Commercial Design Lab: How AI Is Reshaping Architecture Workflows

April 8, 2026

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In this first episode of Commercial Design Lab, cove Founder & CEO Sandeep Ahuja speaks with CPE’s Beata Lorincz about her path to building an AI-powered architecture practice.

AI is rapidly gaining traction in architecture, but for many firms, integrating it into everyday workflows remains a work in progress.

The first episode of Commercial Design Lab, a new podcast hosted by CPE Senior Associate Editor Beata Lorincz, explores how AI is beginning to reshape architectural workflows, from early-stage design and zoning analysis to building performance optimization. Sandeep Ahuja, Co-Founder & CEO of AI-powered architecture practice cove, discusses the limitations of traditional processes and the growing role of automation for architects and their practices.

Developers are placing increasing pressure on architects to deliver projects faster, more efficiently and with stronger performance outcomes. “Speed is the name of the game,” Ahuja commented.

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She also shares insights into cove’s work across commercial asset classes, including adaptive reuse and mixed-use developments, and explains how AI can help streamline project timelines while embedding sustainability into the design process.

“There are parts of the process that are great for automation, parts that are great for AI and parts that are a great fit for humans,” she said.

Sustainability is synonymous with good design

At cove, sustainability is treated as an integral part of their design approach, rather than a separate objective. “Great design is also sustainable design,” Ahuja said. The firm’s tools integrate metrics such as energy use and carbon impact directly into the design process, providing real-time feedback.

By leveraging AI, cove can complete projects roughly 40 percent faster than traditional architecture firms, with ambitions to further improve that margin.

While interest in AI is growing across the industry, adoption is still uneven, with some firms investing heavily in proprietary tools and others relying on traditional processes.

Here’s a breakdown of their discussion: