![#](https://make-arch.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.makearchitects.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2024%2F05%2FThe-Vault-of-Contemporary-Art-VA-Exhibition-c-Make-Architects.jpg?auto=format&crop=center&fit=crop&h=118&ixlib=php-1.2.1&w=210&s=5b3a5b6cf22babbcd3eefc1f68f2deac 210w,https://make-arch.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.makearchitects.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2024%2F05%2FThe-Vault-of-Contemporary-Art-VA-Exhibition-c-Make-Architects.jpg?auto=format&crop=center&fit=crop&h=236&ixlib=php-1.2.1&w=420&s=571a2879d24435b60feb8c96b8800fd1 420w,https://make-arch.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.makearchitects.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2024%2F05%2FThe-Vault-of-Contemporary-Art-VA-Exhibition-c-Make-Architects.jpg?auto=format&crop=center&fit=crop&h=432&ixlib=php-1.2.1&w=768&s=96d9b705ee9b25dc12d93f93b22dda02 768w,https://make-arch.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.makearchitects.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2024%2F05%2FThe-Vault-of-Contemporary-Art-VA-Exhibition-c-Make-Architects.jpg?auto=format&crop=center&fit=crop&h=577&ixlib=php-1.2.1&w=1024&s=ec2b005dab256301bbc24b3e9ec4cb80 1024w,https://make-arch.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.makearchitects.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2024%2F05%2FThe-Vault-of-Contemporary-Art-VA-Exhibition-c-Make-Architects.jpg?auto=format&crop=center&fit=crop&h=788&ixlib=php-1.2.1&w=1400&s=db7c5b432241f6032bb9f011d3354593 1400w,https://make-arch.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.makearchitects.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2024%2F05%2FThe-Vault-of-Contemporary-Art-VA-Exhibition-c-Make-Architects.jpg?auto=format&crop=center&fit=crop&h=901&ixlib=php-1.2.1&w=1600&s=5b1aad6437c1eb0a82cd314e85800eaa 1600w,https://make-arch.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.makearchitects.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2024%2F05%2FThe-Vault-of-Contemporary-Art-VA-Exhibition-c-Make-Architects.jpg?auto=format&crop=center&fit=crop&h=1081&ixlib=php-1.2.1&w=1920&s=3b4098ad02c2df4ad6bce085c5ec39be 1920w)
Vault of Contemporary Art V&A Exhibition
At Make, we push the boundaries of creativity while ensuring our designs make positive contributions to the communities they serve. Our primary goal involves going beyond physical designs to craft spaces that transform people’s lives. For example, our virtual Vault of Contemporary Art gallery – a virtual project offering a parallel experience to a gallery space, where individuals from around the globe can freely enjoy exhibitions simultaneously. This initiative expands imaginative design horizons and is testament to Make’s creativity, providing avenues to enhance our projects by delving into new technology and possibilities.
![#](https://make-arch.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.makearchitects.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2024%2F05%2FAI-Policy-c-Make-Architects.jpg?auto=format&crop=center&fit=crop&h=158&ixlib=php-1.2.1&w=210&s=fc3f69739a25d6f79850a34e790d681f 210w,https://make-arch.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.makearchitects.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2024%2F05%2FAI-Policy-c-Make-Architects.jpg?auto=format&crop=center&fit=crop&h=315&ixlib=php-1.2.1&w=420&s=1af99d41041b0c3fb9a413f83a4b3bc1 420w,https://make-arch.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.makearchitects.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2024%2F05%2FAI-Policy-c-Make-Architects.jpg?auto=format&crop=center&fit=crop&h=576&ixlib=php-1.2.1&w=768&s=6bef9bb6d0bec1b127809b5a03952f48 768w,https://make-arch.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.makearchitects.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2024%2F05%2FAI-Policy-c-Make-Architects.jpg?auto=format&crop=center&fit=crop&h=768&ixlib=php-1.2.1&w=1024&s=79a8dcf184f77eb353b65ae8edbb2bd4 1024w,https://make-arch.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.makearchitects.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2024%2F05%2FAI-Policy-c-Make-Architects.jpg?auto=format&crop=center&fit=crop&h=1050&ixlib=php-1.2.1&w=1400&s=d496d88ed6c5cc9f02f7f5b0515410de 1400w,https://make-arch.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.makearchitects.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2024%2F05%2FAI-Policy-c-Make-Architects.jpg?auto=format&crop=center&fit=crop&h=1200&ixlib=php-1.2.1&w=1600&s=ac30f1025667af5f90fc74aa941d47b4 1600w,https://make-arch.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.makearchitects.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2024%2F05%2FAI-Policy-c-Make-Architects.jpg?auto=format&crop=center&fit=crop&h=1440&ixlib=php-1.2.1&w=1920&s=47b0089656b95dc0f48f4a60241913a8 1920w)
Initial approach to AI
Make has been very proactive in the integration of AI in our design processes, with our founding partner, Ken Shuttleworth, recognising its potential early on. Alongside the existing sector groups we have at Make, we established a dedicated AI-focused specialism group, which serves as a hub for interdisciplinary collaboration and innovation. It’s important for us to bring together individuals from various departments to use the full potential of AI across the office. Establishing an AI Policy was an important step to indicate to all Makers the importance of exploring this field, and to provide guidelines, ensuring AI is used responsibly and ethically across all our projects.
