Planning to upgrade your workstation for the new year? Looking to invest in a quality device that will assist in all your real-time visualizations, renderings and photo editing? We are back with our annual catalog of laptops and mobile workstations best suited for architects and designers. With work from home continuing to triumph, the necessity for a well-performing laptop remains true. But even more so for architects, who require ample storage, great processors and advanced graphic cards for their dynamic types of work. Luckily, there’s a great lineup of newly released devices to pick from, and there’s something for everyone. 

Without further ado, here are the best picks from this past year:

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Premium Laptops for Architects

MSI Titan 18 HX

Best Desktop-Replacement

The MSI Titan 18 HX is built for architects who want their laptop to behave like a full desktop workstation. This is a machine designed to stay on a desk for long sessions, handling massive models, extended render times and demanding visualization tasks without compromise.

The Intel Core Ultra 9 285HX processor excels at CPU-heavy workloads such as large Revit projects, complex Grasshopper definitions and simulation-driven workflows. Combined with the NVIDIA RTX 5090, it delivers exceptional performance for high-end rendering and scene-heavy environments in tools like V-Ray, Corona, Unreal Engine and Lumion, where lighting, textures and geometry are pushed to their limits.

Its expansive 18-inch 4K Mini LED display gives drawings, material studies and render outputs room to breathe, making detailed review far more comfortable than on smaller screens. With significant memory and storage headroom, the Titan 18 HX is a true desktop replacement, and its premium price reflects that level of performance — aimed squarely at professionals who need the most power available in a single machine.

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Razer Blade 14

Best Portable Gaming Laptop

The Razer Blade 14 is built for architects who want serious performance in a form factor that’s genuinely easy to carry every day. At just 14 inches, it manages to pack an AMD Ryzen AI 9 365 processor and an NVIDIA RTX 5070 into a chassis that feels closer to an ultrabook than a traditional gaming laptop.

This setup works especially well for architects moving between studio, home and site while still working inside demanding 3D environments. The RTX 5070 handles real-time visualization, dense models and live lighting workflows in tools like Enscape, Twinmotion, D5 Render and Unreal Engine, while the Ryzen CPU keeps BIM, parametric scripts and multitasking responsive. The 3K OLED display adds another layer of appeal, offering sharp detail, strong contrast and smooth interaction in both drawings and models.

There are trade-offs to this level of portability. Thermal headroom is more limited than on larger machines, and memory is soldered, so configurations should be chosen carefully up front. For those who want similar performance with more cooling capacity and screen space, a 16-inch Razer Blade variant is also available. Still, for architects prioritizing mobility without giving up real GPU power, the Blade 14 remains one of the most convincing portable options on the market.

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Lenovo ThinkPad P1 Gen 7

Best Premium Professional Laptop for Architects

The Lenovo ThinkPad series has long been a reference point for professional laptops, known for reliability, strong build quality and hardware designed to support serious, long-term work. Within that lineup, the ThinkPad P1 sits at the top, combining workstation-grade performance with a form factor that remains practical for everyday use.

The ThinkPad P1 Gen 7 is powered by an Intel Core Ultra 9 185H, a processor well-suited to demanding architectural workloads such as large BIM models, parametric systems and complex documentation sets. Its NVIDIA RTX 3000 Ada GPU prioritizes stability and precision, making it a strong match for CAD, BIM and detailed modeling workflows where consistent behavior matters.

A 16-inch 4K OLED display provides exceptional clarity for drawings, sections and material studies, while 64GB of memory and fast NVMe storage ensure smooth multitasking across large project files. Despite its workstation credentials, the P1 Gen 7 remains relatively lightweight, making it a dependable choice for architects who need professional performance without committing to a full desktop replacement.

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ASUS Zenbook Duo

Best Dual Screen Laptop for Architects

The ASUS Zenbook Duo stands out as a different kind of premium tool for architects who value workspace flexibility over raw graphical power. Its defining feature is the dual 14-inch OLED displays, which change how you organize your day. Drawings can live on one screen while references, schedules or a BIM model sit on the other, reducing constant window switching and keeping your workflow visually connected.

Powered by the Intel Core Ultra 9 285H, the Zenbook Duo is well-suited for CPU-driven tasks such as drafting, documentation, BIM coordination and parametric workflows. The processor handles complex files and multitasking comfortably, while the integrated Intel Arc graphics support lighter 3D work and model review without turning this into a bulky workstation.

This laptop is ideal for architects focused on design development, presentations, coordination and travel-heavy work, especially when portability matters. Lightweight, compact and thoughtfully designed, the Zenbook Duo feels less like a traditional laptop and more like a mobile desk you can open anywhere.

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Best Laptop for Architects by Brand

Lenovo Legion Pro 7i

Best Lenovo Laptop for Architects

The Lenovo Legion series has become known for delivering high-performance hardware in a form that balances power, cooling and long-session reliability. While originally aimed at demanding users, the Legion lineup has proven especially relevant for architects who need strong CPU and GPU performance without stepping into full workstation territory.

The Legion Pro 7i builds on that reputation with a setup apt for complex architectural work. Its Intel Core Ultra 7 255HX processor handles large BIM files, parametric models and heavy multitasking with ease, while the NVIDIA RTX 5070 Ti provides the graphical headroom needed for detailed 3D models and real-time visualization. This makes it a solid choice for architects working across modeling, coordination and visualization in a single machine.

The 16-inch WQXGA OLED display offers excellent clarity and contrast, which is especially helpful for reviewing drawings and materials. With generous memory, fast storage and robust cooling, the Legion Pro 7i stands out as a dependable, performance-focused option within Lenovo’s lineup for demanding architectural workflows.

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ASUS ROG Strix Scar 16

Best Asus Laptop for Architects

The ASUS ROG Strix G16 (2025) is a strong choice for architects who spend much of their time inside complex 3D models and real-time scenes. Its Intel Core Ultra 9 275HX processor is a good fit for to heavy, multi-threaded tasks such as BIM workflows, large parametric models and CPU-based operations that accumulate quickly in professional projects. Paired with the NVIDIA RTX 5070 Ti, the laptop remains responsive when working with dense geometry, advanced materials and live lighting previews.

This configuration is particularly effective for real-time visualization and rendering workflows in tools like Enscape, Twinmotion, D5 Render and Unreal Engine, where fluid navigation and immediate feedback matter during design reviews or client walkthroughs. It also performs reliably in modeling-heavy environments such as Rhino, Grasshopper and 3ds Max when scenes grow more complex.

The 16-inch 2.5K display with a 16:10 aspect ratio provides extra vertical space for drawings and timelines, making daily work feel less constrained. For architects pushing larger scenes or higher-quality lighting, an RTX 5080 upgrade is available, offering additional headroom for demanding visualization work.

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MacBook Pro M4

Best Apple Laptop (Macbook) for Architects

For architects who favor Apple’s ecosystem, the 2024 MacBook Pro with the M4 Pro chip delivers professional-grade performance. The M4 Pro’s 14-core CPU and 20-core GPU handle demanding tasks like 3D rendering, large-scale project compilation and intensive workflows with ease. For more advanced needs, the M4 Max chip offers even greater power.

Its 16.2-inch Liquid Retina XDR display provides high brightness (up to 1600 nits) and excellent color accuracy, making it well-suited for precise design work and presentations. Starting with 24GB of unified memory and 512GB SSD storage, it offers configurations for more extensive project requirements. A 14-inch option is also available, offering similar power in a more compact design for those who prioritize portability.

Optimized for macOS, this laptop integrates efficiently with design tools like Adobe Creative Cloud and Microsoft 365, while Apple Intelligence features improve productivity across devices. With all-day battery life and durable construction, the 2024 MacBook Pro is a reliable choice for architects who value performance and a connected ecosystem.

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HP ZBook 8 G1i 16

Best HP Laptop for Architects

The HP ZBook 8 G1i is a strong choice for architects who prioritize stability, clarity and professional-grade performance over flashy extras. Built around the Intel Core Ultra 9 285H processor with vPro support, it handles CPU-heavy workloads such as large BIM models, complex documentation sets and parametric workflows with confidence. With 64GB of RAM, it’s well equipped for multitasking across demanding files without constant slowdowns, while 32GB configurations are also available for lighter professional needs.

Its 16-inch 3840 × 2400 display offers sharp detail and generous vertical space, which is especially useful when working on drawings, schedules or layered plans. An anti-glare finish keeps it comfortable during long sessions, whether in the studio or on site. For architects who value portability, 14-inch variants of the ZBook line offer a more compact alternative with similar professional positioning.

