Will Architects Be Replaced by AI?

In the ever-evolving landscape of architecture, a pressing question looms large: will AI replace architects? This query, particularly pertinent to small-scale residential projects like the ones we design in Worthing and West Sussex, is gaining traction in the architectural community. At Buildview Architectural, a leading Worthing architectural design firm, we delve into this debate, examining AI's impact and future in our field.

AI's Growing Role in Architecture

The May 2023 edition of Building magazine, featuring insights from Thomas Lane, highlighted that AI could automate up to 37% of tasks typically executed by architects and engineers. However, this automation targets routine tasks, allowing professionals to focus on more creative aspects. Lets be clear AI is not a Skynet-esque villain that poses an existential threat to architects but a transformative tool reshaping how architects operate. We have tried all the tools recently in an attempt to streamline our design process and in particular our fancy delivery mediums as demonstrated by our hero gallery page.

What we have found is although the AI tools are breath taking in speed, novelty and simplicity the time taken to work through the prompts to “de-obviously AI” images and also stick to the design ethos took longer than if we just rendered our own work as we have been doing, however this is a rapidly collapsing window as the tools exponentially increase in sophistication. Who can say what the next 12 months will look like? We don’t think anyone can to be totally honest.

Similar to the integration of Revit/lumion and 3D software render engines, AI tools are poised to introduce new responsibilities such as AI management, indicating a shift in the architect's role rather than a replacement. The emergence of systems like Midjourney underscores the growing curiosity among architects about AI's potential applications, especially in small-scale residential architecture that we and the other Architects in Worthing can not .. not take seriously.

AI and Small-Scale Residential Projects

For firms like Buildview Architecture, AI's application in small-scale residential projects is particularly intriguing. AI can aid in generating design options based on specific criteria such as budget and sustainability goals, which has great potential for clients seeking tailored Architectural design solutions.

AI tools like Autodesk Forma can facilitate site analysis and mass studies, an invaluable asset for architects in Worthing looking to optimise their designs within the local context. Moreover, AI's capability in generative design, pattern recognition, and coding can revolutionise how architects approach project conceptualisation and execution. However, this is limited in terms of application for extensions, loft conversions and even stand-alone single dwelling new builds.

Enhancing Energy Efficiency and Sustainability

A key area where AI intersects with the ethos of most Architects in Worthing is in promoting energy efficiency and sustainability in residential designs. AI algorithms can analyse various factors to suggest design modifications, aligning with the growing demand for eco-friendly homes.

The Human Touch in Architecture

Despite AI's advancements, the role of the human architect remains irreplaceable, particularly in the realm of small-scale residential architecture. AI aids in optimising and streamlining processes, but the creative intuition and contextual understanding of a professional Architectural designer are elements that AI cannot replicate.

The concerns about AI replacing architects might be overstated. As Sebastian Errazuriz pointed out in Dezeen's AItopia series, AI is rapidly advancing but still falls short of fully replicating an architect's nuanced skill set. Phillip Bernstein, a prominent figure in architectural academia, echoes this sentiment, highlighting the multifaceted nature of architectural work that AI is yet to match.

An extension design is not just additional floor space, there should be soul in the ideas and the basis of the whole process irrespective of scale and complexity should be about the lives of the people enjoy the space, now and in the future. Costs of building work cannot be ignored, and we have covered this in our article how Worthing architects influence property value through design, but the long-term experience of the space is as critical in terms of a project being considered a success. It remains to be seen if AI will ever be able to understand the needs of clients above the standard “we just need more space” argument. The role of Buildview and other Architects in Worthing is to not only create that space but be sure to fully extract the need from the clients. Building regulation drawings especially with the new regulations that are now in force could be automated but as we cover in our article Understanding the New Building Regulations, but you would be relying on the AI tool staying up to date with the regulations which in itself is pretty easy to check, however as the building regulations are now a much more litigious space with the focus on ownership of each step, a full and thorough review of the output would still be required as legally you would not be able to subrogate the liability to an AI tool, so the efficiencies other than perhaps the AI automated drawings would again be diluted… for now. AI liability is something we are not really qualified to comment on but it’s extremely unlikely that any company producing any AI tooling would not continue to caveat the supplied information and rebuff any associated liability… wouldn’t you?

Adapting to a Changing Landscape

As AI reshapes the architectural landscape, firms like Buildview Architecture recognise the need for architects to adapt and upskill. Continuous learning and embracing new tools are crucial for staying competitive and relevant, especially in specialised areas like small-scale residential architecture in Worthing.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while AI is undoubtedly transforming the architectural industry, it is not poised to replace architects, especially in niche sectors (which require thoughtful and nuanced thinking) like small-scale residential projects in Worthing. Instead, AI serves as a powerful tool, augmenting or supporting an architect's capabilities and opening new avenues for innovation and efficiency. For architects in Worthing and beyond, the future lies in harmonising AI with their unique expertise and creativity, not relying on it and or resisting it. Whilst this could be seen as a biased view, but removing emotion from the design process on both the client and Architect side will devalue to the long-term experience of the space.