Investment into research and internal training
Make has always made significant investments in internal training. Now more than ever, we understand the importance of continuous learning to equip our teams with the necessary skills and knowledge to leverage AI effectively. We have provided prompt-writing training sessions and, as expected, they have been popular across the studio and led to the development of an in-house prompting guide.
![#](https://make-arch.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.makearchitects.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2024%2F05%2FCommunication-tool-c-Make-Architects.jpg?auto=format&crop=center&fit=crop&h=158&ixlib=php-1.2.1&w=210&s=bd68c92efbd4ec7a38481dbdc0b5e509 210w,https://make-arch.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.makearchitects.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2024%2F05%2FCommunication-tool-c-Make-Architects.jpg?auto=format&crop=center&fit=crop&h=315&ixlib=php-1.2.1&w=420&s=68de29e40da80d6e32ea37d84a1700de 420w,https://make-arch.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.makearchitects.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2024%2F05%2FCommunication-tool-c-Make-Architects.jpg?auto=format&crop=center&fit=crop&h=576&ixlib=php-1.2.1&w=768&s=52d41f0e4b34d18d4e305dbb55c997a0 768w,https://make-arch.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.makearchitects.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2024%2F05%2FCommunication-tool-c-Make-Architects.jpg?auto=format&crop=center&fit=crop&h=768&ixlib=php-1.2.1&w=1024&s=f04fefb947e9398791fba7388b3f4a19 1024w,https://make-arch.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.makearchitects.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2024%2F05%2FCommunication-tool-c-Make-Architects.jpg?auto=format&crop=center&fit=crop&h=1050&ixlib=php-1.2.1&w=1400&s=8966496b352cd0ce0237be9a23d85830 1400w,https://make-arch.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.makearchitects.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2024%2F05%2FCommunication-tool-c-Make-Architects.jpg?auto=format&crop=center&fit=crop&h=1200&ixlib=php-1.2.1&w=1600&s=d04670d41d4dda20cf44ce49446ce3db 1600w,https://make-arch.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.makearchitects.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2024%2F05%2FCommunication-tool-c-Make-Architects.jpg?auto=format&crop=center&fit=crop&h=1440&ixlib=php-1.2.1&w=1920&s=b21634000892c524718768d53a6bbe5c 1920w)
AI as a communication tool
To improve our communication, we have been using LLM models as a starting point for text and are working to develop a GPT that is consistent with our house style and voice. It’s used by our communications team as a tool to help us be more efficient in our communications. We’re employing the same tools in projects, creating project specific LLMs that can help us understand our briefs and project requirements by looking at the wider context of project information. Visual communication is aided by different diffusion models, helping to instantly generate ‘precedent’ images that convey the intended look and feel of a space.