While the Intel Arc graphics are not aimed at heavy real-time rendering, they are up to the task of modeling, coordination, review work and everyday visualization tasks. Overall, the ZBook 8 G1i feels like a dependable, no-nonsense workstation built for architects who value reliability and a clean, professional setup.

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Dell XPS 16

Best Dell Laptop for Architects

The Dell XPS 16 (9640) is a clean, well-balanced option for architects who want a professional laptop that feels refined without stepping into bulky workstation territory. Built around the Intel Core Ultra 7 155H, it performs reliably across everyday architectural tasks such as drafting, large documentation sets, BIM coordination, and heavy multitasking.

The NVIDIA RTX 4050 provides enough graphical power for 3D modeling, shaded views, and moderate real-time visualization in tools like Enscape, Twinmotion, and D5 Render, as long as projects remain at a manageable scale. It’s not designed for sustained rendering workloads or extremely dense scenes, but for most day-to-day design and review work, it stays responsive and stable.

The 16.3-inch 1920 × 1200 display offers generous screen space in a slim chassis that remains easy to carry between studio, home, and site. Strong build quality, triple Thunderbolt 4 ports, HDMI 2.1, and fast storage make it easy to integrate into a professional workflow without friction. Overall, the XPS 16 works best for architects who prioritize portability, clean design, and dependable performance over maximum graphical output.

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Best Budget Laptops for Architects

ASUS TUF F16

Best Laptop for Architects under $1100

The ASUS TUF Gaming F16 is a dependable budget laptop for architecture students and early-career professionals who need stable performance for everyday design work. With its Intel Core 5 210H processor and NVIDIA RTX 4050, it handles drafting, BIM coordination and moderate 3D modeling comfortably, making it well-suited for tools like AutoCAD, Revit, SketchUp and Rhino when projects are not overly complex.

The 16-inch FHD+ display uses a 16:10 aspect ratio, which gives you more vertical space for drawings, schedules and documentation. This makes long studio sessions and academic work feel less cramped than on standard 16:9 laptops. Its robust cooling and military-grade durability also make it a practical choice for students moving between studio, home and site.

Compared to the Lenovo LOQ, the TUF F16 leans toward reliability and screen usability rather than heavier visualization. The LOQ is the better fit for real-time rendering and larger 3D scenes, while the TUF F16 works best for consistent, day-to-day architectural work where stability matters more than peak graphical output.

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Lenovo LOQ

Best Laptop for Architects under $1000

The Lenovo LOQ 15 is a solid entry-level option for architecture students and early-career professionals who need real GPU power without stepping into higher price tiers. Built around the AMD Ryzen 5 7235HS, it handles everyday architectural workloads such as drafting, BIM coordination and moderate parametric work reliably, especially when paired with sufficient RAM.

The NVIDIA RTX 4050 makes a noticeable difference compared to integrated or older GPUs. It allows smoother navigation in 3D models and supports real-time visualization in tools like Enscape, Twinmotion or D5 Render, as long as scene complexity stays reasonable. This makes the LOQ suitable for studio projects, coursework and smaller professional jobs rather than large, production-scale visualization.

Its 15.6-inch FHD 144Hz display prioritizes responsiveness over resolution, which works well for modeling and general use, even if it’s not aimed at detailed visual review. One of the LOQ’s biggest strengths is configurability: higher RAM and storage options allow the laptop to scale with more demanding workflows over time. Overall, it’s a practical, cost-effective choice for architects who want dependable performance at a budget-friendly price point.

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Acer Nitro 5

Best Laptop for Architects under $900

The Acer Nitro V 15 is one of the most accessible entry points for architecture students and junior professionals who need real GPU power without stepping into higher price tiers. Built around Intel’s i5-13420H and paired with an RTX 5050, it’s capable of handling everyday architectural workloads such as drafting, BIM modeling and moderate 3D scenes with confidence.

This configuration works well for AutoCAD, Revit, SketchUp and Rhino, while also offering enough headroom for introductory visualization and rendering tasks when projects remain at a manageable scale. The 15.6-inch FHD display keeps things straightforward and functional, offering smooth interaction without prioritizing resolution over performance.

Where the Nitro V stands out is flexibility. While the base model ships with 16GB of RAM and a 512GB SSD, higher configurations are available with significantly more memory and storage, allowing the laptop to grow alongside more demanding coursework or professional projects. The tradeoff is a simpler build and display compared to models like the ASUS TUF or Lenovo LOQ, but for students focused on capability first, the Nitro V delivers strong value for the work it’s meant to handle.

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HP Victus 16

Best Laptop for Architects under $800

The HP Victus 15.6 is a straightforward, no-frills laptop that works well for architecture students or anyone just getting started with 3D work. The Intel Core i5-12450H is fast enough for everyday tasks like drafting, documentation and working in BIM files, while the RTX 3050 gives you a real graphics card for basic modeling, shaded views and light rendering.

The 15.6-inch FHD 144Hz screen feels smooth to use and is comfortable for long work sessions, especially when moving around models or drawings. With 16GB of RAM and a 1TB SSD, it handles multitasking well and doesn’t feel sluggish when jumping between software.

It’s not meant for heavy visualization or large-scale renders, but for students, early-career architects or anyone on a tighter budget, the Victus 15 does the job reliably without trying to be more than it is.

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Top Laptops for Architects and Designers in 2025

Premium Laptops for Architects

Best High-End Upgradeable Laptop for Architects: MSI Titan 18

Best Extreme Power Laptop for Architects: Lenovo Legion Pro 7i

Best Large Screen Laptop for Architects: Alienware m18 R2

Best High-End Gaming Laptop for Architects: Razer Blade 16

Best High-End Portable Laptop for Architects: ASUS Zephyrus G14

Best Laptop for Architects by Brand

Best Lenovo Legion Series Laptop for Architects: Lenovo Legion Pro 5i

Best Lenovo Thinkpad Series Laptop for Architects: Lenovo ThinkPad P1 Gen 6

Best ASUS Laptop for Architects: ASUS Zephyrus G16

Best Apple Laptop (Macbook) for Architects: Apple MacBook Pro 16″ M4

Best Dell Workstation for Architects: Dell Precision 7680 16″ Mobile Workstation

Best Dell Gaming Laptop for Architects: Dell G16

Best HP Laptop for Architects: HP ZBook Fury 16 G10

Best Budget Laptop for Architects

Best Laptop for Architects under $1000: ASUS TUF A16

Best Laptop for Architects under $900: Lenovo LOQ 15

Best Laptop for Architects under $800: Acer Nitro 5

Best Laptop for Architects under $700: HP Victus 16

Top Laptops for Architects and Designers in 2024

Premium Laptops for Architects:

Best Mobile Workstation for Architects: Lenovo ThinkPad P16 Gen 2

Best Gaming Laptops for Architects: MSI 2024 Newest Katana 17 Gaming Laptop

Best Thin / Portable Laptop for Architects: Lenovo Yoga 9i 2-in-1 Intel (14″)

Best Multi-Screen Laptop for Architects: ASUS ROG Zephyrus Duo 16

Best 2-in-1 Laptop for Architects: Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio 2

Best Laptop for Architects by Brand

Best ASUS Laptop for Architects: ASUS 2023 ProArt StudioBook 16 OLED Laptop

Best Dell Laptop for Architects: Dell XPS 17 (2023)

Best Lenovo Laptop for Architects: Lenovo Legion Pro 5i Gen 8

Best HP Laptop for Architects: HP ZBook Studio G10 16″ Mobile Workstation

Best Apple Laptop (MacBook) for Architects: MacBook Pro 16 M3

Best Budget Laptops for Architects

Best Laptop for Architects Under $1100: Lenovo LOQ Gaming Laptop, 15.6″

Best Laptop for Architects under $900: Dell Inspiron 14

Best Laptop for Architects under $800: HP Victus 15

Best Laptop for Architects under $700: Acer Nitro 5

Best Laptop for Architects under $600: Acer Swift 3

Top Laptops for Architects and Designers in 2023

Premium Laptops for Architects:

Best Mobile Workstation for Architects: HP ZBook Firefly G9 Mobile Workstation

Best Gaming Laptops for Architects: Dell Alienware m15 R7 Gaming Laptop

Best Touchscreen Laptop for Architects: Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 9i 14’’ Laptop

