Matthias Hollwich, Founder, HWKN Architecture
From Barriers to Entry by SANDOW Design Group, digby, and SURROUND
March 25, 2026 · 43 min · Season 4 · Episode 1
About this episode
Matthias Hollwich discusses the need for the architecture industry to adopt a startup mentality in the age of AI.
Architecture as a Startup Season 4 opens with a milestone moment: Andrew Lane’s first solo episode as host . With a little encouragement from Producer Rob, Andrew welcomes back friend of the show Matthias Hollwich , founder of HWKN Architecture , for a conversation about why the architecture industry may need to reinvent itself entirely. Matthias argues that today every architecture firm needs to think like a startup . With AI transforming design tools and workflows at breakneck speed, his studio has embraced rapid experimentation—running internal AI sprints, rewriting their design process every few months, and using generative tools to explore entirely new forms of architecture. Andrew and Matthias discuss how AI is reshaping everything from design research to client collaboration, how new technologies can unlock more emotional and human-centered architecture, and why this moment may allow architects to reclaim influence over the future of the built environment. Connect with our host, Andrew Lane, on LinkedIn Follow Matthias Hollwich on LinkedIn References and resources HWKN Architecture Get in touch with us at bte@sandowdesign.com Discover more shows from SURROUND at…
People in this episode
Host: Andrew Lane
Guest: Matthias Hollwich
Topics covered
- architecture
- AI in design
- startup mentality
- human-centered design
- innovation in architecture
Keywords
- architecture
- AI
- design process
- generative tools
- innovation
- client collaboration
- emotional architecture
Sponsors
Arktura
Mentioned in this episode
Organizations: HWKN Architecture, SANDOW Design Group, SURROUND, Rob Schulte
More episodes of Barriers to Entry
- The Future Mundane with Nick Foster RDI · June 12, 2026 · 38 min
- Stacy Thorwart, Founder, The Intelligent Designer · June 3, 2026 · 49 min
- Michael Villegas, Design Director, IA Interior Architects · May 20, 2026 · 48 min
- Harvey Schaefer, Senior Program Manager, Machine Learning & AI, MillerKnoll · May 6, 2026 · 43 min
- Kellan Shanahan, Lead Product Designer, Arktura · April 22, 2026 · 38 min
- Caroline Murphy, Design Engagement Strategist, SANDOW · April 8, 2026 · 40 min
Explore listener stats, chart rankings, contacts and more on the Barriers to Entry podcast page.