When I first tried to approach ChatGPT with a design assignment, I was surprised at how interestingly it could complement my thoughts. Not as a replacement, but as a partner who tirelessly generates ideas, looks for connections, and helps where you get stuck. This article was created precisely out of the need to share experiences with how AI can expand our creative space while saving time for what is most important in architecture – thinking, creation, and relationships.
It’s a bit like someone offering you a better ruler. You can draw with the old one. Or you can try what you draw with the new one. I think it would be a shame to limit yourself to old tools when this amazing era offers truly sophisticated and perfect possibilities. We live in an era that gives us space for creative work. We have access to education, tools and technologies that previous generations could not even dream of. So why not taste the fruits of modern times?
ChatGPT, a powerful AI tool for text generation, is also finding its place in architectural practice. From initial inspiration to research and documentation to client communication – its uses are wide-ranging. In this article, we will look at specific ways in which ChatGPT can help architects streamline their work, develop creativity, and free up their hands and minds for what matters most – creating with vision.
Every design starts with an idea – and that’s where ChatGPT can offer a fresh perspective. It helps with brainstorming, finding new conceptual directions, or formulating precise design briefs. It also handles a variety of input data quickly and can generate design alternatives, making it ideal for exploring different approaches without having to start from scratch.
Example: If you are looking for a novel concept for a modern eco-friendly house, ChatGPT can offer ideas for combining traditional materials with innovative technologies. Or if you need to select materials for a project in a challenging climate, AI can recommend, for example, the use of materials with thermoregulatory properties, such as phase change materials (PCM), which enable passive temperature control, or the use of bioceramic surfaces, which effectively absorb moisture and ensure a stable microclimate.
ChatGPT is therefore not only a tool for generating individual ideas, but also for creating alternative solutions that can open up new creative paths.
Examples of input (text prompt):
“Design a concept for a modern eco-friendly house inspired by traditional Japanese architecture.”
“What materials are suitable for a public building in a hot and humid climate?”
“Find relevant reference projects on the topic (in the context of a specific assignment)…”
“For the given plot, design a mix of perennials for shady areas, for the southern slope, and ornamental grasses for the driveway. Write each category in a table , in one column indicate the month and flower color…”
“In the context of the apartment layout , design a functional living room, define possible material solutions in three variants, and give each variant a creative name. Start with a combination of three main colors or their shades.”
The result can be not only a combination of design elements and material recommendations (e.g. bamboo, recycled glass), but also inspiration for visual style. ChatGPT is a powerful tool for finding unexpected connections between styles, context and technologies.
Tip: Be as specific as possible in your assignment – include location, budget, type of building, or expected function. The more specific you are, the more relevant and helpful the answers will be.
ChatGPT can quickly provide summary information on architectural trends, historical developments or technical requirements, which can significantly save time during project preparation. This tool is useful for quickly mapping relevant information that needs to be further explored and applied to a specific design.
Example queries:
“What are the key features of brutalist architecture?”
“Summary of the current Czech standards for the energy efficiency of family houses.”
“What legislative restrictions should I be aware of in this project?”
“Based on the input data, name the strengths and weaknesses of the plot, create an action plan to use the strengths in the design and not worsen the weaknesses.”
“If you take into account all the client’s requirements, it is possible to incorporate… XY…”
This feature is ideal for architects who need a quick overview of historical trends, technical standards, or specific requirements for a given project. It allows them to navigate the issue faster and focus on creating their own creative solutions.
Warning: ChatGPT does not provide legally binding or always up-to-date information. Before using such data, such as legal regulations or standards, it is necessary to verify them in official and up-to-date sources.
One of the biggest challenges for an architect is to translate professional designs into a form that is understandable to the client. ChatGPT will help formulate texts so that they are professional but also accessible.
Example of use:
“Write a simple description of a modern-style family home design for a lay client.”
“Create an email explaining project adjustments due to budget reduction.”
Deliverables can be further customized to suit your specific situation, ensuring consistent and clear communication across different project phases.