Best Multi-Screen Laptop for Architects: ASUS ROG Zephyrus Duo 16 Gaming Laptop

Best 2-in-1 Laptop for Architects: Microsoft Surface Pro 9

Best Laptops for Architects By Brand

Best HP Laptop for Architects: HP ZBook Fury G8 Mobile Workstation

Best Dell Laptop for Architects: Dell Inspiron 15.6’’ FHD Touchscreen Laptop 

Best Lenovo Laptop for Architects: Lenovo ThinkPad P1 Gen 5 Laptop

Best MSI Laptop for Architects: MSI 2022 GE76 Raider 17.3″ 144 Hz FHD Gaming Laptop

Best Apple Laptop for Architects: Apple 2022 MacBook Pro Laptop with M2 chip

Budget Laptops for Architects and Designers:

Best Laptop for Architects Under $900: Lenovo IdeaPad Gaming 3 Laptop

Best Laptop for Architects Under $800: HP 2023 17.3″ FHD Laptop

Best Laptop for Architects Under $700: Acer 2022 Aspire 5 Slim Laptop 15.6″

Other Considerations

Mac vs. Windows: In terms of hardware and operating system, it all comes down to your personal preference. High-end Apple and PC laptops are well geared to handle the challenges offered by the job. Windows 10 is arguably more user friendly as it supports a wide array of software but is exposed to more viruses than Mac. The Macbook Pro in particular is well perceived by professionals as being great for graphic applications but is considered by many to be overpriced. That said, Apple makes our list this year, thanks to improvements to Parallels, which allows Windows software to be run on Mac. Andy Roehl, architect at Moonlight Design Studio, LLC, asserts that “running parallels on a current Apple laptop is no problem; [it works] much better now than 10+ years ago.”

Gaming laptops: A growing trend within the architecture and design professions is the adoption of gaming laptops, thanks to their powerful specifications. Built to handle incredibly detailed graphics and demanding streaming requirements, the processing power of gaming laptops make them ideal for BIM and architectural visualization tasks, and often cost less than top-of-the-range mobile workstations. Marsha McDonald, Principal Designer and CEO of Seacrest Designs and Decor, sums it up perfectly: “If my kids are fighting me for my system (they are gamers), then I know I am golden!”

Ports and peripherals: “For peripherals,” says Christiana Copper, Project Manager at TyE Bar, LLC, “my favorite mouse is the Logitech G602 – I program canned email responses on the programmable buttons, but you could probably do CAD macros as well. I also bought monitor arms this year, and I am really enjoying them.” Consider how many USB ports, ethernet ports and other specialist ports you might need; this will vary depending on your preference for wired or wireless peripheral such as computer mice, touch pads and external hard drives.

Useful Accessories:

Vertical / Ergonomic Mouse: Allow your hand to rest at a more natural angle on the mouse, easing your muscles.

External monitor: By displaying the screen closer to your eye level, this addition to your home office makes it easier to catch details while reducing neck and back pain.

Laptop Stand: A helpful way to keep your device from overheating, these stands also allow you to adjust your laptop screen to a comfortable height. To maximize the benefits, this stand is best when accompanied by an external keyboard that keep the keys at a convenient level for your wrists.

Portable External SSD: An external hard drive is a high power way to manage archives and keep your laptop storage neat and spacious.

Got your own view on which is the best laptop for architects and architecture students? Let us know at editorial@architizer.com.

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The post 14 Top Laptops for Architects and Designers (NEW for 2026) appeared first on Journal.

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Lately, one name has broken the internet: Nano Banana Pro.

While the name might sound playful, the technology behind it is anything but. Officially known as Gemini 3 Pro Image, “Nano Banana” is the viral internal codename for Google’s latest image generation and editing model. Originally a hidden gem within the Gemini 2.5 Flash infrastructure, it has recently been superseded by this “Pro” iteration.

The release has triggered a polarized response. On one side, there is the very thrill of a new creative frontier; on the other, a real fear. The realism capable of being generated raises serious ethical questions regarding deepfakes, non-consensual identity usage, and misinformation. However, beyond the broader societal panic, a specific and highly technical industry is currently undergoing an existential debate, guess, yes, it’s us, architecture.

Can Nano Banana Pro change the way we design buildings? Is it a tool for liberation, or the announcer of the end for the ArchViz profession?

The Community Divide: Excitement vs. Anxiety

The discourse is perhaps most heated on Reddit. In the r/GeminiAI and r/ArchViz communities, threads dedicated to Nano Banana Pro are a mix of excitement and defensiveness. Users are flocking to these channels to share workflows, but they are also asking the uncomfortable question: Does this make the human artist ancient?

One user on the r/ArchViz subreddit offered a nuanced take that caught my attention. They argued that while AI is powerful, it lacks the accuracy required for high-stakes professional work:

“I really don’t think there is any AI out there that can outright replace 3D artists […] The only place where AI is being used heavily is to enhance already done renders […] When you really need to present renders at council hall approvals, stakeholder meetings, or to the municipality, you need to accurately depict the surroundings as is. That level of detail and control is really not possible with AI; it will mess up something in multiple angles.”

So, AI “hallucinations” (where a model invents details that don’t exist) are acceptable in concept art but a fatal problem in construction documents. If an interior designer specifies a particular fabric from a manufacturer, or a specific joinery detail, an AI that “vibes” the answer is insufficient. As the user said, “If you’re an expert, you should be leveraging your skill to create actual renders […] AI is not going to get everything right.”.

The Expert View: Reading the Blueprints

Conceptual Diagram, image generated by the author using Gemini 3 Pro Image

Despite concerns about accuracy, the model’s ability to understand technical input is quite good. Ismail Seleit, an architect and AI advocate, recently shared his experiments on LinkedIn:

“First of all, I am super impressed by the graphical quality […] This is not a vector-based model, (so I have) no idea how it does that.” He pointed out that Nano Banana Pro didn’t just generate pretty pictures; it interpreted plans in a way that created genuine architectural ideation. “Plans also start to give you some interesting ideas; I found this exercise really refreshing in that sense.”

This view also shows some parallels to some reviews I came across on X (Twitter), user @ai_for_success tweeted:

“Nano Banana Pro / Gemini 3 Pro Image is crazy. It turned this blueprint into a realistic 3D image. It did not just create the image, it first read the blueprint properly and then created the final output with every small detail.”

This ability to “read” rather than just “dream” is what sets this generation of AI apart.

The Experiment: Testing the Formula

To truly understand the tool’s capabilities, I decided to run my own experiment. The goal was to move from a raw concept to a render using Nano Banana Pro.

Many users recommend a specific prompt formula to maximize the model’s output: Subject + Action + Environment + Style + Lighting + Details.

Step 1: The Concept

The Main Render (Front View), image generated by the author using Gemini 3 Pro Image

I began by asking Gemini to generate a text-based conceptual floor plan for a museum. The AI proposed a two-story structure featuring:

Ground Floor: A central atrium lobby, a grand staircase, a large exhibition hall, a café, and a gift shop.

Second Floor: A secondary exhibition hall, classrooms, and staff offices.

Exterior: A garden with organic, winding paths.

Step 2: The “Engineer” Pivot

The Side View (Right View), image generated by the author using Gemini 3 Pro Image

When I initially asked for a “front view” based on this description, the model struggled to maintain coherence. I switched tactics, uploading the plan and asking for a render. Interestingly, Nano Banana Pro pushed back. It stated, “I cannot directly generate a render file… but I can act as your prompt engineer.”

This was an interesting moment for me because I thought I had done something wrong, checked the process, re-requested the action, received a similar reply, and then built a prompt again to get a response, which highlighted that the “human in the loop” is still essential. The AI needed me to guide it, to approve the translation of visual data into a descriptive prompt.

Step 3: The Execution

The Aerial View (Bird’s Eye), image generated by the author using Gemini 3 Pro Image

Using the “Prompt Engineer’s” suggestion and the community formula, I constructed the final prompt:

Subject: A contemporary, two-story art museum with a flat white roof and limestone cladding.
Action: Cultural landmark.

Environment: A garden with winding paths and abstract metal sculptures.

Style: Photorealistic architectural render, 8k resolution, cinematic wide-angle.

Lighting: Golden hour, with warm artificial light spilling from the windows.

Details: Weathering on the stone, HVAC units on the roof, and silhouetted figures for scale.

The Result

Interior, image generated by the author using Gemini 3 Pro Image

The output was good.

However, it wasn’t perfect (and I wasn’t expecting it to be perfect). When I requested different angles or specific architectural diagrams (like an isometric cutaway), the model often drifted. It required constant “re-prompting” to ensure the sculpture garden stayed in the same place or that the window mullions remained consistent.

