Ex-Autodesk execs snag $46M to build the next gen of architecture design

Architect-Turned-Entrepreneur Amar Hanspal Aims to Revolutionize Building Design with Motif

for decades,architects have relied on industry giants like Autodesk,wielding powerful tools like AutoCAD and Revit. Yet, Amar Hanspal, Autodesk’s former co-CEO and chief product officer, believes the architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) industry is stuck in a technological rut. Hanspal envisions a “next-generation design platform for buildings,” and that’s exactly what his latest venture, Motif, aims to deliver.

Hanspal’s journey began with a deep dive into the challenges architects face daily.frustrations abound with existing software often deemed clunky, slow, and lacking cloud integration. “It can take up to 45 minutes to process even simple edits,” Hanspal notes, highlighting the inefficiencies architects grapple with.

In 2023, Hanspal joined forces with Brian Matthews, former product CTO at Autodesk, to tackle these issues head-on. Together, thay are developing Motif, a platform poised to revolutionize building design by offering a suite of cloud-native 3D computer-aided design tools infused with machine learning and AI.

Motif’s ambitious vision has already attracted substantial investment, securing $46 million in seed and Series A funding. Capital G, Alphabet’s growth fund, led the Series A round, recognizing the immense potential of the market. Jill Chase, a partner at Capital G, explains, “It’s a very large market with outdated products.” She was especially intrigued by the technical complexities of bringing 3D architecture models to the cloud,a hurdle many competitors have stumbled upon.

beyond the technical challenges, Chase acknowledges the crucial importance of building trust with established architecture firms. “You have to have some element of trust and relationships with big architecture firms for them to even let you in the door,” she observes.

Hanspal and Matthews’ combined 40 years of experience in the AEC software industry give Motif a distinct advantage. Their deep understanding of the market, coupled with their technical expertise, positions them to disrupt the status quo. Hanspal acknowledges the magnitude of the task, comparing Motif’s development to that of design company Figma, which spent three years in stealth mode before its launch. “It’s a very big and ambitious venture that we no will take a significant amount of effort to pull off,” he states.

Motif isn’t alone in its quest to modernize AEC software. Startups like Snaptrude and Arcol are also vying for a piece of this lucrative market. However, Hanspal remains confident in Motif’s ability to succeed.”It really requires a very special team that’s willing to do the hard work,” he asserts. “I think that’s us.”

While specific details about Motif’s functionalities are still under wraps, Hanspal’s vision points toward a platform that addresses the core frustrations architects face today. Expect features designed to streamline workflows, accelerate design processes, and empower architects with cutting-edge tools for creating innovative, sustainable, and efficient buildings.

for decades, architects have relied on industry giants like Autodesk, whose software like AutoCAD and Revit has been synonymous with building design.Yet, Amar Hanspal, Autodesk’s former co-CEO and chief product officer, believes the architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) industry is stuck in a rut. He sees a pressing need for a modern,forward-thinking design platform,and that’s exactly what his latest venture,Motif,aims to deliver.

Hanspal’s journey began with a deep dive into the challenges faced by architects. His research revealed widespread frustration with existing software, often criticized for being clunky, slow, and predominantly cloud-based. “It can take up to 45 minutes to process even simple edits,” Hanspal notes, highlighting the frustrating inefficiencies architects encounter daily.

Resolute to revolutionize the industry,Hanspal joined forces with brian Matthews,a former product CTO at autodesk,in 2023. Together, they’re developing Motif, a platform promising to transform building design with a suite of cloud-native 3D computer-aided design tools powered by machine learning and AI.

Motif’s ambitious vision has already garnered substantial attention, securing $46 million in seed and Series A funding. Capital G,Alphabet’s growth fund,led the Series A round,recognizing the immense potential of this market. Jill Chase, a partner at Capital G, explains, “It’s a very large market with outdated products.” Chase was particularly impressed by Motif’s technical prowess in bringing 3D architecture models to the cloud, a hurdle that has stumped numerous competitors.

Motif: Aiming for a Paradigm Shift in Architecture & Engineering Software

The architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) industry is ripe for disruption.For years, the sector has relied on outdated software tools that hinder collaboration and efficiency. Enter Motif, a new startup aiming to revolutionize the way AEC professionals work.

Stepping into this challenging market, Motif is not simply building another software product. They’re creating a fundamentally new approach to design, one that leverages the power of modern technology to empower AEC professionals.

“You have to have some element of trust and relationships with big architecture firms for them to even let you in the door,” observes Chase, highlighting the importance of building trust with established players in the industry.

Motif brings a unique advantage to the table: a leadership team with over 40 years of combined experience in the AEC software industry.this deep understanding of the market, coupled with their technical expertise, positions them to effectively challenge the status quo.