![#](https://make-arch.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.makearchitects.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2024%2F05%2FThe-Vault-of-Contemporary-Art-Aerial-View-c-Make-Architects.jpg?auto=format&crop=center&fit=crop&h=117&ixlib=php-1.2.1&w=210&s=e5eb5501769afd4999cdc27207db9dce 210w,https://make-arch.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.makearchitects.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2024%2F05%2FThe-Vault-of-Contemporary-Art-Aerial-View-c-Make-Architects.jpg?auto=format&crop=center&fit=crop&h=235&ixlib=php-1.2.1&w=420&s=20fc41551bf35cbfec65adeb65602461 420w,https://make-arch.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.makearchitects.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2024%2F05%2FThe-Vault-of-Contemporary-Art-Aerial-View-c-Make-Architects.jpg?auto=format&crop=center&fit=crop&h=429&ixlib=php-1.2.1&w=768&s=2eba8f7685bcc093ca9eb2941bc05d84 768w,https://make-arch.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.makearchitects.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2024%2F05%2FThe-Vault-of-Contemporary-Art-Aerial-View-c-Make-Architects.jpg?auto=format&crop=center&fit=crop&h=572&ixlib=php-1.2.1&w=1024&s=381311604dbeefd0ada1dd05a13b4d01 1024w,https://make-arch.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.makearchitects.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2024%2F05%2FThe-Vault-of-Contemporary-Art-Aerial-View-c-Make-Architects.jpg?auto=format&crop=center&fit=crop&h=783&ixlib=php-1.2.1&w=1400&s=74b3bfd326dd44b758295b7f8f43950d 1400w,https://make-arch.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.makearchitects.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2024%2F05%2FThe-Vault-of-Contemporary-Art-Aerial-View-c-Make-Architects.jpg?auto=format&crop=center&fit=crop&h=894&ixlib=php-1.2.1&w=1600&s=121d0ab3ba95704ccee9c67ebb14e241 1600w,https://make-arch.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.makearchitects.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2024%2F05%2FThe-Vault-of-Contemporary-Art-Aerial-View-c-Make-Architects.jpg?auto=format&crop=center&fit=crop&h=1073&ixlib=php-1.2.1&w=1920&s=cf03ebda00830c0adbde920a1fad5f0f 1920w)
Advancements and limitations
The potential of AI in architecture is significant, yet challenges persist in its full integration. In ongoing discussion with our visualisation team, a recurring challenge is the precise detail required and the difficulty to replicate an architect’s vision. AI aids in design, but it’s not a tool to produce project-ready outputs. However, it’s important to highlight the valuable role of AI in our workflow. Our visualisation team utilises AI to provide architects with visualisations of potential render set-ups, offering options for lighting, materials and more.
Our interiors team also uses AI to explore various design options based on their sketches, which they then present to the rest of the team before modelling them in Revit. Others have used AI to present specific space ideas to clients, such as staircase designs or material mood boards. I think it’s crucial to understand the main limitations with AI. Despite the valuable insights and inspiration that it can provide, the human touch remains indispensable in realising the full potential of architectural design.
![#](https://make-arch.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.makearchitects.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2023%2F11%2FMake-London-studio-scaled-1.webp?auto=format&crop=center&fit=crop&h=262&ixlib=php-1.2.1&w=210&s=64a71c2fa0828ce586463adb6ca33699 210w,https://make-arch.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.makearchitects.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2023%2F11%2FMake-London-studio-scaled-1.webp?auto=format&crop=center&fit=crop&h=523&ixlib=php-1.2.1&w=420&s=aa0ef8b110997ff9e7c8d0e9d34afbc9 420w,https://make-arch.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.makearchitects.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2023%2F11%2FMake-London-studio-scaled-1.webp?auto=format&crop=center&fit=crop&h=956&ixlib=php-1.2.1&w=768&s=639ebf0a6a05cf049040d71c4ac85c26 768w,https://make-arch.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.makearchitects.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2023%2F11%2FMake-London-studio-scaled-1.webp?auto=format&crop=center&fit=crop&h=1275&ixlib=php-1.2.1&w=1024&s=0880d5b765b2944d5305d7a342c358ff 1024w,https://make-arch.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.makearchitects.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2023%2F11%2FMake-London-studio-scaled-1.webp?auto=format&crop=center&fit=crop&h=1743&ixlib=php-1.2.1&w=1400&s=8dda52bb0b2a45617ee09c097cb92b80 1400w,https://make-arch.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.makearchitects.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2023%2F11%2FMake-London-studio-scaled-1.webp?auto=format&crop=center&fit=crop&h=1992&ixlib=php-1.2.1&w=1600&s=c9159c186c867a84bc1a3ba3e3822e60 1600w,https://make-arch.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.makearchitects.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2023%2F11%2FMake-London-studio-scaled-1.webp?auto=format&crop=center&fit=crop&h=2391&ixlib=php-1.2.1&w=1920&s=373960f6c02969d14ab7e9e4fe4a62eb 1920w)
AI tools
Our tech-focused team utilises and experiments with several AI tools to boost our design process. Tools like Midjourney, Stable Diffusion and LookX generate images from different inputs, including sketches, images and prompts, helping us to define and refine our design vision. Additionally, Forma by Autodesk is a versatile tool for generative design that allows us to explore myriad design options based on specific parameters. We use its near-real-time simulation tools for energy and daylight to assess the impact of potential design decisions.