Nano Banana vs. Midjourney vs. DALL-E

Model Comparison – Image generated using the same architectural prompt (at DALL·E) to evaluate consistency in instruction-following performance across models.

With the arrival of Nano Banana Pro, the “Big Three” of AI-generated visuals have finally settled into separate roles.

For years, Midjourney and DALL-E 3 have been the industry standards, but they serve different masters. Midjourney is the “dreamer,” with mostly cinematic lighting, artistic details and mood. DALL-E 3, on the other hand, is the “communicator,” easy to use and mostly loyal to your prompt instructions, but often lacking that final layer of realism.

Nano Banana Pro (Gemini) has carved out a third, more technical niche: the “engineer.”

While Midjourney and DALL-E excel at conceptualizing a project, Nano Banana Pro could excel at visualizing it. Its potential for realistic visualization and detailed edits is significantly higher. It can pull real-world textures (like specific limestone weathering or accurate glass reflections) that feel less like a painting and more like a photograph.

But the true game-changer is blueprint literacy.

Midjourney often treats a floor plan as a collection of abstract lines, creating “artistic” interpretations that don’t make structural sense. Nano Banana Pro’s ability to “read” the blueprint is a massive plus. It interprets the lines as architectural instructions, creating a result that respects the intended spatial logic.

The Verdict: Inspiration, Not Replacement

So, where does this leave us?

For now, designers are safe. The consensus (and my experiment confirms this) is that while Nano Banana Pro is a good engine for ideation, it is not yet a replacement for documentation.

We are likely moving toward a hybrid workflow. In the next five years, AI literacy in construction and architecture may become as standard as knowing AutoCAD or Revit. We will use tools like this to iterate through “moods” and “atmospheres” in the early stages, before moving to traditional BIM software for the precision required to actually build.

There are, of course, the critical questions we chose to set aside for this experiment: the environmental cost of training these massive models and the energy consumption required to generate every “banana” output.

Nano Banana Pro is not an architect or designer. It is a mirror. It reflects our ideas back to us, sharper and brighter than we imagined, but it still requires a human hand to hold it stable.

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The post The Nano Banana Effect: How Google’s Viral AI is Reshaping Architectural Visualization appeared first on Journal.

We’re inviting all architects, designers, and visualizers worldwide to take our latest survey on AI in Architecture today — one lucky respondent will win a $300 Amazon Gift Card as a thank you! The survey should take just 10 minutes of your time — hit the button below to get started:

Take the Survey

As AI tools rapidly evolve — from image generation and material simulation to energy analysis and real-time design optimization — architects and designers around the world are wrestling with a fundamental question:

How much of the design process can, or should, be assisted by machines?

This survey and its accompanying report will capture industry-wide views on the utility of AI tools within architectural design workflows, and uncover how this technology could reshape practice in the years to come.

AI-generated visualizations courtesy of Chaos.

Why This Survey Matters

Artificial intelligence is no longer in the distant future — it’s already influencing concept design, rendering, collaboration, and decision-making across the built environment. But adoption has been uneven, experimentation is ongoing, and uncertainty persists.

Accordingly, our new survey, entitled “How AI Is Reshaping Architectural Practice,” is designed to uncover how professionals are actually using AI today, what challenges they face, and where they see the greatest potential — or risk — in the years to come.

Whether you’re embracing AI in your daily workflow or still evaluating its place in your practice, your insight will help shape a definitive white paper to be published in early 2026, offering rare visibility into the state of AI in architecture worldwide.

Share Your Insights

What You’ll Be Asked About

The survey is structured to reflect where the AEC industry stands today — and where it’s heading tomorrow. As a participant, you can expect to answer questions about:

• How your firm is using (or avoiding) AI tools in design and visualization

• Which stages of the project workflow AI is impacting most — from concept to construction

• The quality, accuracy, and creativity of AI-generated outputs

The survey also includes pathways for both AI adopters and those yet to implement AI, helping paint a full-spectrum view of the profession in 2025 and beyond.

Share Your Views on AI

Why You Should Participate

By participating in this year’s survey, your views will form part of the 2026 AI in Architecture White Paper, a comprehensive report that distills global insights, benchmarks and trends from across the profession. This exclusive resource will help you understand how your peers are approaching AI, what’s working (and what’s not), and where the greatest opportunities lie. The latest report will be the fourth in a series of reports on ArchViz by Architizer and Chaos, creating an in-depth picture of the AEC industry’s evolving  of technology. You can access the last year’s report on the “State of AI in Architecture” here.

Respondents for the latest survey will gain clarity on how their firm compares to others in terms of AI adoption — whether you’re leading the charge, catching up or still evaluating your path forward. The findings from this survey will offer a snapshot of how real-world architects are navigating these tools, and how studios are adapting to shifting creative and technical demands.

Crucially, your input will help shape the next generation of software tools. Chaos and Architizer are working to amplify the voices of practitioners so that innovation in the AEC space reflects actual needs on the ground. Your responses will directly influence the future direction of design technology across the industry.

As a token of appreciation, your participation will automatically enter you into a draw to win a $300 Amazon gift card, courtesy of Chaos. Whether you use it to upgrade your toolkit or treat yourself to something personal, it’s one more reason to take a few minutes to share your perspective.

Take the Survey Today!

The survey will remain open through November 7, 2025 and takes 7 minutes or less to complete. Whether you’re a principal architect, junior designer, visualization lead or freelancer, your perspective is critical in this pivotal moment.

Click below to begin and share your voice on the state of AI in architectural practice:

Take the Survey

Help spread the word! Share this survey with your colleagues, peers, and teams — the broader our response base, the stronger the insight we can deliver. Once you’ve responded, stay tuned for the findings in our next report, set for publication in early 2026!

Top image: AI-generated visualization courtesy of Chaos.

The post How Is AI Reshaping Architectural Practice? Share Your Views and Win a $300 Gift Card! appeared first on Journal.

The jury is deliberating... stay tuned for the winners of Architizer's A+Product Awards! Register for the A+Product Awards Newsletter to receive future program updates.

Design has always relied on its instruments, from the pencil to the PC. We use tools to help shape ideas into reality, and in that sense, nothing has changed for centuries. What has changed, however, is the expectation placed on practitioners. Today, this pressure is more demanding than it has ever been. Architects and designers are asked not simply to design, but to demonstrate process as well as outcome, to persuade while they plan and to create experiences that excite long before a structure is ever realized.

Naturally, curious and resourceful as they are, architects and designers have sought solutions to alleviate the load and meet those demands. Thankfully, they have found them. A new kind of support system exists, and ecology even, of tools that assist beyond workflow into how ideas are exchanged and how studios are run. To many, this is the new infrastructure of successful practice, allowing for clear communication, fluidity and, crucially, space for imagination. These tools free creatives to focus on what they do best: designing our world.

The following A+Product Awards winners exemplify this new ecology, each one serving as proof that fortune favors not just the bold, but the well-equipped.

Gunlocke Briefing Tables

By Gunlocke

Popular Choice Winner, Furnishings, Contract Furniture, 2025 A+Product Awards

Meetings are part of the architect’s everyday life, and the furniture that supports them can have a decisive impact on how conversations flow. Gunlocke’s Briefing collection addresses this directly, replacing the traditional head-of-table hierarchy with geometries that give participants equal sightlines and focus. Designed with hybrid collaboration in mind, the tables integrate power and data into their surfaces, turning them into practical platforms for communication and focused work while ensuring that every seat at the table is heard and valued as much as the next.

Wanderlust

By Jill Malek

Jury Winner, Finishes, Walls & Wall Coverings, 2025 A+Product Awards

Many designers spend all their time and energy focusing on how their clients’ spaces feel; they forget about their own, and with that, surface treatments are often dismissed as secondary requirements. Yet, the spaces we inhabit are potent tools for guiding our emotions and inspiring creativity.

Jill Malek’s Wanderlust collection translates the textures and colors of distant landscapes into large-scale murals, turning walls into carriers of narrative rather than neutral backdrops. Tailored to each space and produced on commercial-grade substrates, the works insert cultural and geographic references directly into interiors. When wanderlust is employed in an office environment, it creates a sense of place and memory while inspiring and energising the viewer.

D5 Render

By D5 Render

Popular Choice Winner, Technology, Design Tools, 2025 A+Product Awards

Visualization has become inseparable from design practice, but speed and clarity are often at odds. D5 Render closes that gap, offering real-time, photorealistic results that keep pace with the design process itself. By integrating directly with major modeling platforms and cutting rendering time to minutes rather than days, it allows teams to test, adjust, and present ideas without delay. The ability to co-create in the cloud means that visualization is an active part of collaboration, giving designers the one tool that there is never enough of, time. By making imagination instantly shareable and allowing creativity to progress at a pace, D5 Render helps the creative process flow.