The company’s founder, Hanspal, acknowledges the immense challenge ahead, comparing Motif’s development to that of design company Figma, which spent three years in stealth mode before its launch. “It’s a very big and ambitious venture that we know will take a significant amount of effort to pull off,” he states.

Motif isn’t alone in this pursuit.Startups like Snaptrude and Arcol are also vying for a share of this lucrative market. But Hanspal remains confident. “It really requires a very special team that is willing to do the hard work,” he asserts. “I think that’s us.”

Motif’s journey will undoubtedly be a transformative one for the AEC industry.

What Lies Ahead for motif and the AEC Industry?

The question remains: is the AEC industry ready for a basic shift in its approach to design software?

Whether they’re willing to embrace the change or not, the AEC industry is on the brink of a new era. With its innovative approach and ambitious vision, Motif is poised to play a pivotal role in this transformation.

In the coming years, we can expect to see Motif pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in AEC design software. Their dedication to empowering professionals, fostering collaboration, and driving efficiency will undoubtedly shape the future of the industry.

What are the key challenges facing the AEC industry that Motif aims to address?

Architect-Turned-Entrepreneur Amar Hanspal Aims to Revolutionize Building Design with Motif

An Interview with Amar Hanspal, Founder & CEO of Motif

Amar Hanspal’s name is synonymous with innovation in the architectural software industry. As Autodesk’s former Co-CEO and Chief Product officer, he led the advancement of some of the industry’s most popular tools. But Hanspal believes the AEC sector is due for a radical transformation. His latest venture, motif, aims to rewrite the rules of building design with a cloud-native 3D platform powered by machine learning and AI.

We caught up with Hanspal to discuss Motif’s vision, the challenges facing the AEC industry, and the future of architecture.

Archyde: Amar, you’ve spent years at the helm of industry giants like Autodesk. What prompted you to leave and embark on this new journey with Motif?

Amar Hanspal: I believe the AEC industry is at a crossroads. For decades, architects have relied on powerful tools like AutoCAD and Revit, but these platforms haven’t kept pace with the demands of a rapidly evolving world. Thay’re frequently enough clunky, slow, and lack the cloud integration necessary for seamless collaboration in today’s connected world.

Seeing these challenges firsthand, I felt a compelling need to create something truly innovative. Motif is that something—a next-generation design platform built from the ground up to empower architects with the tools they need to create better, more lasting buildings with unprecedented speed and efficiency.

Archyde: What sets Motif apart from existing AEC software?

Hanspal: Motif is fundamentally different. We’re building a cloud-native platform that leverages the power of machine learning and AI to streamline workflows, accelerate design processes, and provide architects with real-time insights.

Imagine being able to get instant feedback on your designs,automatically generate construction documents,and collaborate seamlessly with colleagues from anywhere in the world—that’s the kind of future we’re creating with Motif.

Archyde: It’s clear that Motif has garnered significant interest from investors, securing a considerable funding round. What’s been the key to attracting such support?

Hanspal: The AEC industry is ripe for disruption, and investors recognise the immense potential of what we’re building. Our vision resonates with those who understand the need for modern, efficient solutions in this sector. Our team’s deep experience in the industry, combined with our ambitious vision and the adoption of cutting-edge technology, has undoubtedly played a crucial role in securing this investment.

Archyde: You mentioned AI and machine learning. Can you elaborate on how these technologies will be integrated into Motif?

Hanspal: AI will be woven throughout the entire Motif platform. Imagine tools that can automatically generate construction drawings, optimize designs for energy efficiency, or even predict potential construction challenges before they arise. We’re harnessing the power of machine learning to automate tedious tasks, provide real-time insights, and ultimately empower architects to focus on what they do best—creative problem-solving and designing exceptional spaces.

Archyde: what’s next for Motif? What can we expect to see in the coming months and years?

Hanspal: We’re currently in an active development phase, refining our platform and building out a suite of powerful tools that we’ll be rolling out in stages. We’re committed to working closely with architects and industry partners to ensure that Motif truly meets their evolving needs. Our goal is to become the go-to platform for the next generation of design professionals,enabling them to create a more sustainable and innovative built environment.

Archyde: This sounds incredibly ambitious. Do you have a message for those architects who might be hesitant to embrace new technology?

Hanspal: The future of architecture is digital, and those who embrace these changes will be the ones who thrive. Motif isn’t about simply updating existing tools; it’s about reimagining the entire design process. We’re here to empower architects to work smarter, not harder, and to unleash their creative potential.

what are your thoughts? Is the AEC industry ready for a paradigm shift in design software? Share your comments below!