AI in specifications: Research insights

During a recent executive briefing, industry leaders shared insights on how artificial intelligence (AI) is reshaping the future of architectural practice. Michele Russo, vice president of research at AIA, and Chris Metropulos, senior director of product management at Deltek, explored how emerging tools for architects can transform traditional workflows and create new opportunities for architectural design and specification management innovation.

The state of AI in architectural design 

The architectural world stands at a fascinating crossroads. While artificial intelligence promises to transform the industry, most architects are still taking their first careful steps into this new territory. Russo presented findings from The Architect's Journey to Specification report, which revealed both the current state of AI adoption and the architecture industry's path forward: 

• AI adoption is still in its early stages, with only 6% of architects regularly using AI in their workflow.
• The most common applications include chatbots, image generation, and text analytics (e.g., tools like Grammarly for text optimization).
• Larger firms lead adoption efforts, with 8% having fully integrated AI into their operations and another 20% progressing toward implementation.
• Many architects, particularly younger professionals and project architects, are experimenting with AI tools, with more than 50% of firms exploring its capabilities. 

While many firms are still in early stages of AI adoption, there is significant curiosity and optimism about AI’s future role in the design process. Firm leaders recognize its potential for improving efficiency and minimizing construction costs. 

As firms explore the strategic aspect of AI adoption, specific applications are emerging with clear potential. The technology shows promise in streamlining specification writing and enhancing product research. These high-friction tasks currently consume valuable time, and AI-powered solutions could help architects work more efficiently while reducing repetitive and time-consuming tasks. AI capabilities span the entire project lifecycle—from automating error checks in specifications and drawings to simplifying product selection and optimizing the construction process.

Reimagining the architectural design process

Metropulos emphasized that better design choices emerge when we adopt a new approach to managing and sharing information, which is key to realizing AI’s full potential in the design process. Traditional methods of working in isolation with disconnected tools and scattered data sources can no longer meet the demands of modern architectural firms. 

This vision of creating unified, intelligent environments where data and expertise converge is already transforming how leading firms approach construction documents and the future of practice. By centralizing data and streamlining collaboration, firms can make more informed decisions, leverage AI more effectively, and create new standards of excellence across architecture projects and teams. 

Forward-thinking firms are discovering how innovative solutions like cloud-based specification software with built-in AI assistance can reshape this landscape. Deltek Specpoint exemplifies this evolution with AI capabilities that deliver instant answers and insights through AIA MasterSpec and supporting documents. This marks a fundamental shift in how specifications are developed, moving from time-consuming manual and repetitive tasks to enhanced workflows that complement architects’ expertise while saving precious time.

Drawing from extensive experience working with architecture firms, Metropulos emphasized that success requires a thoughtful, comprehensive approach to implementation. “The firms that will thrive in this new era are those that approach AI adoption strategically, focusing on both technological integration and cultural transformation while enhancing human creativity,” he said during the briefing.

Elevating architecture design through AI

AI represents a powerful tool for architects, enhancing rather than replacing essential creative vision and professional judgment. AI promises to elevate the entire practice by automating routine tasks and providing data-driven insights. This technology will free architectural firms to focus on what truly matters: thoughtful design plans that transform the human experience, push creative boundaries, and create lasting value.  

As the architecture industry evolves, AI will catalyze innovation and provide a competitive edge, enabling architects to spend more time on the creative process while maintaining the highest standards of technical excellence and precision in project delivery.

Download The Architect's Journey to Specification here. 

AIA does not sponsor or endorse any enterprise, whether public or private, operated for profit. Further, no AIA officer, director, committee member, or employee, or any of its component organizations in his or her official capacity, is permitted to approve, sponsor, endorse, or do anything that may be deemed or construed to be an approval, sponsorship, or endorsement of any material of construction or any method or manner of handling, using, distributing, or dealing in any material or product.