Bind

By Vibia

Jury Winner, Lighting, Recessed & Mounted Lighting, 2025 A+Product Awards

We almost always split lighting into technical and decorative, but Vibia’s Bind system treats the two as inseparable. Modular tracks and fixtures allow designers to shift easily between accent, diffuse, and ambient light, and in doing so, they create atmospheres that respond to programme as much as to form. Because the system integrates with existing architectural elements, it serves as a framework that enables experimentation while maintaining control. In the broader ecology of practice, Bind becomes an active and flexible medium for design.

Vectorworks Architect 2025

By Vectorworks

Jury Winner, Technology, Design Tools, 2025 A+Product Awards

The challenge with many digital tools isn’t necessarily capability but continuity — moving from sketch to model to documentation without losing clarity or intent. Vectorworks Architect 2025 tackles that need with a fully integrated workflow, allowing drawing, modeling and visualization to operate as one. The benefit is less about speed alone than about consistency: a design idea can be explored, tested and communicated within a single environment, reducing the friction that often accompanies hand-offs between platforms. In practice, it adds resilience to the designer’s process, keeping creativity intact while maintaining the precision that delivery demands.

Ekodome Geodesic Dome Systems

By Ekodome

Jury Winner, Best of the Year, Commercial Design, 2025 A+Product Awards

Rarely do designers work from one space. The office, home, and site are regularly in rotation as places to set down and get things done. It can be messy and haphazard, with frequent jumping back and forth. Increasingly, temporary structures are being recognized as an unmatched solution for tidying those transitions. Ekodome’s modular geodesic systems show how they can operate as functional sites for designers.

Durable frames and insulated panels allow the domes to perform in extreme climates, while their modular assembly makes them adaptable to almost any context. Architects expand the possibilities of where and how projects can take place. In the ecology of practice, Ekodome ensures that even when there is no coffee shop to be found, a desk can be placed, and work can continue without interruption. Collapsing the distance between home, office and site, and turning transience into continuity.

The jury is deliberating... stay tuned for the winners of Architizer's A+Product Awards! Register for the A+Product Awards Newsletter to receive future program updates.

The post Specifying the Studio: 6 Award-Winning Products Architects Choose for Themselves appeared first on Journal.

AEC is entering a decisive decade. Within five years, every top-performing team will have an AI lead organizing data, guiding workflows, and overseeing agent safety. Artificial intelligence is shrinking the distance between an idea and its execution. Those who learn to direct it with clarity will deliver more value with smaller teams in less time. The window is open now; wait, and the baseline will rise around you. The task is simple to state and demanding to practice.

Through these words, I share eight lessons from experience to help navigate the shift toward intelligent design:

AI will not replace the designer, but it will reshape what great design looks like for the next generation.

Intelligent Design Concept Series – Reshaping our coastlines – Biomimicry and additive manufacturing, creating structures that don’t just block waves but support marine life, filter water, and restore ecosystems, Miami, Florida – 3d printing coastlines, Video | Image via author. 

When AI flashed onto my screen in the summer of 2022, I felt equal parts lift and unease. It showed a glimpse of what it is capable of today. One prompt can sketch a room, draft a contract, even echo my tone. Years spent refining my eye as architect and designer were suddenly amplified yet called into question. If a model can summon beauty on demand, where does our craft stand? How do we keep soul in the work, the poetry of a line, the spark of emotion that makes a space breathe? How do we resist uniformity and protect what makes us human?

The next competitive edge is not a single tool; it is a way of working.

Three summers into the ChatGPT aha-moment, most firms are not short on curiosity, yet they still lack a map. Leaders, architects, and designers want to use AI but do not know where to begin. Tools multiply faster than understanding; adoption is high, fluency low. There is a quiet hesitation inside many studios. They know AI is here, but no one wants to risk changing the workflow. So they stay curious from the sidelines, experimenting without committing.

Invest where AI gives compounding returns: systems, quality, and reuse.

I have seen teams spend days creating mockups and spreadsheets that AI could prototype or structure in minutes. The real cost is not just time. It is decision fatigue, delayed starts, and creative work that never begins because the setup is too heavy. The firms that turn AI from a test into a workflow gain momentum.

Treat AI like a skilled employee; clarity in direction equals clarity in results.

Vague prompts yield vague results; instead, write a brief for the model the way you brief a junior designer. State the goal, audience, constraints, references, and criteria for success. Ask for several options, then critique. Strong loops beat long prompts, and over time you will build a personal library of dependable chains. Turn your mind into a clear instruction engine. If you can brief precisely what you want to a model, you can explain it to a colleague, a client, and a team.

Today AI drafts contracts, proposals, sketches concepts, surfaces references, structures spreadsheets, or estimates costs. Tomorrow it will auto-populate scopes of work, fee brackets, and legal boilerplate that match your risk profile. Next AI agents will string tasks across platforms, track schedules and budgets, and warn you when something changes.

Craft still matters. Perhaps more than ever.

 Code and emotion – Fragments of culture | Image via author

Like the Renaissance masters we must bridge art and science, code and emotion. Materials and fabrication, from quarry to finish and joint. Performance and comfort. Line, proportion, light, acoustics, thermal flow, sequence, circulation. There is no alternative to deliberate practice; tools extend reach but cannot replace rigor.

Fluency with multimodal AI opens faster exploration and sharper decisions, while story turns work into meaning. The designer of the next decade will speak to the board and to the public, translate strategy into places and services, and keep teams aligned.

Stay human, stay curious.

Authentic human experience becomes more valuable as AI output floods every feed. What stands out is not polish, it is presence. Emotional intelligence, point of view, and community building are not soft skills; they are the new strategic core. Creative discipline today means knowing what you want and why it matters, moving from noise to signal, creating with taste, the human ability to recognize what resonates. As Rick Rubin says,“The goal of art isn’t to attain perfection. The goal is to share who we are and how we see the world.” Our edge is the conscious, lived experience. AI can simulate beauty, but it does not feel wonder. It does not care. That is still the designer’s role, to bring emotion, judgement, and intention into the work.Build with intention, include more of humanity in the loop. AI multiplies what we put into it, but only we can choose what to care about.

One person can now create more value than ever.

With AI as leverage, for the first time a single person can design a space, generate art, prototypes, systems, videos, and narratives at a pace that once required a team. The bottleneck is no longer capacity, it is clarity.

The tools are here, the window is open, and those who act now are shaping what comes next. You do not need to know everything; you simply need to begin. Fei-Fei Li reminds us, “We have time, but we must act now.” The future is unwritten, yet the tempo has begun.

Start now, start small, real wins beat big plans that never ship. Pick one project and list the repetitive tasks that slow you down. Select one or two that AI can absorb this week. Write a clear brief, run the loop, measure the gain, and share the result with your team. Then lock the win into a repeatable workflow. If you are a student, pair every studio assignment with an AI plan: what to accelerate, what to check, what to visualize, what to learn.

Master your craft, master your tools, master your story, then use AI to multiply all three.

The shift to intelligent design cannot be navigated alone. I am learning, experimenting, and building in real time, and I invite you to join me. If you want help integrating AI into your work, wish to collaborate on an idea, or simply want to explore what is next, reach out. The future of our field will be shaped by those willing to think together, test together, and build with intention.

Jeronimo Tani is a speaker at RELEASE [AEC] — the first tech event designed to help professionals stay on the cutting edge of innovation and master the tools of the future. As technology, digital solutions and artificial intelligence continue to reshape the AEC sector, a unique event like RELEASE [AEC] is more essential than ever. The inaugural edition will be held in Paris on November 17, 2025. The event is 100% free for AEC practitioners: register today!

The post Architectural Intelligence: Drafted by Design, Not by Prompt appeared first on Journal.

For years, my relationship with the computer was about control. I was obsessed with knowing the perfect sequence of commands to translate a thought in my head into a digital reality. But my head doesn’t work that way; it’s messy. Thoughts collide and visions are in constant flux. By the time I could force an idea through the rigid logic of software, the idea itself felt obsolete. This process demanded precision far too early, funneling all possibilities into a narrow channel and limiting the playfulness of design. We started to think like the machines we were using, where everything became an array of copy-pasted elements, and even complex designs were just modulations on a simple, predictable surface.

