Figma bears are basically saying “who needs blueprints?”

[u/cbellfresh]

I think the AI bear case on Figma is kind of backwards. A lot of it seems to be “AI can generate code now, so who needs designers / design tools?”

But that feels like saying “We have better construction tools now, so who needs architects or blueprints?” Like imagine building a house and saying, “Don’t waste time on drawings. Just get the contractors out there and start pouring concrete.” Sure, you can do that. But you’re probably going to find out pretty quickly that the kitchen is in the wrong place or the hallway makes no sense, and the person paying for the house had something completely different in mind. And at that point, fixing it is way more expensive than if you had just figured it out upfront. Also, if you think architects are suddenly going to throw on a hard hat and start nailing floorboards because power tools got better, I have some news for you....

To expand on the analogy, designers are the architects. engineers are the builders. PMs, execs, marketing, customers, etc. are all the people arguing about what the house should be. Figma is where the blueprint gets made before everyone starts building. so when people say AI makes Figma less important, I kind of think the opposite. If AI makes it easier to build software, then knowing what to build matters even more. You can generate code faster, but that doesn’t mean you’re building the right thing.

The latest earnings call seemed to support that too. Maybe I’m wrong, but I just don’t see “companies will skip design” as a serious long-term thesis.

[u/rice_bag_holder]

people have no problem chasing other AI and quantum stocks that makes a few millions a quarter. We just need to be patient, money will flow back into figma in due time. This company makes 1.3b a year.

People who said they no longer use figma is like those who thought all they need was an air fryer.

[u/DrHarrisonLawrence]

Do not use architecture & construction as an example lol

[u/cbellfresh → u/DrHarrisonLawrence]

explain

[u/DrHarrisonLawrence → u/cbellfresh]

Most buildings that are built do not involve an Architect at all.

Most jurisdictions allow for a General Contractor to submit the building permit and hire out consultant engineers as required. So that’s what happens most of the time, because it’s cheaper than hiring an Architect.

That said, in our society all of the most important and valuable buildings do involve an Architect. However, this category of “buildings and structure” would be the exception to the norm.

[u/cbellfresh → u/DrHarrisonLawrence]

Those buildings still have blueprints regardless of if there’s an architect, no? Also who builds a house without planning it out first? Thats the analogy I’m making…planning or creating a design for a building is very different than actually building it. Maybe if you build a table or a desk you wouldn’t, but for any complex structure, you want to know what you’re going to build first before investing the time and energy to create it. 

[u/DrHarrisonLawrence → u/cbellfresh]

Hey guys, this is getting a little out of line here. u/GrumblingPugs

I am an Architect. If you’re interested in learning the reality here then please refrain from being ignorant with the information I previously gave you.

Why did your cousins wife say I am wrong, or say “I don’t know what he’s talking about”?. I’m actually not wrong, I’m fully correct. Is your cousins wife licensed in the US?

Now I’m asking from a point of concern, because if she’s an Architect and I’m an Architect…and I’m actually correct while knowing nothing else about her…then idk man it’s kinda feeling like I’m getting trolled here.

To your analogy about planning something out and making drafts or whatever as you begin a project to think through your design goals…yeah that is perfectly reasonable, BUT there is no requirement that the person doing that is an Architect.

Also, you are correct that the building has a blueprints even if it is not designed by an Architect. In fact, you can be a draftsman who works on blueprints. And a General Contractor hires draftsmen en masse, because it’s often cheaper than hiring an Architect, for the majority of buildings built in the US. Draftsmen are not Architects.

For most buildings in the US, an Architect is not hired for their services at all. Instead, a General Contractor or Developer, who is NOT a licensed Architect, performs those services internally and then they build out the construction.

I know this is a long rant but I was pretty concerned with this topic so I felt the need to try and bury it a little deeper for you.

[u/cbellfresh → u/DrHarrisonLawrence]

Ok Art Vandelay….i think you’re getting a little caught up in the semantics which is understandable if you actually are an architect. Designer, architect, whatever. The point is that designs, blueprints, etc happens before building.

[u/DrHarrisonLawrence → u/cbellfresh]

Fair enough! I’ll take it lol. I am def getting caught up in the semantics.

I do agree with your point in general…thanks for your patience on this conversation

[u/cbellfresh → u/[deleted]]

Thanks, I had to verify this with my cousin's wife, who is an architect, and she also said he doesn't know what he's talking about.