Spill The Tea: How Architects Can Transform Workplace Culture and Call Out Toxic Office Environments
CategoriesArchitecture

Spill The Tea: How Architects Can Transform Workplace Culture and Call Out Toxic Office Environments

Wandile Mthiyane is an Obama Leader, TedxFellow, architectural designer, social entrepreneur and the founder and CEO of Ubuntu Design Group (UDG) and The Anti-Racist Hotdog. He is proud to introduce The Tea, a peer-to-peer inclusion rating platform.

For far too long, companies have chosen to remedy discrimination after the fact rather than proactively cultivating prevention tactics to ensure employees don’t endure negative and potentially traumatic experiences. This reactive default means that the people who plan our homes, neighborhoods and cities don’t have a plan preventing them from facing harmful and dangerous workplace situations. It’s too easy to simply blame architecture culture; architects shouldn’t have to depend on Plan B–lawsuits, support groups or even have therapists on speed dial. What if you had all the information you needed on a company’s culture before applying?

Recently, I asked some friends what they wished they had known before entering the workforce, and their responses shed light on the challenges they faced. Each told me a harrowing story about intersectional discrimination in the workplace: significant pay gaps, inadequate maternity leave and administrative reluctance to address these issues and others. Comparing their stories exposes how similar problems can be found anywhere in the world, with women and people of color trying to combat workplace discrimination while simply trying to do the jobs they were hired for.

One experience was shared by a Black female friend who worked as an architectural designer in South Africa. After her first year, the company hired her white male classmate from university, assigning her the task of mentoring him for six months and teaching him about the firm’s design philosophy. One day over lunch, he unexpectedly expressed his dissatisfaction with his salary and, in the process, revealed the significant pay gap between them. Surprised by this revelation, my friend confronted her boss, and the conversation that followed is almost unbelievable.

Library in Anzin by Dominique Coulon & Associés, Anzin, France

The boss initially justified the disparity by explaining that her classmate had financial responsibilities, such as paying rent to his mother. She pointed out that she paid rent to an actual landlord. The boss mentioned that his colleague — again, who she was mentoring — had a car, so they need to uphold his living standard, to which she responded she’d also have a car if she were compensated fairly. Only when she threatened to quit did she gain a raise to match her classmate’s salary.

These problems persist in North America, too. My Asian friend from Canada shared a comparable account of discovering that she was being paid significantly less than her colleagues. When she confronted her boss about the inequity, her boss quickly deflected the issue to the HR department, adopting a stance of concern and promising action. A week later, the boss informed her that the matter had been resolved and presented her with a list of goals she needed to achieve within a specific timeframe to earn a raise. Frustrated, she questioned the idea of needing to prove herself for a job she was already overqualified for just to receive equal pay. In the face of her threat to resign, the matter was resolved within a week.

Meanwhile, one of my white female friends in Germany revealed an age-based layer to gender discrimination. As she approached her mid-20s, she encountered difficulties securing a job. Once gainfully employed, she faced even greater hurdles in obtaining promotions. Companies perceived her as a potential liability because she could get pregnant, thus hindering her progress at work. Almost ironically, policies favoring maternity leave have led male bosses to view women as liabilities.

Clearly this problem is pervasive worldwide and is linked to problematic workplace cultures. While relevant in most workplaces, architecture is an industry well known for its toxic work culture. Architects have to deal with unnecessary competition between colleagues, work long hours, and pay off a mountain of school debt in the meantime. In 2023, Architecture Journal reported that over 40% of architects work at least 10 hours of overtime per week, largely unpaid, according to an AJ study completed by 400 architects. This work-pace leads to high burn-out rates, with almost 97% of architects reporting burn-out.

Take into consideration women and People of Color have to fight their own struggles against workplace discrimination while doing their own work in these already-toxic spaces. According to the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB), out of the 121,603 licensed architects in the U.S. as of 2022, only 2% (2,492) are Black. Among them, only 566 are Black women, despite Black people making up 12.6% of the country’s population, with 52% of the Black population being Black women. These statistics clearly highlight the significant underrepresentation of people of color, particularly Black individuals and women, exposing them to vulnerability in white male-dominated studio spaces. Moreover, disparities in power structures within firms further exacerbate the situation, as women face additional challenges and are less likely to complete licensure, impeding their progression to principal roles. As one of my American friends noted, employees should have the ability to go to work and focus solely on their tasks without the added burden of being the unofficial and unpaid advocates for DEI within their companies.

Clearly, DEI programming is not enough to change our workplaces. Over the past two years, my team and I have partnered with leading social psychologists from Harvard, Columbia, Deloitte, and The Resolution Project, and closely studied company culture while consulting with architecture firms, both large and small. Throughout our research, we engaged with young professionals to understand what they wish they had known before entering the workforce, particularly what would have helped them make better decisions about the places where they would spend the majority of their adult lives.

Building upon this work, we developed The Tea: a demographic-specific, peer-to-peer inclusion rating platform that connects women and people of color to workplaces where they are truly valued. The Tea uses key workplace indicators that matter the most to individuals of similar demographics, based on research that shows why women and people of color leave or stay in workplaces. The platform uses ratings based on key workplace indicators such as salaries and benefits, path to growth, internal advocacy, external advocacy, authentic self, and valued expression. Users can also filter based on race, gender, sexual orientation and age to find how people that look like you have experienced a particular workplace.

The Tea is also built for firm leaders and HR directors, helping them know exactly what they need to improve in their own workplaces and the steps they have to take. Instead of providing negative anecdotes without clear solutions, The Tea’s data-driven key indicators show more precisely where companies need to improve. Companies can even upload their own efforts to address each indicator, so applicants can see how a company is dealing with certain problems. Above all, we value everyone’s identity and security, online and in the workplace: just log in with your LinkedIn, and your reporting remains anonymous.

In the end, The Tea benefits everyone involved. It provides employees with a safe space to identify companies that truly value their labor, eliminating the need for them to be BIM managers and the office’s designated MLK just because they’re a person of color. Simultaneously, employers gain valuable insights on how to create the most culturally diverse and inclusive firms in the world. We are transforming DEI from a mere aspiration into a tangible reality. Let’s join forces and spill the tea together, ensuring we never have to face these challenges again!

Architects: Want to have your project featured? Showcase your work through Architizer and sign up for our inspirational newsletters.

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Chat GPT Cheat Sheet for Architects and Designers
CategoriesArchitecture

Chat GPT Cheat Sheet for Architects and Designers

The latest edition of “Architizer: The World’s Best Architecture” — a stunning, hardbound book celebrating the most inspiring contemporary architecture from around the globe — is now available. Order your copy today.  

By now, you’re likely aware of the AI revolution sweeping the industry. One of the most popular AI apps is OpenAI’s Chat GPT — but how can this text-based tool help architects and designers?

