
Across the industry, architects are embracing a new partner in their creative pursuits: Artificial intelligence (AI). The AI revolution is not knocking at our door – it already stepped in, has taken off its hat and is ready to get to work.
The future of architecture is not just being written – it’s being coded, and here are 14 of the most valuable AI tools you could be using right now:
Best for concept design
This is an AI-powered image generation tool that uses written prompts for photorealistic images to illustrate conceptual thinking.
While Midjourney still has to fill the shoes of your favourite visualiser, it can help designers convey complex designs by producing stunning visual narratives to help demonstrate the vision to clients and stakeholders.
Generative AI to streamline the workflow, generate images, text effects and other creative content. It illustrates innovative design ideas using text-to-image prompts.
Part of the Adobe suite, it promotes collaboration through a recognised and dependable platform. Development is likely in seamless transitioning between Adobe’s popular design programmes.
Best for generating design alternatives

Frees up time and resources by taking on the laborious task of generating design options, freeing architects to engage more deeply with creativity and clients. By generating unexpected design options, Maket.ai propels architects into the thrilling unknown of innovative design.
The tool serves as a launchpad for creativity, inspiring architects to reach beyond their tried-and-true and embrace the unknown.
Best for residential planning
ARCHITEChTURES analyses site conditions, climate dynamics, budget constraints and client aspirations, to produce an array of design options, harmonising form and function while bringing architectural visions to life.
From site planning, where ARCHITEChTURES navigates constraints and explores opportunities, to meticulous building design encompassing room sizes, window placements and sustainable material selections, it enables accuracy and adjustment.
Best for urban planning
The brainchild of Alphabet Inc. and now part of Google, Sidewalk Labs marries AI, machine learning and sensor technologies, enabling your designs to work harder while you work smarter.
AI generates design options and machine learning optimises the building performance. Sensor technology provides invaluable data on the traffic patterns, air quality and noise levels.
Best for 3D modelling

Kaedim harnesses the transformative potential of machine learning, generative adversarial networks and natural language processing to morph simple 2D design ideas into stunningly accurate 3D models.
In the client-facing phase, Kaedim plays a critical role in visual communication, enabling architects to present 3D models that resonate with clients’ imaginations. During the construction planning phase, it ensures accurate documentation via detailed 3D models.
An innovative platform that leverages machine learning, generative adversarial networks and natural language processing to render high-quality 3D models, and capturing intricate details from architectural designs to produce exceptional representations and designs with a high degree of realism.
It allows architects to present dynamic 3D models to clients. For construction planning and documentation, Sloyd.AI’s exactness ensures that each specification is captured in the 3D models it generates.
Best for renovation projects
The true genius of Luma.AI occurs in renovation and restoration projects, where it can capture existing structures from photographs with striking accuracy and create virtual twins, bridging the gap between the tangible and the virtual. It ensures that the newly proposed modifications are compatible with the existing structure and enhances its aesthetic and functional appeal.
The created 3D models can also be utilised in interactive virtual reality or augmented reality presentations.
Best for Building Information Modelling (BIM)
BricsCAD BIM amplifies the capabilities of BIM, automating repetitive tasks such as drafting dimensions and annotations, employing AI to translate 2D sketches into detailed 3D models while offering real-time visualisation. It helps architects to identify and rectify errors, enhancing the quality of the final output and minimising post-construction issues. Real-time visualisation empowers architects to make informed design decisions, visualising the impact of each modification.
It ensures that architects, engineers and builders are in sync, providing a shared platform that brings everyone on the same page, streamlining the design process, reducing redundancy and ensuring a consistent understanding of the project among all parties involved.
Best for rendering
A promising AI-powered rendering service with the convenience of a cloud-based platform that provides high-quality, photorealistic renders in minutes, taking over the labour-intensive task of rendering. It is compatible with SketchUp®, Revit®, and Rhinoceros®.
Veras
Recently announced as being available within SketchUp®, Veras is an AI-powered visualisation tool that leverages 3D model geometry to create photorealistic renders using text prompts, faster than traditional methods.
Best for sustainable design
Operating on a cloud-based platform, Autodesk Forma is easily accessible from any location and works in tandem with AutoCAD and Revit. It uses AI to simulate the implications of diverse design decisions on critical factors, such as energy consumption, traffic flow and air quality, with an aim to help designers make more informed and sustainable design choices while enhancing the sustainability and liveability of projects.
Best for project management

ClickUp harmonises tasks, deadlines, and team assignments in a simple platform, ensuring project progression from design to construction, avoiding missed deadlines and maintaining momentum.
Document management facilitates effortless collaboration while chat, video conferencing and file-sharing tools synchronise efforts with team members and clients. Real-time collaboration can be used to refine designs collectively, while ClickUp’s reporting tools provide invaluable insights to identify improvement areas and fine-tune workflows. Analytics and visualisations offer panoramic project views.
Top tip: The successful firm of the future will embrace technology and develop their business around it hand in hand with their human centric approach.
Best for 3D sketching
SketchUp will be announcing the beta versions of two new AI features in June 2023, both which help accelerate and streamline design workflows so architects can spend more time designing and less time on tedious tasks.
Full acknowledgement and thanks go to https://architizer.com/ for the information in this editorial.
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