EP 64 | Hypar: Automating Building Design with AI & Automation with Ian Keough & Andrew Heumann

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 platform
The shift from consulting to product-led development
And 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.network

00:00 Introduction and Personal Updates
01:30 Introduction to the ATN Podcast and Guests
04:36 Backgrounds of Ian Keough & Andrew Heumann
07:31 The WeWork Experience
10:25 Founding Hypar
13:36 The Evolution of Hypar
16:31 Hypar 2.0 & Designer Control
19:28 Technical & Business Evolution
22:27 UX and Software Insights
25:30 Automation vs Creativity
28:32 Hypar Today: The Elevator Pitch
37:09 Long-Term Vision
40:01 The “Canva Moment” for Architecture
43:41 Integrating AI into Design
56:34 AI & Building Design Challenges
01:00:17 From Consulting to Product
01:07:20 What’s Next for Hypar

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