The Royal Institute of British Architects has published results of the third survey among its members of attitudes towards the use of AI in architecture
The survey outlines how the adoption of AI in architecture has changed, how its use has developed and how design professionals view the AI-influenced future.
The report shows a significant jump in the number of architecture practices now using AI, from 59% in 2025 to 74% in 2026.
Many contributors view AI as a valuable tool in boosting productivity in practices, with 75% reporting an improvement in their practice’s productivity, and 57% of respondents reporting a positive return on investment.
Only 17% of respondents think AI has made design better
Despite the widespread adoption of AI in architecture, less than one in six (17%) of respondents agree that their designs are better because of AI.
While many practices report boosts in productivity, efficiency, and ROI, the report findings suggest that architects still value creativity, human judgement, and critical thinking as ‘irreplaceable’ and key components of high-quality design.
A lack of professional oversight creates bigger risks
As called for in RIBA’s Repeal, Reserve, Regulate campaign, those responsible for critical decisions in the delivery of buildings should possess the specific skills, competencies and professional judgement required for the task.
Design outputs delivered and used without professional oversight create unacceptable risks for the future, and the findings reinforce the need for maintaining a competence-led approach to regulating the built environment, underpinned by rigorous education, ethical practice and lifelong learning.
Respondents worried that AI will cut jobs and essential skills
While there is no clear evidence of sector-wide AI-induced staff cuts yet, a significant proportion 59% believe that AI adoption in architecture will lead to staff reductions across the profession.
There is also growing concern around the effect of AI on the training and development of early-career architects, with 61% agreeing that it will make it more difficult for early-career professionals to acquire essential skills and experience, as AI increasingly automates tasks that have been traditionally used as training and development opportunities.
One contributor to the report stated that if these tasks are outsourced to AI, this means “the fundamental training that young people might otherwise get when they enter the sector becomes increasingly less available to them”.
This could be detrimental to emerging architects, reducing opportunities to gain essential skills and experience, and potentially making practices less inclined to recruit junior staff if they believe AI can perform most of this work.
Human thinking and judgement can never be replaced
Overall, the profession remains sceptical about what lies ahead, with only 21% agreeing that AI makes them more optimistic about the future of their organisation.
While many recognise the opportunities that AI presents, including enhanced productivity, efficiency, and ROI, 77% of respondents agree that it can never replace human creativity.
The findings make it clear that creativity, human judgement and critical thinking remain at the heart of the profession. As one contributor noted, ‘AI is a tool, not a solution’, highlighting the importance of architects in guiding the responsible adoption of AI and leading the profession’s digital transformation.
RIBA continues to actively monitor developments in AI, working closely with its Expert Advisory Group on AI, Generative Design and Data.
The post AI in architecture is booming, but human judgement remains critical appeared first on Planning, Building & Construction Today.
