Building the Future of Homebuilding: LynxCraft Appoints Nikola Balaban as CPO and Črt Jaklič as Chief Architect

At LynxCraft, we have always believed that the people who shape our strategy are the ones who should lead it. Today, we are proud to announce the promotion of two individuals who have done exactly that — Nikola Balaban to Chief Product Officer and Črt Jaklič to Chief Architect.

These are not simply titles. They are the formal recognitions of the extraordinary impact both Nikola and Črt have had on LynxCraft’s growth, direction, and the bold vision we are bringing to life — a future where efficient homebuilding is no longer a privilege reserved for the few largest developers, but an experience that is intelligent, accessible, and deeply personal on the level of each individual private investor.

Nikola Balaban — Chief Product Officer

When Nikola joined LynxCraft, the path from vision to product was still being carved out. Today, that path is a highway.

Since his first day, Nikola has done something rare: he has fully and genuinely internalized what LynxCraft is about — not just the roadmap or the features, but the deeper logic of what great product and software development looks like at a company operating at the frontier of a major industry shift. He has not only learned the domain; he has helped define it.

Under Nikola’s leadership, a high-performing team of experts has been assembled and aligned around a shared mission — building a homebuilding copilot that people will actually rely on. Progress has moved well beyond expectations. The product architecture he has championed rests on three core technologies that together form the foundation of LynxCraft’s competitive edge: a proprietary software algorithm, agentic AI, and a pre-vetted, automated marketplace. Each pillar reinforces the others, and together they are transforming LynxCraft from a promising concept into a widely accepted platform for homebuilding.

 

Nikola’s elevation to CPO reflects both what he has built and what he is uniquely positioned to build next. His understanding of the intersection between product thinking, engineering capacity, and market reality gives LynxCraft an exceptional advantage as the company scales.

Črt Jaklič — Chief Architect

Architecture, at its best, is about seeing what others do not yet see. Črt Jaklič has embodied this principle from the moment he became part of the LynxCraft story.

Črt’s most significant contribution has not been any single design or decision — it has been the transformation of architecture itself into a functional, cross-cutting discipline within LynxCraft’s R&D and product development. Where architecture was once a specialized input, Črt has made it an operating principle. Its influence now runs through every company process, from early-stage ideation to final delivery. That kind of institutional impact is rare, and it is the kind that compounds over time.

But Črt’s vision extends well beyond organizational structure. He understands, with clarity and conviction, that the era of AI gives an opportunity for fundamental rethinking of the homebuilding process and the opportunity that lie therein in the terms of how efficient private investors can be with their homebuilding process. For decades, efficiently executing homebuilding has required access to professionals, resources, and processes that most people simply do not have. Črt believes that should change — and at LynxCraft, he has been a driving force in making that belief a reality.

His ability to look beyond conventional architectural thinking and translate it into a product experience has been pivotal in shaping the Lynx Copilot into what it is today: a tool that gives individuals the power to become genuine designers of their own spaces.

As Chief Architect, Črt will continue to push that boundary — ensuring that LynxCraft’s architecture function remains a source of both structural rigor and transformative innovation.

 

 

A Shared Commitment to What Comes Next

The promotions of Nikola and Črt into what will now be 5 people strong leadership team marks a meaningful moment in LynxCraft’s journey. Both have earned their place in the leadership team not through tenure, but primarily through the kind of contribution that changes the trajectory of a company. They have helped shape LynxCraft’s strategy, and now they will help lead its execution at the highest level.

We are proud to have them at the helm of product and architecture as we move toward a future where every person has the tools, the intelligence, and the support to build the home they envision.

Welcome to your next chapter, Nikola and Črt. The best is still ahead.

LynxCraft is building the intelligent homebuilding platform of the future — combining proprietary algorithms, agentic AI, and a pre-vetted marketplace to make homebuilding smarter, faster, and more accessible for everyone.

 

LynxCraft at DOM 2026: a homebuilding copilot that eliminates uncertainty in construction

In March, LynxCraft will be exhibiting at the DOM Home Fair in Ljubljana with a clear objective: to demonstrate that the home design process can be made predictable, transparent, and data-driven.

Building a home is one of the largest financial decisions in a lifetime. Too often, however, it begins with intuition, limited information about the plot, and an unclear financial picture. This is where our homebuilding copilot steps in.

