The newly published RIBA Artificial Intelligence Report has revealed statistics detailing the architecture industry’s turn towards AI within professional practice using findings from a recent survey of 500+ members. The study also gives clues about the technology’s future and feedback on how new software tools have impacted the design process.

According to the report, 41% of architects in the UK have begun using AI software at least occasionally, with another 43% stating their opinions that it has made the design process "more efficient."

"Our findings show architects are curious and open-minded about AI, and some of us are true pioneers," RIBA President Muyiwa Oki summarized. "By fostering interdisciplinary collaboration and a culture of responsible innovation, we can harness the power of AI to create a more inclusive, resilient and sustainable built environment. There’s no turning back."

The survey was conducted between October and November 2023 and found that, despite its many proponents within the industry, 69% of practices are yet to invest in any AI in their offices. Only 41% of them say they expect their firms to actually follow up on investment. A majority (58%) of architects reported concerns about AI plagiarizing their work, while 36% said they viewed AI as a "threat to the profession" — against 34% who don’t and another 30% who are "neutral."

RIBA notes the new formation of an expert advisory group (EAG) to help steer future developments and delve further into the "broader ethical, professional, and competitive implications of the widespread integration of AI," according to Oki.

"AI can offer the opportunity for architects to work with more efficiency and remove some of the more tedious work. If harnessed, it can result in better work culture, fees, and salaries," one survey subject was reported as saying. "Harness it, learn it, shape it, and use it. It's coming and be on the wave rather than behind it. It's just another tool to use to generate better architecture. It doesn't take away the vision of the designer but assists it." 

RIBA cautions their findings are by no means "definitive." 

More about specific issues pertaining to the development of AI within the architecture industry can be found in our ongoing Archinect In-Depth: Artificial Intelligence series.