

00:31 – Welcome to Archicon Uncut

01:24 – Nikita introduces her new agency, Dirt

02:12 – Aya launches the Aya Alliance community

03:34 – Why Archicon will remain an in-person conference

04:33 – The real AI question firm leaders are asking

05:25 – AI is a business strategy, not just a tool

06:20 – Global research on how firms are adopting AI

08:19 – Experience vs AI slop: why seasoned architects have an edge

12:24 – Archicon speaker: Stefan Mikuli

16:16 – The global vision behind Archicon

17:30 – Join the waitlist: https://www.Archicon2026.com/#waitlist

18:15 – VIP dinner and upcoming registration details

About the Hosts:

Aya Shlachter is the Founder and CEO of MGS Global Group, an architectural support services firm serving hundreds of architecture practices worldwide. With over 18 years of industry experience, she helps firm owners scale smarter, adopt emerging technologies, and build resilient, future-ready practices.

Aya also hosts the AI for Architects and Architect My Business podcasts and is the co-founder of Archicon 2026, a global architecture business conference. She was named a 2025 Global FWN100™ Most Influential Filipina Woman in the World in the Founder and Pioneer category for her leadership in business and AI.

Connect with Aya Shlachter:

Email: [email protected]

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aya_shlachter/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ayashlachter/

Nikita Morell is a messaging strategist specialising in the architecture and construction industry. For over a decade, she's helped architecture firms (from all around the world) put their value into words so they can get a steady stream of ridiculously good projects. Nikita has spoken for AIA, RIBA, Architizer, and Business of Architecture and is known for her slightly provocative LinkedIn posts and newsletters that architects describe as "scary good".

She's also the co-founder of Archicon, the only unboring business conference built specifically for architects who want to run better businesses, and the founder of DIRT, a brand messaging agency helping construction, ConTech and building product companies say something more interesting than "innovative solutions."

Connect with Nikita Morell:

Email: [email protected]

Newsletter: www.nikitamorell.com/newsletter

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nikita-morell/

What if the most important thing missing from architecture conferences is not better speakers, but a space where people can finally admit what is not working?

In this episode of Archicon Uncut, Aya Shlachter and Nikita Morrell share the thinking behind ArchiCon and why it is intentionally different from a typical industry event. From opening with a comedian to creating space for real discussions about burnout, business pressure, and mistakes, they explore how psychological safety leads to practical change.

They dive into what architects are asking for right now: building firms that do not rely entirely on the founder, clarifying business development, positioning with intention, and understanding how AI is reshaping practice.

If you are done with inspiration that fades by Monday, this episode unpacks a conference designed to create lasting impact.

Key Takeaways

• Laughter helps people speak honestly about real business problems.

• The conference is built to be worth coming back to.

• Architects want practical topics: founder independence, business development, and AI.

• Messaging must attract the right clients and filter out the wrong ones.

• Growth requires stepping out of production and building systems.

• Time is more valuable than money, and the business should protect it.

Timestamps

00:00 – Episode snippet

00:23 – Welcome to ArchiCon Uncut

03:02 – Setting the tone with laughter

05:08 – Building a conference worth coming back to

07:36 – Topics that drive real action in your firm

09:25 – Burnout, joy, and work satisfaction

10:29 – Big partners, growing waitlist, limited seats

12:41 – ArchiCon after hours and exploring Melbourne

15:09 – The biggest messaging mistake architects make

16:21 – Stand out and stand for something

17:50 – How stepping out of production unlocked growth

19:23 – The real reason to escape founder dependence

21:01 – Why the waitlist emails are part of the fun

23:29 – Final call to join the waitlist: https://www.archicon2026.com/#waitlist

About the Host:

Aya Shlachter is the Founder and CEO of MGS Global Group, an architectural support services firm serving hundreds of architecture practices worldwide. With over 18 years of industry experience, she helps firm owners scale smarter, adopt emerging technologies, and build resilient, future-ready practices. Aya also hosts the AI for Architects and Architect My Business podcasts and is the co-founder of ArchiCon 2026, a global architecture business conference. She was named a 2025 Global FWN100™ Most Influential Filipina Woman in the World in the Founder and Pioneer category for her leadership in business and AI.

Nikita Morell is a positioning and messaging strategist who works exclusively with architects. She is the only copywriter in the world who writes solely for architecture firms, helping them clarify their message, strengthen their brand, and win right-fit work. She has spoken for AIA, RIBA, Architizer, and Business of Architecture, and publishes one of the most-read newsletters in the architecture business space.

Connect with Aya Shlachter:

Email: [email protected]

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aya_shlachter

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ayashlachter

Connect with Nikita Morell:

Email: [email protected]

Website: https://nikitamorell.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nikita-morell

Why do so many architecture conferences feel inspiring in the moment but lead to no real change afterward?

Firm owners attend sessions, take notes, earn credits, and leave motivated, only to return to the same challenges the next week. Most events focus on ideas instead of practical business skills, and inspiration alone does not help firms grow.

In this episode of ArchiCon Uncut, Aya Shlachter and Nikita Morrell share what they are learning as they build ArchiCon in real time, guided by feedback from a fast-growing waitlist of architects and firm owners. They explain the top topics architects asked for most, including business development and marketing, AI and emerging technology, and firm strategy, systems, and processes.

