Designing with AI: Where Technology Ends and Architecture Begins
As artificial intelligence becomes increasingly integrated into our daily workflows, it’s no surprise that tools for space planning and layout generation are becoming more widespread. From sample images to test-fit floor plans, AI offers a level of speed and accessibility that can be incredibly helpful, especially in the early stages of real estate decision-making.
For brokers, developers, and building owners, these tools can quickly illustrate whether a building might accommodate a desired number of offices or support basic adjacency needs. On the surface, it feels like a huge time saver. But what exactly are you getting from these tools and what are you potentially missing?
What AI Can Do Well
We’re not anti-AI. In fact, we regularly explore how new technologies can make our work more efficient, more responsive, and more informed. AI-powered space planning tools have their place. They can be helpful in:
Quickly testing basic fit scenarios
Visualizing potential office layouts
Generating options for review and comparison
Supporting early feasibility conversations
If you’re asking whether a certain number of offices or workstations will technically fit into a given space, these tools can give you a quick answer. They’re especially useful in the early, exploratory stages of a project.
What AI Can’t Replace
But space planning isn’t just about fitting things in. It’s about how people move, connect, and work together. And that’s where the value of an architect becomes clear.
Architects ask questions that AI can’t. We dig deeper into how your organization functions, how teams interact, how people use spaces throughout the day, and where seemingly small details can have a big impact. A copier tucked too far from those who rely on it daily can create unnecessary friction. A meeting space with poor acoustic separation can affect productivity. These aren’t just technical issues; they’re human ones.
AI can give you a layout. Architects help you understand if that layout supports the way you actually work.
The Hidden Cost of AI-Generated Plans
One of the challenges we’re seeing is a growing expectation that AI-generated layouts are “ready to go,” that because a tool provided a visual output (and sometimes even a Revit file), the heavy lifting is done.
Unfortunately, that’s rarely the case.
Here’s what we often find with AI-generated plans:
Wall types are placeholders. They don’t reflect fire ratings, acoustic separation, or code compliance.
Exiting paths and aisle widths may not meet building code requirements, especially when occupancy classifications vary.
ADA compliance is often overlooked, especially when it comes to reach ranges, turning radii, and door clearances.
Doors and hardware are generically placed, missing the critical specifications, ratings, and safety standards that must be tailored to each use and user group.
Glazing requirements like tempered or fire-rated glass are missing or incorrectly applied.
Even if we’re handed a polished-looking Revit file, it often takes more time to correct, rebuild, and verify every element than it would to start fresh with a real understanding of the programmatic needs and regulatory constraints.
Design Is More Than a Checklist
The most valuable part of our process isn’t the floor plan, it’s the conversation. It’s sitting down with clients and end users to hear how they use their space, what frustrates them, and what would make their day better. It’s understanding the culture of a company or the rhythms of a care team. Those insights lead to better outcomes, not just buildings that function, but places where people thrive.
So yes, use the tools. Test ideas. Get inspired. But don’t mistake a diagram for a design. Great design still comes from thoughtful collaboration, code expertise, and deep listening.
At the end of the day, AI can draw a space, but only people can design for people.
This article is part of a series exploring the intersection of architecture and artificial intelligence, aiming to demystify the technology and inspire innovative applications within our industry.
