AI has entered architectural practice at speed. Some firms are embracing new tools and workflows, others are cautious, and even clients themselves are starting to experiment in ways that shift the architect’s role 👀.
Our new industry white paper, 'AI in architecture: trends, hidden risks, and what comes next', explores how AI is changing architecture, where it's adding value, the risks, and how to avoid them. It also looks into the skills architects will need for AI-enabled practice, responsible AI use, and what to expect in the near future.
It's based on lengthy conversations with experienced industry professionals as well as customer research and programs led by Chaos, to provide a detailed view of the state of AI in architecture.
Expert insights and deep research
Through a combination of in-depth interviews with industry practitioners, extensive research, and numerous customer programs, this paper reveals current perceptions and concerns, the practical use of AI within architecture, and what lies ahead.
A special thanks in particular to Charles Portelli (Perkins & Will), Kostika Lala (Flashcube Labs), and Vladimir “Vlado” Koylazov, Dan Ring, and Roderick Bates (Chaos) for sharing their experiences and perspectives.
How AI is transforming architecture
Structured into six sections, the paper addresses the different ways AI is entering and impacting architectural practice.
- How AI is changing AEC explores the early signals of adoption, from clients arriving with AI-generated concepts to firms testing tools in-house. It considers how these shifts are already influencing conversations at the very start of a project.
- Humans and AI in practice: new divisions of design labor examines how AI is reshaping day-to-day design work, from creative exploration to production, highlighting which processes and workflows are impacted by AI.
- Hidden risks of using AI in architecture and how to avoid them outlines key challenges in practice and summarizes how firms are beginning to address them through better governance and review processes.
- Responsible use of AI in practice examines how firms are establishing governance frameworks, contracts, and training programs to ensure AI is applied ethically, securely, and in support of design integrity.
- Skills architects will need for AI-enabled practice explores how the architect’s role is evolving as AI automates more of the technical workload. Rather than focusing on tool mastery, the most valuable skills are those that guide, evaluate, and humanize AI-driven processes.
- What to expect in the near future gathers expert perspectives on where AI is heading over the next 5–10 years, including visions of always-on assistants, living models, and the continued importance of human oversight.
👉 Download AI in architecture: trends, hidden risks, and what comes next