The sheet below, created by Architizer’s own Paul Keskeys, provides some helpful starting points for exploration. It includes a standardized prompt formula for architects, examples of how the formula can be used for real-world applications, and additional tips for getting the most out of Chat GPT. There is also a list of AI tools worth testing for different stages of the architectural design process.

Without further ado, check out the sheet below…

Here are three quick tips to make the most out of this sheet:

1. The prompt examples shown here are just that — examples.

The key with Chat GPT is to keep iterating. Try assigning the tool different roles, instructions and details. The more you experiment, the better!

2. Chat GPT is great for creating templates, examples and approximations.

What Chat GPT provides will rarely be the finished product, so use it as a starting point and then refine the output with good, old-fashioned human intelligence.

3. Try combining Chat GPT with other AI tools to create even more efficiencies.

Chat GPT is amazingly good at producing architectural prompts for Midjourney, for example! Check out some examples here.


If you find sheet this useful, share it with your colleagues, and follow Architizer and Paul Keskeys on Linkedin for more.

You can learn more about the top AI tools for architects designers here.

For more ways to supercharge your workflow, check out more articles in our Tech for Architects series, which includes our recommendations of Top Laptops for Architects and Designers. 

Reference

AI Architecture: Reimagining Barbie’s Dreamhouse for the Modern World
CategoriesArchitecture

AI Architecture: Reimagining Barbie’s Dreamhouse for the Modern World

This article was produced using AI tools such as Midjourney and Chat GPT, with additional edits by our editorial team. Follow Architizer’s Editor in Chief Paul Keskeys on LinkedIn for more tips on harnessing AI in your architectural workflow!

Inspired by the monstrously popular Barbie movie, this series of AI-generated architectural renderings brings forth a new vision of Barbie’s Dreamhouse. These hyper-realistic, ultra-contemporary homes, infused with Barbie’s signature pink hue, banish plastic to the toy box and imagine what a ‘real world’ residence for the iconic doll might look like.

Harnessing AI image generation tool Midjourney, these renderings harmoniously blend the stylized world of Barbie with the sophistication of contemporary design. With their eye-catching exteriors, luxurious interiors, and generous use of Barbie’s characteristic pink hue, these houses invite us into a realm where fantasy meets reality. Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling: Eat your heart out!

Keep scrolling to explore the vibrant visualizations below, check out the prompt that helped to generate these images at the bottom of the page, and let us know over on Instagram — which movie character would be your dream client?

Barbie Dreamhouse Prompt Formula

Experiment with the following prompt formula in Midjourney to generate your own Barbie Dreamhouse! Copy the following text and then select or replace the components within the square brackets, which are designed to add variety and specificity to your image:

/imagine An incredibly detailed [interior / exterior] architectural visualization of a modern barbie house [embedded within the branches of a giant oak tree / that is a perfect sphere on stilts / on top of a bright pink waterfall], everything is varying shades of vibrant pink, featuring [curvaceous walls and a flowing ceiling / an epic vaulted ceiling / pitched roofs and towers], dramatic daylighting, super realistic, 8k –ar 4:5 –v 5.2

You could also test different weather conditions, environments, architectural styles, lighting quality, materials, camera settings and additional details.


3 Tips to Help You Perfect Your Midjourney Architecture Visualizations

Midjourney makes it simple to create striking imagery of any kind, but here are a few tips to take your AI-generated architectural visuals to the next level.

1. Use professional camera settings.

Unlock the full potential of your architectural visualizations with Midjourney AI by harnessing the power of professional camera settings. By specifying these settings, you can elevate your creations to a whole new level of realism and impact.

With precise control over aperture, shutter speed, ISO, and focal length, you can craft visually stunning compositions that mimic the subtleties of real-world photography. Adjusting the aperture allows you to control depth of field, lending a sense of realism and focus to your images. Fine-tune shutter speed to capture motion or create long-exposure effects. Master ISO to balance light and minimize noise, and experiment with focal length to achieve desired perspectives.

By taking command of professional camera settings, you’ll transform your architectural visualizations into captivating, lifelike experiences that leave viewers amazed. Unleash your creative potential and bring your designs to life in ways you never thought possible with Midjourney’s powerful capabilities.

2. Harness the power of architectural vocabulary.

Take your architectural visualizations to new heights by incorporating descriptive architectural vocabulary and keywords when generating designs with Midjourney AI. By choosing the right words to describe elements such as materials, textures, lighting, and spatial qualities, you can enhance the realism and impact of your visualizations.

Using precise terminology allows Midjourney to understand your design intentions more accurately, resulting in more faithful and detailed renderings. By specifying features like “glass curtain walls,” “warm wooden finishes,” or “dramatic vaulted ceilings,” you can evoke a specific atmosphere and convey your design concept with precision.

Empower your visualizations with the language of architecture, enabling Midjourney to create immersive, realistic representations that truly capture the essence of your vision. Let your designs speak volumes and make a lasting impression with the help of descriptive architectural vocabulary.

3. Use Midjourney acronyms.

Maximize the quality and precision of your architectural visualizations generated with Midjourney AI by leveraging specific acronyms designed to enhance your experience. By utilizing acronyms such as “–v 5.2” to specify the Midjourney version, “–ar 16:9” for a wide aspect ratio, and “–q 1” for a detailed image quality, you can achieve unparalleled control over your renderings.

By specifying the Midjourney version, you ensure compatibility with the latest features and advancements, guaranteeing optimal performance and results. The aspect ratio acronym enables you to define the proportions of your visualizations, ensuring they align seamlessly with your intended display format. Fine-tune image quality with the “q” acronym, allowing you to strike the perfect balance between file size and visual fidelity.

Embrace the power of these Midjourney acronyms to fine-tune your architectural visualizations with precision, ensuring optimal results that align precisely with your vision.

You can learn all the basics about how to use Midjourney AI in our handy guide.


Share Your AI Architecture for a Chance to Get Featured!

Calling all architectural visionaries and visual artists! Are you ready to showcase your awe-inspiring creations to a global audience? Architizer’s new Instagram channel — @midjourneyarchitecture — is the ultimate platform to elevate your AI-generated architectural imagery to new heights and inspire a fast-growing community of creators!

Here’s what you need to do:

1️⃣ Create breathtaking imagery using Midjourney AI.
2️⃣ Share your masterpiece on Instagram and tag @midjourneyarchitecture.
3️⃣ Send a DM with your image to us to catch our attention!

Our editorial team will be on the lookout for the most remarkable submissions, and select images will be featured on @midjourneyarchitecture, granting you exposure to a new audience of AI architecture aficionados, industry professionals, and design enthusiasts worldwide!

