AI speeds up design work, but can't replace human judgment in architecture, experts say

Artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming the way architects, engineers, and interior designers work, helping them generate concepts and visualizations in minutes instead of days. But industry professionals say the technology remains a tool that cannot replace human expertise, particularly when safety, accountability, and people’s lived experiences are involved.

A special report by Atom Araullo in SONA explores how AI is changing the architecture, engineering and interior design industries, where professionals are increasingly integrating the technology into their workflow while recognizing its limitations.

For architect Dax Augustus Taday, AI has significantly accelerated the early stages of project development.

“Before AI, you had to render perspectives manually. It would take hours, sometimes days, to finish the renders,” Taday said.

“But now, with the help of AI, in just minutes, you already have rendered perspectives and even walkthroughs.”

While AI has improved efficiency, Taday said it cannot replace the practical knowledge and professional responsibility required in designing buildings.

He pointed out that selecting construction materials still requires firsthand evaluation.

“Sometimes you need to touch the material to know whether it’s matte or slippery. You have to feel whether it’s safe to walk on. Those are things AI cannot replace,” he said.

Beyond technical knowledge, Taday emphasized that architects and engineers carry legal and professional accountability for every project they sign.

“The biggest factor that AI cannot replace is liability. If a structure collapses, you can’t blame AI,” he said, adding that building permits still require the signed and sealed plans of licensed professionals.

For AI specialist Paola Bagaforo, professionals should view AI as an assistant rather than a competitor.

“It’s really helpful. There’s a reason why these technologies exist. They were created to improve people’s lives,” she said.

“At this point, you shouldn’t be asking whether AI will take your job. What matters is your ability to adapt to what technology has to offer.”

Bagaforo encouraged professionals to embrace AI as another tool that can improve productivity.

“It’s just a tool that people use. Do not fear it. Embrace it,” she noted.

Licensed interior designer Mika also uses AI to speed up the creative process, particularly during concept development.

“For me, AI is like a multiplier of time because it accelerates concept-making and schematic design,” she stressed.

“I use AI to generate more prompts so I can better flesh out the ideas in my mind.”

However, Mika stressed that interior design goes beyond choosing colors and furniture. She said designers must understand how people move through spaces, ensure proper circulation, and create environments that support comfort and well-being.

“People may try to design their own spaces, but eventually they’ll realize why architects, engineers and interior designers exist,” she said.

“These professions deal not just with aesthetics, but with people’s welfare.”

Mika also believes AI cannot replicate a designer’s trained eye and years of experience.

“Even if you ask AI for assistance hundreds of times, no matter how many prompts you write, it can never copy a designer’s eye,” she added.

“As long as my life experience, my spatial intuition, and my taste are within me, AI can never copy that.”

While AI continues to reshape the design industry by making creative work faster and more efficient, Taday, Bagaforo and Mika agreed that the technology remains a complement, not a substitute, for professionals whose work ultimately affects people’s safety, comfort and quality of life. —LDF, GMA News