Architectural Practice Meets Artificial Intelligence
By: Graphisoft
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is rapidly becoming part of everyday architectural practice. With tools like ChatGPT and image generators firmly in the mainstream, architects are beginning to explore how AI can support their workflows, streamline repetitive tasks, speed up early-stage design, and offer data-driven insights that improve decision-making.
It is something RIBA is already watching closely. In its recent AI Report 2025, it found that 59% of architectural practices use AI, compared to 41% in 2024. In his foreword, RIBA President Muyiwa Oki said:
“Using AI is increasingly part of normal practice. But hesitations persist. Concerns about imitation, job displacement and data integrity remain and are valid. Yet the potential is undeniable: faster iterations, deeper analysis and quicker market adaptation. The balance lies in steering the technology, not being steered by it.”
From generating concept designs to developing detailed digital twins for analysis and compliance, AI is beginning to enhance every part of the design process.
Bringing design to life
One of the main uses of AI in architecture today is in the early design stages. Used to help model buildings, analyse massing and explore different design options, it is enabling architects to test ideas faster than ever before.
Many are using AI image generators to help with design options and create unique reference points to inspire design and guide creative direction. This includes developing ‘lookbooks’ with various patterns and material types, all tested within the context of the project.
Graphisoft’s Archicad AI Visualizer is one such tool. Powered by Stable Diffusion, users can write simple prompts to create 3D visualisations at the early design stages, all within their existing software subscription.
Users create a simple conceptual model in Archicad before using text prompts to generate multiple images with different design variations, such as changing the materials or the context. Outputs can be made to look like anything from a simple pencil drawing through to a detailed 3D render.
Because the Visualizer is integrated within Archicad, users do not need to switch between platforms. The interface includes options to vary image size and speed, adjust the strength of the prompts and choose how much freedom the AI has to interpret the brief. The result is a more agile workflow and faster client engagement.
Collaborating with AI
Some architecture practices are training custom AI models based on their design history to ensure new concepts reflect their established style. Others are using AI to support client collaboration by producing renders and variations that clients can respond to before detailed design begins.
Large Language Models, like ChatGPT and Google Gemini, are being used too. Practices use them to support marketing, translation, customer service, and to analyse patterns in building performance.
Most architecture practices will have a range of projects that they can use as previous examples to guide design options on future projects. AI depends on data. The more you can provide it with to learn from, the better the AI-generated output will be.
But governance and user experience will be critical here. Clear rules are needed to guide consistency and make it easy to compare and contrast different data points. Essentially, the better the inputs, the better the outputs.
Graphisoft aims to provide users with intelligent AI assistance in their daily work. It wants to speed up the design process and make it as easy as possible for people to stay in that creative mindset, underpinned by strong governance and ethical use of AI. This should be something that supplements the way that architects work, not a replacement for creativity and design innovation.
With a user-driven approach focused on real project value, Graphisoft is helping architects embrace AI in a way that supports creativity, improves decision-making and reflects the way people actually work.
Learn more about Graphisoft and the Archicad AI Visualizer on the Graphisoft website :
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