Architecture Business Club with Jon Clayton

Jon Clayton welcomes Tim Lewis, a seasoned podcaster and content creator who's been exploring AI and automation. Together, they discuss the distinctions between AI and automation, practical applications in day-to-day business, and the benefits of locally hosted AI over cloud-based tools. They also address common fears about AI replacing jobs. Gain valuable insights on leveraging AI for tasks like image and video generation, project management, and client presentations. Tim shares various tools and strategies to enhance productivity and maintain privacy when using AI. Learn how AI can help you build a better, more efficient business.
Today’s Guest
Tim Lewis is a long term podcaster and content creator. Tim’s background is in books and publishing, but he’s recently deep dived into AI Automation and AI Image and Video Generation, and how it can be used to help small business owners in their day to day work.
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Episode Highlights
00:00 Introduction
00:54 Meet Tim Lewis: AI and Automation Expert
01:40 What's The Difference Between AI and Automation Tools?
03:10 Practical Examples of AI in Automation
04:19 AI's Role in Simplifying Tasks
06:37 There's More To AI Than ChatGPT
07:35 Use Cases for AI Tools for Architects
10:23 Advanced AI Tools for Visualisation
12:18 Organizing Information with AI
14:22 Locally Hosted AI vs. Cloud-Based AI
16:51 Privacy and Security in AI
22:59 Using AI for Client Presentations
24:26 Should We Be Worried About AI Replacing Us
28:55 Embracing AI and Automation
29:43 Additional AI Tools and Resources
30:38 Connecting with Tim Lewis
31:12 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
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Key Takeaways
AI and automation are different tools that work together
AI is like a computer programme that thinks a bit like a human. It can look at a picture and tell you what's in it, or help you create images and videos. Automation is different - it's about setting up steps that happen automatically, like "when I get an email, add it to a spreadsheet." The exciting part is when you put them together. AI can now do the thinking parts that used to need a person, which makes automation much more powerful.
You can use AI for more than just writing
Most people think AI is only good for writing text, but that's just the start. You can use AI to create pictures and videos from your sketches, organise your notes and research, and even make presentations faster. For example, if you draw a simple building sketch, AI can turn it into a realistic image showing what it would look like in real life. This is really helpful if you work with designs or need to show ideas to clients.
AI won't replace you, but someone using AI might
You don't need to worry about robots taking your job. But you should pay attention to other business owners who are learning to use AI tools. They can work faster, finish projects quicker, and offer better prices because AI helps them save time. The key is to start learning about these tools now, so you can use them to do the boring tasks faster and spend more time on the important work you enjoy.
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Jon Clayton reflects on the challenges and achievements of 2025, highlighting milestones in his podcasting journey and personal life. Jon shares his Christmas break activities, introduces a new service aimed at enhancing your online presence, and outlines exciting updates for the Architecture Business Club in 2026, including fortnightly episodes, YouTube content, and potential sponsorships. He invites listeners to contribute their thoughts and challenges to shape future content, all while offering a special gift to kick-start the New Year.
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Episode Highlights
00:00 Introduction
02:05 Personal Highlights of 2025
02:48 Christmas Break Activities
03:34 Exciting New Service Announcement
03:50 What's New for Architecture Business Club in 2026
05:41 Special Gift for the New Year
07:42 Engage with Us and Share Your Challenges
08:21 Wrapping Up and What's Next
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Key Takeaways
It is good to look back and learn from the past year. Jon shares both the hard times and the happy moments from 2025 - it’s normal to have ups and downs.
Trying new things and making changes can help you grow. This show is adding video episodes, changing how often episodes come out, and offering new services - being open to change can bring new opportunities.
Staying connected with your audience is important. Jon invites you to share your challenges and ideas, and encourages you to subscribe and join in, so you can be part of this community.
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Subscribe on YouTube (for upcoming video episodes!) 📺
Send a Voicemail to the show (we listen to every message!) 📢
Curious about podcasting? Click here to book a chat with Jon 🎧
Follow or Connect with Jon on LinkedIn 🤝
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👇 And if you enjoyed this episode…
Please leave a 5-star review or rating wherever you listen to podcasts, and don’t forget to hit the subscribe button so you never miss an episode.
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Next Episode
Jon is joined by Tim Lewis to explore the difference between AI and Automation.

Jon Clayton delivers a brief special episode to thank listeners for their support. He shares notable statistics from 2025, including the release of 52 episodes, the 100th episode celebration in September, and record downloads in October. He also recounts the top three episodes of the year based on download numbers, highlighting listener favourites. Jon encourages you to take a break from the podcast to enjoy the festive season.
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Episode Highlights
00:00 Introduction and Holiday Greetings
00:35 Podcast Achievements and Milestones
01:29 Top Episodes of 2025
02:57 Future Plans and Guest Invitations
03:54 Holiday Sign-Off and Advice
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Key Takeaways
Keep Going, Even When It’s Hard
If you keep working on something, like making a podcast every week, you can reach big goals. You might even do better than most people if you don’t give up.
People Like to Hear Real Stories
When you share true stories about your life or work, others want to listen. You can help people by telling them what you have learned and what you have gone through.
Take Time for Family and Friends
It’s good to stop working sometimes and spend time with people you care about. You should enjoy special days, like Christmas, with your family and friends.
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Subscribe on YouTube (for upcoming video episodes!) 📺
Send a Voicemail to the show (we listen to every message!) 📢
Curious about podcasting? Click here to book a chat with Jon 🎧
Follow or Connect with Jon on LinkedIn 🤝
—
👇 And if you enjoyed this episode…
Please leave a 5-star review or rating wherever you listen to podcasts, and don’t forget to hit the subscribe button so you never miss an episode.
—
Next Episode
Tune in next week for a New Year's episode previewing 2026.

