As artificial intelligence evolves at a breakneck pace, it’s sparking debates on whether it might eventually replace even the most creative professions, including architecture. With AI now capable of generating design concepts, streamlining workflows, and even analyzing complex data, could architects find themselves edged out by algorithms? 

Architecture is a uniquely human discipline that balances technical skill with artistic vision and cultural insight. This article delves into the growing role of AI in architecture, weighing its strengths and limitations to answer a pressing question: will AI be a tool that enhances architectural creativity—or, will AI replace architects?

Artificial Intelligence is Getting Good. Really Good.

You might not believe it, but the introduction to this article is around 90% AI-generated. It took a few prompts, suggestions, and a bit of trimming, but the result is a well-written and intriguing introduction that hopefully caught your attention. 

AI is getting really good.

But it’s not just writing that AI excels at. It’s also creating unbelievably realistic images from text prompts. The better the prompt, the better the result. There are even early-stage programs that can create AI videos in short clips, and they’re equally as convincing. Artists, filmmakers, content creators, and many other professionals are worried about what these advancements mean for their industry, and architects are in the same boat.

But do we have something to fear? Is AI going to take over architecture? It’s getting good, yes, but it’s not that good, and architects need to learn how to use it, not just run from it. 

How AI Is Impacting Architecture

Just like other industries, AI’s impact on architecture has been impressive and exciting (and possibly a bit scary) for designers. It's currently handling some of the basic, more run-of-the-mill tasks throughout the phases of a project.

AI in Design

One of the biggest fears architects have is AI taking over the design process. To be fair, there are many artificial intelligence programs that can generate high-quality, photorealistic images of buildings based on prompts that the architect or designer creates. And while that’s scary, these drawings are also more flashy than practical, and they’re not the most powerful use of AI software. 

Instead, AI can be used in design to analyze data and empower architects to make better decisions. AI works by analyzing data and identifying patterns, which architects can use to glean insights with less effort, improving their workflows.  

For example, some software programs have a generative design function. The architect inputs parameters such as the available space, materials, and environmental factors, and the program will use AI to create multiple design options. This allows the architect to leap into the project rather than starting at the beginning. It’s then up to the architect to adapt and modify these designs to meet their vision and the needs of the client. 

AI in Bidding

AI is an incredibly helpful tool when it comes to bidding. But it’s just that, a tool, not the total solution.

Given that AI operates on data, bidding becomes one of the clearest applications for its use. Architects ensure that the program has the required information, supplying it with:

• Historical project data such as specifications, materials used, labor requirements, timelines, and final costs.

• Current project specifications such as design plans, client requirements, site data, and impacting codes and regulations.

• Material costs and supply chain data, including current prices, cost trends, and supplier details.

• Risk assessment data including the costs of associated risks and contingencies based on previous projects.

That might seem like a lot of information to supply, but that’s also the same data that architects should be using to develop bids on their own. Some programs can mesh with current construction management programs, automatically utilizing data to help architects develop better cost estimations and determine project feasibility. That information still needs oversight, interpretation, and someone to communicate with stakeholders—roles that only architects can handle.

AI in Construction Administration

Construction administration is one of the areas where AI tools are helping architects the most. Many of the standard, mundane tasks that weigh down the architect during CA can be handled by artificial intelligence, allowing the designer to focus on more creative tasks.

More Efficient Submittal and RFI Process

AI has been an incredible help in making the submittal and RFI processes easier and more accurate, improving overall efficiency. Rather than spending hours reviewing submittals and responding to requests for information, AI can automate most of the work. AI-powered CA tools can receive and log submittals, reviewing these documents and intuitively categorizing them. AI helps check these documents for completeness and flags any potential discrepancies, giving you a head start on quality control.

For example, AI can quickly review a submittal package provided by a subcontractor. The program can review the product specifications and instantly compare them to the project requirements. If there’s an issue, the program will red flag the submittal and alert the architect to the problem. This instantly reduces errors and improves efficiency, as AI can handle these tasks faster than an architect, though the ultimate solution or approval requires the architect’s oversight.

Better Progress Tracking, Quality Control, and Issue Resolution

AI tools constantly review data, making them incredibly useful for tracking project progress with the right information supplied. Artificial intelligence tools can be used to review daily job reports, scan site photos, and analyze compatible data from asset-tracking sensors such as GPS, RFID, and NFC sensors to determine the current status of the project and even manage material stores. 

AI can also ensure quality control and quickly identify issues using 3D scans. After comparing the 3D scans to the project plans, the program can determine if specific elements are installed incorrectly or missing, helping teams solve these issues sooner. Architects would still need to perform walkthroughs and verify these issues, but having them red-flagged allows the designer to focus their attention where it’s needed. 

Improved (and Ensured) Communication

AI can receive and categorize documents on its own, allowing it to centralize important updates and changes. Project teams of architects, contractors, subcontractors, and stakeholders can all access this information, ensuring that everyone stays on the same page. 

Let’s use construction contracts as an example. AI-powered construction management software can scan construction contracts, pull out pertinent information, and link it to the appropriate project. These programs can even red flag any language that might put the GC or project at risk. Teams can then share this information and track construction contract statuses through the platform to keep all of the communication localized and accessible for everyone on the project.

Is Architecture Going to Be Replaced By AI?

There are already many practical uses for AI in the architecture industry. These programs can take some of the simple, mundane tasks off the designer’s plate and give them the time and freedom to do what architects do best: create. 

But will AI take over architecture? 

No. But it will continue to become an integral part of it. More and more AI-powered tools will be created to help architects work more efficiently and create better designs. We can base this assumption on two things: 

1. AI isn’t the first tool to revolutionize architecture.

2. AI and humans don’t “think” the same.

Consider the impact that Computer-Aided Design had on architecture. While designers were concerned about being downsized due to CAD software, it simply became a tool they could use to further expand the reality of what’s possible through architecture. Better designs, improved accuracy, and improved efficiency supercharged the industry. 

The same can be said for BIM modeling, which takes a skilled architect to use correctly but ultimately results in an incredibly accurate and useful design with fewer mistakes and more real-world functionality. These tools were feared at first but are now an everyday part of what architects do. 

Plus, humans and AI don’t think the same. AI learns from historical data and identifies patterns, which gives the appearance that it’s thinking for itself, but in reality, it’s just operating on the fuel we provide. It can’t really create anything new without human input. On the other hand, humans have the ability to create new ideas and designs from inspiration rather than data. Even if we use AI to create those designs, we’re still creating them on our own, making architects as valuable as ever.

So, Will AI Replace Architects?

Ultimately, no. AI won’t make architects redundant, but it will allow architects who use AI to quickly outclass those who don’t. AI-powered architecture tools are indeed changing the landscape of architecture as we know it, and designers who learn how to wield it will work more efficiently and creatively than the designers who refuse its use. 

Part3 is at the forefront of AI-powered CA software. Our Submittal Assistant tool allows architects to automate their submittal and review processes and continue working on project quality instead of tedious paperwork. To see how Part3 can improve your construction admin and how you run your firm, schedule your demo today.