Episode 18 | Sept 16, 2025 - Designing Tomorrow: AI & Architecture w/ Stefan Al
In this episode of Rewiring the American Edge, host Billy Riggs talks with architect and professor Stefan Al about the intersection of artificial intelligence and architectural design. They explore how the biggest current use case for AI in architecture is conceptual visualization, and "how just one text prompt can replace hours of modeling and rendering." Riggs and AI talk about how AI has the potential to democratize architecture, and the implications for creativity and sustainability, and also about how it requires a human-in-the-loop. Their conversation touches on the risks associated with AI in design, emphasizing the need for human oversight and the importance of mastering fundamental skills in architecture and the importance of human contact and connectivity.
Takeaways
Takeaways
- AI is currently used in early visualizations in architecture.
- The construction industry is risk averse, limiting AI's application.
- AI can help reduce construction waste significantly.
- Human oversight is crucial when using AI in design processes.
- AI has the potential to democratize architectural design.
- AI can optimize skyscraper design by simulating wind effects.
- The creative process may become homogenized with AI tools.
- AI can assist in cost estimation and project management.
- Education should focus on fundamentals without AI assistance.
- AI can improve sustainability in building operations.
Sound Bites
- At first, all the buildings started to look the same… but as a tool matures, people get better at using it. AI won’t replace creativity—it will evolve it. — Stefan Al
- We’ve made progress on operational carbon—but embodied carbon is harder. AI could be the tool that finally helps us measure and reduce it efficiently. — Stefan Al
- AI might not fully automate construction, but in modular housing, in factory settings—it can dramatically reduce costs. — Stefan Al
- If we want to tackle housing affordability, we need to apply AI in modular construction and beyond. That’s where the biggest impact could be. — Billy Riggs
- A typical single-family home wastes half its materials. That’s insane—and AI could help fix it. — Stefan Al
- AI can’t be the final output—especially in construction, where documents are legal instruments. Human oversight is non-negotiable. — Stefan
- Technology should serve people—not the other way around. — Billy Riggs