no turning back - 41% of architects now using artificial intelligence, reveals RIBA report

RIBA releases 2024 Artificial Intelligence (AI) Report

The Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) released its Artificial Intelligence Report for 2024, detailing the findings of a survey conducted with 500+ RIBA members about AI and what it means for practice and the profession, framed by expert articles covering some of the critical issues AI raises. As new tech tools have become available over the past year to 18 months, there have been increased discussions about the future of artificial intelligence and what it means for society and the architectural profession. The report was published on February 29, 2024.

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a look at the survey numbers and comments

The numbers coming out of the RIBA report should be no surprise: 41% of UK architects are already using artificial intelligence (AI) on at least the occasional project, and of those, 43% think it has made the design process more efficient. The RIBA AI report includes the findings of a survey asking architects how they are using and plan to use AI. In the next two years, 54% of architects expect their practice to use AI, and 57% think it will improve efficiency in the design process. However, this ambition isn’t yet matched by investment, as 69% say their practice has not invested in AI research and development, and only 41% expect their practice to invest.

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With 70% of the world’s population set to live in cities by 2050, AI has huge potential when it comes to sustainable urbanization. 57% of architects expect to use AI to carry out environmental sustainability analysis in the next 2 years. And 49% think better digital tools, including AI, are necessary to meet the increasing complexity of buildings – which includes climate adaptations and smart building technology. However, there are challenges ahead. 58% of architects think AI increases the risk of their work being imitated. Some worry about it taking their jobs, but opinion is mixed – 36% of architects view AI as a threat to the profession, 34% don’t see it that way, and 30% are neutral.

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RIBA shares several comments by architects who responded to its survey, spotlighting the chasm of opinions, with many arguing about efficiency and collaboration and others about ethics and copyright infringement: 

‘AI will become an inevitable part of our increasing need to become more efficient, whilst also simultaneously helping us to deal with ever greater complexities of design and construction.’

‘We use AI to provide code for the automation of various aspects of project and document management, but still to a very limited degree.’

‘We use virtual environments and digital twins to achieve a radical reduction in the carbon, energy, water, and waste footprints of costly physical construction.’

‘Harness it, learn it, shape it and use it. It’s coming and be on the wave rather than behind it. It’s just another tool to use to generate better architecture. It doesn’t take away the vision of the designer but assists it.’

‘There are no real regulations in place and the ethical risks are very significant, from intellectual property, design creativity, employment and potential risks on the built environment too (if things go wrong).’

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‘the most disruptive tool of our time’

RIBA President Muyiwa Oki emphasizes the significant impact of AI on architecture, calling it ‘the most disruptive tool of our time‘. To put it otherwise, architects are fully embracing AI’s potential to shape cities and improve the built environment. In light of that, the institution is forming an Expert Advisory Group on AI to monitor the ethical, professional, and competitive implications of the widespread integration of artificial intelligence. Collaboration and responsible innovation are key to harnessing its power to create a more inclusive, resilient, and sustainable future in architecture. You can download the full RIBA report here. 

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