Q&A with Neil Leach
From the RealmIQ: Sessions podcast
Curt Doty:
Neil, thanks for joining us today. You came from a traditional design and architectural background. What led you to embrace AI?
Neil Leach:
Thanks, Curt. Actually, I wouldn't say my background was entirely traditional. Early in my career, I worked on the Italian Renaissance, translating Leon Battista Alberti from Latin into English. But I always saw Alberti as a revolutionary, not a historical figure. Architecture is a dynamic discourse—it must constantly reinvent itself.
My orientation, especially through initiatives like Digital Futures, has always been about anticipating the future. AI was simply the next inevitable revolution. By 2019, it was clear to me that AI would transform everything, even if most in architecture hadn't realized it yet.
Curt Doty:
You mentioned the transformational power of AI not just in design, but in society. How do you view the broader societal impacts, especially around job losses and new opportunities?
Neil Leach:
AI itself isn’t negative—it’s a tool. But like any powerful tool, it depends on who uses it and for what purpose. AI will impact jobs. Recent studies from Harvard and MIT show that AI users can achieve higher-quality outcomes faster, meaning fewer people may be needed in certain fields.
We'll adapt—that's what humans do. Society will shift, just like it did with the rise of divorce rates or the disappearance of film photography. The key issue will be economic: how do we support a society with less traditional employment? Universal Basic Income may be part of the answer.
Curt Doty:
Absolutely. You also touched earlier on how architecture, specifically, needs to design its own future. What’s the role of education in all this?
Neil Leach:
Education is crucial. We are training students who will face a radically different world. Unfortunately, many professors are not up to speed with AI.
Meanwhile, construction companies like Turner Construction are actually ahead, focusing hard on AI integration. Leading firms like Foster + Partners and Zaha Hadid Architects are embracing AI because they must stay competitive.
In the future, we may need fewer students of architecture—and fewer professors—because AI will automate many processes. Curricula must change now, or academia risks becoming irrelevant.
Curt Doty:
Speaking of value and perception, I worry about agencies positioning themselves as "AI agencies"—clients then expect costs to drop drastically. Shouldn't we be positioning ourselves differently?
Neil Leach:
You're absolutely right. It's about value, not just technology.
Clients might demand lower fees because they think AI makes everything easy. But professionals with strong taste, judgment, and strategic insight will still be incredibly valuable.
Ultimately, AI will be assumed—just like "CAD" became simply "drawing"—and those with better creative judgment will thrive.
Curt Doty:
On the topic of exponential AI growth, what do you see happening with the speed of AI learning and capabilities?
Neil Leach:
It’s extraordinary. Moore’s Law is outdated. These systems aren’t just growing—they’re learning collectively and instantly.
ChatGPT already knows tens of thousands of times more than any human. By 2027, it might know a billion times more.
This isn't linear growth; it's viral. Like COVID, but with intelligence. We’re facing an unprecedented explosion of knowledge.
Curt Doty:
Do you think AI will help solve larger societal issues, like homelessness or affordable housing?
Neil Leach:
Yes, if used wisely. AI can tackle big problems faster.
Projects like Mustafa Suleyman’s “personal intelligence” concept could enhance humans significantly.
The key question isn’t capability—it’s financing. How do we structure the economy to distribute benefits fairly?
Curt Doty:
You’ve also raised concerns about how architecture fees might shrink because of AI. Could the entire profession be destabilized?
Neil Leach:
Potentially, yes.
If AI cuts the time and cost of designing buildings, fees could drop from 5% to 2% of building costs. That’s a 60% revenue loss for firms.
In China, this has already happened. Students are avoiding architecture careers because it’s no longer financially viable.
We must anticipate these shifts—not just in capitalism broadly, but within the architecture economy specifically.
Curt Doty:
Switching gears: how do you view the next generation of students embracing AI?
Neil Leach:
The students are fully embracing AI—far more than some professors.
95% of my students wanted to write about AI. They see it as natural.
Their energy and willingness to innovate will drive the future. It’s inspiring.
Curt Doty:
What about regulation? How do you view Europe's leadership versus the U.S.?
Neil Leach:
It’s complicated. Regulation is almost impossible in a competitive global economy.
You can't ask Google and Microsoft to "slow down"—it’s like asking marathon runners to wait for their competitors.
We also have geopolitical risks—bad actors could use AI without any regard for regulation.
Ultimately, the world self-regulates over time, but there will be rough patches.
Curt Doty:
What about AI and copyright? Should AI-assisted creations be eligible for copyright?
Neil Leach:
Absolutely.
AI doesn't copy—humans curate and steer the output. There’s significant creative input.
The U.S. Copyright Office’s stance that AI-generated work isn’t copyrightable shows how far legal frameworks lag behind technological reality.
Curt Doty:
I fully agree. True creativity still starts with a human spark. AI is a tool, but the inspiration comes from us.
How do you see AI changing the nature of creativity itself?
Neil Leach:
We’re discovering that humans are better discriminators than generators of ideas.
AI can suggest a range of new options we might not have imagined.
Creativity is becoming about curating, steering, and selecting. The human "eye"—exquisite taste—is becoming even more important.
Curt Doty:
Final thoughts—how do you view the role of art schools in this evolving landscape?
Neil Leach:
Art schools are still vital. Talent needs nurturing.
True creatives will thrive with AI, not be replaced by it.
The future will reward those who can use AI as a prosthesis for imagination, not just a tool for efficiency.
Curt Doty:
Neil, this has been a fascinating discussion. Any final plugs or projects you’d like to promote?
Neil Leach:
Yes—please check out Digital Futures.
We provide free, open-access education in digital design and AI.
You can find more tutorials and events at Digital Futures, and follow me on Instagram at @neilleach14.
We believe education should be a universal human right, not a privilege for the wealthy.
Curt Doty:
Thanks again, Neil.
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