This new way of working with AI is the complete opposite. Naturally, my first instinct was to handle it as I always had: to try and force it to generate precise, “buildable” things. It refused. That refusal was annoying at first, but then I began to understand. There are more critical things than precision, especially in the beginning.

It’s like writing this article. I have a destination in mind, but I am not counting the words or agonizing over sentence structure on the first pass. I have to focus on what matters first.

From Designer to Precision-Policer — And Back Again

Over the years, the pendulum in architecture has swung too far toward technicality. You can’t even start drawing if two lines are microscopically off-parallel or a dimension doesn’t read “500.000000 mm.” Our role shifted from designer to precision-policer, and we praised this as the highest virtue. I’m not saying perfectionism is bad, but our tools have skewed our priorities to the point that nothing on a resume seems to matter more than the “software skills” section. It feels like we are designing for computers, not for the physical world — a world which, by the way, is messy and has nothing to do with perfectly straight lines that snap at 90 degrees.

As the architect Hassan Fathy called it, we were practicing “T-square architecture,” void of aesthetic or expressive quality. Now, it has become even more obsessively lured into the sterile world of digital precision.

This was different. Suddenly, I could communicate an idea. I could describe the feeling of a building in a particular context, and the computer would respond. There was no need to memorize a sequence of commands to produce an empty shell and then wonder if it ever matched the thing in my head. I could write down my thoughts, and the machine would not only help me visualize them but also suggest things I hadn’t asked for: things that I hadn’t commanded.

It was a humbling experience. I could spend an afternoon in a conversation with the computer, a conversation held not just in text, but through images. And the dialogue wasn’t about the mathematical formula for a perfect hyperbolic form; it was about feeling, light, materiality, composition and philosophy.

This is where the challenge — and the point — lies. Trying to tame these generative models to serve me like the old software was missing the lesson. I had to let go. If I knew exactly what I wanted, I would just model it the old way. But the truth is, what I want is never that clear, and our current tools fail us in that ambiguous, fertile space.

Natural Selection: Returning to the Story and the Idea

The process is inherently messy, and that’s what makes it feel right. It embraces unpredictability, intuition and the beautiful accidents that happen when ideas get lost in translation. It feels more grounded in the reality of how we ought to design for the physical world. This is where we can draw a powerful analogy from nature. Evolution doesn’t work from a perfect blueprint; it thrives on messiness. It uses random mutations — mistakes, essentially — to explore possibilities. Most of these variations fail, but some lead to brilliant, unexpected adaptations. The sterile perfection of “T-square architecture” is like trying to design a forest by copy-pasting one perfect, computer-generated tree. A real forest is a chaotic, resilient, and beautiful system born from imperfection.

Working with generative AI feels like stepping into the role of natural selection. You guide the process, apply pressure and curate the outcomes, but you don’t dictate every step. You let go of the need for absolute control and allow for emergent complexity.

Suddenly, the emphasis returns to the story and the idea. This is what makes you shine in a sea of accessible, shiny images. You can now easily spot a generic image lazily generated from someone else’s prompt, the same way you can spot a ChatGPT-written email. The process remains genuine because the story still counts, and we instinctively value human-created narratives. This doesn’t mean you can’t use the tools to co-create. You are reading this article after it has passed through an LLM, not only for punctuation and editing but also because the ideas themselves were solidified in a conversation I had with it.

The Importance of Low-Rank Adaptations (LoRAs)

Screenshot

All of this has made me realize how much meaning an image holds beyond its geometry and textures. It’s the subtleties that evoke a feeling in the first second you see it. This is why teaching the model is crucial. A base model has seen everything, so it will naturally resort to the most generic, “average” scenario. In a highly specialized and image-obsessed field like architecture, that’s the last thing you want.

This is where LoRAs, or Low-Rank Adaptations, come in. In essence, they are tiny, specialized models that you train and attach to the main model, like plugins. They add a specific bias, transforming a generic AI that knows billions of images into a specialist that deeply understands a specific concept, your concept. They are easy to train, versatile, and can be mixed together. If trained well, they are powerful enough to completely change how you work. If you can conquer the image space in architecture, you’ve cracked 40-50% of the workflow, especially in the early phases.

This is a breath of fresh air for the industry. Because it is so novel and disruptive, it will take time to see a full shift. But it made me realize how much we needed it.

Sometimes, you have to let go to get precisely what you want.

Ismail Seleit is a speaker at RELEASE [AEC] — the first tech event designed to help professionals stay on the cutting edge of innovation and master the tools of the future. As technology, digital solutions and artificial intelligence continue to reshape the AEC sector, a unique event like RELEASE [AEC] is more essential than ever. The inaugural edition will be held in Paris on November 17, 2025. The event is 100% free for AEC practitioners: register today!

The post Precision Fatigue: Escaping the Sterility of Digital Perfection in Design appeared first on Journal.

The result is a new kind of workflow — one that pairs the speed and flexibility of AI with the precise control of professional rendering environments. At the center of this evolution is the emerging integration between Enscape, Chaos’s real-time rendering engine, and Veras, a new AI-powered design visualization tool.

Used together, they reflect a growing trend in AI-powered architectural practices: Sketch. Visualize. Refine.

Navigating the AI Toolscape: From Novelty to Utility

Amidst the noise of generative design and speculative AI platforms, many architects are still asking a simple question: what actually works for design professionals today?

According to the State of Architectural Visualization 2025 report, 44% of respondents are actively experimenting with AI tools, with another 25% exploring how best to formally incorporate them into their workflows. As an artifact of the imprecise control afforded by early AI visualization tools, initial use cases focused on early concept exploration. However, recent advances are turning AI into a more practical assistant, speeding up design development, improving visual communication and reducing repetitive tasks.

One of the most widely adopted patterns is the use of AI tools for design variation and ideation. As Chaos’s product team puts it, the goal isn’t to automate architecture, but to support it: “Our customers know exactly what they’re trying to create. Drawing upon our decades-deep experience in visualization, we’ve embedded contextual AI tools into our software — designed to support every phase from first sketch to final rendering,” says Roderick Bates, Senior Director of Product Operations at Chaos. “These tools amplify the user’s intent, delivering the right capability, in real time.”

It’s this intent-driven approach that defines the Enscape + Veras workflow. Veras, now integrated directly into Enscape’s real-time rendering environment, allows designers to explore new ideas by generating variations of their scenes without leaving their workflow. There’s no starting from scratch — just a layering of possibilities on top of an architect’s existing vision.

The Enscape + Veras Workflow in Practice

For many firms, the benefit of the Enscape and Veras integration lies in being able to visualize, test, and iterate faster, all while staying grounded in the realities of the project. “Enscape and Veras have been essential tools in my workflow,” says Madison Wilson, Associate & Design Architect at VLK Architects, “allowing me to quickly translate design ideas into compelling visuals that strengthen client communication and accelerate decision-making. They add value throughout all project phases — from early concept exploration in the design phases to detailed design development and clear visual validation in construction documentation.”

This tight integration between sketch, visualization and refinement gives architects a clearer throughline from initial idea to the deliverable. In the early stages, Veras can generate material studies, test formal approaches, and suggest alternate façade treatments, all within the clear constraints of the project model geometry. When combined with Enscape’s real-time rendering, designers can use their Enscape rendering as a starting point, exploring new ideas immediately, in the context of their project, without expending the effort required for traditional rendering workflows.

© Chaos

The resulting workflow is both iterative and efficient, reducing the friction between ideation and rendering, allowing for a rapid loop of refinement before and after preparing content for final presentation. That matters when design teams are preparing for client meetings, internal reviews, or public consultation. The value lies not just in how the tools make images, but in how quickly they can be iterated to enable informed decisions.

Case Study: Designing With Flexibility, Communicating with Clarity

Few projects highlight the practical strengths of this workflow better than a recent penthouse extension designed by Marco Iannelli, a Germany-based architect and BIM researcher. When revisiting a multi-family residence he originally designed seven years earlier, Iannelli faced the challenge of adding a new level while maintaining structural integrity and architectural coherence — without concerning the ten non-technical stakeholders who shared ownership of the building.

© Marco Iannelli

To navigate the design process, Iannelli relied on his standard modeling tools, but enhanced them with Veras for early façade studies. “Veras was inspiring for me,” he noted. “It can give you a set of variations, let’s say 10 variations. You choose two, and then you have another 10 variations of the two sub-variations.”

This iterative process helped him arrive at a simple, elegant design solution that respected the project’s goals while remaining flexible for future construction timelines. Later, when it came time to present the proposal, Enscape took center stage. “I didn’t even show plans to stakeholders — just Enscape renderings,” Iannelli said. The visuals didn’t just illustrate the concept — they won over the residents, too.