What is a homebuilding copilot?

LynxCraft’s homebuilding copilot is a digital system that connects:

• plot data (zoning conditions, constraints, development potential),

• building typology,

• technical construction parameters,

• and the financial structure of the project.

Instead of guesswork, users receive within minutes a structured, data-backed conceptual framework — with a clear understanding of what makes sense to build on a specific location and what the investment scope looks like.

What do we aim to achieve?

Our goal goes beyond simply visualizing a house.
We aim to:

• reduce risks before purchasing a plot,

• shorten the path from idea to project,

• enable rational decision-making at the earliest stage,

• and introduce transparency into a process where it is often lacking.

The homebuilding copilot is not a replacement for an architect — it is intelligent support that gives investors a stronger starting point for further professional development.

Create your concept design directly at the fair

At our exhibition stand, visitors will be able to test the system live. They will be able to:

• select a plot,

• review its key parameters,

• choose a house type,

• and generate a basic conceptual design with an indicative financial framework.

Within minutes, it will be possible to see how decisions about size, typology, or specification level impact both space and budget.

If the goal of building a home is greater predictability and fewer unpleasant surprises, then the homebuilding copilot is the logical next step.

See you at the DOM Home Fair in Ljubljana.

 

Designing With Intention: UK Planning Reform, Sustainable Homes & the Future of Residential Architecture

The housing crisis UK is facing today is not just about numbers. It is about delivery, quality, sustainability, and predictability. In our latest Lynx Podcast episode, we spoke with Lucy Kuhar, founder of Lumen Architects, about what it really takes to build better homes in one of Europe’s most complex planning environments.

From UK planning reform to modular construction and high-performance residential design, the conversation revealed a clear pattern: better housing starts long before construction begins.

From Systems to People

Lucy began her career working on large residential developments across London, delivering projects between 60 and 400 units. Large-scale work taught her process discipline, coordination, and technical robustness.

But something was missing.

“When you design housing at scale, you don’t know who will live there. Everything becomes standardized.”

That insight led her to found Lumen Architects in 2018, shifting focus toward bespoke homes rooted in how people actually live. Instead of defaulting to open-plan layouts or design trends, Lucy begins with lifestyle questions: How does the family function? Do they entertain? How do children use the space?

In a market pressured by supply targets, this human-centered approach feels more relevant than ever.

The Real Blocker: UK Planning Reform

While the UK government has ambitious housing delivery targets, Lucy identifies planning as the primary bottleneck behind the housing crisis UK continues to experience.

UK planning guidance is often open to interpretation. Outcomes vary depending on local authority precedent, planning history, and subjective interpretation. This unpredictability introduces risk — and risk slows down capital.

“Without relaxing and streamlining the planning process, delivering housing at scale remains extremely difficult.”

Green belt adjustments and emerging “grey belt” discussions suggest reform is on the agenda. But predictability, not just policy change, will determine whether supply meaningfully accelerates.

For investors and homeowners alike, early clarity around constraints, density, and feasibility has become essential.

Modular Construction: Opportunity Meets Perception

Another key theme was modular construction and modern methods of building.

Despite clear advantages in speed, quality control, and carbon reduction, skepticism remains. Past failures in mid-20th century construction still influence buyer perception today.

Lucy sees strong potential, particularly in timber systems and new-build modular applications. But she emphasizes that modular construction works best when integrated early — not as a last-minute cost-saving tactic.

In the context of the housing crisis, pairing smarter planning processes with modular delivery systems could significantly improve output. The challenge lies less in technology and more in mindset.

Sustainable Homes Without Greenwashing

Sustainability is often framed as all-or-nothing. Lucy rejects that narrative.

“Sustainability isn’t zero or one. It’s about building the mindset.”

Her practical approach to sustainable homes prioritizes:

• Optimized orientation and daylight

• High-performance insulation and airtightness

• Natural, low-toxicity, locally sourced materials

These measures deliver significant performance gains without disproportionate cost increases.

As energy prices rise and climate awareness grows, buyers are increasingly willing to invest in sustainability — not only for environmental reasons, but for comfort and long-term value.

The key is translating sustainability into measurable performance, rather than marketing language.

