Special report: how architectural agencies are actually using AI in 2024

The AI Revolution in Architecture Is Here—But How Are Firms Really Using It?

AI is no longer a futuristic concept in architecture—it’s an everyday tool transforming how firms design, plan, and execute projects. While AI-generated renderings and automated workflows dominate industry headlines, how are architectural agencies actually integrating artificial intelligence into their daily operations in 2024?

We spoke with leading firms and industry experts to uncover the real-world applications of AI in architecture. Here’s how firms are leveraging the technology beyond the hype.

1. AI-Driven Concept Design: Speeding Up the Creative Process

Gone are the days when architects spent weeks sketching out initial concepts. AI-powered tools like Midjourney, DALL·E, and Stable Diffusion are helping firms generate conceptual renderings in minutes.

“We use AI to rapidly generate mood boards and concept images, which helps clients visualize ideas much faster,” says Mark Chen, lead designer at a New York-based firm. “It’s a powerful way to iterate and explore possibilities early in the design process.”

AI doesn’t replace human creativity but acts as a collaborative partner, refining aesthetic elements and generating multiple design variations in record time.

2. Automating Repetitive Drafting & Documentation

Architects spend a significant portion of their time on technical documentation. AI-powered BIM (Building Information Modeling) software like Autodesk’s Forma and Graphisoft’s Archicad AI Assistant are automating repetitive drafting tasks.

“With AI-enhanced BIM, our teams can automate code compliance checks, detect design errors early, and streamline document production,” says Sarah Williams, an architectural technologist at a London-based firm.

By using AI-driven parametric design, architects can instantly adjust layouts and generate floor plans that comply with zoning laws—reducing costly errors and time spent on revisions.

3. AI-Powered Sustainability Analysis

Sustainability is a non-negotiable priority in architecture, and AI is making it easier to design energy-efficient buildings. Tools like ClimateStudio, Cove.tool, and Autodesk Insight use AI to analyze factors such as sunlight exposure, energy consumption, and thermal efficiency.

“We use AI-based simulations to assess a building’s carbon footprint before construction begins,” says Ricardo López, sustainability director at a Spanish architecture firm. “It helps us design smarter, reducing energy waste from the start.”

By integrating AI-powered generative design, firms can create net-zero buildings that optimize materials and energy use while complying with green building standards like LEED and BREEAM.

4. Enhanced Project Management & Cost Estimation

Beyond design, AI is revolutionizing project management by predicting costs, optimizing schedules, and mitigating risks.

Platforms like Alice Technologies and OpenSpace AI allow firms to run AI-powered construction simulations, identifying the most efficient sequencing of tasks and detecting potential delays before they happen.

“AI-driven cost estimation tools help us manage budgets more effectively by analyzing past project data and predicting expenses,” says David Kim, a senior architect at a Los Angeles firm. “This has significantly reduced budget overruns.”

5. AI-Assisted Client Presentations & VR Integration

Architects are using AI to enhance client presentations with hyper-realistic 3D visualizations and virtual reality (VR) walkthroughs.

Software like Enscape, Twinmotion, and NVIDIA Omniverse leverages AI to generate real-time visualizations, allowing clients to experience spaces in immersive detail before construction begins.

“We no longer present static renders—clients can now walk through their future buildings in VR, making approvals much faster,” says Isabelle Fontaine, a Paris-based architectural consultant.

The Future: Architects as AI-Orchestrators

Despite fears that AI could replace architects, firms are using it as an augmentation tool rather than a replacement. AI handles the heavy lifting—automation, optimization, and predictive modeling—while architects remain the visionaries and problem-solvers behind every project.

As AI continues to evolve, its role in architecture will likely expand, making design smarter, more efficient, and more sustainable. Firms that embrace AI today are positioning themselves at the forefront of the industry’s transformation.