AI in Architectural Practice: Adoption, Responsibility, and Risk
Artificial intelligence tools are increasingly entering architectural practice, from research and correspondence to proposals, design exploration, documentation, and firm operations. This practical AIASF Small Firms program brings together AI implementation, legal, and insurance/risk perspectives to help architects use AI thoughtfully in real workflows. The discussion will focus on professional judgment, client trust, confidentiality, documentation, contracts, insurance, and risk management, with practical takeaways for small and emerging firms adopting AI responsibly.
Hosted in collaboration with AIASF Small Firms Knowledge Community
MODERATOR
Howard Blecher, AIA, NCARB, LEED AP
Principal, Blecher Building + Urban Design
Chair, AIASF Small Firms Knowledge Community
Howard Blecher, AIA, NCARB, LEED AP, is principal of Blecher Building + Urban Design, a San Francisco architecture practice focused on complex project delivery for residential, commercial, and community projects. He chairs the AIA San Francisco Small Firms Knowledge Community and is a member of AIASF's Public Policy and Advocacy Knowledge Community. He develops professional programs and moderates discussions on practice, permitting, project delivery, and emerging issues affecting small firms. His work combines design, regulatory strategy, agency coordination, and practical implementation. As moderator, he brings a small-firm practitioner's perspective to the opportunities, risks, and professional responsibilities involved in adopting AI.
PANELISTS
Alex Osenenko
Co-Founder and Head of AI Labs
ArchIT
Alex Osenenko is Co-Founder and Head of AI Labs at ArchIT, helping AEC firms adopt technology securely and effectively. He leads ArchIT's Secure AI Adoption initiative, guiding firms in implementing AI, strengthening governance, and re-engineering workflows to improve productivity while protecting client data and intellectual property.
Alex is also the co-host of Design Under Influence, a podcast dedicated to helping architects and AEC leaders leverage technology as a competitive advantage. As a serial entrepreneur and former Silicon Valley executive, Alex has spent his career helping businesses leverage technology to scale operations, improve efficiency, and drive sustainable growth.
Svetlana Kamyshanskaya Pantelic
Founding Partner
Primum Law Group PC
Bio forthcoming.
Zachary Waters
Managing Principal
Black Swan Insurance Services
Zach Waters is a recognized expert and thought leader in risk management and insurance for architecture and engineering firms. A regular speaker to associations across the country, Zach is known for his ability to simplify complex insurance language and to give practical, actionable guidance that design professionals can put to work right away.
He has lectured at institutions including the Boston Architectural College and Ball State University, and for organizations such as AIA, ACEC, and CalGeo. As Managing Principal of Black Swan Insurance Services, he works with design firms nationwide to cut through the complexities of professional liability and help them proactively manage their risks. He also serves as a board member of The Architectural Foundation of San Francisco.
Zach resides in Northern California with his wife and two daughters. He enjoys golf and CrossFit and is a diehard Cal football fan.
2 approved LUs
At the end of this session, participants will be able to:
1) Identify practical AI use cases in architectural practice and evaluate where AI may support small-firm workflows.
2) Assess AI-related considerations involving professional judgment, standard of care, human review, confidentiality, documentation, and client expectations.
3) Recognize insurance and professional liability issues connected to AI use, including coverage questions, documentation practices, and claim or circumstance reporting.
4) Develop practical firm guardrails for AI use, including permitted uses, data protection, QA/QC procedures, human review, and escalation practices.
5) Apply a workflow-based framework to decide when AI-assisted work should be reviewed, documented, disclosed, limited, or escalated.
Support Small Firms Efforts
The AIASF Small Firms Knowledge Community fosters community and provides resources for a diverse network of small firm architects who work on a wide variety of project types. AIASF Small Firms KC encourages a collaborative and collegeial environment where we can share knowledge and experience relevant to our businesses, design work, and the challenges unique to working within the San Francisco Bay Area.
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