Don’t forget to follow @midjourneyarchitecture on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/midjourneyarchitecture/

This article was produced using AI tools such as Midjourney and Chat GPT, with additional edits by our editorial team. Follow Architizer’s Editor in Chief Paul Keskeys on LinkedIn for more tips on harnessing AI in your architectural workflow!



Reference

Zaha Hadid Architects’ New AI Tool Takes You From Sketch to Rendering With a Click
CategoriesArchitecture

Zaha Hadid Architects’ New AI Tool Takes You From Sketch to Rendering With a Click

The latest edition of “Architizer: The World’s Best Architecture” — a stunning, hardbound book celebrating the most inspiring contemporary architecture from around the globe — is now available. Order your copy today.  

2022 was the year AI broke through to mainstream attention. But 2023 might be the year deep learning technology begins to really change how architects work.

It should come as no surprise to anyone that Zaha Hadid Architects is behind LookX, a digital tool that allows architects to put AI to work in a meaningful way. Dubbed “the Midjourney for Architecture” by Dezeen, LookX is a software program that can take a wide variety of inputs — anything from a detailed sketch to a group of squiggly lines — and instantly transform them into high-end architectural renderings. Zaha Hadid designer Tim Fu made headlines with a Gehry-esque rendering created from a crumpled piece of paper.

Unlike Midjourney — or any other AI tool for that many — LookX was specifically trained on an architecture dataset called ArchiNet. The fact that LookX has been trained on this data sets it apart from other tools and allows its outputs to be of real use to architects.

“Because it’s trained specifically on architecture models, it has a lot more capabilities in producing finished results and resolved geometry, as opposed to what you would typically get from Midjourney or DALL-E or Stable Diffusion,” Fu told Dezeen.

In short, the program is able to quickly grasp different architectural typologies, distinguishing residential structures from commercial or public buildings. It can also fill in details that really make sense and could be useful in later phases of the design process. These outputs, in other words, are not simply impressionistic digital sketches of buildings. Their utility extends beyond the initial “wow” factor.

The LookX platform includes three sections: Generator, Model Training and Sharing Community. This last section, the social dimension, allows different models to cross-pollinate, enabling sparks of innovation to fly in unexpected directions.

In addition, the image generation is split into Render Mode, where the machine re-interprets sketches into architectural form, and Explore Mode, which allows for flexible customization. Even Render mode is more flexible than one might think; users can upload reference images to give the program visual guidelines. Something is reassuring about these features; they make it clear that using LookX does not mean handing over creative control to the machine!

As LookX is a deep learning program, its generating capabilities are constantly improving the more that it is used. That might sound eerie but it is true; the power of these kinds of programs lies in their ability to learn.

There is a certain significance to the fact that Zaha Hadid Architects is the firm to release this tool. The late Dame Zaha Hadid was well-known for her loose and impressionistic sketches. She had the remarkable ability to think in terms of large shapes and curves and then translate these general ideas into real-life buildings.

LookX will allow more architects to work like Hadid, beginning with the big picture. As a brainstorming tool, this is very exciting. We can’t wait to see what buildings result from this technology!

The latest edition of “Architizer: The World’s Best Architecture” — a stunning, hardbound book celebrating the most inspiring contemporary architecture from around the globe — is now available. Order your copy today.  



Reference

15 Top AI Tools for Architects and Designers
CategoriesArchitecture

15 Top AI Tools for Architects and Designers

Across the industry, architects are embracing a new partner in their creative pursuits: artificial intelligence. Once plagued by repetition and monotony, the architectural workforce finds itself on the cusp of a digital revolution where bits and bytes hold the key to automation and once unimaginable possibilities.

The AI revolution is not knocking at our door; it has already stepped in, taken off its hat, and is ready to get to work. The dynamics of design are evolving, and we are at the forefront, blending human creativity and machine precision. The future of architecture is not just being written — it’s being coded, and these are fourteen of the most valuable AI tools you could be using right now.

It’s safe to say that the list of AI tools for architects is progressing rapidly, with new programs being announced each and every day and as the architectural and technological landscapes continue to evolve, architects can expect the emergence of even more innovative AI tools, each promising to further revolutionize the field. These advancements will shape the future of architectural design, empowering professionals to deliver exceptional projects while pushing the boundaries of creativity and efficiency and, with hope, saving our planet at the same time.


Best AI Tools for Concept Design


Midjourney

Image by author.

Midjourney is everywhere right now. The AI-powered image generation tool presents architects with a canvas as boundless as their imagination. Working from written prompts, Midjourney deftly weaves photorealistic images that can be used to illustrate conceptual thinking.

While Midjourney is yet to fill the shoes of your favorite visualizer, the intelligent program can help designers convey complex designs by producing stunning visual narratives to help demonstrate to clients and stakeholders our vision. Even the most intrepid architectural ideas can spring from the mind’s eye onto the screen with Midjourney, making it a treasure trove for experimental design.


Adobe Firefly

Image by author.

Adobe Firefly, still fluttering in the chrysalis of development, is already showcasing the strength of its potential. This emergent member of the generative AI family promises to ignite the creative flame in architects and designers alike while streamlining workflow and providing a versatile and trusted platform for generating images, text effects, and other creative content.

Currently, Firefly, like Midjourney, is a dynamic companion that can illustrate innovative design ideas using text-to-image prompts. The program is included as part of the Adobe suite. Firefly is a trusty liaison, promoting collaborative relationships with colleagues and clients through a recognized and dependable platform.

As a relatively new program, many of the promised features of Firefly are not available yet. It wouldn’t be too far-fetched to conceive that the brains behind the interface didn’t want to fall too far behind the incredibly popular Midjourney and so decided to drip-feed users functions before the program was complete. However, as Adobe Firefly continues to mature, we will likely see heavy development in Adobe’s ambition to create seamless transitioning between their popular design programs, which promises to make image creation and editing a breeze in the not-too-distant future.


Best AI Tool for Generating Design Alternatives


Maket.ai

Image by author.

Where architects once navigated the labyrinth of multiple design options alone, Maket.ai stands ready as a steadfast companion. With Maket.ai, the challenge of client-specific requirements and spatial restrictions becomes an opportunity for diverse design exploration. Rather than presenting a singular vision — or whatever number timescale allows — architects can now offer a visual banquet of design alternatives, each as meticulously tailored as a Savile Row suit.

Yet the true magic of Maket.ai lies in its promise of liberated time and resources. By taking on the laborious task of generating design options, Maket.ai gives architects a bounty of time, freeing them to engage more deeply with creativity and clients.

The pièce de résistance of Maket.ai is the potential to stir the stagnant waters of architectural convention. 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 AI Tool for Residential Planning


ARCHITEChTURES

ARCHITEChTURES is a transformative AI-powered tool revolutionizing residential planning. Meticulously designed for the discerning architect, it streamlines decision-making and maximizes efficiency.

