Technology in Practice
One year after our 2023 Industry Changing Tech issue, we take an updated look at the ways technology is altering practice, including AI (Artificial Intelligence), robotics, and virtual systems.
Letter from the editor
By Rebecca W.E. Edmunds, AIA, NOMA
A year ago, AI’s potential impact on the profession remained, for many, ambiguous. Robotic construction seemed experimentation. Virtual work, more a hangover from the Covid pandemic than an established way of working. But technology moves forward even when we may be mired in the day-to-day requirements of running a practice and delivering projects.
Numerous industry articles cite the ways AI is shaping practice from the studio to specifications and project completion to marketing. At the AIA Aspire conference in September, multiple sessions addressed AI technology available to, and used by, practitioners today. On aia.org, we can learn how the process of creating construction specifications has transformed. Robotic construction is delivering real affordable housing. And many resources illuminate all the potential ways AI can be harnessed to improve design practice and business.
With current AI language models having absorbed the entire contents of the internet, the usefulness of A.I. for writing might have reached its limit, with many institutions and publications becoming wise to, and rejecting, AI generated content. However, programs that aid in grammar, punctuation, and writing style are all standards of practice today.
We at AIA PM Digest thought this was a good time to revisit uses of technology in practice for our readers in six different areas. Enjoy!
_____________________________________
1 “AI is Shaping Architecture’s New Reality Faster Than We Expected. These 19 groundbreaking AI tools are rapidly advancing the AEC industry, revolutionizing design and construction.” Blaine Brownell, architectmagazine.com, September 27, 2024.
2 “Shaping the future: Six key benefits of AI in specifications.” Deltek, October 4, 2024
3 “Construction tech start-up sends AI-powered ‘micro-factories’ to the US to build affordable housing.” Nathaniel Bahadursingh, Archinect, Oct 4, 2024 AND “Check Out These Ground-Breaking, 3D-Printed Affordable Housing Winners.” Paul Makovsky, Architect Magazine, October 02, 2024.
4 “Artificial Intelligence or AI In Architecture; Guide To 2024.” Forough Farhadi, neuroject.com, January 31, 2024
Features
As AI use grows, architects should consider risks, rewards, and related liabilities
By The AIA Trust
Our colleagues at AIA Trust provide insight into balancing enthusiasm for A.I. with protecting ourselves from the potential for some to exploit the technology.
Technology as a competitive edge for A/E/C firms
By Rich Friedman, Friedman Partners
Rich has a new take on service offerings for firms: consider developing and owning proprietary technology for project delivery. His article presents real world examples of the rewards and challenges of this growing practice.
To AI or Not to AI?
By Karen Robichaud
Karen brings a background in theater and vast skill as a writer for architects and architectural firms to parsing the benefits and limitations of A.I. systems in telling stories.
Cultural change: Life first, then architecture
By Jennifer Kretschmer, AIA
Jennifer reminds readers that virtual practice is not simply a pandemic phenomenon; it is a valuable tool in shaping a practice that using technology to promote work-life balance in our demanding profession.
Designing for a Carbon-Neutral Future: The Role of Architects in Early-Stage Design
By Cesar Escalante, AIA, 2025 Chair Technology in Practice Knowledge Community
Cesar discusses the pivotal role architects, and the technology they employ, can play in mitigating the environmental impact and carbon footprint of buildings.
How Technology is Democratizing the Built Environment
By the AIA Trust
The AIA Trust takes a look into how technology is democratizing how we design and build our communities and what it means to practice today.
Contribute to the Digest
The future issues of the Practice Management Digest are currently planned to cover topics such as a new look at where we are with technology in firm operations. If you have other topics related to practice management that you’d like explored or any articles you would like us to consider for inclusion, please contact pmkc@aia.org.