Are Architects Replaceable by Artificial Intelligence (AI)?

Architecture and architects are not excluded from the professions where Artificial Intelligence (AI) is emerging as a new tool. Generative Artificial Intelligence techniques can create images for instance, and the internet is emerging with fabulous images of homes of all kinds. But is this something that is helping the design process or just a hype? Could AI reform the way architects design and conceive, and ultimately construct homes? Could we call AI revolutionary when it comes to architecture, or does it have its limitations?

Modern Tudor Style House by Architeria Architects

Algorithms and Architecture

To understand AI, we must first understand algorithms. In simple terms, in coding this relates to the order and the steps a computer follows to achieve a specific outcome. Correct algorithms can, in theory, solve problems and offer solutions to specific design issues by calculating their metrics in terms of performance. It could be argued that the results offered by AI could then be evaluated by architects to find the most efficient design solutions, and that this could make the process more efficient and time saving. But will this alleviate the pain of trial and error, and can algorithms ever replace the creativity and common sense of the human mind?

While there are merits to being able to leverage algorithms by exploring different design outcomes, would this endanger the creative process, the beauty and the harmony of design? Could we ever rely on a computer-generated solution without compromising the aesthetics?

Sense of Surroundings

While we agree that architecture is a technical process, and we need to be able to design practical spaces, and offer buildable solutions, a big part of an architect’s role is to design aesthetically pleasing buildings. The rhythm, harmony and sense of surroundings would be very hard, if not impossible for an AI design software to achieve. Sense of design and beauty is not something that could be spewed out by a computer, as architectural expression needs human intuition to be fully appreciated. When architects design homes, they take into consideration the environment and the surroundings, and as we perceive our world through the five senses, there are limitations to what artificial intelligence can offer when it comes to satisfying them.

Culture and Creativity

Architecture takes into consideration more than functionality and beauty. Culture, personal needs and identity are all elements that would prove difficult for Artificial Intelligence to calculate. Another argument against Artificial Intelligence replacing architects is that design is a creative process, and an ever evolving one, deeply connected to the personal needs to the individual end user. This requires people, connections and a deep understanding of personal preferences. Social norms and traditions are some other factors that AI could not grasp fully.  Communication is a big part of an architect’s duties, as they negotiate and guide, explore and collaborate with many other stakeholders. Skills that include collaboration between engineers, consultants and clients, changes that require flexibility, these are best to be left to people, not machines. Projects where planning is needed requires the input of council, and many times designs get changed around more than once to satisfy their needs.

Enhancement, not a replacement

While AI can be a wonderful tool when it comes to many areas, professions that are based on creativity will lose the nuances, the intricacies and the personal touch, and architects are no exception. It would be jumping the gun to state that architecture could be replaced by artificial intelligence, and we would be careful to call it the future of design. Artificial intelligence could well enhance human creativity or be useful in calculating design variables and as anything else in life, there is unexplored potential for AI generated software in the future, however, at this time and age, we believe that it is more of an enhancement to the creativity of architects than a replacement.

Architeria Architects design unique and distinctive homes with passion, dedication and care. For your architecturally designed home or project, call us on 03 9894 5805.

Kate Gawi

Creative Director and Interior Designer

Architeria Architects