Harnessing the cutting-edge power of artificial intelligence, ARCHITEChTURES analyzes site conditions, climate dynamics, budget constraints, and client aspirations. With this wealth of knowledge, it unveils an array of design options, flawlessly harmonizing form and function while bringing architectural visions to life.

ARCHITEChTURES is already the trusted ally of many architects, empowering them to surpass limitations and unlock unparalleled efficiency. Through automation, liberation from mundane tasks is a reality. With an extensive palette of design parameters to work with, it is possible to set boundaries and set the program to work on all the available options.

From site planning, where ARCHITEChTURES navigates constraints and explores opportunities, to meticulous building design encompassing room sizes, window placements, and sustainable material selections, ARCHITEChTURES enables accuracy and adjustment with ease.


Best AI Tool for Schematic Designs


ArkDesign.ai

ArkDesign.ai is the answer to schematic design packs, a boon for architects and developers alike. The intelligent platform optimizes building designs in a flash, leaving you to make informed, expedited decisions.

ArkDesign.ai is armed with an AI brain that scrutinizes and learns the metadata of architectural designs, spawning variations while accounting for US local regulations and ordinances, ensuring that each project is innovative as well as compliant, championing efficiency, quality, and cost-effectiveness.


Best AI Tool for Urban Planning


Sidewalk Labs

Sidewalk Labs is the brainchild of Alphabet Inc. and is now part of Google. With urban inefficiencies on an upward trajectory, this revolutionary AI maverick aims to change the landscape of urban planning.

It’s all about digital dexterity. Sidewalk Labs marries AI, machine learning, and sensor technologies, enabling your designs to work harder while you work smarter. Having already been adopted globally, Sidewalk Labs is shaping reality in Toronto, New York, and Singapore, managing city congestion one street at a time.

Picture this: AI splashes an array of design options onto your canvas, and machine learning flexes its muscles to optimize building performance — we’re talking energy efficiency, comfort, and safety wrapped up in a cost-effective package. Next, sensor technology steps to provide invaluable data on traffic patterns, air quality, and noise levels.

Sidewalk Labs is absolutely the new kid on the block, but the program has great potential in the race to rethink our urban landscapes.


Best AI Tools for 3D Modeling


Kaedim

Image by author.

Kaedim is a standout performer in the realm of AI-powered 3D modeling that is backed by many in the gaming industry. It 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.

Kaedim serves as an architect’s dynamic ally, taking the weight of manual 3D model creation off their shoulders. With Kaedim, architects and designers can freely explore various design concepts, iterate them, and refine their vision in a virtual space before they take tangible form.

In the client-facing phase, Kaedim plays a critical role in visual communication, enabling architects to present 3D models that resonate with clients’ imaginations. It also carries its weight during the construction planning phase, ensuring accurate documentation via detailed 3D models. In an industry where precision and realism are paramount, Kaedim emerges as a crucial asset.


Sloyd.AI

3D modeling is time-consuming. Welcome, Sloyd.AI, a trailblazer in cloud-based 3D modeling. It’s not just a tool but an innovative platform that leverages machine learning, generative adversarial networks, and natural language processing. It renders high-quality 3D models, capturing intricate details from architectural designs to produce exceptional representations.

Sloyd.AI doesn’t merely mimic the architect’s concept but extends its precision to breathe life into designs with a high degree of realism. It liberates architects from time-consuming physical model creation, opening up a playground of virtual exploration and design refinement.

Sloyd.AI proves invaluable from project conception to completion. It allows architects to present dynamic 3D models to clients, creating an immersive experience that static images simply cannot match. For construction planning and documentation, Sloyd.AI’s exactness ensures each specification is captured in the 3D models it generates. In the fast-paced world of architectural design, Sloyd.AI is the companion architects need to maintain their creative edge.


Best AI Tool for Renovation Projects


Luma.ai

Like Kaedim, Luma.AI is a distinguished pathfinder in AI-driven 3D scanning and modeling. This platform takes the laborious task of creating detailed 3D models and reimagines it, deploying advanced AI techniques such as computer vision, deep learning, and generative adversarial networks. It crafts accurate, realistic 3D models from photographs that can provide architects a comprehensive perspective of objects, be it buildings, furniture, or intricate architectural elements.

Luma.AI is not just a 3D modeler; it is a digital reincarnation expert. The true genius of Luma.AI occurs in renovation and restoration projects, where it can capture existing structures with striking accuracy and creates virtual twins. It bridges the gap between the tangible and the virtual, allowing architects to visualize the renovated structure even before the first brick is laid.

Its prowess doesn’t stop there. Regarding design visualization, Luma.AI ensures that the newly proposed modifications are compatible with the existing structure and enhance its aesthetic and functional appeal. The created 3D models can also be utilized in interactive virtual reality or augmented reality presentations, taking client and stakeholder engagement to new heights.


Best AI Tool for Building Information Modeling (BIM)


BricsCAD BIM

BricsCAD BIM is the tool where AI and BIM converge for a seamless, efficient architectural design process. While BIM encapsulates the architecture, engineering, and construction of a building in a 3D model, enabling a holistic view of the project. BricsCAD BIM amplifies the capabilities of BIM by introducing AI, creating a nexus of innovation and practicality.

BricsCAD BIM isn’t just a tool but an efficient assistant that works tirelessly, automating repetitive tasks such as drafting dimensions and annotations. It employs AI to translate 2D sketches into detailed 3D models while offering real-time visualization, enabling architects to interact with their design, tweaking it to perfection.

BricsCAD BIMs’ capabilities extend beyond aesthetics. The program enables architects to identify and rectify errors, enhancing the quality of the final output and minimizing post-construction issues. The provision for real-time visualization empowers architects to make informed design decisions, visualizing the impact of each modification.

Yet, the charm of BricsCAD BIM lies in its ability for effective collaboration. It ensures that architects, engineers, and builders are in sync, providing a shared platform that brings everyone on the same page. This collaboration streamlines the design process, reduces redundancy, and ensures a consistent understanding of the project among all parties involved.

The generative design capability of BricsCAD BIM is another aspect of its brilliance. It can conceptualize 3D building models based on user-defined parameters such as number of floors, building size, and the materials to be used. This encourages exploration, providing architects with a multitude of design options that adhere to the set constraints.

BricsCAD BIM is a true paragon in the world of AI-assisted BIM tools. It integrates the detail-oriented approach of BIM and the automation capabilities of AI, improving the design process, promoting collaboration, and ensuring the delivery of high-quality buildings.


