It’s really interesting for me to look back to a few months ago when I began exploring the fundamental elements of AI. I’ve always been interested in technology, but the massive hype and production around AI since GPT-3’s launch were, to put it mildly, overwhelming.

Suddenly, I found myself on this exciting train, filled with concern that my knowledge could be quickly replaced by an online tool I had neither control over nor understanding of. I remember, with some embarrassment, the mild skepticism I felt while reading Shanahan’s “The Technological Singularity,” where he argued that we are still as far from achieving strong AI as we have always been.

One of the clearest arguments on this topic is found in Bernstein’s “Machine Learning,” where the author highlights that specialist software companies quickly distance themselves from any legal responsibilities arising from failures or miscalculations caused by their products. 

This is logical, as no company can guarantee the correct use of its products, and it leaves the responsibilities and intricacies of practice in the hands of qualified professionals (as it has always been). In fact, the need for competence has now increased, as the general public lacks even more the technical expertise required to understand the foundations of the modern world.

In the architecture and construction industry, we have once again been swept up in a visual hype reminiscent of the challenges we faced when renders and 3D imaging emerged. Visualization was quickly used to validate and approve poorly thought-out solutions that were technically infeasible, lacked common sense, or unexpectedly blew up the budget. 

As Stærk clearly expressed in his article “Hva kan arkitekter bruke KI til?” AI technology is much more like a hammer than a magic wand. This doesn’t mean the industry is unaffected; we now face marketing strategies that lead potential clients into unrealistic bubbles by misusing tools in ways they were not designed for or cannot yet achieve.

The introduction of more powerful tools that can aid the design process should always be welcomed. While it’s true that we may face a potential reduction in the prices of architectural services as a result, this is a separate issue. Naturally, some positions will be affected by changes that necessitate further restructuring of business models.

The profession has suffered greatly due to the false perception that architects are dispensable and constantly trying to save cents, when, in reality, good design can generate millions. This reflects ignorance and, arguably, a poor global economy more than anything else. 

With that said, it might be safe to say that, at least for now, AI won’t be taking your job any time soon.