The Future AI Workflow

What makes the Chaos approach to AI compelling is its restraint. Rather than promoting AI as a replacement for architectural authorship, it’s introduced as a creative partner — one that fits naturally into the software environments architects already use.

Tools like Veras don’t require designers to abandon their process or platform. They work on top of existing geometry, generating context-aware variations, allowing the user to remain in control. And with Enscape as the visualization foundation, those variations can be tested in real time, helping project teams stay agile from early massing studies to final material selections.

© Chaos

For architectural firms navigating broader client demands and increasingly complex design challenges, the combination of speed, fidelity and control is a timely addition. AI in this form doesn’t remove the architect from the process; it gives them more ways to explore, communicate and refine ideas.

As more firms begin to integrate AI tools into their everyday workflows, one pattern is emerging clearly: those that astutely combine existing and emerging technologies are most well-placed to forge the future of practice.

To learn how to implement AI in your firm’s creative workflow, check out the Enscape blog and grab yourself a free trial of Enscape Premium or Veras for Enscape.

The post Sketch, Visualize, Refine: How Chaos Is Embedding AI Into Architectural Design Workflows appeared first on Journal.

A multinational 250-person interior design firm I worked with (let’s call them ‘Designers Inc.’) saved $4.5 million USD by implementing a firm-wide AI solution. Designers Inc. has offices all around the world and has followed my 9-step AI roadmap, which I will now outline later in this article. It can be utilized by any AEC firm to ensure the success of their own AI implementation.

But first, a little background on the implementation plan that I developed… Our story starts when the firm’s CEO returned from a few tech conferences in early 2024. He was tired of answering “We’re looking into it” whenever investors asked what the firm was doing about artificial intelligence. He handed his IT Director a single-line brief: figure out AI, fast.

The IT Director’s role, hence, evolved from managing licenses and securing servers to overseeing the entire firm’s AI implementation. Soon after he began researching online for solutions, he felt incredibly overwhelmed by the number of AI apps available, which discouraged him from making a choice due to the numerous questions and uncertainty associated with them.

Luckily, his research led him to take my flagship course, Mastering AI in AEC, which covers over 150 AI use cases and teaches advanced methods for implementing AI. The IT Director knew he had struck gold by taking the course and decided to reach out directly to me to ask for further help. Unlike most firms that believe ‘they can do a full-scale AI implementation with internal talent’, Designers Inc. realized that they need an AI expert to guide them on their way, so they can spend more time serving their own clients and less time on wondering if the AI they’re implementing is the best out there and eliminating some typical downfalls from the get-go.

After meeting the IT Director and the CEO, we agreed that I’d visit their headquarters in Dubai for an ‘AI Implementation Week’, filled with AI exploration, training, and creating a practical step-by-step plan for Designers Inc. Our goal was to develop a practical AI Implementation Plan for all their offices. Still, the reality was about to kick in.

Upon arriving in Dubai, I realized the firm has the following problems:

After all, the firm designs stores, restaurants, hotels, and more all around the world, so there isn’t a ‘one-size-fits-all’ AI app (besides ChatGPT Team) that could help all their teams at once.

On the first day of our AI Implementation Week, the firm’s staff had dozens of questions about AI implementation, stemming from what they had heard in the news or seen on social media. These are some of the questions they were asking:

Typically rooted in fear and uncertainty, most AEC firms are asking the same or similar questions. One of the crucial steps we took was having the CEO reassure the staff before my arrival that the goal of AI implementation was not to replace anyone, but to make their jobs easier.

Your First Step Starts Now:

The 9 Steps That Changed Everything

Today, 6 months after we started working together, they complete projects faster than ever before.

• They’re not working longer hours.
• They didn’t hire an army of new people.
• They don’t add software to their tech stack based on trends.

They just learned to work with AI instead of against it.

But just a few months earlier, they were drowning in tedious tasks, having all the described problems, and were feeling overwhelmed by AI.

My firm and I helped Designers Inc. transition to a technology-optimized firm, using our 9-step process that any AEC firm can follow:

Step 1: AI Education

First, we ran short and friendly sessions about AI. We told real stories about how AI helps save hours on tedious tasks. This made everyone feel less scared and more curious. The fact I loved most about the whole week is that the CEO led by example – he sat beside me the entire time, learning as much as he could about AI.

Step 2: Tech Stack Assessment

We didn’t guess. We spent time watching how teams actually worked. We asked questions like, “Where do you get stuck?” and “What slows you down?” The main exercise was to map out their current software and identify ways to optimize existing technology first.

Step 3: Process Mapping

Instead of adding AI randomly, we drew each step of their daily work. We identified areas where AI can perform tasks more efficiently and deliver high-quality outcomes. Our primary focus was asking about people’s headaches and time thieves – functions that are either annoying to do or that take more time than they should.

Step 4: Pain-Point Identification

We didn’t try to fix everything at once. We picked a few tasks that annoyed people the most. We asked team members who were excited about AI to test the tools first. These AI Champions helped teach others and made change easier. We used the HotBet framework, taught within my courses, to outline quick wins to get the ball rolling.

Step 5: App Testing and Evaluation

We let teams test different AI tools to see what really worked. Soon, people stopped asking, “How do I finish this task?” and started asking, “How can AI do most of this so I can focus on the important parts?”

Step 6: AI Implementation Plan

Once tools proved useful, we changed our old ways of working. Tasks such as transcribing feedback or checking PDFs have become automated. Work that used to take days now takes only hours. We then developed a clear plan to utilize AI daily.

Step 7: ROI Analysis

We checked how much time, money, and effort they saved. People felt happier because they spent more time designing and less time doing tedious work.

Here’s a simple ROI measurement approach:

1. Time-Tracking Pilots: Have pilot teams log hours spent “before” vs. “after” AI adoption on critical tasks (Drawing tagging, QA model audits, etc.)
2. Software Cost vs. Savings: Compare any newly introduced AI tool’s subscription fee vs. labor savings or replaced license fees.
3. Avoided Overtime/New Hires: If specific tasks that used to require overtime or new hires are now handled faster, factor that into ROI.

Here are the results and math:

10 hours/employee saved × 45 weeks a year = 450 hours saved a year (per employee).

Now, calculate that for 100 employees paid $100 per hour.

That’s $4,500,000 saved in a single year.

Even beyond the numbers, the team started doing their best work and enjoying it.

Step 8: New Tech Stack Proposal

After small teams achieved success, we shared AI tools with the entire company and even created a knowledge-sharing hub for the entire firm. Because they saw real results, everyone wanted to use the AI tools, and change began to spread faster.

Step 9: Digital Transformation Continuation

Finally, we set up training sessions and regular check-ins to keep the AI system running smoothly. This way, AI didn’t fade away after the first excitement. It became a regular part of their work.

The journey we’re on is currently 6 months long, but the firm knows that the ‘complete AI implementation’ may take 2–3 years, depending on their workload and the development of AI.

The key is to get on board early; the sooner you start, the greater the long-term advantage.

Your First Step Starts Now

Maybe you’re thinking, “That’s great, Stjepan, but my firm is different. We’re smaller. We’re not like them. We’re too busy. We don’t have tech people.”

I’ve heard every excuse. The firms that succeed with AI aren’t the ones with the most resources. It’s the ones who take a step back to examine their workflows from a distance and put them back together with AI.

So if I should suggest anything, it’s to look at your next project and ask:

• What part makes you annoyed just thinking about it?
• What process eats up time but doesn’t require creativity?
• What would you do with an extra 10-12 hours each week?

Start there. Pick one small thing. Try one AI tool. Ask a “why” question.

This is how you implement AI the right way.

(I’d like you to please reach out if you need any help.)

Stjepan

• Email: stjepan@aiinaec.com
• Website: https://www.aiinaec.com/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stjepanmikulic/

Stjepan Mikulic is a speaker at RELEASE [AEC] — the first tech event designed to help professionals stay on the cutting edge of innovation and master the tools of the future. As technology, digital solutions and artificial intelligence continue to reshape the AEC sector, a unique event like RELEASE [AEC] is more essential than ever. The inaugural edition will be held in Paris on November 17, 2025. The event is 100% free for AEC practitioners: register today!

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Architects, like other creatives, tend to dislike AI — until they face a deadline. While serious criticisms have been leveled against deep learning programs like Chat GPT and Midjourney, the fact of the matter is, these are powerful tools when used by discerning architects. They are especially useful when it comes to ideation, or fleshing out your ideas by considering a plan from multiple perspectives. 

