{"id":758318,"date":"2024-10-03T09:25:44","date_gmt":"2024-10-03T08:25:44","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.architectsjournal.co.uk\/?p=758318"},"modified":"2024-10-03T09:52:11","modified_gmt":"2024-10-03T08:52:11","slug":"new-practice-andrew-jackson-architects-were-making-an-ai-app-to-counter-db-value-engineering","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.architectsjournal.co.uk\/news\/new-practice-andrew-jackson-architects-were-making-an-ai-app-to-counter-db-value-engineering","title":{"rendered":"New practice Andrew Jackson Architects: \u2018We\u2019re making an AI app to counter D&B value engineering\u2019"},"content":{"rendered":"

Practice name<\/strong> Andrew Jackson Architects<\/p>\n

Based<\/strong> Bow Chambers, Manchester City Centre<\/p>\n

Founded<\/strong> July 2023<\/p>\n

Main people<\/strong> Andrew Jackson, architect and founder<\/p>\n

Where have you come from?<\/strong>
\nI previously worked at Hodder + Partners, AECOM, and Atelier TL. Each role was unique \u2013 from assisting a sole practitioner to contributing to huge projects for a multinational corporation. Looking back, I\u2019m glad I got to view the profession through many different lenses before setting up on my own.<\/p>\n

I\u2019ve also embraced relocation opportunities. I did a secondment in London and gained my master\u2019s from TU Delft in The Netherlands. Outside of practice, I tutor part-time and I\u2019m a council member for the Manchester Society of Architects, which has been a fantastic support network.<\/p>\n

What work do you have and what kind of projects are you looking for?<\/strong>
\nIn my first year of business, I\u2019ve worked on a diverse range of projects, including schools, retrofits, extensions and a start-up. Commissions have come through various channels, including existing contacts, social media and competition wins.<\/p>\n

I\u2019ve undertaken two grant-funded projects with Innovate UK. The first was to launch Neighbouring Projects<\/em><\/a>, an architecture and project management service dedicated to joint home improvements for adjoining properties, such as shared extensions and loft conversions. The service offers an innovative solution to the housing crisis and the reduction of embodied carbon emissions by encouraging collaboration between neighbours for greater efficiency.<\/p>\n

\"\"

Neighbouring Projects<\/p>\n\t

<\/p><\/p><\/div>\n

The second project, DesignBuildAI<\/em>, is a collaboration with a software developer and Innovate UK to create an AI application that mitigates the negative impacts of value engineering in construction [a minimal viable product is expected in February].<\/p>\n

Our aim is to improve cost and carbon certainty during the early design stages, minimising the compromises often imposed by cost-cutting in design and build procurement \u2013 a well-documented source of frustration for clients, end-users and designers.<\/p>\n

We\u2019re creating an AI app to mitigate the impacts of value engineering<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

We\u2019re also partnering with Edstart<\/a>, a growing independent school provider for Special Educational Needs (SEN). We completed the conversion of an office building into a school in the Wirral, creating 50 student places, and recently secured planning permission for two additional schools in Greater Manchester.<\/p>\n

Alongside these larger projects, we have a few smaller ones in progress, including house extensions and interior fit-outs. One is about to break ground, while the others are scheduled to start on site next spring.<\/p>\n

\"\"

Proposed Oldham SEN School for Edstart by Andrew Jackson Architects<\/p>\n\t

<\/p><\/p><\/div>\n

What are your ambitions?<\/strong>
\nI started my practice with the aim of working on projects that truly excite and challenge me. Each one has pushed me to learn new skills or nuggets of information.\u00a0 These are often fundamental things, such as planning conditions or building control requirements that I didn’t encounter while working on larger projects at bigger firms.<\/p>\n

As a small business owner, having a clear vision is essential, and I see each project as a stepping stone toward that goal. Architects want to leave a positive impact, and if I can help uncover answers to the difficult questions of today and tomorrow, I\u2019ll be happy.<\/p>\n

Manchester\u2019s talent is often limited to regional work<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Ultimately, I want to be recognised as a designer; but I\u2019m also open to exploring the \u2018overlaps\u2019 in the profession, where innovation often occurs.<\/p>\n

Looking ahead, we hope to expand soon, but sustainable growth with the right people will always be a priority to ensure stability and maintain the quality of work.<\/p>\n

