A new employee-less architecture practice run entirely by AI has been set up by an unnamed UK-based tech investor Autarchy is billed as providing the most innovative, responsive and tailored multi-stage architectural service available anywhere in this changing world.The studios bots clients can choose from a range of different avatars and voices have been trained using architects existing schemes, planning submissions from more than 350 local authorities, university curricula and video recordings of four years of ARB prescription exams.The AI engine has also scraped all the relevant planning policy documents and government legislation issued over the past two decades.AdvertisementThe practice also offers: a built-in banking app, for both receiving and making payments: a quantity surveying tool which automatically costs up jobs based on live prices; a dynamic carbon calculator tool; and a deep-dive material passport app which scours banks of existing materials (and soon-to-be-demolished buildings) for relevant project products.The only human currently needed is one to physically take a site surveillance drone which monitors the build 365 days a year to safe space on, or next to, the construction plot. Current aviation regulations do not allow AI-guided drones to move autonomously over built-up areas.The bot has already been trialled on an almost flawless and on-budget small back-garden pavilion project in Berkshire, where it worked on a private commission across all RIBA stages for the owner of an electric car manufacturer.According to PR agency Flyvende Gris, the only issue throughout the entire build was a minor disagreement with the contractors, who had twice been caught using sub-optimal materials.Testimonies from local planning officers praised Autarchy for its politeness, patience and rigour and lack of archi-speak.AdvertisementFlyvende Gris said the backers next step was to extend Autarchys remit yet further, so it could become its own client, using AI-supported crypto funds to finance schemes.Autarchy bills client using calculations on how much time and effort the selected avatar would take to deliver a project, if they were human and operating at peak ability, uninterrupted by scrolling through social media messages etc.It also builds in excess fees for that avatars real-life overtime, if demands are onerous, last-minute or ridiculous.AI 2025-04-01AJ news deskcomment and share TagsAI