Best AI Tools for Rendering


Arko.ai

Arko.ai enters the architectural scene as a promising AI-powered rendering service by providing high-quality, photorealistic renders in minutes. Through the power of AI and the convenience of a cloud-based platform, Arko.ai transforms 3D models into stunning visual masterpieces that mirror reality.

The key to Arko.ai’s appeal lies in the ways it can enhance the design process for architects. Primarily, it offers a powerful medium for architects to visualize their designs, as it breathes life into 2D sketches and models, translating them into realistic renders that provide architects with a glimpse of their creations in the real world.

Moreover, Arko.ai is a time-saver, taking over the labor-intensive task of rendering and freeing architects to focus on the creative aspects of their designs.

Compatible with SketchUp®, Revit®, and Rhinoceros® Arko.ai is a promising addition to an architect’s toolbox, offering realistic visualizations of designs and saving time.


Veras

Recently announced as being available within SketchUp® Veras is an AI-powered visualization tool that leverages 3D model geometry to inspire and promote creativity. Architects can turn to Veras to create photorealistic renders of their designs using text prompts, bringing to the fore the power of AI in architectural visualization.

Ultimately, the strength of Veras lies in its versatility and speed. It generates stunning renders way faster than traditional methods, affording architects and designers more time to dedicate to the more complex aspects of design. It allows designers to explore variations quickly so that informed design decisions can be made without the shackles of cost or time implications.


Best AI Tool for Sustainable Design


Autodesk Forma

Autodesk Forma carves a niche for itself as an all-encompassing AI-powered planning tool that offers architects and urban planners the ability to design sustainable, livable cities with heightened precision.

Operating on a cloud-based platform, Autodesk Forma is easily accessible from any location and works in tandem with AutoCAD and Revit.

The new addition from Autodesk harnesses the power of 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 livability of projects. Autodesk Forma is also equipt to help identify potential design flaws before implementation, circumventing costly future rectifications.

In essence, even in its earliest stages, Autodesk Forma is a comprehensive architecture AI tool that supports architects in designing more thoughtful and sustainable cities. It facilitates informed design choices, promotes time and cost efficiency, and encourages the creation of sustainable designs, thereby redefining the landscape of urban planning and architecture.


Best AI Tool for Project Management


ClickUp

Image by author.

ClickUp is a project management tool that has been adopted across many different industries. It has become a secret weapon, revolutionizing project management with features tailored for enhanced workflow efficiency. This cloud-based application seamlessly organizes and tracks projects.

ClickUp harmonizes tasks, deadlines, and team assignments in a simple platform, ensuring project progression from design to construction, avoiding missed deadlines and maintaining momentum.

ClickUp’s document management facilitates effortless collaboration.

Effective communication is key, and ClickUp delivers. Chat, video conferencing, and file-sharing tools synchronize efforts with team members and clients.

In ClickUp’s virtual realm, 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 visualizations offer panoramic project views.


The Best AI Tool for 3D Sketching


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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. We’re keeping our eyes out for their announcement.

For more ways to supercharge your workflow, check out more articles in our Tech for Architects series, which includes our recommendations of Top Laptops for Architects and Designers. 

Reference

Take Our Survey on the Future of Architectural Visualization and Win a 0 Amazon Gift Card!
CategoriesArchitecture

Take Our Survey on the Future of Architectural Visualization and Win a $500 Amazon Gift Card!

Architectural visualization plays a crucial role in bringing designs to life and communicating ideas effectively. As the industry continues to evolve, it is important to gather insights from professionals like you to understand the present landscape and envision the future of architectural visualization.

In partnership with Chaos and Enscape, Architizer invites you to participate in a global industry survey to share your experiences and perspectives. As a token of our appreciation, one lucky respondent will have the chance to win a $500 Amazon gift card! (Terms and conditions apply).

The survey will open very soon (click here and sign up to the newsletter to be one of the first to know when it’s live!) and should take no longer than 5 minutes to complete.

Image courtesy of Enscape

Help Shape the Future of Architectural Visualization

Built in collaboration with Chaos, a world leader in 3D visualization technology, this key industry survey aims to capture valuable insights about architecture firms’ visualization workflows, together with their expectations for the future. By participating, you’ll contribute to a comprehensive understanding of the industry, which will help shape the direction of architectural visualization tools and technologies.

The survey covers a range of topics related to your firm and its visualization practices. Some of the key questions include demographic details of you and/or your firm, the types of work you specialize in, the visualization techniques and tools you utilize, the stages of the design process where you employ visualizations, and your experiences with real-time rendering software.

Additionally, we explore your views on the future of architectural visualization, including potential advancements in collaboration, design tools, cost-effectiveness, accessibility, and immersive technologies such as virtual reality.

Image courtesy of Enscape

Benefits of Participating

By responding to the survey, you’ll not only contribute to the collective knowledge of the architectural community but also gain insights into the practices and trends in architectural visualization. The results will be summarized in the form of a white paper, which will be shared first with survey respondents. The report will provide valuable benchmarks and information for professionals like you to enhance their visualization workflows.

Furthermore, your participation enters you into a draw to win a $500 Amazon gift card, which could be a great opportunity to invest in tools, resources, or treat yourself to something special.

We encourage you to share this article with your colleagues and peers, including anyone you know who works in architectural visualization. The more respondents we receive, the richer the data, and the better insights we’ll be able to offer about the present and future of the industry!

Image courtesy of Enscape

How to Participate

Participating in the Chaos / Enscape + Architizer Survey is easy. Simply visit [survey link] to access the questionnaire. The survey should take approximately [estimated time] to complete. Please ensure your responses accurately represent your firm’s practices and opinions.

Conclusion: Architizer invites you to contribute your insights to the Chaos / Enscape + Architizer Survey on the future of architectural visualization. Your responses will shape the trajectory of the industry and help identify areas for improvement and innovation. Don’t miss the opportunity to win a $500 Amazon gift card! We value your participation and appreciate your dedication to advancing the field of architectural visualization. Start the survey today and join us in envisioning the future of architectural visualization!

Disclaimer: The survey is organized in partnership with Chaos, who will provide the $500 Amazon gift card to one randomly selected respondent. Participants must comply with the survey terms and conditions to be eligible for the prize. Restrictions apply; see: http://amazon.com/gc-legal

Images courtesy of Chaos & Enscape.

Reference

21st Century Architect Guide: 7 Visualization Tools Architects Can’t Live Without
CategoriesArchitecture

21st Century Architect Guide: 7 Visualization Tools Architects Can’t Live Without

Judging for the 11th A+Awards is now underway! While awaiting the Winners, learn more about Architizer’s Vision Awards. The Main Entry Deadline on June 9th is fast approaching. Start your entry today >

The architectural design process is an intricate dance between creativity and technical mastery. From beginning to end, as each act of a project unfolds, and visions come to life, every architect must rely on an array of visualization tools to help them successfully navigate project stages. These tools are our trusty partners throughout the performance that is design.

