Summary
This post introduces the 2026 return of the ArchViz Masterclass series, hosted by Chaos and powered by Nikos Nikolopoulos from Creative Lighting. The series has grown into a global community of over 10,000 artists. This year, its unique focus is on blending core artistic fundamentals with new AI-driven workflows.
Why take part in the 2026 ArchViz Masterclass?
There is a specific kind of magic that happens when a community of artists stops talking about "software" and starts talking about "storytelling." And for the past three years, that is exactly what the ArchViz Masterclass series has achieved!
With more than 10,000 artists from over 110 countries participating so far, this class has become a global movement focused on the heart of visual communication.
This year, the series returns to tackle the most pressing question in the industry: how do we embrace the rapid evolution of modern visualization and AI-driven workflows? The 2026 edition is designed to answer that by blending timeless principles of composition and lighting with the technical innovations of Chaos and AI.
Masterclass 1: Getting started with AI
The six-class series begins on February 19, 2026, at 4 pm CET with the opening session titled "Getting started with AI".
Rather than viewing AI as a replacement for the artist, Nikos Nikolopoulos will demonstrate how these tools can serve as a catalyst for the early design process, giving the artist greater creative freedom. The session will conclude with transforming a still image (a render or an AI output) into motion.
Join to learn more about:
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Ideation with Midjourney: You’ll explore foundational workflows to generate ideas, develop visual directions, and spark new concepts with confidence.
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The motion shift: The session concludes with a look at Runway, showing how a static render or AI output can be transformed into cinematic motion. It is a practical reminder of how powerful today’s creative toolkit has become when guided by a clear intention.
The full ArchViz Masterclass schedule
Each class features a 1-hour lecture, followed by a 30-40 minutes live Q&A.
|
Date |
Title |
Focus area |
|
Feb 19 |
Masterclass 1: Getting started with AI |
Midjourney ideation and Runway motion |
|
Mar 19 |
Masterclass 2: Composition & storytelling |
Framing, visual flow, & Review Spaces AI tool for Photoshop |
|
Apr 23 |
Masterclass 3: Mastering interior lighting |
Atmosphere, shadow placement, & AI refinement |
|
May 21 |
Masterclass 4: Exterior lighting & mood |
Natural light & AI-assisted variation with Chaos Veras |
|
Jun 18 |
Masterclass 5: Materials & moodboards |
PBR Materials & the AI Material Generator |
|
Jul 23 |
Masterclass 6: The art of color in archviz |
Color harmony & palette design |
|
Oct 22 |
Visual story competition |
Global community showcase & live reviews |
Explore more about each lesson and see which tools are reshaping the industry by registering for your free seat today!
Experience the power of community
In an age of endless "on-demand" content, the ArchViz Masterclass takes a different path. These sessions are intended to be a shared experience for the global community.
- No recordings: To maintain the focus and energy of a live classroom, there will be no on-demand recordings available after the event.
- Limited seating: Each session is hosted live online, and while the community is vast, digital seats are limited.
- Certification: For those committed to the full journey, attending all six classes will earn you an official Certificate of Attendance from Chaos, recognizing your progress and dedication to the craft.
Looking back: ArchViz Masterclass
If you want to see what is possible when these principles are put into practice, we highly recommend revisiting the winners of last year’s competition, held at the end of the series, and seeing how they applied their learnings.
About Nikos Nikolopoulos
Nikos Nikolopoulos is the Founder & Creative Director of Creative Lighting, an industry-leading consultancy specializing in architectural visualization, cinematic lighting, and AI-enhanced creative direction. Known for blending artistic intuition with modern technology, Nikos has worked with world-renowned studios such as Foster + Partners, Zaha Hadid Architects, Perkins & Will, Kilograph, Pureblink, and Assembly Studios, helping teams elevate their visual storytelling and design workflows.
As a global educator and long-time collaborator of Chaos, Nikos teaches the principles of composition, lighting, mood, and storytelling through a unique lens that bridges timeless creative fundamentals with the rapidly evolving world of AI. His workshops, masterclasses, and talks inspire thousands of artists each year, empowering them to think more cinematically, design with greater intention, and integrate AI tools into their daily practice with clarity and confidence.