The impact of artificial intelligence (AI) within architecture is growing at a rapid pace. As AI advancements become more refined, we're seeing tools gaining traction that support areas such as design exploration, task automation, and building performance optimization, which aim to give you more time to focus on complex problem-solving and pushing creative boundaries.
AI technology in the architecture industry is reshaping workflows and helping to deliver exceptional projects faster. There are now AI tools for architects that improve project management, analyze energy efficiency in buildings, and help create photorealistic renders.
2025 has been a pivotal year for AI adoption in architecture. The results of a survey conducted by Architizer and Chaos on the state of architectural visualization reveal that it is definitely here to stay. Compared to 2024, excitement around AI experimentation is on the rise by 20% and 11% of firms are already using AI in their architectural design processes.
If you're looking for something to help streamline your design workflow or are just curious to test out a tool, we've compiled a list for you to explore. There are, of course, a plethora of AI tools out there, so if you have one you can recommend that's not listed below, get in touch, and we can add it to the list.
From the State of Architectural Visualization report, 2024/25 edition.
AI tools for early-stage design alternatives and concept generation
While fast decision-making plays a significant role in the early design and ideation stages, it shouldn't compromise the quality. AI tools for architects that enable creative exploration and quick iteration help minimize that gap.
Veras is an AI-powered visualization tool by Chaos. It works by connecting to CAD and BIM platforms and uses diffusion-based techniques and machine learning to turn geometric models into detailed images. There is a free trial available.
Kaedim is a tool for architectural modeling that lets you create 3D assets on demand. The platform removes the task of 3D modeling from your hands while allowing you to explore creative concepts. It makes it possible to convert simple and schematic two-dimensional ideas into accurate 3D models.
AI in building information modeling (BIM)
AI BIM can improve productivity and sustainability through automation in generating and documenting 3D models, seamless integration with platforms like Archicad, and advanced simulations for structural performance and energy modeling.
Archicad AI Visualizer is an experimental solution powered by Stable Diffusion. The tool creates 3D visualizations that can be used during the early stages of design. It works by implementing text prompts to generate images, which can then be used to explore different ideas quickly and easily.
AI tools for architectural visualization, rendering, and virtual reality
Achieving a more efficient architectural design process can be done thanks to many AI-powered tools for areas such as accelerated rendering for photorealism, immersive presentations, and image upscaling. Tools for image scaling can help add intricate architectural elements with minimal effort.
Chaos AI Enhancer is an innovative feature available in Enscape for active users. This feature improves realism in your renderings without sacrificing performance. It utilizes AI to enhance Enscape assets, specifically people and vegetation assets.
Adobe Firefly is a generative AI system designed to work with Adobe's Creative Cloud applications and for anyone at any design skill level. It offers text-to-image, generative fill, text effects, and generative recolor tools. The tool can be used in a browser or within Photoshop. The Firefly standalone web application has a free and premium plan option.
Dream Machine is an AI model by Luma Labs that makes high quality, realistic, and fantastical videos from text prompts and visuals. The text-to-video tool generates video output from user prompts and still images. There is an option to try the tool for free.
Generative Fill is Photoshop's AI feature that lets you enhance images with text prompts. The tool enables you to fill, extend, or modify image content, helping you to realize your vision while giving you control over your creations. Adobe Photoshop offers a free trial.
KREA is an image-generating tool that enhances and upscales images in real time. It offers multiple ways to do so, such as text-to-image, image-to-image, and screen-to-image. You can draw inspiration from the unique and wide range of images provided and share your collections of prompts with the community. The beta version is free.
AI in construction planning and site management
With the help of AI tools, architects in construction planning and site management can connect architectural visions and constructability with better clarity, efficiency, and impact. Progress tracking, quality control, and safety monitoring are enhanced through real-time data and automation, allowing informed decision making throughout the project management process.
Archistar is a property research platform that helps you identify project sties and assess their feasibility. The tool augments your process with AI, allowing you to generate hundreds of concept designs with building typologies and irregular sites. There is a free tier account available.
Ark Design AI is an AI platform for creating architectural schematic designs. It generates optimized building designs that adhere to your project requirements. The floor plans are generated based on aspects such as space utilization and energy efficiency. You can develop precise estimations with its automated cost estimation and smart 3D rendering features. It has free and premium plan options.
Maket is a generative design tool for residential planning. It automates residential floor plans and 3D renders, simplifies zoning research, and ensures projects adhere to regulation requirements. You can explore different design styles with a single text prompt. It has a free and a premium plan option.
TestFit's real-time AI generates site solutions based on user input parameters. The real estate feasibility platform has made site planning easier with its generative design AI configurators, as it allows for faster iterations. There is the option to try it for free.
