Becoming an Architect in the Age of AI: The Value of Thoughtful Work
A Friendly Warning:
This blog post discusses some potentially uncomfortable truths about workplace changes driven by AI. While parts might initially feel pessimistic or challenging, I promise an optimistic and encouraging conclusion. My aim is to inspire reflection, not fear.
In my previous post, I shared a deep sadness I’ve felt for many years: observing a noticeable lack of care and craftsmanship among some junior analysts and trainees. Coming from a German cultural background, I was always taught the importance of doing things properly. My grandmother frequently reminded me: „Mach es gescheit.“ It means not just completing a task but doing it thoughtfully and carefully. It means doing more than what’s merely acceptable, even if nobody else notices.
Throughout my professional career, whether building security monitoring teams at large corporations or helping banks in Frankfurt establish their security operations centers, I’ve consistently observed around 20% of any workforce tends to underperform. They finish tasks superficially and depend heavily on the effort and care of more motivated colleagues. It puzzled me how these individuals could comfortably provide minimal value, despite receiving a good salary. Although disappointing, this didn’t seem critical until recently.
My recent experiments with AI have shifted my perspective significantly. AI and large language models excel at repetitive, clearly-defined tasks — the very tasks typically handled by employees who aren’t truly invested in what they’re doing. My experience has shown that while AI-generated outputs frequently still require human oversight and refinement, they are already impressive, consistent, and efficient.
This realization led me to a clear analogy involving architects, construction engineers, and construction workers:
Imagine building a house. Traditionally, we have the architect who sets the vision, a construction engineer who translates designs into technical details, and construction workers who execute repetitive tasks. Many people historically occupied construction worker roles — not necessarily because these tasks were simpler or safer, but simply because these jobs were plentiful due to market demand.
AI is rapidly changing this dynamic. Tasks traditionally performed by construction workers — repetitive and clearly-defined tasks — are easily taken over by AI. Similarly, structured tasks handled by construction engineers, such as calculations and technical assessments, are increasingly managed by AI as well. However, the role of the architect remains critical: the architect provides creative vision, sets goals, thoughtfully reviews outcomes, and ensures everything aligns with the intended objectives. This is something AI currently cannot do and will likely struggle with for the foreseeable future.
Importantly, this does not mean that the human “construction workers” themselves will become obsolete. On the contrary, many workers, craftsmen, and tradespeople possess remarkable creativity, insight, and dedication. Many people without formal education are excellent planners, visionary entrepreneurs, and meticulous craftsmen. Their skills will always remain valuable — provided they embrace a mindset focused on careful and thoughtful work.
The challenge isn’t education or seniority — it’s motivation and care. AI will replace careless, distracted, and unmotivated work, but it cannot replace people who consistently reflect on their tasks, creatively solve problems, and review outcomes meticulously. In this new reality, everyone who cares about the quality and creativity of their work can become an “architect,” whether they’re designing skyscrapers, gazebos, or even public toilets.
If you’ve approached your work carelessly or distractedly, this post should serve as a wake-up call — not a threat, but an opportunity. AI isn’t here to make humans obsolete; it’s here to free us from tedious tasks, increasing overall value in the economy and improving quality of life. Historically, technological advancements always increased overall economic productivity. Just as automation drastically reduced food prices over the past century, AI will significantly lower the cost of basic goods and services. Our careful, thoughtful work will thus become even more valuable, enhancing our overall living standards.
In this new landscape, the work of architects — the visionaries, the thoughtful reviewers, the careful planners — will not only remain irreplaceable but will become even more essential. These roles demand genuine creativity, insight, and meticulous care, skills that AI cannot fully replicate.
Here’s my simple survival guide for thriving in an AI-supported world:
• Reflect deeply on your work and do tasks carefully — even when no one notices.
• Start thinking like an architect: Develop a clear vision, set thoughtful goals, and understand how each task contributes to the bigger picture.
• Embrace the reality of AI: recognize that AI frees you from tedious tasks, increasing overall value in the economy and improving quality of life. Do not fear or fight it; instead, shape it to your advantage.
If nothing else, let this blog post be an anchor — something you remember as AI continues to reshape the workplace. This isn’t about perfection; it’s simply about caring and doing thoughtful, intentional work. Many of you already have this mindset. Continue to develop it, and you’ll not only remain relevant, but actively shape the future around you.