From sketching the earliest of ideas to unveiling new worlds in digital landscapes, many tools have revolutionized the way we work and transformed how we communicate our ideas. While we each have individual preferences, undoubtedly, from concept to completion, there are some visualization tools we can all agree we would rather not live without.


Conceptualization: Sketching and Diagramming – The Napkin Chronicles

Interior of the reimagined Autodesk Gallery, San Francisco, CA, United States Photograph provided by Autodesk

We’ve all been there — a moment of divine inspiration striking in the middle of lunch, hastily scribbling our ideas on a napkin, a receipt, even our hand. Be it through traditional (pen and paper) sketching or digital tools like SketchBook by Autodesk and Morpholio Trace, conceptualization is the wild west of design documentation, and that’s precisely what these programs are built for.

By allowing us to quickly test various design concepts, proportions, and relationships while providing a platform for experimentation and ideation, such sketching software helps to support and facilitate mark-making and disjointed thought. The intuitive interface and versatile features of these digital sketching apps enable architects to easily switch between mediums, layers, and scales, streamlining the concept process and ultimately helping us make sense of our own ideas effectively.


Schematic Design: 2D CAD Drawings – Back to the Grid

Autodesk Technology Center, Boston, MA, United States Photograph provided by Autodesk

With concepts refined, then comes the time to embrace the precision and orderliness of 2D CAD drawings. Bidding adieu to the delightful chaos of the napkin sketches, programs like AutoCAD and Vectorworks become our new best friends. During the schematic phase, meticulously articulating our visions is essential, ensuring that not even a single datum line goes astray.

Whatever your preferred platform may be, CAD programs allow us to create detailed, scalable drawings, facilitating coordination with consultants, and fine-tuning the review process for and with clients. Over the years, the software’s extensive libraries and automated tools have increased the efficiency of drawing tenfold, reducing errors and resources required at this stage of the design development process.


Design Development: 3D Modeling – The Taming of the Shrewd

Interior of the new reimagined Autodesk Gallery in San Francisco, CA, United States Photograph provided by Autodesk

The design process can often feel a lot like herding cats, chaotic and unpredictable. 3D modeling software such as SketchUp, Rhino, and Revit can feel like our trusty shepherd’s staff in times of uncertainty and compromise. With these tools, we can juggle competing interests — structural engineers advocating for fewer cantilevers and environmental officers requesting more green space alongside MEP consultants demanding cavernous service risers.

3D models give us the capacity to study the spatial relationships and materiality of our designs, enabling us to make informed decisions on practicality with as little impact on the design ambition as possible. The real-time rendering capabilities of these programs thrive in the quest for seamless collaboration between team members, promoting an iterative design process and ensuring that all disciplines are working in harmony.


Visualization: Rendering and Virtual Reality – The Picture-Perfect Performance

The Lumion office building by atelier PRO architekten, Amsterdam, Netherlands. Photograph by Jan Paul Mioulet

During the design process, renderings are akin to a grand soiree, a sumptuous feast for the eyes that unveil creations in all their splendor. With virtuosos like V-Ray and Lumion at the helm, 3D renders allow us to conduct a mesmerizing performance of light and texture, conjuring spellbinding visuals that leave clients entranced.

These rendering maestros boast an array of sophisticated features, from global illumination to physically-based materials and ethereal atmospheric effects, empowering architects to craft lifelike images that impeccably embody their design aspirations. Furthermore, VR technologies such as the Oculus Rift and HTC Vive transport us to a realm where we can meander through our masterpieces as though they already stand tall — always remember to mind your footing in the tangible world as you navigate the virtual one.


Construction Documentation: BIM – The Clash of the Disciplines

The pièce de résistance of the design process, construction documentation through BIM software, such as Revit, is where the rubber meets the road. Architects know that, in today’s world, coordination is the name of the game, and nothing tests resolve quite like the clash detection feature in our BIM software.

By consolidating architectural, structural, and MEP models into a single, comprehensive database, BIM enables us to identify and resolve conflicts early in the design process, preventing costly and time-consuming issues during construction. BIM’s powerful parametric capabilities also facilitate the generation of detailed schedules and specifications, ensuring that the information is accurate, consistent, and up-to-date.


Digital Fabrication: Parametric Design – A Brave New World

Designed using CATIA V&A Dundee by Kengo Kuma and Associates, Dundee, Scotland. Photograph by Hufton+Crow

As we explore the frontiers of design, the relatively new realm of digital fabrication beckons. Unlike days of old, armed with kappa board and scalpel, parametric design and computational tools like Grasshopper, Dynamo, and Catia empower us to translate complex geometries and intricate patterns into buildable forms. These tools enable us to visualize and rationalize our boldest ideas, bridging the gap between digital models and physical constructs.

We can optimize our designs for structural efficiency, environmental performance, and material utilization by scripting algorithms and generating parametric models. As we venture into the brave new world of 3D printing, CNC milling, and robotic assembly, these visual documentation tools are our invaluable guides, helping us push the boundaries of architectural possibility.


Interactive Presentations: Augmented Reality and Mixed Reality – The Future is Now

Autodesk, Montreal, Quebec, Canada. Photograph provided by Autodesk

As the future of architecture unfolds before us, augmented reality (AR) and mixed reality (MR) technologies are poised to revolutionize the way we present and experience our designs. Tools like Microsoft HoloLens, Magic Leap, and Apple ARKit allow us to superimpose digital information onto the physical environment, creating immersive and interactive presentations that captivate our clients and collaborators. These cutting-edge technologies enable us to visualize and manipulate design elements in real time, engaging with our projects in novel and exciting ways. By overlaying digital models onto site photographs, AR can enhance client presentations by demonstrating the proposed design in context. As we embrace AR and MR, we stand at the forefront of a paradigm shift, forever changing how we document, present, and interact with architecture.

Throughout the timeline of a project, architects employ an ever-evolving array of visualization tools, from the nascent stages of conceptualization to the emerging realms of digital fabrication and interactive presentations. By embracing these tools and the many more sure to be introduced over our careers, we can continue to push the boundaries of architectural possibility, shaping the world around us with passion, precision, and innovation. As we salute the visual documentation tools accompanying us on our architectural odyssey, let’s not forget the camaraderie and ingenuity that defines our profession. Together, we can create spaces that inspire, transform, and endure for generations.

Judging for the 11th A+Awards is now underway! While awaiting the Winners, learn more about Architizer’s Vision Awards. The Main Entry Deadline on June 9th is fast approaching. Start your entry today >

Reference

Architects’ Guide To Midjourney: An Adventure in AI-Generated Imagery for Concept Development
CategoriesArchitecture

Architects’ Guide To Midjourney: An Adventure in AI-Generated Imagery for Concept Development

Architizer’s Vision Awards is celebrating the innovative minds propelling architectural visualization forward with a special AI-Generated Visualization Category. Learn more and start your submission before the Early Entry Deadline on May 5th.  