In recent weeks, AI became even more useful for architects following the release of Open AI’s new 4o Image Generation tool with Chat GPT integration. As with most new AI releases, it took a little user experimentation for people to figure out the program’s real potential. One of the earliest users to discover a new potential for this tool was Amir Hossein Noori, co-founder of AI Hub, who realized that using 4o image generation, an architect can quickly move from a floorplan to a rendering. 

However, there was a catch. Users quickly found that the process was hit or miss, with the chatbot frustratingly making errors. Keir Regan-Alexander, an architect who specializes in the use of AI, ironed out some of the kinks. The following tutorial owes much to his trial and error work. We hope it will help you in your design endeavors. 

1. Highlight the view angle in your floor plan using an arrow.

Emulate those “You are Here” arrows that are posted in the maps at the mall. Be as precise as you can with the angle and placement of the arrow.

Image generated by the author using Chat GPT.

2. Upload the floorplan into either GPT o3 Mini or Claude 3.7. NOT GPT 4.0! 

Screenshot generated by the author. The webpage displayed is the interface of Claude 3.7 Sonnet.

Amir Hossein Noori recommends using GPT o3 Mini for this step because it is better with image processing than the standard version. Keir Regan Alexander adds that Claude 3.7 also works well, and this is the bot I used. The goal of this step is to produce a written description of the space based on the floorplan.

Upload the image and politely ask the chatbot to describe what a human being would see from the angle indicated by the arrow. Make sure to specify that the human being is facing in the same direction the arrow is pointing.

Your bot of choice will create a description that looks something like this:

Screenshot generated by the author. Text by Claude 3.7 Sonnet.

3. Hop over to GPT 4.0 to generate the rendering using the text produced by Claude or GPT o3 Mini.

Screenshot generated by the author. Webpage displayed is the interface of Chat GPT 4.0.

After the description, if you are using GPT o3 Mini it might ask if you want a 3D rendering of this viewpoint. (Claude doesn’t offer this). Don’t say yes right away! 

Instead, upload the floorplan with the arrow into GPT 4.0 and enter this prompt: “create an image of a 3D space from the angle shown on the floorplan as if you are a human standing there.“ Then copy and paste the text generated in step 2, sit back, and wait. Eventually, you will get an image that corresponds to your floorplan: 

Image produced by the author using Chat GPT 4.0.

4. Make Adjustments by prompting GPT 4.0

Screenshot generated by the author using GPT 4.0.

If you are not happy with the first draft or want to change the decor, simply describe these changes to GPT 4.0. It will do its best to follow your suggestions. Make sure to specify that you do not want it to change anything about the layout of the room. (That is, if the bot generated the room correctly the first time.)

Keir Regan-Alexander notes that there are limitations to this process, impressive as it is. Complex room shapes, like L-shaped or stepped rooms, don’t work well. But simple rectangular and square rooms can usually be generated quite easily.

In the end, this trick is a major time saver. And like all generative AI features, it will only improve in the coming years.

Cover Image: Generated by the author using Chat GPT. Prompt: Create an architectural rendering of the interior of a magnificent modern home.

The post Tech for Architects: How to Create a Stunning Rendering from a Simple Floorplan Using AI appeared first on Journal.

With the release of Corona 12 and its new integration with Chaos Vantage, architectural visualization professionals now have access to a faster, more interactive toolkit — one that combines the realism of ray-traced rendering with the speed of real-time tools, without the need for compromise. Whether framing the perfect shot for a client or exploring design options live with a team, this new capability unlocks more intuitive ways to visualize architecture and interior spaces.

We took a deep dive into the latest versions of both applications to explore this fresh interoperability and see how it can foster new creative workflows in real-time rendering.

How It Works: Real-Time Feedback Inside Your Workflow

The Corona to Vantage Live Link, introduced in Corona 12 Update 1, allows users to connect their 3ds Max or Cinema 4D scene directly to Chaos Vantage, an industry-leading real-time renderer built for speed and visual fidelity. Once activated, any changes made in the scene — like moving objects, updating lights, editing materials, or switching cameras — are instantly mirrored in Vantage’s real-time viewport.

Enabling Live Link is simple: Within 3ds Max, users open the Render Setup, navigate to the System tab, and click “Vantage Live Link.” Alternatively, within Cinema 4D, click on the Corona tab in the top menu, navigate down to “Chaos Vantage” and then click “Start Vantage Live Link”. Vantage launches automatically, loads the scene, and begins responding live to any updates. From this point forward, artists can move freely between modeling, lighting, and composition without interrupting their workflow to export or render previews.

This integration transforms Vantage into an always-on visual companion. Architects and visualization artists can evaluate daylight scenarios, test material palettes, set up composition options, and save out high-quality preview images, all within seconds.

Camera adjustments, lighting tweaks, and object placement can all be iterated live, making this integration ideal for presenting multiple options to a client or efficiently collaborating with a design team. When it’s time to produce a final rendering, Vantage’s ultra-fast GPU engine makes it possible to generate polished stills directly from the working scene.

This all sounds compelling, but how does it translate into a real-world project? Enter narrativ, a UK-based visualization studio that works across creative disciplines.

narrativ’s Triple Test: Envisioning Architecture, Product and VFX With Vantage

To put the integration through its paces, narrativ created a series of one-minute animations focused on architectural space, product design, and visual effects. Robin Walker, the studio’s director, said each theme “was designed to push Vantage in its very own way while also showing its versatility.”

Their architectural scene — set inside a tranquil chapel with soft pink lighting and reflective materials — was selected to challenge how Vantage handled nuanced lighting conditions and surface behavior. According to the team, “The team chose this serene chapel setting to challenge Vantage’s ability to render complex lighting interactions and reflections in a highly controlled environment. And it did not disappoint.” The results are stunning, forming a remarkable exhibition of the dynamic material and lighting effects made possible by Vantage.

In another test, a rugged muscle car, complete with worn, weathered textures, demonstrated Vantage’s accuracy with fine material details — “All of the stuff we get excited by as 3D artists,” Walker explained. The resulting video is a powerful demonstration of how Corona and Vantage can produce subtle surface textures and imperfections with outstanding realism.

For their final piece, narrativ turned to The Old Gods, an in-house VFX sequence featuring a dramatic battle in a dense forest. Thousands of trees, animated elements and cinematic lighting pushed the scene’s complexity to the limit. “Given the high stakes of rendering such a multifaceted scene, this project was the perfect test to push Vantage’s real-time capabilities to their limits,” the team said.

The payoff wasn’t just visual quality — it was also creative freedom. “With Vantage, you feel like you’re there, in the scene, just shooting with a camera,” said Walker. “Without Vantage and its ultra-fast GPU rendering, along with its ability to quickly light scenes and find camera angles, this wouldn’t have been possible.”

All three animations were rendered in minutes to hours on a single machine—transforming what would typically be a multi-day pipeline into a streamlined, intuitive process.

Why This Matters for Architects and Visualization Studios

For architects and visualizers, time is always tight — especially given that clients increasingly expect to see high-end imagery early in the design process. The Corona–Vantage workflow offers a powerful new way to meet those demands without slowing down production. Instead of waiting for time-intensive renderings or settling for low-fidelity previews, users can now explore light, space and materiality in real time. That means faster decisions, better design feedback and higher-quality visuals earlier in the project timeline.

Studios are already folding this workflow into their daily process. The narrativ team, for example, now uses Vantage for early-stage clay model visuals and camera selection. “The narrativ team has already found another great use for the interoperability, using it for clay renders during the view selection for clients,” they reported, made possible thanks to Vantage’s “blisteringly fast” speed.

The software’s combination of efficiency and utility has the narrativ team convinced. “I think everyone should try it out. It has a lot of power, and the speed is unmatched,” said Walker. But the advantage of this new integration is larger still — the real-time feedback loop changes the nature of the work, according to Walker. He added: “Vantage hasn’t been all about speed for narrativ; it also allowed the team to get back to their creative roots. Anything which makes us 3D artists less of technicians and more of artists is a way forward.”

For architects and visualizers, this shift offers an exciting prospect — to bring photorealistic visual storytelling into every stage of design, from early concept to final presentation.

To try both Corona and Vantage for free, click the following links:

Try Corona for Free >

Try Vantage for Free >

Hero image by narrativ.

The post The Art of Rendering: Creating Real-Time, Photoreal Architectural Visualizations with Corona and Vantage appeared first on Journal.