In the fast-evolving intersection of artificial intelligence and design, ARKI emerges as a trailblazing platform poised to redefine how architects and construction professionals approach their work. Co-founded by architect Natalia Bakaeva and software engineer Mehdi Karamnejad, ARKI is an AI-powered search platform tailored specifically for the construction industry, designed to turn dormant data into actionable insights.
ARKI’s story began with Natalia’s frustrations during her architectural career. She spent countless hours manually searching for past project data, redrawing elements, and navigating fragmented workflows. This inefficiency illuminated a critical gap in the industry: vast amounts of past design data remained untapped, buried in inaccessible formats.
“I saw firsthand how much valuable knowledge was going unused,” says Natalia recognizing the potential of AI, she and Mehdi envisioned a platform that could transform these inefficiencies into opportunities. ARKI—a tool that makes internal data searchable and usable, empowering architects to design smarter, faster, and more sustainable. This is more than just a search tool; it’s a design companion. The platform enables architects to seamlessly access and reuse past project data using natural language search. This capability allows professionals to integrate validated architectural details into new designs effortlessly. ARKI’s North
Star to become an operating system and system of record for the construction industry.
One of ARKI’s standout features is its integration with Autodesk Revit, Architecture Engineering & Construction design software with a massive 40% market share. This integration ensures that firms can quickly generate compliant, aesthetically appealing designs while maintaining control over proprietary data. Security is a top priority for ARKI, with each firm’s data remaining exclusively theirs, fostering both innovation and peace of mind.
Since the latest launch of ARKI , the platform has gained significant traction. Over 10 architectural firms have adopted it, 10,000+ assets uploaded and an additional 130+ firms are in the pipeline to explore its potential. Paid pilot programs are underway, and early adopters have been vocal about ARKI’s transformative impact.
“The feedback has been phenomenal,” Natalia shares. “Our users appreciate that we deliver exactly what we promise—streamlined workflows and enhanced productivity.” ARKI’s launch comes at a pivotal moment as artificial intelligence is increasingly reshaping the architecture and construction industries. Natalia and Mehdi believe AI’s influence will only grow, automating repetitive tasks, optimizing resources, and ensuring compliance.
“AI-powered tools like ARKI unlock the value of historical data, allowing architects to avoid errors, make informed decisions, and focus on creativity” – Mehdi Karamnejad
The duo also foresees AI playing a significant role in addressing the housing crisis in North America, streamlining processes to make construction more efficient and affordable. ARKI is not slowing down. With the release of the ARKI Collaborative Collections, the platform is enhancing team collaboration and offering deeper insights through advanced AI capabilities. The startup is also experimenting with AI agents that can perform repetitive tasks, freeing architects to concentrate on design innovation.
The team is currently fundraising to expand their operations, develop new features, and deepen integrations with industry tools. Their ultimate goal? To position ARKI as the go-to system-of-record platform for the construction industry.
“We envision a future where architectural knowledge isn’t siloed or lost but becomes a driving force for innovation and construction efficiency,” Natalia concludes. As ARKI continues to evolve, one thing is clear: this AI-powered platform is paving the way for more efficient, sustainable, and collaborative work in the construction industry.
