How Are Architects Using AI and How Is It Affecting The Industry?

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is becoming more prevalent in workplaces every day. The same is true for architects and the architectural industry.

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How Are Architects Using AI?

A study conducted by the American Institute of Architects (AIA) in collaboration with Deltek and Construct Connect analyzed the level of AI use among architects.  

The report’s findings show that while only 6% of architects use AI tools routinely, over 50% are experimenting with them. Some of the tools architects are testing include chatbots, image generators, and grammar or text analytics. However, most of its use remains in non-design tasks like notetaking, writing, and editing.  

Unsurprisingly, younger architects, particularly those under 35, are using and experimenting with AI more. Over two-thirds of them claim to use image generators in particular, making them the largest AI users of any age demographic. Image generators are being used more often for concept development, a trend that leaves some architects worried.

In comparison to American workers overall, a recent study conducted by the Pew Research Center shows that 16% of American workers claim to use some AI in their work and 2% say all or most of their work is done with AI.

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AI’s Effect on the Architecture Industry

AIA’s study reports that 8% of the leading architectural firms in the industry have integrated AI into their practices, and the curiosity around AI is growing as 20% are in the process of further implementing AI.

The largest firms in the industry are leading this charge in the hope of increasing efficiency and streamlined workflows. AIA’s study reports that 43% of firms with 50 or more employees have already adopted or are currently adopting AI into their practices. In comparison, 22% of firms with 10-49 employees and 16% of firms with 10 or fewer employees are adopting AI.

In May of 2025, Cove, an architecture firm based in Atlanta, became the first architectural design firm to be powered by AI technology. One of the co-founders of Cove, Patrick Chopson, had this to say about the future of AI in architecture, engineering, and construction. “I think there’s going to be a time, maybe in the next five years or less, when many buildings will be put together using AI as a standard course of business. Right now, I think a lot of professionals are not ready for that, but it’s going to get there. I don’t think people are going to lose their jobs, but people will be going home on time.”

The architectural industry is changing because of AI, and these changes bring both opportunities and challenges.

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Positives of AI In Architecture

Although there is some push back on the use of AI generated images as inspiration, it has been shown to aid in the design process providing a variety of concepts and possibilities.

One industry professional said the following regarding the future of AI in architecture: “The future of architecture isn’t about AI replacing human creativity – it’s about AI enhancing it. When we automate routine tasks, we create more space for innovation, allowing architects to focus on what they do best: designing spaces that create lasting value.”

Additionally, AI’s ability to process large amounts of data and automate repetitive tasks can streamline the architectural design process and allow for more efficient project management.

Despite the convenience of AI, the effectiveness of execution is still dependent on the architect’s experience, judgement, and creative vision.

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Negatives of AI In Architecture

Despite the growing number of workers using AI, there are still plenty of factors that are lessening people’s enthusiasm to completely integrate AI into their workflow.

While there are some people who believe AI will assist in the creative process, there are some who believe that over-reliance on AI and generated images could stifle an architect’s creativity.

In AIA’s study, over 90% of those surveyed and tested expressed concerns over the following issues:

• Inaccuracies / errors
• Unintended consequences
• Privacy and security
• Authenticity / lack of transparency

Errors or inaccuracies from AI results are known as “hallucinations.” The rate at which they occur depends on the information given and the platform. Even though the technology is advancing at breakneck speeds, the hallucinations appear are getting worse and more common. The AI algorithms cannot decipher between what is true and what is false, and is an issue tech professionals are saying will never go away.

Every concern that was overwhelmingly communicated in the studies conducted by AIA stem from the lack of clarity and safety measures associated with the data collected by AI algorithms. AI platforms claim to recognize this growing issue and are implementing a variety of measures to counteract them, but there are still no concrete solutions.  

Without accurate data that they can trust, architects are unable to assess each job appropriately and efficiently.

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Existing Conditions: Supporting Architects with Accurate Data

At Existing Conditions, a GPRS company, we help architects Intelligently Visualize The Built World^® by providing precise documentation of built environments anywhere in the United States. Our services, including 3D laser scanning and BIM modeling, enable architects to make informed design decisions based on the most accurate data available.

With over 27 years of experience, we have established ourselves as the industry leader in 3D laser scanning. In that time, we measured, documented, and modeled over 10,000 buildings that span over 700 million square feet. Every piece of data delivered by Existing Conditions is reliable and allows architects to do their job to the best of their abilities.

What can we help you visualize today?

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