In some cases, individuals within our teams are training models for Stable Diffusion based on our in-house project images or photographs. While we consider our freedom from a house style to be a strength of the practice, it has made the training process challenging. ChatGPT and its integration with DALL-E is widely used in our studio by all departments. In the BIM team, we particularly use AI as an assistant for developing custom scripts and code for tools tailored to the studio’s needs.
Despite the benefits that these tools offer, the significant challenge is the need for robust organised and systematised data inputs for training to ensure accurate outcomes. In addition, the ability to interpret and creatively assess the results requires the consideration and expertise of the design profession.
AI for sustainability
At Make, we’re prioritising the research of AI tools that specifically target the sustainability aspects for our projects. A tool we have started to use is Forma by Autodesk, which is useful in the initial stages of design, particularly for sustainable design considerations. While we may not have the resources to develop our own AI tools, we actively collaborate with leading companies that are experimenting with AI, especially those focused on sustainable solutions. While these tools are evolving, we can develop and future-proof our internal workflows to incorporate the tools when they become available.
![#](https://make-arch.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.makearchitects.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2024%2F05%2FConstruction-Site-c-Make-Architects.jpg?auto=format&crop=center&fit=crop&h=158&ixlib=php-1.2.1&w=210&s=e7751d94423701515cb3f7d7141add38 210w,https://make-arch.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.makearchitects.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2024%2F05%2FConstruction-Site-c-Make-Architects.jpg?auto=format&crop=center&fit=crop&h=315&ixlib=php-1.2.1&w=420&s=b453cdb535939533563375bfe6da294d 420w,https://make-arch.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.makearchitects.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2024%2F05%2FConstruction-Site-c-Make-Architects.jpg?auto=format&crop=center&fit=crop&h=576&ixlib=php-1.2.1&w=768&s=6db5cfd723e0f3d2b627b95a215cf733 768w,https://make-arch.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.makearchitects.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2024%2F05%2FConstruction-Site-c-Make-Architects.jpg?auto=format&crop=center&fit=crop&h=768&ixlib=php-1.2.1&w=1024&s=70eb63fd658df70ad67c2b1c46ddc878 1024w,https://make-arch.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.makearchitects.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2024%2F05%2FConstruction-Site-c-Make-Architects.jpg?auto=format&crop=center&fit=crop&h=1050&ixlib=php-1.2.1&w=1400&s=af6d143581a9f9833e4c506e229acbd4 1400w,https://make-arch.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.makearchitects.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2024%2F05%2FConstruction-Site-c-Make-Architects.jpg?auto=format&crop=center&fit=crop&h=1200&ixlib=php-1.2.1&w=1600&s=01845f876573f2170d71a294c4cdd356 1600w,https://make-arch.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.makearchitects.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2024%2F05%2FConstruction-Site-c-Make-Architects.jpg?auto=format&crop=center&fit=crop&h=1440&ixlib=php-1.2.1&w=1920&s=fc3592e97ab65356bae73c6b1e5657d1 1920w)
The future
Looking forward, the integration of AI at Make will continue to evolve, presenting both new opportunities and challenges. A key opportunity for our BIM team is the reliable integration and interoperability of AI systems across various stages of the construction lifecycle. The current plethora of tools in development shows the various strands of research being undertaken. One area of concern for me is the management of sensitive project data between different AI systems, such as privacy and security data. It will be essential to establish robust standards and frameworks for the management of data as well as the description of geometry.