Major architecture firms worldwide are embracing artificial intelligence as a collaborative tool to enhance design processes rather than replace human creativity, according to a comprehensive survey conducted by AIRI Lab. The study gathered insights from industry leaders at prominent firms including LWKP, MVRDV, Gensler, Büro Ole Scheeren, CUBE, HUAYI, and others, revealing a nuanced and pragmatic approach to AI adoption in architectural practice.
The survey findings highlight two primary benefits that firms are experiencing from AI integration: dramatically increased speed in design development and the ability to generate multiple design options rapidly. Alexandre Perrossier from LWKP emphasized the strategic importance of AI adoption, stating that "Architecture needs AI now to manage increasing complexity, accelerate decision-making, and explore design possibilities beyond human limits." Zhang Yi from Gensler echoed this sentiment, explaining how "AI accelerates the cognitive loop, enabling us to explore more within the same time and shift repetitive work toward high-value decision-making."
This acceleration extends beyond simply creating more attractive visualizations. For many studios, AI is fundamentally shortening the exploratory phase of design and facilitating earlier client alignment on project directions. Hu Fei from HUAYI described the practical benefits: "Designers can instantly generate multiple design options and reverse-engineer the design from the generated image once a direction is approved." This capability allows architects to present clients with a broader range of possibilities while streamlining the decision-making process.
Despite the efficiency gains, architectural professionals maintain that human authorship remains central to the design process. Several survey respondents emphasized that while AI can quickly recombine existing patterns and generate options, it lacks the intentionality and creative vision that human designers bring to projects. Zhang Yi from Gensler offered a framework for understanding this relationship, noting that true authorship stems from "intention, definition, and narration" – elements that remain uniquely human.
Fredy Fortich from MVRDV provided a practical perspective on AI's role, describing it as "a power tool rather than a magic wand." This characterization reflects the industry's understanding that AI requires skilled human operators to achieve meaningful results. In practice, design teams are evolving to become expert curators, developing skills as prompt-crafters, critical editors, and translators who can transform AI outputs into viable, buildable architectural proposals.
The survey also revealed concerns about maintaining design quality and avoiding algorithmic uniformity in architectural output. Yang Danli from ZHUBO warned that AI-generated imagery can misinterpret materials and structural logic, requiring designers to intervene with technical and aesthetic judgment. Dan Cheong from Büro Ole Scheeren argued that sensitivity is required at both "aesthetic and procedural" levels to prevent homogenization of design.
To address these challenges, firms are implementing several countermeasures including building private AI models, fine-tuning workflows to match their specific design philosophies, and embedding ethical governance frameworks. The industry recognizes that AI's impact varies significantly across different stages of the project lifecycle, functioning more as a suite of specialized tools rather than a monolithic solution.
During concept and early design phases, AI provides high impact through idea expansion, instant visual options, and improved client alignment. In schematic development, the technology offers moderate impact through rendering assistance and rapid option generation. For production and construction phases, AI shows growing impact by automating repetitive drafting tasks, enhancing BIM collaboration, and performing quality checks on technical drawings.
Michael from SZ DDON summarized the strategic approach many firms are adopting: "AI should be used where precision is lower and creative bandwidth is most beneficial, and expert oversight should be retained where technical rigor is required." This philosophy reflects a mature understanding of AI's current capabilities and limitations within architectural practice.
The practical barriers to AI adoption remain straightforward but significant. Survey participants identified data preparation challenges, tool costs, and cultural resistance as primary obstacles. Bob from CUBE highlighted how market downturns can make firms risk-averse toward new technology investments, while also pointing to new business opportunities that AI enables, such as rapid small-scale renovations and personalized storefront designs.
Hu Fei from HUAYI cautioned against over-reliance on AI-generated imagery quality, reminding practitioners that "AI images should be treated as decision accelerators, not final construction visuals." This perspective emphasizes the importance of maintaining professional standards and understanding the appropriate applications for AI-generated content.
Across all survey respondents, the consistent recommendation for successful AI adoption focuses on cultural factors rather than technical specifications. Wu Haolin from CPG Singapore emphasized that "curiosity, humility, and a habit of experimental learning matter more than the latest model." He added that "new technologies may not always be disruptive, but without them, true innovation will never happen."
Looking toward the future, survey participants envision AI evolving beyond simple image generation toward genuine design partnership. Michael from SZ DDON imagines a "generative design partner" equipped with reasoning capabilities, performance prediction, and conversational interfaces – essentially a tool that can engage in discussions about design trade-offs rather than merely producing images. Fortich from MVRDV envisions future AI systems capable of generating code to automate repetitive tasks, opening doors to parametric optimization and creating buildings that offer greater comfort and better daylight for occupants.
The survey findings suggest the architecture profession is prepared to adopt AI technology, but with careful consideration and strategic implementation. The consensus approach involves integrating AI to remain competitive while maintaining control through governance frameworks, internal tooling development, and cultural changes that preserve creativity and craftsmanship. AIRI Lab, which conducted this research, positions itself as bridging the gap between architects and AI technology, developing products and services specifically designed to accelerate AI integration into design workflows while enhancing rather than replacing human creativity and expertise.
