AI disrupted our ways of working too: insights from real projects

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Artificial Intelligence is rapidly becoming part of everyday software engineering. While much of the discussion focuses on code generation, the real impact goes much further.

Join us for an evening of lightning talks where experienced architects and engineering leaders from Zühlke share practical insights from real projects and real-world challenges. We'll explore how AI is influencing architectural work, engineering decisions, software delivery processes, and even the way organisations approach cost optimisation.

Through 4 lightning talks and interactive Q&A sessions, we'll discuss what works, what doesn't, and where human judgment still matters most.
After the talks, stay for networking, discussions, and connecting with fellow engineers over food and drinks.

🎤 Talks

AI won't give you architectural vision - but it'll build everything around one
Milan Starčević

AI can significantly accelerate architecture work, but it cannot replace architectural vision. In this session, Milan shares an architect's workflow for working with AI: what inputs are worth providing, which outputs deserve attention, how to evaluate alternatives, and how to keep estimates realistic.
A practical look at using AI as a powerful assistant while maintaining the judgment and direction that only experienced architects can provide.

Turning architecture reviews from opinion to evidence
Viktorija Filipović Tošić

Architecture reviews often become opinion-driven discussions. Documentation is incomplete, dependencies are hidden, and critical knowledge exists only inside people's heads.
This talk explores how AI can help transform architecture reviews into evidence-based conversations by turning scattered inputs into structured summaries, risk assessments, hypotheses, and recommendations.

How AI changes the software delivery process
Novak Tadić

AI can already help us write code faster. But what happens after coding?
Novak explores how AI is influencing testing, reviews, requirements, releases, and decision-making throughout the delivery lifecycle. The session focuses on how AI affects the entire software delivery process—not just individual developers.

The cost of cutting costs
Veljko Zrnić

Organisations increasingly look to AI and automation as ways to reduce costs. But what happens when cost-cutting becomes the primary objective?
This talk takes a second look at the long-term impact of aggressive cost reduction strategies and explores their effects on quality, security, expertise, and engineering culture.

👨‍💻Speakers

Milan Starčević
Principal Software Architect & People Lead & Partner
Milan is a Principal Software Engineering Consultant with more than a decade of experience helping organisations design and deliver software solutions across industries, including banking, telecommunications, aviation, healthcare, and manufacturing. His expertise spans solution architecture, cybersecurity, technical leadership, and large-scale software delivery. He is passionate about mentoring teams, fostering collaboration, and turning complex challenges into practical solutions.

Viktorija Filipović Tošić
Principal Software Architect at Zühlke
Viktorija is a Software Architect at Zühlke and has been part of the company since 2014. She holds an M.Sc. in Electrical Engineering and Computer Science and specialises in software architecture and mobile development. Having worked primarily in MedTech and FinTech, she is particularly passionate about applying innovation to improve medical software solutions.

Novak Tadić
Principal Software Architect at Zühlke
Novak joined Zühlke in 2021 and brings more than 15 years of experience in software engineering, solution architecture, and IT consulting. His focus is on designing solutions that balance business and technical requirements while improving the software development lifecycle through modern engineering practices and AI-assisted workflows. He is passionate about building long-term partnerships based on trust, collaboration, and continuous improvement.

Veljko Zrnić
Principal Software Architect & People Lead
Veljko has been part of Zühlke since 2018 and specialises in software architecture and application development across web and enterprise systems. His experience spans the public sector, banking, and healthcare, with a strong focus on designing efficient and sustainable solutions. He is particularly passionate about creating software that delivers long-term value while providing an excellent user experience.

## 📅 Meetup agenda

• 18:00 – 18:15 → Arrival & welcome
• 18:20 – 18:30 → Talk 1 (Milan Starčević)
• 18:30 – 18:35 → Q&A
• 18:40 – 18:50 → Talk 2 (Viktorija Filipović Tošić)
• 18:50 – 18:55 → Q&A
• 18:55 – 19:05 → Talk 3 (Novak Tadić)
• 19:05 – 19:10 → Q&A
• 19:10 – 19:20 → Talk 4 (Veljko Zrnić)
• 19:20 – 19:25 → Q&A
• 19:25 – 20:30 → Networking, food & drinks

Whether you're an architect, software engineer, tech lead, engineering manager, or simply curious about how AI is reshaping software development, this meetup is an opportunity to learn from real-world experiences and exchange ideas with fellow professionals.

Food and drinks are on us, so stay after the talks for networking and conversation.

Reserve your spot and join us for an evening of practical insights, honest discussions, and great company. 🚀