Warren and Mahoney has announced the appointment of Principal Brad Sara as its new AI Lead, marking a significant step forward in the integration of emerging technologies within the architecture industry.

Sara will continue in his role as Digital Services Lead while taking on this newly created AI portfolio. He brings extensive experience in digital innovation and leadership, positioning him well to guide the practice through this evolving landscape.

“AI is shifting the balance of where architects spend their time, allowing for a greater focus on areas of the design process that matter most,” says Sara.

“Doing more design thinking while AI assists with certain processes, or using new data to make more informed decisions, for example, allows us to deliver projects both more efficiently and to a higher standard.”

In his expanded role, Sara will lead the development and implementation of AI across the practice, identifying opportunities where it can deliver meaningful value.

Building on his previous contributions to major projects, including Wellington’s Te Rua Archives building and the Joint Facility project between AgResearch and Lincoln University, he will collaborate closely with project teams and stakeholders to unlock new design methodologies, enhance workflows, and enable more informed decision-making.

The creation of this role signals a bold shift for the architecture sector, reflecting the firm’s belief that embedding AI leadership at a strategic level will drive more adaptive, resilient, and future-focused outcomes.

"We hope and recognise that decisions like these carry weight beyond our own studios,” John Coop, Managing Director at Warren and Mahoney says.

“Establishing an AI Lead role is about taking a proactive approach to how emerging tools shape our work and, in turn, the environments we help create”.

Image: Brad Sara / supplied

Warren and Mahoney establish new AI lead role

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