AI for code compliance and regulatory adherence
Code compliance and regulatory adherence are essential parts of the design process as they protect public welfare and minimize liability by ensuring buildings are safe and legally approved. Architects can balance innovative design with legal requirements with the help of AI.
ARCHITEChTURES is a generative AI-powered building design platform that creates optimal building designs in real time. It helps you meet quantitative requirements by optimizing the feasibility analysis process with regulatory confidence, rapid iterations, and accurate insights within minutes instead of months. It offers a 7-day free trial.
AI in architectural education and training
Introducing AI to students and integrating it into studio work can help them develop foundational skills such as technical and strategic thinking, which are needed in a digitally driven professional field such as architectural design. AI tools like generative software can promote creativity, improve design exploration, and automate routine tasks.
DALL E 3 is a text-to-image tool developed by OpenAI that lets you generate and edit images from text descriptions. The successor of DALL E 2, DALL E 3 is the latest version of the model, which understands more nuance detail than previous versions. To use the DALL E tools, you must purchase credits starting from as little as 0.080 USD per image.
Midjourney is a generative AI program and service that creates images from written prompts. It's best known for its blend feature, which lets you upload multiple images and merge them into a new image based on the concepts and aesthetics of the uploaded images. It automates tedious design tasks, giving you more time to focus on your project's creative and collaborative aspects.
Stable Diffusion 3.5 Large is Stability AI's latest model of an open-source AI platform that generates images from text within seconds. It is known for producing hyperreal and photorealistic imagery thanks to its color accuracy, enhanced contrast and shadows, and higher-definition features. There is a free and pro version of the tool.
Integrating AI tools into your design process
"AI, in its current state, isn't entirely production-ready for architectural visualization. However, its rapid evolution is nothing short of remarkable. We stand at the cusp of a revolution, where the lines distinguishing traditional methods from AI-driven approaches are becoming increasingly indistinct. Buckle up for some exciting times ahead!"
Quote by Ricardo Eloy, CGarchitect Program Manager & Architect, from his 'How AI rendering is revolutionizing architecture design' article.
AI plays a significant role across the design-to-construction pipeline by offering enhanced workflow efficiency that improves outcomes at every stage. It's important to note that successfully integrating AI tools—or any tools for that matter—into your design workflow requires ongoing learning, adaptability, and a mindful approach to ethical considerations and potential challenges. Treat AI as a collaborative partner that helps to enhance creative aspects, provide insight, and improve efficiency, and not replace human judgement.
While AI is becoming commonplace in architecture, the landscape of tools is constantly evolving. So, it's a good idea to keep an eye out for the latest developments to ensure you have the best tools to complement your skillset and expertise as an architect.
FAQ
Can I use ChatGPT for architecture?
There are various areas of architecture where ChatGPT can be used. It can help with research, documentation, and brainstorming ideas, to name a few. While it can help streamline workflows, architects must keep in mind that it shouldn't be used in replacement for professional judgement and expertise.
Will ChatGPT replace architects?
As much as tools like ChatGPT provide valuable support, they are highly unlikely to replace architects. This is because architecture requires skills and experience that are unique to humans, such as creativity, effective communication, complex technical knowledge, and social responsibility.
Can AI design a floor plan?
There are AI tools that help with floor plan design. These tools can automatically generate plans and suggest layouts that optimize space efficiency. By leveraging AI in everything from zoning to circulation, architects and designers can visualize and refine spatial arrangements with more ease and accuracy.
How does Chaos AI Enhancer improve the realism of Enscape renders?
The Chaos AI Enhancer elevates the quality of your visualizations within Enscape. You can use it to improve your renderings with minimal effort. It uses AI to upscale vegetation and people assets with lifelike detail.
How can Chaos Veras support early-stage architectural design?
Veras is an AI-powered visualization tool that is ideal for early-stage design. It allows architects to generate multiple design variations quickly and facilitate rapid design exploration, helping with more efficient client feedback exchange, idea validation, and better decision-making.
Is it possible to use AI tools like Veras in architectural education or student projects?
Using artificial intelligence in architectural education is a great way to provide new avenues for learning. Incorporating AI tools in projects encourages students to explore new technology and will equip them with skills to navigate the industry and digital landscape.
Can AI tools help architects design more sustainable buildings?
AI can help architects make smarter and more sustainable decisions when designing buildings by using data and insights from tools designed to optimize the design process. From improving energy efficiency to recommending eco-friendly materials, these tools help reduce the environmental impact of buildings.
Can I integrate Veras with my BIM or CAD software?
Veras is a plugin for popular BIM and CAD software such as Revit, SketchUp, Rhino, Vectorworks, and Archicad. It works with existing project files on Windows and Mac. Veras also has a web-based version to which you can upload your sketches and images for further ideation and concept refinement.