Where Projects Lose Money

Across both private clients and developers, the most common budget failures stem from rushed coordination. Pricing components before full structural alignment, or pushing tenders before design is fully integrated, often results in expensive revisions.

A coordinated, multidisciplinary process — even if slower upfront — protects both timeline and budget.

Technology as a Copilot

Lucy describes AI as a “junior designer”: helpful, but always reviewed. It accelerates mood boards, specifications, and cost research, but concept design still requires human judgment.

Technology should reduce friction — not replace thinking.

At LynxCraft, this philosophy aligns closely with our mission. Acting as a homebuilding copilot, we focus on bringing clarity to complexity — aligning planning feasibility, sustainability, modular strategies, and financial logic early in the process.

Solving the housing crisis UK faces will not come from volume alone. It will require smarter planning reform, better coordination, measurable sustainability, and intentional design.

The future of residential architecture belongs to those who can connect all of these elements — intelligently.

To explore Lucy Kuhar’s work, visit Lumen Architects and follow her projects across London.

 

 

The European Digital Innovation Hub for Slovenia (EDIH DIGI-SI) and the Slovenian Regional Centre of the European Digital Innovation Hub (SRC-EDIH) brought together key stakeholders of digital transformation at their final conference, presenting the results of three years of systematic support to companies and the public sector. The event provided a clear overview of achievements to date and outlined the direction for the coming period, in which digital transformation will be even more closely linked to the adoption of artificial intelligence and the strengthening of competencies.

The participants were welcomed by State Secretary Dr. Aida Kamisalič Latifič, who emphasized that European Digital Innovation Hubs (EDIHs) represent an essential part of the national digital ecosystem. They provide organizations with access to advanced technologies, expert knowledge, and support in making well-informed investment decisions — from initial pilot projects to broader implementation of solutions.

The conference continued with presentations of the services offered by both Slovenian EDIHs, as well as examples of best practices in collaboration with companies and public institutions. Special attention was given to the финал of the Digital Innovation Challenge 2025, where finalists showcased advanced solutions for industry, logistics, healthcare, and smart communities.

We are proud to announce that LynxCraft was selected as this year’s winner. This recognition confirms that the development of our data-driven platform for construction planning and optimization directly addresses the key challenges of digital transformation in the construction sector.

The conference also looked ahead — toward service upgrades, systemic support for the implementation of artificial intelligence, and the establishment of the AI Competence Center and AI Factory. Together, they form a comprehensive support framework for companies and public institutions that view digitalization as a strategic opportunity.

For LynxCraft, this award is further confirmation that the digitalization of construction process management for private investors is a necessary step toward greater predictability, efficiency, and spatial sustainability.

Thank you for the trust and thank you to everyone standing behind our mission.

The future of building doesn’t happen by itself — we’re here to build it together!

 

 

LynxCraft Wins at the UK PropTech Awards 2025 — Housing Delivery Innovation Award

Last week wednesday night in London, something important happened for our team. LynxCraft was named the winner of the Housing Delivery Innovation Award at the UK PropTech Awards 2025, hosted by the UK PropTech Association — recognition reserved for companies proving that housing delivery can be transformed, not just improved.

 

This award validates what we’ve been building for years; 

1) that algorithmic construction intelligence can reshape the way homes and neighborhoods are conceived, evaluated, and delivered.

2) That developers, investors, and land agents deserve tools powered by real data — not guesswork. 

3) And that even one of the world’s most fragmented industries can become transparent, predictable, and scalable when technology finally steps in.

It’s a milestone for our team, our partners, and everyone who believes that construction can be faster, smarter, and radically more efficient for the private investors. 

But this isn’t the finish line — it’s a signal to accelerate. In the coming months, we’re expanding our platform, strengthening our UK presence, and continuing to show that a small, determined team from Slovenia can redefine how residential projects come to life.

Thank you to the UK PropTech Association for this honour.

Thank you to everyone standing behind our mission.

The future of building doesn’t happen by itself — we’re here to build it.

 

 

LynxCraft Joins Infobip Startup Tribe, Accelerating Global Growth

Ljubljana, November, 4th 2025 — LynxCraft proudly announces its acceptance into the Infobip Startup Tribe, a global support initiative by Infobip, the world’s leading cloud communications platform. The program empowers high-growth startups with product credits, mentorship, and access to a global network spanning over 200 countries.