To add a practical example, here you can compare how ChatGPT writes two different emails. The input email it responds to in both cases is this:
“Dear,
I am interested in collaborating on the design of a family home. During the planning process, I encountered a problem with unclear regulations regarding the location of the building on the plot due to local regulations. I would like to discuss with you my ideas, implementation options and how to resolve these obstacles. Please contact me to arrange a meeting.
With friendly greetings, ST”
EXAMPLE A – ANSWER:
“Hello ST,
Thanks for your message! We would be happy to talk to you about your project. It can be a bit complicated regarding regulations, but we will definitely find a solution. When would it be convenient for you to meet? We can discuss your ideas and implementation options.
I look forward to meeting you!
Best regards,
[Your signature]”
EXAMPLE B – ANSWER:
“Dear Mr. ST,
Thank you for your message and your expressed interest in collaborating on the design of a family home.
I would like to assure you that the issue of local regulations, and in particular questions regarding the location of the structure on the land, are issues that require a detailed and precise approach. In this regard, it is important to thoroughly examine the valid zoning plans, building regulations and any specific local regulations that apply to your location. In addition, it is also necessary to focus on possible exceptions that may be granted in specific cases, both on the basis of legal regulations and on the basis of the specific conditions of the given territory.
As part of our cooperation, we would like to discuss your ideas and intentions in more detail so that we can provide specific legal advice and propose the optimal solution. I recommend that you arrange a personal meeting, where we will discuss in detail all aspects of the planned construction and clarify possible legal steps that need to be taken to achieve successful project implementation.
Please let me know when it would be convenient for you to meet, either in person or via online consultation.
I look forward to our future cooperation.
Best regards,
[Your name]
[Your position]
[Contact details]”
Both examples clearly show how a few words in the assignment imply a completely different form of response. The basic information is clear – “we will be happy to advise, suggest when we can meet”, but the form is completely different.
Writing reports, specifications, project descriptions or bill of quantities can be time-consuming. ChatGPT can greatly simplify this process by creating a rough draft that serves as a template for further editing and customization.
Example of input:
“Write a description of a public building with an emphasis on sustainability, suitable for a competition design.”
“Propose a list of risks for building on a slope.”
“Write a short summary of this document and answer these questions about the content…”
This way, the creation of documentation can be significantly accelerated without compromising its quality. ChatGPT takes care of the structure and basic content, so the architect can devote more time to the details and creative development of the project.
ChatGPT can be a useful companion not only for experienced architects, but also for students and aspiring creators. It helps explain the basics, clarify more complex concepts, and brings a new perspective to familiar things.
Examples of questions:
“Explain the principles of a passive house in a way that even a layman can understand.”
“How does the load-bearing structure of high-rise buildings work?”
“What are the advantages and disadvantages of a flat roof on a family home?”
Thanks to the natural, dialogic format, you can ask questions as you would ask a lecturer or colleague. This not only helps you better understand the material, but also develops the ability to formulate questions, argue, and independently navigate topics that are often not black and white. And this is a skill that remains important in architecture throughout life.
While ChatGPT is a powerful tool, it still remains just a tool – and not a replacement for an experienced architect, creativity, or responsible decision-making.
What to watch out for:
The outputs are not finished works. Consider them as suggestions, inspirations or stepping stones. Responsibility for the result always remains with the person.
Facts need to be verified. Especially when it comes to technical specifications, legal standards or economic decisions. AI can be a good helper, but it is not a guarantee of accuracy.
Transparency and ethics. If you are using AI in competitions, teaching, or publishing, it is fair to disclose this. This helps build trust and cultivate an environment where new tools are used responsibly.
In short – ChatGPT can be useful, but it’s up to us how we work with it. With respect for the profession, people, and each other.
Artificial intelligence like ChatGPT is a powerful tool for architects when used judiciously. It speeds up work, encourages creative thinking, and simplifies communication, but it will never replace human intuition, a sense of space, or the ability to create truly meaningful visions. The key to success is the ability to ask the right question, critically evaluate the answers, and connect them with your own expertise. If you can do that, AI will become a valuable assistant that saves time and frees up capacity for what really matters – creating work that has a profound impact.
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