ArchiCon Uncut

Aya Shlachter
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ArchiCon Uncut is the behind-the-scenes podcast of ArchiCon, the only unboring architecture business conference, built for architecture firms worldwide that want real outcomes, not theories or talking heads. Hosted by ArchiCon co-founders Aya Shlachter and Nikita Morell, the show explores why so many architecture conferences feel disconnected from real practice, and how ArchiCon is being designed differently for a global audience. Drawing on their experience attending and building industry events across regions, Aya and Nikita break down what architects actually want and how learning can translate into clear decisions and action inside architecture firms. Each episode dives into the conference's core themes — Business Development & Marketing, AI and emerging tech for practice, systems and processes, strategy and growth, and project management, all grounded in how firms really operate. This is a candid look (BTS) at a global conference that delivers more than CPD/LU credits — it delivers clarity and action.

Episodes

  1. What Architects Actually Want From Conferences (But Don't Say)

    6 FEB

    What Architects Actually Want From Conferences (But Don't Say)

    Why do so many architecture conferences feel inspiring in the moment but lead to no real change afterward?  Firm owners attend sessions, take notes, earn credits, and leave motivated, only to return to the same challenges the next week. Most events focus on ideas instead of practical business skills, and inspiration alone does not help firms grow.  In this episode of ArchiCon Uncut, Aya Schlachter and Nikita Morrell share what they are learning as they build ArchiCon in real time, guided by feedback from a fast-growing waitlist of architects and firm owners. They explain the top topics architects asked for most, including business development and marketing, AI and emerging technology, and firm strategy, systems, and processes. The episode explains why business development and marketing are often confused, why referrals are risky, and why architects need business skills beyond design school. Aya and Nikita also discuss why interest in AI is growing and why it should be part of a firm's overall strategy. They also share what makes conference learning effective, focusing on clear takeaways, real stories, and formats that drive action, accountability, and results. If you want to understand what architects are asking for right now, what is missing from traditional architecture conferences, and how ArchiCon is being built to deliver practical learning firm owners can use immediately, this episode explains it clearly.  Key Takeaways • Architects want learning they can apply right away • Business development and marketing are different and both matter • Referrals alone are not a reliable growth strategy • AI should support firm strategy, systems, and profitability • Smaller, focused lessons lead to better action • Stories and real experiences are more memorable than slides • Conferences should create accountability, not just motivation Timestamps 00:00 – Episode snippet 00:17 – Welcome to ArchiCon Uncut 00:37 – What the waitlist data reveals 01:05 – Marketing vs business development explained 03:32 – AI is part of firm strategy 05:00 – A globally recognized AI speaker joins ArchiCon 07:27 – Learning styles that lead to action 08:45 – Why stories and mistakes stick 10:03 – The role of accountability 12:35 – How to join the waitlist: https://www.archicon2026.com/#waitlist About the Host:  Aya Shlachter is the CEO and Founder of MGS Global Group and the creator of the Architect My Life Community and Podcast. With degrees from Columbia University and NJIT, plus advanced studies at Harvard, she helps architects and designers grow their businesses while living more fulfilling lives. Outside of work, Aya is a wife, mom of two, world traveler, and recreational triathlete. Nikita Morell is a positioning and messaging strategist who works exclusively with architects. She is the only copywriter in the world who writes solely for architecture firms, helping them clarify their message, strengthen their brand, and win right-fit work. She has spoken for AIA, RIBA, Architizer, and Business of Architecture, and publishes one of the most-read newsletters in the architecture business space. Connect with Aya Shlachter: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/aya.shlachter Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aya_shlachter/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ayashlachter/ Connect with Nikita Morell: Email: hello@nikitamorell.com Website: https://nikitamorell.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nikita-morell/