In this episode of Architecture Business Club, hosted by Jon Clayton, productivity mentor Louise Miller joins to discuss a new definition of productivity that focuses on doing what's important rather than doing more in less time. Key topics include the importance of creating space over relying on systems, how productivity begins before taking action, and why recognising capacity can prevent burnout. The episode also explores practical strategies like taking a pause to reassess goals and the benefits of changing environments. Louise's insights are aimed at helping business owners achieve more with a sense of fulfilment and well-being.
Today’s Guest
Louise Miller is a productivity mentor, the founder of Make It Happen Club and host of the Unfrazzle podcast. She’s on a mission to change the world by helping her clients change the world. She partners with coaches, consultants and community-builders who have a big, exciting vision, helping them land their ideas in reality, reach more people and make a bigger impact, whilst being kind to themselves along the way.
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Episode Highlights
00:00 Introduction to Productivity
00:42 Meet Louise Miller
01:30 Challenging Traditional Productivity
02:26 The Importance of Doing What's Important
03:21 The Busy Trap
04:34 Productivity Before Action
04:45 The Treehouse Analogy
09:32 The Progress Cycle
10:56 Space vs. Systems
11:47 The Chaos of Systems
14:23 The Emotional Weight of Productivity
15:52 The Vicious Cycle of To-Do Lists
17:04 Six Pillars of Productivity
17:44 The Life-Friendly Approach
19:01 The Rhythm of Productivity
19:30 The Neuroscience of Productivity
22:50 The Real Reasons for Not Getting Things Done
25:23 The Power of the Treehouse
29:49 Final Thoughts and Resources
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Key Takeaways
Prioritise Space and Reflection Over Constant Action
True productivity is not about relentless activity or doing more in less time, but about creating space to pause, reflect, and make intentional choices. Taking time to step back. Louise’s “treehouse” analogy allows for clarity, better decision-making, and prevents the cycle of busywork and burnout.
Focus on What’s Important, Not Just What’s Urgent
Productivity isn’t simply ticking off tasks. Instead, it’s about identifying and working on what truly matters, rather than being caught up in the “busy trap”. This means aligning your actions with your values and long-term goals, and letting go of tasks that do not serve your bigger purpose.
Systems Are Secondary to Self-Awareness and Capacity
While productivity systems and tools can be helpful, they are not a cure-all. If you’re overwhelmed or unclear, new systems will only organise your chaos. The real key is self-awareness: understanding your own needs, capacity, and life context, and building a rhythm of regular reflection. Productivity is personal. Experiment to find what works for you, and don’t feel broken if someone else’s method doesn’t fit.
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Take Louise’s Productivity Quiz 🖥️
Curious...

Want to streamline your least favourite tasks? In this episode of Architecture Business Club, host Jon Clayton explores innovative ways to leverage AI for automating routine and time-consuming tasks in architecture. Joined by Bryon McCartney, CEO of Archmark, the discussion covers identifying tasks AI can optimise, the Teach framework for deciding what to automate, and practical tips for training AI to match your unique tone. Bryon shares insights on creating efficient workflows using AI, recounts his experiences enhancing his agency's profitability through AI integration, and underscores the importance of starting small for those new to AI. Additionally, the episode details Bryon's approach to building an AI-powered advisory board and a successful workshop using AI tools, emphasising the role of AI in freeing up time for creative and strategic work.
Today’s Guest
Today's guest is Bryon McCartney, CEO of Archmark, a leading business coaching, branding, and marketing firm working exclusively with architecture firms. Bryon has more than 35 years of experience and has led digital marketing initiatives for Calvin Klein, General Motors Europe, Lipton Foods, and many others. He has founded and led six successful creative service firms since 2002 and has helped more than 5,000 architects transform their practices. He's the only Business Made Simple, Small Business Flight School, and StoryBrand certified coach serving the architecture industry, and he's on a mission to help 10,000 firm leaders by 2030.
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Episode Highlights
00:00 Introduction: Tackling Your To-Do List with AI
00:47 Welcome to Architecture Business Club
01:06 Meet Bryon McCartney: Transforming Architecture Firms
01:51 The Power of AI in Architecture
05:42 Identifying Tasks for AI Automation
06:04 Streamlining Meeting Notes and Emails with AI
11:20 The TEACH Framework for AI Automation
14:37 Treating AI Like a Summer Intern
20:17 Balancing Instructions for AI
21:14 Five-Step Formula for Writing AI Prompts
22:59 Creating a Blog Post with AI
24:39 Structuring Your AI Prompts
25:15 Avoiding Common AI Pitfalls
26:11 AI's Impact on Agency Profitability
26:32 Early Experiences with AI
27:13 Adopting AI Tools in Business
28:07 Streamlining Client Onboarding with AI
29:54 AI-Powered Workshops and Presentations
31:29 Efficiency Gains and Profitability Boost
31:49 Using AI in Podcast Production
32:40 Building an AI Advisory Board
35:38 Getting Started with AI
39:10 Choosing the Right AI Tools
41:00 Creating AI-Powered Workshops
46:05 Final Thoughts on AI Integration
50:15 Connecting with Bryon McCartney
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Key Takeaways
View AI as a powerful tool to free up your time by automating repetitive and routine tasks. By letting AI handle admin, meeting notes, and standard email responses, you can focus more on creative and strategic work that you truly enjoy.
You need to approach AI like you would a summer intern: provide clear instructions, context, and feedback. AI is not a magic solution; it requires you to define what a good result looks like and to iterate, refining your prompts and expectations as you go.
You will benefit most from AI if you start small, choosing tasks you know well and can clearly explain. As you build confidence, you can gradually integrate AI into more areas of your work and life, ultimately gaining a competitive edge and improving your efficiency.
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