The episode explains why business development and marketing are often confused, why referrals are risky, and why architects need business skills beyond design school. Aya and Nikita also discuss why interest in AI is growing and why it should be part of a firm's overall strategy. They also share what makes conference learning effective, focusing on clear takeaways, real stories, and formats that drive action, accountability, and results.

If you want to understand what architects are asking for right now, what is missing from traditional architecture conferences, and how ArchiCon is being built to deliver practical learning firm owners can use immediately, this episode explains it clearly.

Key Takeaways

• Architects want learning they can apply right away

• Business development and marketing are different and both matter

• Referrals alone are not a reliable growth strategy

• AI should support firm strategy, systems, and profitability

• Smaller, focused lessons lead to better action

• Stories and real experiences are more memorable than slides

• Conferences should create accountability, not just motivation

Timestamps

00:00 – Episode snippet

00:17 – Welcome to ArchiCon Uncut

00:37 – What the waitlist data reveals

01:05 – Marketing vs business development explained

03:32 – AI is part of firm strategy

05:00 – A globally recognized AI speaker joins ArchiCon

07:27 – Learning styles that lead to action

08:45 – Why stories and mistakes stick

10:03 – The role of accountability

12:35 – How to join the waitlist: https://www.archicon2026.com/#waitlist

About the Host:

Aya Shlachter is the Founder and CEO of MGS Global Group, an architectural support services firm serving hundreds of architecture practices worldwide. With over 18 years of industry experience, she helps firm owners scale smarter, adopt emerging technologies, and build resilient, future-ready practices. Aya also hosts the AI for Architects and Architect My Business podcasts and is the co-founder of ArchiCon 2026, a global architecture business conference. She was named a 2025 Global FWN100™ Most Influential Filipina Woman in the World in the Founder and Pioneer category for her leadership in business and AI.

Nikita Morell is a positioning and messaging strategist who works exclusively with architects. She is the only copywriter in the world who writes solely for architecture firms, helping them clarify their message, strengthen their brand, and win right-fit work. She has spoken for AIA, RIBA, Architizer, and Business of Architecture, and publishes one of the most-read newsletters in the architecture business space.

Connect with Aya Shlachter:

Email: [email protected]

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aya_shlachter/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ayashlachter/

Connect with Nikita Morell:

Email: [email protected]

Website: https://nikitamorell.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nikita-morell/

Most architecture events look useful, but many business owners leave without anything they can apply. People sit through heavy talks, collect credits, and go home without clear next steps.

In this episode of ArchiCon Uncut, Aya Shlachter and Nikita Morell explain why they are building a different kind of conference and what they are learning in the process. Their main point is that architects also run businesses, but most events avoid topics like marketing, hiring, money, and new technology.

They share why ArchiCon will take place in Melbourne, how the agenda will be shaped by real needs from the waitlist, and why they want real conversations instead of polite panels. They also explain why the environment matters, how both introverts and extroverts will be supported, and how the most useful discussions often happen away from the main stage.

If you want to understand what is missing in current architecture events and why a change is overdue, this episode lays it out in a clear and straightforward way. ArchiCon is for people who want learning they can use the next day, not just another event badge.

• The industry does not need another theory-heavy conference that delivers credits but no real value.

• Theory without lived business experience does not help architects run companies.

• A serious business conference must teach marketing, hiring, money, and technology, not just design philosophy.

• "Unboring" means useful. If attendees cannot apply it on Monday, it does not belong on stage.

• Introverts and extroverts both deserve formats that support real connection, not awkward networking.

• Architects are business owners. The industry needs to start treating them that way.

• Collaboration beats competition. Sharing knowledge grows firms faster than guarding it.

•ArchiCon is for people who want to run stronger companies, take their business seriously, and get practical learning.

Timestamps:

00:00 – Episode Snippet

00:21 – Welcome to ArchiCon Uncut with Aya Schlachter and Nikita Morrell

01:00 – Why build another conference?

03:18 – The value of off-stage conversations

04:38 – The origin story begins at AIA Washington DC

06:18 – Architecture schools do not teach business

08:51 – AI is widening the skills gap for firm owners

10:47 – ArchiCon will replace polite panels with real debate

12:14 – "Unboring" means action-oriented learning

15:19 – Architecture lacks knowledge-sharing culture

16:25 – Competitors can be collaborators

17:51 – ArchiCon is not for everyone by design

19:39 – This is only the beginning

About the Host:

Aya Shlachter is the Founder and CEO of MGS Global Group, an architectural support services firm serving hundreds of architecture practices worldwide. With over 18 years of industry experience, she helps firm owners scale smarter, adopt emerging technologies, and build resilient, future-ready practices. Aya also hosts the AI for Architects and Architect My Business podcasts and is the co-founder of ArchiCon 2026, a global architecture business conference. She was named a 2025 Global FWN100™ Most Influential Filipina Woman in the World in the Founder and Pioneer category for her leadership in business and AI.

Nikita Morell is a positioning and messaging strategist who works exclusively with architects. She is the only copywriter in the world who writes solely for architecture firms, helping them clarify their message, strengthen their brand, and win right-fit work. She has spoken for AIA, RIBA, Architizer, and Business of Architecture, and publishes one of the most-read newsletters in the architecture business space.

Connect with Aya Shlachter:

Email: [email protected]

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aya_shlachter/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ayashlachter/

Connect with Nikita Morell:

Email: [email protected]

Website: https://nikitamorell.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nikita-morell/