Want to streamline your least favourite tasks? In this episode of Architecture Business Club, host Jon Clayton explores innovative ways to leverage AI for automating routine and time-consuming tasks in architecture. Joined by Bryon McCartney, CEO of Archmark, the discussion covers identifying tasks AI can optimise, the Teach framework for deciding what to automate, and practical tips for training AI to match your unique tone. Bryon shares insights on creating efficient workflows using AI, recounts his experiences enhancing his agency's profitability through AI integration, and underscores the importance of starting small for those new to AI. Additionally, the episode details Bryon's approach to building an AI-powered advisory board and a successful workshop using AI tools, emphasising the role of AI in freeing up time for creative and strategic work.

Today’s Guest

Today's guest is Bryon McCartney, CEO of Archmark, a leading business coaching, branding, and marketing firm working exclusively with architecture firms. Bryon has more than 35 years of experience and has led digital marketing initiatives for Calvin Klein, General Motors Europe, Lipton Foods, and many others. He has founded and led six successful creative service firms since 2002 and has helped more than 5,000 architects transform their practices. He's the only Business Made Simple, Small Business Flight School, and StoryBrand certified coach serving the architecture industry, and he's on a mission to help 10,000 firm leaders by 2030.

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Episode Highlights

00:00 Introduction: Tackling Your To-Do List with AI

00:47 Welcome to Architecture Business Club

01:06 Meet Bryon McCartney: Transforming Architecture Firms

01:51 The Power of AI in Architecture

05:42 Identifying Tasks for AI Automation

06:04 Streamlining Meeting Notes and Emails with AI

11:20 The TEACH Framework for AI Automation

14:37 Treating AI Like a Summer Intern

20:17 Balancing Instructions for AI

21:14 Five-Step Formula for Writing AI Prompts

22:59 Creating a Blog Post with AI

24:39 Structuring Your AI Prompts

25:15 Avoiding Common AI Pitfalls

26:11 AI's Impact on Agency Profitability

26:32 Early Experiences with AI

27:13 Adopting AI Tools in Business

28:07 Streamlining Client Onboarding with AI

29:54 AI-Powered Workshops and Presentations

31:29 Efficiency Gains and Profitability Boost

31:49 Using AI in Podcast Production

32:40 Building an AI Advisory Board

35:38 Getting Started with AI

39:10 Choosing the Right AI Tools

41:00 Creating AI-Powered Workshops

46:05 Final Thoughts on AI Integration

50:15 Connecting with Bryon McCartney

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Key Takeaways

View AI as a powerful tool to free up your time by automating repetitive and routine tasks. By letting AI handle admin, meeting notes, and standard email responses, you can focus more on creative and strategic work that you truly enjoy.

You need to approach AI like you would a summer intern: provide clear instructions, context, and feedback. AI is not a magic solution; it requires you to define what a good result looks like and to iterate, refining your prompts and expectations as you go.

You will benefit most from AI if you start small, choosing tasks you know well and can clearly explain. As you build confidence, you can gradually integrate AI into more areas of your work and life, ultimately gaining a competitive edge and improving your efficiency.

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Next Episode

Next time Jon chats with Louise Miller about productivity.