Building the AI-first Developer Stack

AI has changed how we write software, but have we actually changed how we build it? Many teams have added coding agents and AI tools to the same development process (SDLC) they were already using. What would it look like to redesign that workflow around AI from the start? In my work as a principal architect and consultant, I have been refining an AI-first way of working that starts well before the code. The workflow starts with refining requirements and reviewing a plan, then moves through implementation, code review, testing, and validation. Different agents can take on different parts of the process, while clear instructions, constraints, and human judgment keep the work on track. In this session, I will walk through the workflow and show what it looks like in practice. I will share what has worked, what has not, and where people still need to stay involved. You will leave with practical ideas for building an AI-first development process that helps your team move faster without losing control of the software you are building.