EP 64 | Hypar: Automating Building Design with AI & Automation with Ian Keough & Andrew Heumann
Fri Jan 23 2026
In this episode of the ATN Podcast, Oliver Thomas is joined by Ian Keough, founder of Hypar, alongside Andrew Heumann, software engineer and creator of the Human plugin, to unpack what BIM 2.0 could look like — and how automation and AI are changing architectural design.Ian brings a rare dual background in architecture and software development, while Andrew’s career spans design, computation, and engineering. Together, they explore how Hypar was born out of real-world frustration with traditional tools, particularly during Ian’s time at WeWork, where scale, speed, and repetition exposed the limits of conventional BIM workflows.The conversation traces Hypar’s evolution from early concept to Hypar 2.0, focusing on a core philosophy: automate the boring and repetitive parts of design while keeping architects firmly in control. Rather than positioning AI as a replacement for designers, Ian and Andrew discuss how it can act as supportive infrastructure — enhancing flexibility, speed, and creative decision-making.We also dive into the realities of building architectural software:Why user experience is critical (and often overlooked)How feedback from real projects shapes the platformThe shift from consulting to product-led developmentAnd whether architecture is approaching its own “Canva moment”This episode is a must-watch for architects, computational designers, and anyone interested in the future of architectural technology, design automation, and AI-powered workflows.Andrew Heumann | / andrew-heumann-13751414 Ian Keough | / ian-keough-4b1ba91 Try Hypar | https://hypar.io/ATN HOST | Oliver Thomas | / olly____t ATN MASTERCLASS | https://archi-tech.network00:00 Introduction and Personal Updates01:30 Introduction to the ATN Podcast and Guests04:36 Backgrounds of Ian Keough & Andrew Heumann07:31 The WeWork Experience10:25 Founding Hypar13:36 The Evolution of Hypar16:31 Hypar 2.0 & Designer Control19:28 Technical & Business Evolution22:27 UX and Software Insights25:30 Automation vs Creativity28:32 Hypar Today: The Elevator Pitch37:09 Long-Term Vision40:01 The “Canva Moment” for Architecture43:41 Integrating AI into Design56:34 AI & Building Design Challenges01:00:17 From Consulting to Product01:07:20 What’s Next for HyparEnjoyed the video? Be sure to like, subscribe, and share for more insights into the intersection of the Metaverse and Architecture. Don't forget to hit the bell icon to stay updated on our latest content.Like our new wall art? check out our collaborator Zaglono here:Instagram: / zaglono Website: https://www.pared.art/artistas/zaglono/Join the conversation on our social media platforms:INSTAGRAM | / architech.network LINKEDIN | / archi-tech-network TIKTOK | / architech.network EVENTS | https://linktr.ee/architech_network#hypar #BIM2.0 #Architecture #AEC #ATN #AIinDesign #BIM #architechnetwork #architecture #podcast
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In this episode of the ATN Podcast, Oliver Thomas is joined by Ian Keough, founder of Hypar, alongside Andrew Heumann, software engineer and creator of the Human plugin, to unpack what BIM 2.0 could look like — and how automation and AI are changing architectural design.Ian brings a rare dual background in architecture and software development, while Andrew’s career spans design, computation, and engineering. Together, they explore how Hypar was born out of real-world frustration with traditional tools, particularly during Ian’s time at WeWork, where scale, speed, and repetition exposed the limits of conventional BIM workflows.The conversation traces Hypar’s evolution from early concept to Hypar 2.0, focusing on a core philosophy: automate the boring and repetitive parts of design while keeping architects firmly in control. Rather than positioning AI as a replacement for designers, Ian and Andrew discuss how it can act as supportive infrastructure — enhancing flexibility, speed, and creative decision-making.We also dive into the realities of building architectural software:Why user experience is critical (and often overlooked)How feedback from real projects shapes the platformThe shift from consulting to product-led developmentAnd whether architecture is approaching its own “Canva moment”This episode is a must-watch for architects, computational designers, and anyone interested in the future of architectural technology, design automation, and AI-powered workflows.Andrew Heumann | / andrew-heumann-13751414 Ian Keough | / ian-keough-4b1ba91 Try Hypar | https://hypar.io/ATN HOST | Oliver Thomas | / olly____t ATN MASTERCLASS | https://archi-tech.network00:00 Introduction and Personal Updates01:30 Introduction to the ATN Podcast and Guests04:36 Backgrounds of Ian Keough & Andrew Heumann07:31 The WeWork Experience10:25 Founding Hypar13:36 The Evolution of Hypar16:31 Hypar 2.0 & Designer Control19:28 Technical & Business Evolution22:27 UX and Software Insights25:30 Automation vs Creativity28:32 Hypar Today: The Elevator Pitch37:09 Long-Term Vision40:01 The “Canva Moment” for Architecture43:41 Integrating AI into Design56:34 AI & Building Design Challenges01:00:17 From Consulting to Product01:07:20 What’s Next for HyparEnjoyed the video? Be sure to like, subscribe, and share for more insights into the intersection of the Metaverse and Architecture. Don't forget to hit the bell icon to stay updated on our latest content.Like our new wall art? check out our collaborator Zaglono here:Instagram: / zaglono Website: https://www.pared.art/artistas/zaglono/Join the conversation on our social media platforms:INSTAGRAM | / architech.network LINKEDIN | / archi-tech-network TIKTOK | / architech.network EVENTS | https://linktr.ee/architech_network#hypar #BIM2.0 #Architecture #AEC #ATN #AIinDesign #BIM #architechnetwork #architecture #podcast