Architectural visualization is evolving fast, with new tools promising to change how architects design and communicate their work. AI is being explored in creative ways, real-time rendering is showing up in more workflows, and sustainability tools are starting to shape design conversations. But which technologies are becoming key investments? And which are still trying to find their place in the process?
For the third year, Chaos and Architizer teamed up to survey over 1,000 architects and designers to get real answers. This year’s report on the state of architectural visualization takes a deep dive into key industry trends, aiming to learn whether architects are actually integrating AI into their workflows, which types of visualizations clients value most and where are firms investing their budgets.
These findings offer valuable insights for architects, designers, and visualization professionals currently navigating this rapidly changing landscape. Whether you’re looking to streamline your workflow, stay ahead of industry trends, or simply see how your peers are adapting, this report breaks down the state of architectural visualization today.
Read more on some of the key findings below and download the full report for the complete insights.
1. Architects are embracing AI, but not as a standalone solution
AI is definitely here to stay. Architects are using AI to generate concept images and early design ideas (44%), quickly create variations of design options (35%), enhance photorealism (32%), and optimize image quality (26%).
But while AI is proving useful, it’s not exactly taking over like some predicted. Most architects still see it as a tool to refine existing processes.
Compared to last year, excitement around AI experimentation has somewhat cooled, but that could be because 56% of respondents are now actively using AI in their visualization workflow. The report uncovers which firm sizes are embracing it, and where the biggest shifts are happening. While large firms continue to lead the way, smaller firms and freelancers are finding their own creative approaches—but are they keeping pace?
Beyond these trends, the survey results also examine how firms are balancing AI with traditional workflows, what’s holding back wider adoption and which emerging tools could change the game next. Download the full report for the complete breakdown.
2. Still images stay on top, but real-time rendering is catching up
While architectural visualization continues to evolve, one thing remains unchanged: still images dominate. They're familiar, client-friendly, and still considered essential. Despite the influx of new tools, most architects continue to rely on these trusted formats to communicate their vision clearly and convincingly.
That said, there’s no denying that real-time rendering is gaining momentum.
This year’s report reveals that real-time rendering is now considered one of the top needs in visualization. Apart from using it to create immersive experiences, firms are turning to real-time rendering to work faster, make quicker decisions, and even produce high-quality stills.
The full report explores how firms are integrating real-time rendering into their daily practice, what’s motivating continued investment, and what needs to happen for broader industry-wide adoption. As workflows evolve, real-time tools are expected to play a far bigger role than ever before.
3. Demand for architectural animation is on the rise, but architects are still adapting
Similar to real-time rendering, animation is gaining momentum in architectural visualization, but adoption is slow. More architects are seeing the value of motion-based presentations, yet only 26% use animations frequently. While clients increasingly expect dynamic visuals, the industry is still figuring out how to make them viable.
High-end rendering software, time-consuming post-production, and the challenge of fitting animation into existing design workflows continue to slow adoption. Even firms that want to integrate animation into their presentations often struggle to justify the investment.
But change is on the horizon. New tools are emerging to make animation more accessible without requiring complex software or extensive rendering times. For example, Chaos has introduced Envision, a beta-stage tool designed to integrate seamlessly with Enscape, making it easier for architects to create high-quality animations within their existing workflows.
Features like animated people, vehicles, and environmental effects (such as weather and lighting transitions) are already in demand, and solutions that bridge the gap between rendering and animation are gaining traction.
With demand growing and solutions evolving, the report breaks down what firms need to make animation a viable part of their workflow.
4. Costs, sustainability, and tech adoption among the industry’s ongoing challenges
Apart from insights into the adoption of new technologies like AI, real-time rendering, and animation, the report also delves into broader industry challenges and how firms are adapting to them. Other key findings include:
- The impact of rising software and hardware costs – Why technology adoption is slowing for some firms and what this means for the future of visualization.
- How hybrid and remote work is reshaping visualization processes – With 52% of respondents working in hybrid environments, how are firms adapting their workflows?
- The growing influence of sustainability-driven visualization – Architects want to integrate energy performance analysis and carbon tracking, but adoption remains low. What’s stopping them?
- The demand for faster, more efficient visualization tools – 43% of firms say slow rendering times are a major challenge. Which solutions are helping, and what gaps remain?
- Differences in technology adoption between small and large firms – While large firms invest in AI and automation, smaller practices are struggling to keep up. How is this affecting competition?
Download the report for a closer look at the forces driving change in architectural visualization.
What does the future hold?
At this point, it’s obvious that architectural visualization is advancing at an unprecedented pace, but the landscape remains a mix of ambition and constraint. While AI, real-time rendering, and sustainability-driven tools signal the future, practical barriers like cost, implementation, and workflow integration continue to shape what firms can realistically adopt.
The industry is at a crossroads. Traditional methods remain dominant, yet the demand for faster, more dynamic visualization is growing. Firms that can navigate this transition, embracing new technologies while optimizing current workflows, will be best positioned to lead.
Who took part in the survey?
This survey gathered insights from a diverse group of architects and designers working across firms of all sizes. Smaller firms (1-19 employees) made up the majority of respondents, while larger firms (100+ employees) accounted for 14%. The survey also had a strong global reach, with most responses coming from the U.S. (40%), followed by the UK, EU, and professionals from 75 countries worldwide.
The survey was conducted in November 2024, and carried out by Architizer and Chaos.
