Artificial intelligence (AI) is a topic that seems to be discussed by everyone. According to Future Today Institute AI is a growing trend that affects all industries from real estate to agriculture. What does AI mean to the interior and architecture design industry?
Think Lab had a candid discussion about AI with Eric Klooster (director of architecture at INFORM Studio) and Abby Shehan (senior design director at Premier). They discussed the impact of machine learning on design, the best tools to use, and the future of our industry.
What is the reality? The range of available tools is increasing. Some of these tools help with the design and can save time and money, while others are used to speed up construction. Yes, you read it correctly.
There are many tools worth exploring, no matter where you or your company fall on the AI love-fear spectrum.
1. UpCodes Copilot
UpCodes Copilot, your Al-powered assistant for code. It accelerates your code research by providing built-in answers tailored to your specific project questions. “These code analysis tools allow us to design quicker and ensure that we protect the safety and wellbeing of our occupants. Klooster says it’s quicker and reduces risk.
2. Midjourney
Midjourney is an AI program that generates images from text prompts. Designers can use this platform to create iterative designs that are aligned with the requirements and considerations of material selections and site specifications.
3. ChatGPT
ChatGPT is likely already being used by your team. Site research, design briefs, and marketing are all common in our industry. Like most AI tools this tool is constantly evolving, and the free version of 3.5 gives a good introduction to AI. Shehan says, “It accelerates our research and allows us to dig deep into the history of the website we are designing for.”
4. Higharc
The tool is flexible enough to allow you to customize the parameters (such as ADA requirements) to meet your project needs. What is the standout feature? Higharc can generate a set of construction drawings that are ready for permits in minutes without the need to draft. It even has built-in cost estimators. Although its current focus is on the residential market, this tool has vast potential for other vertical markets.
5. Finch 3D
Your prototyping companion. Finch uses advanced algorithms to optimize the design, giving you ten times faster iterations. Finch’s built-in error-prevention ensures that your design constraints are met. It also provides real-time feedback for design decisions. Finch integrates seamlessly with existing design and drafting software like Revit Rhino and Grasshopper.
Read Also: How To Create 3D Images For Instagram Using Bing AI?
Who in the industry should be experimenting with these tools?
According to Klooster, “the more the merrier.” The broader the spectrum of industry players–manufacturers, architects, designers, developers, and corporate real estate professionals–who utilize these tools, the richer our understanding becomes. This collaborative use allows for the refinement and enhancement of traditional project processes. Klooster and Shehan share a common goal to use these tools to educate local governments, streamlining their design approval process.
JLL and CBRE, just to mention a few examples, are excellent examples.
The Van Leesten Bridge Project, by INFORM Studio, is a great example of how architecture, AI, and fabrication can come together.
