Almost 20 years ago, Al Dram, a college student, developed a thesis focused on software that could generate architectural design documents for schools. Although following a family tradition in architecture, his true passion lay in technology.
However, there was a hurdle: the necessary technology was nonexistent at that time.
“Then ChatGPT was launched,” Dram reflected, referencing the introduction of the AI chatbot by OpenAI in November 2022 that employs large language models.
Dram’s long-held concept suddenly appeared to be feasible. Within six months, he established Blueprints AI, a startup leveraging AI to swiftly produce code-compliant and permit-ready construction blueprints from basic 2D sketches or PDF files.
Incorporated in Santa Monica in 2025 alongside co-founder Coco Cao, Blueprints AI has been selected for the 2026 Startup Battlefield 200, an exclusive group of promising early-stage startups showcased at the TechCrunch Disrupt event happening from October 13 to 15 in San Francisco.
Throughout the two decades leading to the creation of Blueprints AI, Dram obtained both his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in architecture from the University of Tehran and completed two years of PhD courses in digital design at the European Graduate School in Switzerland. He then relocated to the United States and founded an architecture firm, Drams Design-Build, in 2018. In 2021, after acquiring a general contractor’s license, he expanded into construction.
Despite his successes, Dram felt unfulfilled.
“I wondered if I could create new projects that truly impacted people’s lives, but I realized it wouldn’t resonate on a large scale,” he explained. “What excites me about technology is its potential for significant impact, the time saved, and the energy conserved by reducing repetitive tasks.”
At Disrupt, Blueprints AI will present its enhanced second-generation software. Dram and Cao believe this update will significantly affect the industry by handling the tedious drafting tasks that consume most architects’ time.
“This will allow architects to focus on design, creating better living spaces,” Dram said, noting that architects typically allocate around 80% of their time to drafting and only 20% to design. “I aim to reverse that ratio.”
Dram met Cao, a data scientist from Hong Kong, at an AI conference years ago, and together they combined their expertise to launch the company. Cao serves as the chief commercial officer, overseeing sales and market strategies.
Their models were trained using eight years of approved drawing sets from Dram’s ongoing design and construction firm.
The first version of their software can generate architectural construction documents and is available at a monthly fee ranging from $3,200 to $8,500, with custom pricing available for larger enterprises.
With the upcoming second-generation software, users will be able to start with a project description or sketch and develop comprehensive blueprints covering all elements of a building, including architecture, structural, mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and interior design. This version allows for project design modifications, ensuring that any change automatically updates the entire document in compliance with local building regulations.
Early users are already testing the second version, which will be made publicly available this week. Dram mentioned that they are already gearing up for a third iteration that will incorporate structural analysis and electrical panel design.
According to the co-founders, the technology does not eliminate the need for licensed architects. These professionals will still review the generated documents and provide their seal before submission for permits, ensuring that human oversight remains in place.
Blueprints AI aims to serve two primary markets: professional architecture, engineering, and design firms, as well as developers and real estate owners. The software is offered via subscription, with potential plans for a one-time flat-fee option for clients needing it for single projects.
To discover more about Blueprints AI, explore numerous other startups, and gain insights from key speakers like RJ Scaringe of Rivian and Amjad Masad of Replit, join us at TechCrunch Disrupt, which kicks off Tuesday in downtown San Francisco.
