In early 2024, Patrick Chopson made a bold pivot. The co-founder of Cove Architecture announced the firm would no longer just build software—it would deliver full-service architecture, powered by the same AI tools they once sold.

For many, it marked a tipping point. Not just for Cove, but for architecture itself.

In this conversation, Patrick unpacks how AI is making architectural firms faster, sharper, and more reliable than ever before. We dive into the pain points developers are facing, the opportunity for design excellence to reemerge, and why even seasoned professionals are joining tech-enabled studios in droves.

Let’s get into it.

AI Went From Gimmick to Game-Changer

“If you had asked me last year whether this was possible, I would’ve said 100% no.”

But in the last four to six months, Patrick explains, a cluster of technologies matured just enough to shift the conversation—from hype to application.

Cove Architecture is now a full-service firm. They design buildings. But they do it differently: with a collaborative mindset, combining human creativity with machine precision.

Instead of replacing designers, AI augments them—speeding up feasibility studies, interpreting zoning code, and even optimizing embodied carbon in real time. It’s design, with the clutter cleared.

The Developer Just Wants It Done

Architects love the process. Developers care about the outcome.

And here’s the rub: on-time delivery has become rare. The generational turnover inside firms means many experienced leads have retired, and newer teams often struggle to meet deadlines. Patrick sees this misalignment everywhere.

“The developer just wants drawings on time. Fully resolved. Good design. Numbers that pencil. That’s it.”

Many are starting to question their long-time partnerships. The bar hasn’t changed—but expectations aren’t being met. Cove steps in to close the gap, with tools that de-risk early phases and reduce the need for costly design revisions.

What AI Actually Does (And Doesn’t)

For architects, the biggest cost isn’t software. It’s rework.

Each major design revision can cost $30,000 or more. That’s often triggered by something as basic as a zoning misstep or a missed code detail. AI tools at Cove read building codes, assess feasibility, and help prevent errors early.

They even track cost and carbon live during the design process.

“So when we submit for CDs, we’re not 20% off budget. We’re not redesigning during the holidays. We’re done.”

It’s not just about speed. It’s about confidence, control, and quality.

From Software to Services (And 70% Margins)

You might know Cove as the maker of one of the easiest-to-use sustainability tools in the industry. They worked with over 350 firms. But almost every one of them struggled—not with the software, but with knowing whether the results were right.

“You can learn the tool. But can you trust the outcome? That’s where software fails in AEC.”

So they changed course. Services, not software, became the delivery method.

By verticalizing the workflow, Cove now offers AI-enabled services at software-like margins (up to 70–80%). That’s rare cushion compared to the traditional architectural practice.

From ADA Bathrooms to Fully-Resolved Buildings

Patrick is hands-on. Just last week, he was building an AI agent to interpret ADA code and design compliant bathrooms. That’s the level of detail they’re working at—assembling agents to handle everything from zoning to facade evaluation.

These agents don’t just create mockups. They collaborate.

“It’s like Cursor for architecture. A floor plan designed by multiple intelligent agents, reviewed by a human, and refined into a fully resolved building.”

This is happening now.

Why Top Design Talent Is Taking Notice

The irony: Patrick isn't optimizing for software engineers, but rather focused on hiring the best designers.

Tower specialists for tower projects. Project managers who obsess over design excellence. Artists who just want to design better buildings.

And the pitch is simple: you’ll get to practice at the highest level, with better tools, less grunt work, and a shot at doing the best work of your career.

“If you’ve spent 30 years honing your craft, you don’t want to design boring buildings. We’re bringing the exciting ones.”

Old Firm Models Are Holding the Profession Back

Here’s the problem: most traditional firms are structured in ways that stifle change.

Partnership models make innovation hard. Multi-office rollups fueled by private equity make it harder. If one office resists change, the whole network slows down.

“The foxes aren’t in the hen house here. At Cove, the technologists are in charge.”

And that’s a key differentiator. When design leaders are paired with AI engineers and full-time software teams, the pace of progress accelerates.

What Doesn't Change?

Drawings aren’t going anywhere. Construction documents will still look familiar.

And design excellence? That’s still the north star.

“We’ve been in a two-decade spiral of burnout, compliance checklists, and rushed design. I think we’re going to emerge from that.”

Architects, finally, might get back to the thing they love: making beautiful, thoughtful buildings.

Final Word to Young Architects

Patrick’s advice is clear: engage with AI now. Don’t hide from it.

Understand it. Build with it. Use it responsibly. Because the more familiar you are, the less afraid you’ll be—and the more value you’ll bring.

“If you can’t validate the tools, you can’t lead with them. But if you can, you’ll shape the future.”

And maybe—just maybe—you’ll help write the next chapter in architecture’s long, evolving story.

Listen to Patrick Chopson's full Buildings 2.0 episode on Spotify