Autodesk's former co-CEO and chief product officer, Amar Hanspal, has embarked on a mission to transform the architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) industry with his latest startup, Motif. The company has just raised $46 million in funding to develop a next-generation design platform for buildings, marking a significant shift in the industry's reliance on 20th-century tools.

Hanspal's extensive experience in the AEC technology space, including 20 years at Autodesk, has given him a unique perspective on the industry's shortcomings. He notes that architects are still using outdated software that is not cloud-based and can take up to 45 minutes to process even simple edits. This frustration has driven Hanspal to create Motif, which he describes as a "next-generation design platform for buildings."

In 2023, Hanspal teamed up with Brian Matthews, former product CTO at Autodesk, to work on Motif. The startup's first product, expected to be released in the first half of this year, will offer a set of cloud-native 3D computer-aided design tools that incorporate machine learning and AI elements. This innovative approach aims to revolutionize the AEC industry, which has been slow to adopt modern technologies.

The $46 million funding round, comprising seed and Series A investments, was led by Capital G, Alphabet's growth fund, and Redpoint Ventures, respectively. Capital G partner Jill Chase, who led the Series A round, was drawn to Motif's potential to disrupt the AEC software market, which she believes is ripe for innovation. Chase notes that the industry's existing tools are outdated, and the technical complexity of putting 3D architecture models in the cloud has hindered progress.

In addition to the engineering challenges, Chase acknowledges that building trust with big architecture firms is crucial for Motif's success. She believes that Hanspal and Matthews' combined 40 years of experience in the AEC software industry will be instrumental in establishing these relationships and driving adoption.

Hanspal is aware that Motif's ambitious venture will require significant effort and time. He compares Motif's journey to that of design company Figma, which was in stealth mode for three years before releasing its product. Despite the challenges, Hanspal is confident that Motif has the best chance of winning in this market, citing the team's willingness to do the hard work necessary to achieve their vision.

Motif is not alone in its pursuit to disrupt AEC software. Other startups, such as Snaptrude and Arcol, are also vying for a share of the market. However, with its experienced leadership and significant funding, Motif is well-positioned to make a meaningful impact on the industry.

As the AEC industry continues to evolve, Motif's innovative approach and commitment to modernizing design tools could have far-reaching implications for architects, engineers, and construction professionals. With its sights set on revolutionizing the industry, Motif is poised to become a major player in the AEC software market.