Ashley Hewson, CEO at Serif, discusses the risk of architects falling behind competitors if they don’t embrace AI.
“The rise of AI, and its integration into working practices, has disrupted almost every industry. It has the potential to trigger and enhance imagination, cut down on mundane or repetitive tasks, and revolutionise the way we work.
Impressed by flashy designs that can be created in AI, clients may look to bypass hiring expensive architects and draw up their own designs using the technology instead. Or, less scrupulous architects’ practices across the world might use AI to churn out generic designs quickly or to reduce manpower significantly, increasing output exponentially – but at what cost?
These were some of the questions in Serif’s latest report The Rise of AI: A threat or opportunity for architects?, which looks at what AI can bring to the industry and whether tenured architects really have any cause for concern.
How can we use AI?
Generative tools are exciting, and can create visually stunning images that resemble architectural renderings and drawings. Through this, AI can spark ideas and free architects up to focus on preferred elements such as strategy and relieve them from the burdens of the detailing process.
However, Professor Wassim Jabi, chair of Computational Methods in Architecture at Cardiff University, told us that generative AI tools can be deceptive as they “do not understand the core tenets of architectural principles”.
He said the tools focus on aesthetics, without considering the structural integrity of what they design, safety, or how the buildings would be set up internally. Therefore, an AI generated design will remain a long way away from reality without the help of an experienced architect.
Professor Wassim said in our report; “Hopefully we will see AI tools become consistent and responsible for supporting architects in their roles, allowing them to be more productive. By automating simple tasks, these stages will only need a small review and sign off, avoiding time consuming and arduous work.”
He worries that for some architects, it could encourage corner-cutting in the creative process. Especially during their training, when it’s important that architect students learn the real skills needed to succeed, including critical thinking.
Dr Jabi said as these tools are here to stay and hold a great potential to augment or entirely change the hows and whys of an architect’s job, it’s important to experiment with them.
He went on to say; “Those who write off the tools due to their current limitations run the risk of losing out to competitors who use them in the future to enhance their work”.
Introducing pragmatism with AI
When it comes to large scale work, AI has the potential to accelerate the design process. Time and financial savings of work being streamlined can be reinvested into architect firms to edge ahead of competition – but only if the tools are used in the right way.
During the initial phases, supporting tasks such as urban planning, testing of infrastructure and utility services routes, and pedestrian traffic volumes with AI are accelerated through high tech simulations.
Professor Sarah Davidson, a director of education and student experience at the University of Nottingham’s Faculty of Engineering, discussed in Serif’s report how architects can use the tools in the most efficient ways.
She said; “AI simulations help with future planning, such as how an asset might perform under various conditions in the future, helping architects make informed long-lasting design decisions. However, there needs to be tangible benefits – it is about delivering outcomes rather than just using AI for the sake of producing more material.”
The power that AI will hold for the architecture sector is undeniable, but it’s not as clear cut as using these new tools for as many functions as possible. We’re likely to see a divide between firms that lean more heavily on it and those who play on their ‘human USPs’ in the same way that food manufacturers might trade on their ‘organic’ or ‘local’ credentials.
It will be exciting to see how the future of AI, and the tools which come out of it, enhance the work of architects. The combined power of talented architects supplemented by AI will create a night and day difference between those capitalising on the tools and the firms that don’t. For now, there seems to be little fear around AI taking jobs, especially in an industry where skilled professionals are in short supply. But those being slow to take up the tools to automate routine tasks should consider making the choice to unlock new time to prioritise the development of human skills and creativity.”
To learn more about how AI will change the architecture industry, read Serif’s recent report: The Rise of AI: A threat or opportunity for architects?
