Is This the End of Revit? How Architects Must Adapt (2026)
Stephen Drew sits down with Allister Lewis to break down the big changes happening in architecture today. From new software challenging Revit to the rise of AI across design, delivery and practice management, this episode gives a clear look at where the industry is heading.
Allister shares his journey from architect to tech leader and explains how BIM 2.0, generative tools and smarter workflows are changing the way studios work. If you are an architect in London or the UK and want to understand how to stay ahead, this conversation is packed with insight.
00:00 – Intro: AI, robots & the future of architecture
01:36 – Meet Allister Lewis
02:00 – Allister’s path from architect to BIM & technology leader
05:33 – What practices really look like behind the scenes
07:29 – BIM adoption in the UK and the rise of Revit specialists
10:21 – The emergence of BIM 2.0
10:53 – Generative design tools taking over feasibility work
12:45 – Why choosing the right software matters
15:03 – The “Wild West” of new architecture tech
17:21 – The architecture tech landscape: AI, BIM, Viz, compliance & more
19:10 – Software built on AI: what’s coming in 2026
21:05 – Will AI replace architects? And how much will change?
22:41 – What architects should focus on: relationships & communication
25:10 – If design becomes faster, do architects earn less?
27:47 – Who’s already building in‑house software?
29:42 – Inside Allister’s massive software database (1,700+ tools)
32:27 – The real problems inside architecture practices
38:22 – How practices can fix their digital foundations
41:30 – New job roles: BIM managers, computational designers, digital design leads
44:06 – The rise of digital design leaders
49:24 – AC Tech Jobs & software‑side careers
51:38 – How architects can pivot into tech
55:43 – The future of the industry: optimism or fear?
57:58 – What architects must do to stay relevant
01:03:09 – Should architects be building software too?
01:07:05 – Where to find Allister Lewis online
01:36 – Meet Allister Lewis
02:00 – Allister’s path from architect to BIM & technology leader
05:33 – What practices really look like behind the scenes
07:29 – BIM adoption in the UK and the rise of Revit specialists
10:21 – The emergence of BIM 2.0
10:53 – Generative design tools taking over feasibility work
12:45 – Why choosing the right software matters
15:03 – The “Wild West” of new architecture tech
17:21 – The architecture tech landscape: AI, BIM, Viz, compliance & more
19:10 – Software built on AI: what’s coming in 2026
21:05 – Will AI replace architects? And how much will change?
22:41 – What architects should focus on: relationships & communication
25:10 – If design becomes faster, do architects earn less?
27:47 – Who’s already building in‑house software?
29:42 – Inside Allister’s massive software database (1,700+ tools)
32:27 – The real problems inside architecture practices
38:22 – How practices can fix their digital foundations
41:30 – New job roles: BIM managers, computational designers, digital design leads
44:06 – The rise of digital design leaders
49:24 – AC Tech Jobs & software‑side careers
51:38 – How architects can pivot into tech
55:43 – The future of the industry: optimism or fear?
57:58 – What architects must do to stay relevant
01:03:09 – Should architects be building software too?
01:07:05 – Where to find Allister Lewis online
Creators and Guests
Host
Stephen Drew
Hello! I’m Stephen Drew, Founder of the Architecture Social—an online community and resource hub dedicated to helping professionals in Architecture, Design, Development, and Real Estate advance their careers. I’m here to connect you with insights, tools, and opportunities that lead to meaningful growth, whether you’re just starting out or ready to take that next big step.