Eitan Tsarfati leads Swapp as its Founder and CEO, revolutionizing the architecture industry with artificial intelligence. Based in Israel, he combines his architectural expertise with entrepreneurial drive to create tools that free architects from tedious tasks. Tsarfati’s work has a significant impact on the Middle East and beyond, where rapid urban development necessitates efficient planning. He envisions a future where architects focus on creativity rather than paperwork, making buildings smarter and more sustainable. His journey from city architect to tech innovator inspires many in the region.
Eitan Tsarfati grew up in Israel, a place buzzing with innovation and ancient history. From a young age, he showed interest in design and building. He pursued architecture, honing skills that would later fuel his career. Tsarfati worked as an architect at the Tel Aviv municipality, where he dealt with real-world urban challenges. This hands-on experience taught him the frustrations of traditional methods, like endless documentation and delays.
To sharpen his business acumen, Tsarfati attended Harvard Business School’s management programme. There, he learnt to blend creativity with strategy. He often recalls how these classes opened his eyes to entrepreneurship. “I am passionate about building companies that make an impact on the world,” he shares on his LinkedIn profile. This education bridged his design background with tech savvy, setting the stage for his ventures.
Career Beginnings
Tsarfati started his professional path in architecture, tackling projects in Tel Aviv’s dynamic cityscape. He saw firsthand how manual processes slowed progress. Architects spent hours on drawings and models, leaving little time for innovation. This insight sparked his entrepreneurial spirit.
He founded his first startup, CmyCasa, which focused on architectural tools. The company caught Autodesk’s attention, leading to a successful acquisition. This exit marked Tsarfati as a serial entrepreneur. He gained valuable lessons in building teams and scaling ideas. “There’s no one to blame but yourself in startups,” he said in a podcast, reflecting on the accountability that comes with leadership.
After the sale, Tsarfati didn’t rest. He dived deeper into technology, exploring how AI could transform architecture. His experiences fuelled a desire to solve industry pain points, like labour shortages and inefficiencies.
Founding Swapp
In 2019, Tsarfati co-founded Swapp with Adi Shavit, aiming to automate architectural planning. Swapp uses AI to generate detailed construction documents and BIM models in minutes, slashing time on repetitive work. As CEO, Tsarfati guides the company with a designer’s soul and a builder’s mindset.
He assembled a team of veteran entrepreneurs, including CTO Adi Shavit and others with deep tech expertise. Swapp secured backing from top investors like Point 72 and Eurazeo, signalling strong belief in Tsarfati’s vision. Under his leadership, the company partners with architects to boost profitability and creativity.
Notable Projects and Achievements
Swapp has tackled impressive projects, automating documentation for large-scale developments. One standout is its role in urban planning initiatives, where AI handles complex models for multifamily housing and commercial spaces. In the Middle East, where construction booms, Swapp helps firms meet tight deadlines without sacrificing quality.
A notable achievement came when Swapp’s platform enabled architects to realize dream designs that traditional methods couldn’t handle efficiently. For instance, it automated fiddly technical tasks in high-rise projects, allowing teams to focus on aesthetics and sustainability. Tsarfati highlights how this shifts billing from hours to value, transforming business models.
The company gained recognition in global media, like Dezeen, as a top AI tool for architects. Tsarfati’s podcasts, including EntreArchitect and Human Founder, showcase his insights on AI’s practical benefits. He discusses cutting through hype to deliver real tools that address shortages in the profession.
Swapp’s impact extends to education, inspiring young architects in the region. Tsarfati’s team collaborates on projects that integrate AI early, preparing the next generation.
Vision for the Future
Tsarfati sees AI as a partner, not a replacement, for architects. “Embrace AI tech and watch today’s architect shortages disappear,” he urges. He advocates for regulation while pushing innovation. In the Middle East, where cities like Tel Aviv grow fast, his work promotes sustainable building.
He balances work with mindfulness, listening to his inner self for decisions. This holistic view drives Swapp toward global expansion, partnering more with real estate firms.
Eitan Tsarfati embodies the fusion of architecture and technology. From municipal desks to CEO suites, he innovates with purpose. Swapp, under his guidance, empowers architects worldwide, especially in the Middle East’s vibrant markets. His story reminds us that true progress comes from passion and persistence. As AI evolves, Tsarfati leads the charge, building a brighter future one project at a time.
