The integration of AI technologies in architecture and design practices is moving forward at a rapid pace, shaping the way we work and the future of the built environment. In my role leading the digital transformation strategy at Buchan, I am implementing AI tools across all aspects of our global business. It’s exciting to see how this is driving innovation across everything from design and delivery to day-to-day operations.

Regardless of the size of your practice, AI and automation can boost efficiency and be a powerful partner to human creativity and expertise. Is it a threat to jobs? Far from it, for those ready to jump in, learn how the technology works and master its use. AI and automation can help you deliver higher quality work, whilst freeing up time for the exploration and problem solving that is the real value designers bring to the table. Individuals and practices who upskill will reap the rewards.

Here are four ways to harness technology to increase your value this year, along with some red flags and how to avoid them. 

1. Take visualisation to new levels

The most visible use of AI in architecture and design is image generation, using tools such as Midjourney and Stable Diffusion. These tools create immediate and highly realistic renders, boosting creative exploration and enabling quick ideation and iteration. Clients value compelling visuals that make concepts easy to understand, test and refine within short timeframes.

2. Supercharge information gathering and compliance

Web-based AI tools such as Chat GPT and Microsoft Copilot can be trained to assist with many common tasks, increasing efficiency and improving the quality of your outputs. ‘Training’ an AI tool means telling it where to look, whether at data on the web or at company-specific data stored securely on your internal systems. Use AI tools to quickly compile research, generate text for reports and submissions, or to find compliance and regulatory specifications.

An example is a Chat GPT assistant I created (freely available to anyone via this link), which is trained on the National Construction Code (NCC). Ask it the question, ‘What are the minimum dimensions for an accessible toilet in a public building?’ It instantly gives you the relevant information with links to the source. Saving time on these tasks frees up time for the creative work that AI can’t do – a win for you and for your clients.

3. Create accurate documentation fast and reduce risk

Automation has long been applied to generate geometry, create drawings and input or place annotative elements. AI tools are now leveraging automation and delivering real benefits to this part of the architectural process. Perform building code analysis and compliance checks and automate defects reporting and ordering. AI tools can do all of this, increasing the quality of your documentation whilst reducing the time needed to create it. AI tools can also reduce the burden of risk. How? By feeding data directly into BIM models, increasing the accuracy of that data so that responsibility can be more equitably shared across consultants and contractors.

4. Leverage your knowledge bank

Eureka! Use AI tools to leverage the years of experience and expertise embedded in your practice. For studios like Buchan with decades of completed projects around the globe, this is highly beneficial. Off-the-shelf AI tools can be locally downloaded and trained on your project database, allowing anyone in the business to mine information from your archives. Designing a new sports facility? Look for similar typologies or site conditions. Working with a repeat client? Tailor your design to the client’s known preferences and requirements and generate images using only your practice’s previous projects as the reference. This delivers real value to existing clients and is a selling point for prospective clients looking to build strong relationships.

Red flags, tips and tricks 

Remember, AI and automation are only ever tools to support human creativity and expertise. Stay in control and be alert to possible pitfalls.

• People remain responsible for what is created so all work and data should be checked by a human. 
• Design your AI tools to be transparent in process so that users understand how they arrive at answers and can trust recommendations. For example, be sure to include citations.  
• The quality of the data your AI and automation tools are trained on will determine the quality of your outputs. Ensure your data is high-quality, relevant and up-to-date.  
• Be vigilant about potential biases in AI. For example, the data your tool is trained on may be the result of a specific brief, aesthetic or set of conditions.
• Prioritise robust data protection measures to safeguard sensitive client information and intellectual property. The best way to deploy safe, secure and cost-effective AI to access your digital assets is to download Large Language Models (LLMs) and run them locally within your secure IT environment. This offers a higher level of security than a web-based product, enabling staff to interact with the AI tool through a custom-built, locally installed desktop user interface.

And finally, be conscious that AI is an energy- and resource-intensive tool. High-level data processing and image generation uses huge amounts of power and water. Aside from environmental issues, this also has ESG implications for your client’s projects. I anticipate tools that can quantify AI’s environmental impact will soon become available. All technology needs to be used responsibly – don’t use AI when something else can do the job, like a simple calculator!

Jeames Hanley is a digital strategist and design technology specialist with more than 15 years of experience in applying technology across the built environment. He leads the digital transformation strategy at Buchan, where he is implementing workflows centred around automation, algorithmic design, machine learning, AI and digital twin technologies, as well as across business operations.

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