Manchester is where I see the future of my practice. It\u2019s my home, and I want to contribute to its growth. The architects here are incredibly talented, but we\u2019re often limited to regional work. To reach the recognition that architects in cities like Rotterdam, Basel, and London enjoy, we need to compete and deliver work internationally.<\/p>\n

That\u2019s one reason I entered Europan last year, and I\u2019ll continue pursuing collaborations with internationally-based colleagues on bids and competitions.<\/p>\n

\"\"

Andrew Jackson Architects\u2019 Europan entry 2023 \u2013 the Schorsmolen garden neighbourhood<\/p>\n\t

<\/p><\/p><\/div>\n

What are the biggest challenges facing yourself as a start-up and the profession generally?<\/strong>
\nStarting my own practice has been incredibly rewarding, but it comes with its share of challenges. There are the typical hurdles like finding clients, managing cash flow, low fees, and navigating high PQQ thresholds. However, new challenges have emerged recently as well.<\/p>\n

AI is now a permanent fixture in the industry, with many clients and architects already using it during feasibility stages. Soon, it will be applied more extensively for detailed design and beyond. While I don\u2019t think it will eradicate architects, it will likely shorten design times and, consequently, reduce fees.<\/p>\n

AI will likely shorten design times and reduce fees<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

On the flipside, building is becoming more complex due to stricter regulations and added responsibilities, such as the new principal designer role. Keeping up with ever changing legislation requires constant learning and adaptation, which can be challenging as a small firm.<\/p>\n

Despite the difficulties, there are positives to being a small organisation. Our agility allows us to quickly adapt and pivot towards exciting opportunities. I\u2019ve found that clients appreciate the one-on-one interaction offered by smaller firms, especially when working on personal domestic projects. In the age of AI, I believe this human touch \u2013 our ability to communicate, connect with clients, and engage with communities \u2013 will become even more essential.<\/p>\n

Which scheme, completed in the last five years, has inspired you most?<\/strong><\/p>\n

A recent project that caught my eye was 8 Bleeding Heart Yard by Groupwork. I love how ornament is integrated with functionality, with the new scheme being thought-provoking, modern and conservative at the same time.<\/p>\n

\"\"

Greville Street by Groupwork + Amin Taha<\/p>\n\t

Source:Groupwork + Amin Taha<\/p><\/div>\n

I\u2019ve also really enjoyed the work produced by practices such as 31\/44 and Office S&M, and how they take relatively mundane sites and buildings and add a playful twist to them, often within practical constraints.\u00a0 These firms have been a real source of inspiration for architects like me who are just starting out.<\/p>\n

Are you using any new design techniques, such as AI?
\n<\/strong>I always start every project with a sketch and would only use AI tools like Midjourney or RemodelAI for brainstorming ideas or ensuring I haven\u2019t overlooked anything. The best designs are discovered through exploring a variety of media, and it\u2019s exciting to integrate these new technologies with more tactile, traditional approaches like sketching and model making.<\/p>\n

I use ChatGPT almost daily<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

For administrative tasks, I use ChatGPT almost daily. While AI is a controversial topic, especially in creative industries, it\u2019s been invaluable for processing data and drafting reports, schedules, emails, contracts, and applications. As a micro practice, having that sounding board when writing important documents has been extremely helpful.<\/p>\n

How are you marketing yourselves?
\n<\/strong>We\u2019re active on social media<\/a>, although I probably don\u2019t invest as much time in it as I could.\u00a0 Most of our projects have come through word of mouth, so I place more value on in person networking and attending relevant events when possible.<\/p>\n

For Neighbouring Projects<\/em>, we adopted a more targeted approach, as it\u2019s a niche service.\u00a0 We created a commercial specifically aimed at reaching neighbours and communities considering joint home improvements.<\/p>\n

Ultimately, I prefer to pursue opportunities that align with my ambition for the practice – whether through potential projects, bids, or competitions.\u00a0 I assess the risk versus reward and then develop a strategy to bring them to fruition.<\/p>\n

Website addresses
\n<\/strong>www.andrewjacksonarchitects.com<\/a>
\nwww.neighbouringprojects.com<\/a><\/p>\n

\"\"

Andrew Jackon – tutoring<\/p>\n\t

<\/p><\/p><\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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