Building on Recent Success

This milestone follows LynxCraft’s recent victory at the Spotlight 2025 Startup Competition at the How to Web Conference in Bucharest, where the company stood out among more than 100 European startups. Read more about this achievement here ».

What the Partnership Means

Through the Infobip Startup Tribe, LynxCraft gains access to up to EUR 25,000 in Infobip product credits, a dedicated support team, and an ecosystem of global innovators.
These resources will help the company:

• Accelerate platform development and AI capabilities

• Strengthen integrations within its modular design ecosystem

• Expand internationally and engage more efficiently with its user base

“Joining this programme is a strategic leap forward,” said Marko Hozjan, CEO of LynxCraft. It aligns perfectly with our mission to simplify the path from concept to build-ready plan for private real-estate investors worldwide. With Infobip’s global backing, we can scale faster, enter new markets, and deliver even more value to our users.”

About the Infobip Startup Tribe

The Infobip Startup Tribe connects and supports promising startups by providing product credits, technical mentorship, and access to Infobip’s global communication stack — enabling businesses to reach customers across dozens of channels.
Learn more: startups.infobip.com

About LynxCraft

LynxCraft is building a next-generation platform for AI-powered design and construction intelligence, helping private investors and SME developers move from idea to execution.

The Lynx platform delivers code-aware concept design, cost and CO₂ simulation, and a vetted supplier network — enabling faster, smarter, and more sustainable real-estate development. Learn more: www.lynx-craft.com

👉 Try the Lynx Platform v0.5 today.

Log in, explore, and start designing your future home free of charge!

 

 

The latest version of the Lynx Platform (v0.5) is here!

Built around one core principle: make the home-building journey radically simpler for private investors. From the first click to a ready-to-build design, the new release turns complexity into clarity, guiding users through an intuitive, visual, and precise experience.

A Simplified Wizard That Thinks Like You

The new Wizard questionnaire has been re-imagined to reduce friction and decision fatigue. We’ve redesigned the experience to feel natural and conversational — each step now focuses only on what truly matters for your project. The result is a seamless flow that leads from vision to concept in minutes, not hours.

Choose Your House by Form, Not Just Floorplan

Home selection is now a visual experience. Instead of scrolling through endless technical floorplans, you can select your house type based on exterior shape and architectural form. This change aligns with how real investors think — guided by aesthetics and style first, before diving into technical details.

Instant Hi-Res Photorealistic Renders

This is one of our most requested upgrades. With v0.5, you can now generate ultra-realistic 3D renders of your configured home in seconds. 

Choose your camera angle, time of day, lighting — and watch your design come to life in full-resolution imagery that looks ready for marketing or visualization. It’s a glimpse into your future home, generated directly from your configuration.

Talk to an Architect – Directly from the App

Sometimes, you just want expert reassurance before taking the next step. You can now book a free consultation call with a certified architect directly from the Lynx Platform — no emails, no waiting lists.

This addition brings professional advice one click away, helping you move from idea to reality faster and with confidence.

Precision at Every Click: Real-Time Cost and Performance Updates

We’ve further enhanced our real-time estimation engine — making cost and performance calculations now accurate down to a few percentage points.
This means every decision you make, from materials to roof shape, instantly reflects its true impact on cost, time, and sustainability.

Building the Future, Together

Every feature in v0.5 is created based on early users inputs, no guess work, pure data! And all of these functionalities are designed with one goal — to empower individuals who want to build smarter, not harder.

Whether you’re exploring your first home project or fine-tuning your investment plan, the new Lynx Platform gives you professional-grade tools in a human-friendly interface.

Registration and platform use remain free of charge — the only thing you need is curiosity. And do not forget to wear a helmet. After all you are building a house, although it seems to easy to be true! See below our engineers working with helmets when uploading the latest release online! Better safe than sorry. 🙂 

 

👉 Try the Lynx Platform v0.5 today.

Log in, explore, and start designing your future home free of charge!

 

 

LynxCraft, led by CEO Marko Hozjan, has won startup competition Spotlight 2025 at the How to Web Conference in Bucharest.

The recognition underscores LynxCraft’s mission to give private investors clearer path from concept designs, supplier sourcing and execution overview — turning desires and ideas into a buildable plan and a dream-like home is now simplified!

