Only six per cent of architects regularly using artificial intelligence says AIA study

While many American architects are interested in artificial intelligence only a small minority have implemented it regularly into their practice, says a study released by the American Institute of Architects.

According to the American Institute of Architects' (AIA) periodic Journey to Specification research study, only six per cent of architects in the United States regularly use artificial intelligence (AI) tools in their practice.

Over 500 AIA-registered architects responded to the study, which asked questions about both individual and firm-wide implementation of AI software.

Majority of architects concerned

Of the individual respondents, 53.1 per cent have experimented with AI in some capacity, while only eight per cent of studios have implemented AI directly into their processes – the majority of these were larger firms.

A majority of respondents were optimistic about the potential for AI to help with complex problems (84 per cent), but nearly all (90 per cent) expressed concerns about AI.

Architects who responded noted concern with inaccuracy, unintended consequences and privacy as the top-line concerns.

The study was carried out in collaboration with software companies Deltek and Construct Connect.

"AI is transforming the design industry, creating both challenges and opportunities for Building Product Manufacturers," said Construct Connect VP of sales Derek Guffey.

"This research offers key insights into AI and its impact on go-to-market strategies and product selection in this brave new world," he continued. "The Journey to Specification serves as a guidepost for manufacturers planning for an AI-driven future."

AI use not in-line with need

Of the architects already using AI, the majority of respondents reported that they were using chatbots such as ChatGPT, grammar software and image generators.

The study also asked architects what they thought were currently the most inefficient tasks undertaken in the architecture practice, with areas of high inefficiency identified as updating product lists, estimation, complex specification and product research.

Less than 10 per cent of studios have used or experimented with AI for these inefficient tasks, while more than 20 per cent have for things such as client communications, which most considered already efficient prior to AI usage.

Content production and design were the most-mentioned tasks being supplemented by AI.

"Currently, firms typically use AI for simple design or content production tasks, such as image manipulation and grammar review, instead of more complex tasks," said the study. It also noted that the concerns about AI accuracy could be leading practitioners away from using it for more complex tasks.

From a demographic perspective, the study showed how architects under the age of 51 presented higher levels of concern about the implementation of AI, as opposed to their older counterparts.

The last few years have seen a massive rise in consumer and commercial AI technology. In 2023, Dezeen launched the AItopia series looking into the potential effects of AI on the architecture and design industries.

In that series, various professionals expressed various degrees of optimism and concern for the technology's implications, from a need to use it in order to control it to concerns about its environmental impacts.

The photo by Matheus Bertelli.

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