AT chats to… Lilian Ho, architect and expert in generative design, about the world’s first online master’s in Artificial Intelligence in construction and architecture.

Who is the course aimed at and how much does it cost?
The master’s in Artificial Intelligence by ZIGURAT is aimed at architects, engineers, and construction professionals who want to position themselves at the forefront of the revolution coming to this sector. We are only at the dawn of the changes that AI will bring to construction. Executives and professionals who do not want to miss the boat need to get on board as soon as possible, because AI represents a new approach, a new way of approaching the design, planning, and project management process. It has implications for every stage of the construction process. The master’s program is highly useful both for those seeking to specialize in the application of exponential technologies and for professionals looking to drive the digital transformation of their practice. If you are leaders in the AECO industry and seek a comprehensive understanding of how to reshape your organisation and prepare for the adoption of AI technology, you can also benefit from this. Regarding the cost, we have worked to make the investment competitive and accessible, offering different payment options and financing plans. For precise details on the price, we invite interested individuals to visit our website or contact our admissions team.

Can it be combined with work?
Yes, absolutely. Our master’s program is delivered online, with live classes that are recorded for later viewing, allowing professionals to manage their time and study without sacrificing their work responsibilities. That said, one of the great strengths of ZIGURAT’s master’s programs is that the sessions are live, with participants from various countries and a high professional level. Our participants value not only the content and academic rigor but also the networking opportunities that arise from connecting with professionals from around the world.

Is there a particular highlight of the program that excites you the most?
One aspect that excites me is that this is the world’s first fully online master’s program entirely dedicated to AI for architecture and construction. This program focuses on developing skills that optimise efficiency, cost, and resources at every stage of the construction process, from design to planning and project management and beyond. This specialisation breaks with traditional frameworks and merges exponential technologies with design and project planning, opening up a range of innovative possibilities. Additionally, collaboration with international experts across various fields enriches the content and provides a global, multidisciplinary perspective.

What can architects and other construction professionals expect from this course?
Architects and other construction professionals can expect to understand what artificial intelligence really is and to acquire practical tools and knowledge to immediately integrate artificial intelligence into their project workflows. This translates into the ability to optimise resources, maximise efficiency, enhance sustainability, and generate creative solutions that address current challenges in the built environment. The course not only offers technical training but also fosters a comprehensive approach that drives innovation in professional practice.

Is there anything planned to expand the demographic of those entering AI-driven construction and architecture?
Clearly, this is not a master’s program for computer or data scientists; it is focused on the construction sector, although our multidisciplinary approach invites architects, engineers, urban planners, and other construction professionals interested in technological innovation. We believe that the diversity of profiles within the AECO sector enriches learning and the practical application of artificial intelligence, paving the way for a more inclusive and collaborative ecosystem.

Has the time come for traditional architecture education to evolve?
Traditional education has laid the foundations of design and construction, but we believe the time has come to evolve and complement that knowledge with new technologies. The integration of artificial intelligence does not seek to replace traditional methods but rather to enhance and adapt them to the demands of a global and ever-changing market. Degrees in engineering and architecture already provide very solid and powerful foundations, and we believe this master’s program perfectly complements this knowledge and sectoral expertise with advanced technological development. Typically, neither a programmer understands the complexity of the AECO industry nor an architect knows how to use advanced AI tools in depth. That is why, with this hybrid technical-technologist profile, the projection and impact of professionals in the sector will be astronomical. It is an opportunity for architectural education to become enriched and to prepare professionals to lead the transformation of the sector.

Find out more about the course here.