    13 min
  2. Why We're Building an Unboring Conference

    28 JAN

    Why We're Building an Unboring Conference

    Most architecture events look useful, but many business owners leave without anything they can apply. People sit through heavy talks, collect credits, and go home without clear next steps. In this episode of ArchiCon Uncut, Aya Schlachter and Nikita Morell explain why they are building a different kind of conference and what they are learning in the process. Their main point is that architects also run businesses, but most events avoid topics like marketing, hiring, money, and new technology. They share why ArchiCon will take place in Melbourne, how the agenda will be shaped by real needs from the waitlist, and why they want real conversations instead of polite panels. They also explain why the environment matters, how both introverts and extroverts will be supported, and how the most useful discussions often happen away from the main stage.  If you want to understand what is missing in current architecture events and why a change is overdue, this episode lays it out in a clear and straightforward way. ArchiCon is for people who want learning they can use the next day, not just another event badge. Key Takeaways • The industry does not need another theory-heavy conference that delivers credits but no real value. • Theory without lived business experience does not help architects run companies. • A serious business conference must teach marketing, hiring, money, and technology, not just design philosophy. • "Unboring" means useful. If attendees cannot apply it on Monday, it does not belong on stage. • Introverts and extroverts both deserve formats that support real connection, not awkward networking. • Architects are business owners. The industry needs to start treating them that way. • Collaboration beats competition. Sharing knowledge grows firms faster than guarding it. •ArchiCon is for people who want to run stronger companies, take their business seriously, and get practical learning. Timestamps:  00:00 – Episode Snippet 00:21 – Welcome to ArchiCon Uncut with Aya Schlachter and Nikita Morrell 01:00 – Why build another conference? 03:18 – The value of off-stage conversations 04:38 – The origin story begins at AIA Washington DC 06:18 – Architecture schools do not teach business 08:51 – AI is widening the skills gap for firm owners 10:47 – ArchiCon will replace polite panels with real debate 12:14 –  "Unboring" means action-oriented learning 15:19 – Architecture lacks knowledge-sharing culture 16:25 – Competitors can be collaborators 17:51 – ArchiCon is not for everyone by design 19:39 – This is only the beginning About the Host:  Aya Shlachter is the CEO and Founder of MGS Global Group and the creator of the Architect My Life Community and Podcast. With degrees from Columbia University and NJIT, plus advanced studies at Harvard, she helps architects and designers grow their businesses while living more fulfilling lives. Outside of work, Aya is a wife, mom of two, world traveler, and recreational triathlete. Nikita Morell is a positioning and messaging strategist who works exclusively with architects. She is the only copywriter in the world who writes solely for architecture firms, helping them clarify their message, strengthen their brand, and win right-fit work. She has spoken for AIA, RIBA, Architizer, and Business of Architecture, and publishes one of the most-read newsletters in the architecture business space. Connect with Aya Shlachter: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/aya.shlachter Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aya_shlachter/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ayashlachter/ Connect with Nikita Morell: Email: hello@nikitamorell.com Website: https://nikitamorell.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nikita-morell/

    20 min
  • 2 Episodes

About

ArchiCon Uncut is the behind-the-scenes podcast of ArchiCon, the only unboring architecture business conference, built for architecture firms worldwide that want real outcomes, not theories or talking heads. Hosted by ArchiCon co-founders Aya Shlachter and Nikita Morell, the show explores why so many architecture conferences feel disconnected from real practice, and how ArchiCon is being designed differently for a global audience. Drawing on their experience attending and building industry events across regions, Aya and Nikita break down what architects actually want and how learning can translate into clear decisions and action inside architecture firms. Each episode dives into the conference's core themes — Business Development & Marketing, AI and emerging tech for practice, systems and processes, strategy and growth, and project management, all grounded in how firms really operate. This is a candid look (BTS) at a global conference that delivers more than CPD/LU credits — it delivers clarity and action.

Information

  • Creator
    Aya Shlachter
  • Years Active
    2K
  • Episodes
    2
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026
  • Show Website
    ArchiCon Uncut