You’ve probably heard by now: the AI revolution is well and truly upon us. And while it doesn’t quite resemble Spielberg and Haley Joel Osment’s 2001 vision, it’s clear that AI is moving in, and its moving in faster than your first love into that studio apartment you used to have.

While some industries rush to bolster their roles and justify their positions as AI proves that, in many instances, it can comfortably complete tasks to the same and often higher standards than its human counterparts, architects and the design industry as a whole are pondering with enthusiasm, how we can most effectively adopt this groundbreaking technology to explore, enhance, and streamline our practice.

Prompt: /imagine Architecture, concept sketch and plan, residential, modern, contemporary, handdrawn, in the style of Alvar Aalto

Change is daunting, and it’s safe to say we’re on the cusp of one of the most significant workflow conversions many of us have ever experienced, perhaps since the transition from drafting to CAD. So, in case you feel like you’re out of your depth or just haven’t yet had the time to explore the wonders of Midjourney, we thought it was important to show you why and how AI can be used to support your creative vision.

Let us start at the beginning. Midjourney is the brainchild of David Holz, the visionary mind behind Leap Motion. The company is a pioneering research lab that specializes in text-to-image AI technology. It offers a refreshingly simple and user-friendly interface through a platform named Discord. Users can seamlessly communicate with the AI “bot” using elementary commands without any coding experience whatsoever (phew!). The mission is to “expand the imaginative powers of the human species.” To say this tool has been popular is an understatement: The new company is making an indelible mark in the AI realm and proudly announced its profitability within a month of its open beta release in 2022.

Prompt: /Imagine Contemporary architecture, treehouse hotel, luxury, tropical jungle, hyperrealism, hyperrealistic, photorealistic, daylight, 8K Ultra HD

Now, where does architecture come into all this? Well, as we all know, as architects and designers, we regularly use imagery to express our vision, harnessing photographs, sketches and all sorts of visual aids to interpret and represent our ambitions. Yet, it can be tricky when the thing in your head doesn’t exist yet; how can you show what you mean using vague and abstract similarities, especially if your vision is unique? It’s the skill that has separated the good designers from the great designers, and Midjourney is here to make you even better.

Prompt: /imagine Hotel lobby, Moroccan, luxury, serene, wellness, airy, bright, hyperrealism, hyperrealistic, photorealistic, cinematic lighting, 8K Ultra HD

Midjourney offers a groundbreaking solution to some of these challenges by incorporating AI-generated images into our design process, we can dictate our thoughts using descriptive language to generate images that can loosely interpret our ideas. I say loosely because, understandably and thankfully, in my opinion — AI can’t read your mind. Your images are only as good as your descriptions, and even then, often, the results are far from what you imagined. However, we’re still in the early stages and with time, practice and further technological development, these things will surely improve rapidly.

So down to the fun part, how do we actually use it? Honestly, it’s pretty simple once you’ve gone over it a couple of times. Midjourney has been designed to be user-friendly, and it takes only a few steps to create your first image.

To begin your adventure with Midjourney, simply follow these steps:

1. Install Discord and create a free account.

You can use a desktop or a mobile device. I’ve found the mobile interface a little more comprehensive for novices, but both work equally as well.


2. Visit Midjourney’s website and click on the “Join the Beta” to be given access to their Discord channel.


Once you’re all set up, head back to Discord and from the list on the left-hand side, locate the Midjourney Channel (a white icon with a sailboat) and select a Room in the Newcomer Rooms section within the channel.

These channels are available to use without any sort of subscription while your first getting started. Your free trial gives you about 25 image creations to start out. Subscriptions start at $10 a month, depending on your requirements.

Be aware that these rooms are public, so everyone else in the room can see your creations.


3. Activate the AI bot

Prompt: /imagine In the style of Rennie Mackintosh, architecture, office building, skyscraper, New York City, summers day, Hyperrealism, hyperrealistic, photorealistic, cinematic lighting, 8K Ultra HD

Once you’re all set up and settled in, you can get started by typing “/imagine” into the messaging bar at the bottom of the conversation window, followed by a spacebar. This starts your “prompt” and you can let your imagination go wild from here. Enter any descriptive words that come to mind, and let the magic unfold as the program renders an image based on your input.


4. Select your preferred image

Image 3 – Upscaled

Midjourney will give you a grid of four images with several commands beneath it. U means “upscale,” and V means “Variation.” Upscale will provide you with a better quality and larger image. Variation will give you an additional four images similar to your chosen one. The numbers correspond from left to right. The top left is U1, and the bottom right is U4.


5. Keep track of your image in the constantly evolving message

With all the users on Midjourney it’s really easy to lose track of your message. If this happens, just head to the top right corner of your window, look for your inbox and hit mentions. Here you’ll see all the messages you have been tagged in, including your images, variations and upscales.


6. Integrate Midjourney into your creative process

From this point on, you’re free to develop and adjust to your heart’s content. Simply open up you upscaled image into a browser window, copy the URL, start a new /imagine prompt and post the URL followed by any adjustments.

Prompt: /imagine (ORIGINAL IMAGE URL) Black facade, biophilia, sustainable architecture, drone view, Hyperrealism, hyperrealistic, photorealistic, cinematic lighting, 8K Ultra HD


It’s that simple. As you hone your prompts, you can develop your technique to get the desired image style you are looking for. A single change of word can create an entirely new set of images.

As the AI-generated images from Midjourney continue to inspire architects worldwide, real-world applications are becoming more common. From initial mood boards to fully realized designs, architects have found new ways to incorporate AI-generated visuals into their creative processes. The innovative approach pushes the boundaries of conventional architectural design, allowing architects to explore ideas faster and more effectively, bypassing the need for exhaustive online image searches.

As we become more familiar with the software, daring architects are venturing even further by crafting AI-encouraged designs, generating photorealistic renderings of architectural structures using Midjourney, and creating 3D models based on the AI-generated concepts. With the development of these models in familiar architectural software, AI generated concepts can quickly become reality. Watch this space!

Architizer’s Vision Awards is celebrating the innovative minds propelling architectural visualization forward with a special AI-Generated Visualization Category. Learn more and start your submission before the Early Entry Deadline on May 5th.  

The images used are all author’s own.

