From computer-aided design software and building information modeling programs to augmented-reality headsets and artificial intelligence, technology has helped drive major shifts in our industry. Each advancement has enabled architects and design professionals to work more consistently across projects. Ideally, these tools also provide clients with a better idea of how their finished project will look and function—well before construction starts and changes become more costly.
Every project is a team effort. As artificial intelligence (AI) matures, firm leaders will have to decide if and how to welcome this nonhuman option into their workflow. AIA South Dakota included a presentation on AI during a previous Annual Convention to help members learn more about the possibilities and potential pitfalls. And Leap Chear, AIA, our state’s representative on the AIA Strategic Council, is assigned to the Digital Architecture Group. That study group is tasked with ensuring the AIA Artificial Intelligence Policy Resolution drafted last year gains full support and is adopted by the AIA Board of Directors.
In this recent piece for Fast Company, design consultancy founder William H. Dodge predicts that an industry-wide move to AI could give architects and other professionals freedom to focus on the more creative aspects of their projects.
Where does your philosophy fit? Is your firm trialing AI or other young technologies? If so, what struggles and benefits have you found so far?
AIA South Dakota is the professional non-profit membership association of architects, future architects, and partners in the building and design industries, and the state chapter of the American Institute of Architects (AIA) AIA South Dakota advances the mission that design matters in every South Dakota community.