 

Why this matters: Alongside receiving the title among more than 100 startups from all over Europe LynxCraft received an investment proposal of €180,000 (syndicated by GapMinder Ventures Partners and V7 Capital) and a €15,000 work package at the European Startup Embassy in the Bay Area — support that will accelerate U.S. conversations and partnerships.

What impressed the judges:

• Instant concept designs that respect code & zoning regulations.
• Up-front precise cost estimates.
• An ecosystem of pre-vetted suppliers Options tied to real suppliers—so concepts are actually buildable.

What’s next: LynxCraft has pre-launched the Platform, for private investors to be able to start creating concept ideas, LynxCraft development teams continue expanding code & zone aware constraints and supplier data coverage. The European Startup Embassy work package will help the team connect its European pipeline with Bay Area partners.

 

Join the journey. Access the platform today, create concepts, let us know your feedback, and let`s simplify your dream home, together!

 

👉 Click the link below, to start creating concepts!

How LynxCraft helped real estate investors save time and boost returns.

Launching a real estate project always comes with the same questions: 

• Is it feasible? 

• Are the costs predictable? 

• Where can I find reliable execution partners?

• Will it sell quickly on the market? 

Mistakes in the early stages often lead to delays, budget overruns, and lost opportunities. That’s why LynxCraft created a digital, cloud platform that gives investors full visibility and control from day one. The recently completed twin house project in Šmarješke Toplice is the first proof of concept, showing how the platform delivers faster timelines, lower risks, and higher profitability.

 

From concept design to building permit – The LynxCraft advantage

Unlike traditional processes, LynxCraft provides investors with the most complete concept design on the market:

• Transparent insight into total investment costs.
• Automated compliance checks with zoning regulations.
• Photorealistic renderings placed in the real terrain – no survey required.

This means investors can make informed decisions immediately, without costly surprises later.

When it comes to building permits, LynxCraft automates much of the documentation (sections, floor plans, technical drawings), dramatically reducing preparation time. Less paperwork, fewer delays, more time for strategic choices.

Finally, LynxCraft connects investors with a trusted ecosystem of partners for execution. In this project, the investor partnered with Steco Centar Group, a European leader in prefabricated timber construction.

 

Case study: Fast capital turnaround in Šmarješke Toplice

Šmarješke Toplice, near Novo Mesto in Slovenia’s Dolenjska region, is one of the most desirable residential locations. Demand is consistently high due to job accessibility, natural surroundings, and quality of life.

The investor’s goal was clear: build a twin house for sale. The design included a semi-recessed concrete basement, plus prefabricated ground and first floors – a modern, functional layout for two families. This property type is in highest demand today, combining cost-efficient design with fast, high-quality execution.

 

Steco Centar Group: Proven partner in prefabricated construction

With over 20 years of experience, Steco Centar Group is among the largest prefabricated building producers in Central and Eastern Europe. Their vertically integrated 12,000 m² facility can deliver and assemble 200 m² per day, guaranteeing speed and quality.

Steco Centar Group production facility

In Šmarješke Toplice, Steco Centar delivered the project to the third construction phase (sealed shell) in just a few weeks. For the investor, the biggest advantage was speed: the property hit the market almost immediately, cutting months off the capital payback period.

 

Results: Why investors choose LynxCraft

LynxCraft creates value through four pillars:

• Full transparency in the concept phase – clear costs, compliance, and visualizations before major investment.
• Faster permits – automated documentation reduces time and expense.
• Reliable execution partners – certified quality and rapid assembly with Steco Centar.
• Quicker return on capital – shorter timelines mean earlier sales and higher profitability.

This was the first project where the investor used Lynx platform, proving its power in real conditions. The next showcase is already underway: a boutique hotel in Modrejce, Soča Valley, where the platform will again accelerate delivery and final results.

 Prefabricated modules by Steco Centar Group

Conclusion

For today’s real estate investors, success means reducing risk, shortening timelines, and maximizing returns. LynxCraft delivers exactly that through its digital platform and partner network.

Twin house in Slovenia is a proof: with the right technology, transparency, and execution, construction can be completed faster, cheaper, and more reliably than ever before.

👉 Click the link below, if you would like to make the most out of your project!