Mixed reality in architecture is most useful when it improves how people understand a real place, not when it becomes another layer of tech language. The question is whether the digital layer helps someone see, navigate, test or explain something better.
James Lee Burgess and Urban XR sit in that useful middle ground. This is not only about escaping into the metaverse. It is about what augmented and mixed reality can add to the built environment in front of us.
Watch: James Lee Burgess on AR and MR
James Lee Burgess brings this back to the real world, looking at augmented and mixed reality as digital layers that can change how people experience places.
Listen: mixed reality and architecture
The audio version gives the full discussion around Urban XR, augmented reality, mixed reality, digital overlays and the future of spatial experience.
You can also open the related Architecture Social podcast page.
What mixed reality means here
Augmented reality usually adds digital information on top of the real world. Mixed reality goes further, letting digital and physical elements interact more deliberately. For architecture, that could mean interpretation, wayfinding, public engagement, design review or construction communication.
Go deeper with Architecture Social
These related Architecture Social episodes add more context once you have the practical framework.
Listen next: virtual architecture and the metaverse
This Dearch Space episode is a useful companion because it moves from real-world digital layers into fully virtual architecture.
You can also open the related Architecture Social podcast page.
Where AR and MR can be useful
- Helping clients understand scale, sequence or design intent.
- Showing historic, cultural or planning information in a place.
- Testing how people navigate complex environments.
- Supporting site coordination or digital construction workflows.
- Turning a public-facing project into a clearer experience for visitors.
What candidates should show
If AR or MR appears in a portfolio, do not only show the exciting screen grab. Explain the problem it solved. Was it about communication, interpretation, coordination, access, engagement or storytelling?
- Digital candidates can connect this to BIM and digital roles.
- Computational designers can compare live computational design opportunities.
- Use the portfolio guide to keep the evidence legible.
- For wider virtual-space context, browse the metaverse directory.
AR and MR portfolio check
Good digital work still needs a readable brief, clear role and evidence that the tool improved the outcome.
- Name the user and the problem.
- Show the physical context as well as the digital layer.
- Explain your role in the workflow.
- Include process, not only final screenshots.
Common mistakes
- Using AR or MR as a novelty rather than a communication tool.
- Showing technology without a clear built-environment problem.
- Forgetting the user experience in the real place.
- Overstating personal responsibility on a team-led digital project.
- Letting software terminology hide the design judgement.
Architecture Social view
Stephen’s recruiter view is that digital tools help candidates when they make the evidence clearer. AR and MR can be impressive, but the hiring value comes from explaining the judgement behind the tool.
Next step
Watch and listen to James Lee Burgess, then review whether your AR, MR or digital-space work belongs in the front half of your portfolio. If it does, connect it to a clear role, whether that is BIM, computational design or broader architecture practice.
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