RIBA President Muyiwa Oki talks to AT about the RIBA’s new Expert Advisory Group on AI and the key findings from the RIBA AI survey, and what it means for architects.

‘Experiment 3’ – an AI image created with Midjourney. Credit Jaina Valji, Copy and Space. 

What type of advice could we expect from RIBA’s new Expert Advisory Group on AI, generative design and data? Are there any guidelines or recommendations provided by RIBA for architects using AI?
The RIBA AI report fills a significant knowledge gap about how architects are currently using AI and how they expect to use it in future. Alongside the results of a survey of RIBA members, the report includes expert commentary and case studies on current AI tools and the possibilities they present for architecture.

Building on the survey’s insight, RIBA’s new Expert Advisory Group on AI, generative design and data will look at the broader ethical, professional, and competitive implications of the widespread integration of AI in the practice of architecture. The group brings together members with varied expertise and experience in the fields of generative design (creating design solutions by inputting design goals, alongside a set of rules such as construction materials or spatial constraints, into generative design software), architectural practice, education and research and public policy to examine the opportunities and challenges that AI poses to the profession.

One of my key areas of focus as RIBA President is reimagining the role of architects, without boundaries, as the profession scales up its climate action and design innovation.

New technologies are rapidly emerging. With these at their fingertips, architects have new possibilities to expand their own purpose. RIBA’s Expert Advisory Group will use case studies to explore AI’s potential, and will use this insight to help ensure architects feel equipped to harness AI to play more prominent roles. These range from shaping climate adaptation policies for urban regions to make buildings resilient to climate change, to designing and creating high-performance environments that normalise and democratise sustainable living and thriving commerce.

The group will report to RIBA Council each quarter in 2024, and its final report will be available at the end of the year. With the group’s steer, RIBA will continue to monitor developments and provide the profession with expert opinion and guidance about AI, including professional features.

What were the key findings from the RIBA AI survey?
It is hard to overstate the role of AI in shaping the future of the built environment, and the findings of the RIBA AI survey, which asked UK architects how they are using and plan to use Al, reflect this.

The survey found that architects are open-minded and curious about AI, and while some are just testing the waters, others see themselves as true pioneers. It reveals that 41 per cent of UK architects are already using AI on at least the occasional project, and of those architects who are already using AI, 43 per cent think it has made the design process more efficient.

In the next two years, 54 per cent of architects expect their practice to use AI, and 57 per cent think it will improve efficiency in the design process. However, this ambition doesn’t yet seem to be matched by investment, as 69 per cent say their practice has not invested in AI research and development, and only 41 per cent expect their practice to invest.

With 70 per cent of the world’s population set to live in cities by 2050, AI has huge potential when it comes to sustainable urbanisation – ensuring cities support the long-term wellbeing of people and planet. Fifty-seven per cent of architects expect to use AI to carry out environmental sustainability analysis, such as assessing energy efficiency and material optimisation, in the next 2 years. And 49 per cent of architects think better digital tools, including AI, are necessary to meet the increasing complexity of buildings. That complexity includes climate adaptations, and smart building technology, used to automatically and remotely manage systems such as heating and lighting.

However, there are challenges ahead: 58 per cent of architects think AI increases the risk of their work being imitated. Some worry about it taking their jobs, but opinion is mixed – 36 per cent of architects view AI as a threat to the profession, 34 per cent don’t see it that way and 30 per cent are neutral.

UK architects are already good collaborators, but 50 per cent expect AI to have a positive effect on collaboration with other professions – a sign that AI will facilitate better sharing of expertise.

Through collaboration across the sector and widespread adoption of a culture of responsible innovation, we can harness the power of AI to create a more inclusive, resilient and sustainable built environment. I really think that there’s no turning back now – we must embrace the change and use it for good.

Are there any resources offered by the RIBA to help architects understand and navigate the use of AI in their projects?
We offer an on-demand course on AI in architecture as part of our core Continuing Professional Development (CPD) learning programme, which discusses ethical considerations such as data bias, authorship, and the implications of AI replacing humans on tasks.

Later this year, we will publish RIBA Horizons 2034, a programme of insight looking to the future of the profession considering ongoing global opportunities and challenges. This will include a close expert look at technological innovation, with insight from thought leaders including academics on how technological advances will affect architecture in the next decade, and how architects can continue to be built environment leaders in digital innovation.