Reference

Brave New World: How Real-Time Rendering Can Lead Architectural Design Into the Future
CategoriesArchitecture

Brave New World: How Real-Time Rendering Can Lead Architectural Design Into the Future

New technologies breed new behaviors, so it’s no surprise that real-time rendering software is being harnessed by some architects to create whole new design processes. Two such firms, Intelligent City and Viewport Studio, are using the real-time rendering capabilities of Enscape to produce high-quality building designs in a fraction of the time it takes with traditional working methods. Basing their workflows on AI-enabled algorithms and the experiential capabilities of virtual reality, they’ve created design processes that are more efficient, more productive, and arguably more effective than today’s typical design practices.


The Key to Low-Cost, High-Quality Urban Housing

Animation courtesy of Intelligent City

Intelligent City, a design-build firm based in Vancouver, has created a proprietary design process called Platforms for Life to develop high-quality, sustainable urban housing at low cost. Taking a tech-forward approach to architecture, Platforms for Life employs algorithms to create fully fleshed out iterations for the design of an entire building. Modifying an individual property on one iteration automatically updates all associated parameters to incorporate the change, allowing an infinite number of fully detailed design options to be generated instantaneously. When the desired iteration is reached, all required construction documentation and manufacturing instructions are created with the push of a button.

Platforms for Life achieves even greater cost and time savings by prefabricating the primary components of their buildings in a factory. Employing the precision and speed offered by the latest automated manufacturing techniques, on-site construction time of their buildings can be reduced up to 50% over fully on-site methods. Relying heavily on mass timber as a structural material and the principles of Passive House to guide their design algorithms, the Platforms for Life process results in low-cost, energy efficient buildings with minimal carbon footprint.

Monad Granville, Vancouver (concept); image courtesy of Intelligent City

Intelligent City brings Enscape into the Platforms for Life process to fine-tune their designs in real-time when collaborating with clients. “We were looking for a way to visualize the buildings quickly,” explains Intelligent City’s Computational Design Architect, Timo Tsui. “If we couldn’t keep up with the iterations of the generated designs, then we wouldn’t be able to visualize them properly for our clients.”

A simple way to do this in a collaborative working session is to pin the Enscape rendering window alongside whatever software is being used to design a building, such as Revit or Rhino. This allows a fully rendered view to be updated automatically as design modifications are being made. If something more portable is needed for a client to evaluate on their own time, then Enscape can generate an easily shareable, read-only 3D model rendered in a web browser, in addition to 360-degree panoramas, videos or still images.


Forging New Frontiers in Interior Design

Image courtesy of Viewport Studio

Viewport Studio employs Enscape’s next-generation virtual reality capabilities to take an innovative approach to creating highly detailed interior designs. Recently tasked with designing the interior of Virgin Galactic’s Spaceport America, the first commercial spaceflight facility in the world, Viewport Studio’s design team knew they had to utilize a truly groundbreaking design process to satisfy the client’s aspirations for an equally groundbreaking space.

“We were tasked with designing something that had never been designed before,” says Viewport Studio director Gautier Pelegrin. To meet the challenge, they used Enscape’s virtual reality feature as a primary design tool, conducting live sessions to view and change design elements in real-time. This workflow resulted in the design of the spaceport’s “Astrowalk”, where astronaut passengers are given a celebratory send-off by their friends and families before embarking on their journeys. A showcase experience enhanced by a mirrored ceiling covered with LED screens, Enscape’s virtual reality feature helped the design team determine if spectators could see the Astrowalk from their seats.

Image courtesy of Viewport Studio

Enscape was additionally used to determine the exact dimensions of a barista station, as well as the amount of natural light that would reach certain planters, guiding the choice of plants used in specific locations. “The virtual reality function quickly became a staple in all our meetings,” explains Pelegrin. “It helped to reduce testing iterations by at least 20 percent. It also allowed us to check the simple ergonomics of the bespoke furniture we designed, and we were confident with what we gave to the manufacturers.”

Able to integrate directly into all major design software, including Revit, SketchUp, Rhino, Archicad, and Vectorworks, the possibilities for creating your own pioneering design process with Enscape are endless. Head over to Enscape to see all its capabilities and start your free 14-day trial today.

Reference

Free Webinar: How to Estimate Fees (An Architect’s Guide to Success)
CategoriesArchitecture

Free Webinar: How to Estimate Fees (An Architect’s Guide to Success)

Architects: Ready to start mastering fees and better understand what they mean for your bottom line? We’re excited to be joined by Douglas Teiger, FAIA, founder of Teiger Consulting, for an insightful new webinar that will demystify the process and help you (and your firm) become more profitable.

As a bonus, architects can receive 1 AIA Continuing Education Credit for this event, courtesy of BQE! Hit the button below to sign up for the talk, which will take place at 1pm EST on Wednesday, February 8th:

Register for Event →

In this free live session, you will learn how to define your project scope, develop a Rough Order of Magnitude of construction cost, and estimate your project hours. We’ll finish off with how fees are broken down and explore a simple system to improve your overall project profitability.

By the end of the session, you will learn how to:

  • Identify the correlation between project scope, estimated cost of project, and fee.
  • Develop a Rough Order of Magnitude (ROM) of construction cost in a simple way.
  • Create a top-down approach to fee estimation based on a percentage of costs as a guideline.
  • Estimate fees whether hourly or fixed fee projects.
  • Define how many hours you have in each phase and how to manage those hours.

Join Douglas and Paul for what promises to be an engaging presentation — there will also be an opportunity to ask Douglas any questions you may have around estimating fees, improving your profitability and more. You can register for the talk here — we hope to see you there!

About Douglas

Douglas Teiger, FAIA, graduated from Cornell University, in 1982 with a BARCH. He opened his own firm in 1989 and grew from a solo practitioner to become managing partner of his 32-person firm. In 2009, Douglas received a Master’s in Spiritual Psychology from USM, where he learned tools and skills he is sharing with his staff and clients. His ability to effectively streamline the operations allowed for more time to be spent on design and project research while creating a culture that fosters a holistic approach to a work life balance.

In 2017, he served as President of the AIA Los Angeles Chapter and previously served on the AIA National Strategic Council. In 2019 Douglas transitioned out of his firm elevating three associates to partners, sold his shares and started his next venture, Teiger Consulting. Douglas’s mission is to “live an inspiring balanced life” whether it involves family, coaching, consulting, painting, or sports.

About Paul

Paul Keskeys is Editor in Chief at Architizer. A registered UK architect, Paul graduated from UCL and the University of Edinburgh, gaining an MArch in Architectural Design with distinction. Paul has spoken about the art of architecture and storytelling at many national industry events, including AIANY, NeoCon, KBIS, the Future NOW Symposium, the Young Architect Conference and NYCxDesign. As well as hundreds of editorial publications on Architizer, Paul has also had features published in Architectural Digest, PIN—UP Magazine, Archinect, Aesthetica Magazine and PUBLIC Journal.

Register for Event →

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