# Artificial intelligence in architecture firms: structure creates clarity Press release of 30 October 2024: Expert interview with Christoph Wendl on the opportunities and limits of AI tools in planning and construction. *Vienna, 30 October 2024* The opportunities and challenges of using AI tools in planning and construction – an expert interview with AI expert Christoph Wendl Digital tools such as CAD software or BIM solutions have long been an indispensable part of architects’ everyday work. But the more extensive this digital data becomes, the more complex it is to manage: projects with countless CAD drawings, building plans, regulations, emails and other documents require structured and fast data management. Christoph Wendl, expert in the use of artificial intelligence in enterprise search and CEO of the Viennese IT company Iphos IT Solutions, sees AI-based tools as a useful support for workflows in architecture firms: “Visionary architects are already relying on intelligent tools that make the planning and construction process many times more efficient. Especially when managing large volumes of data, artificial intelligence brings enormous time savings – and so creates more room for creative work,” explains Wendl. ## Beware of too much artificial creation: what to consider when using generative AI While the CAD software solutions common in the industry were once developed specifically for the design process, today’s AI tools are usually broader in scope: “A look at the industry shows that AI applications are already standard in many architecture firms: routine tasks such as writing job advertisements and promotional copy, simple office correspondence or research tasks are increasingly being taken over by ChatGPT & Co.” But with regard to the use of so-called generative AI, the AI expert urges caution even for simple tasks: “All information generated by AI should definitely be checked for factual accuracy and meaningfulness.” Sensitive data and content relevant under (data protection) law in particular should rather be processed by hand and not disclosed in an AI chat, Wendl points out. When it comes to generating visual content, AI models do deliver impressive results at first glance, but the quality of the results often fluctuates. In addition, there are still unresolved questions about copyright and the transparency of data processing in AI creations, which stand in the way of regular use of generative AI in everyday work. “Brainstorming and generating ideas are one thing,” Wendl continues. “Professional elaboration, however, still clearly requires the human hand.” ## Not only in design: structure creates clarity – the potential of predictive AI Wendl is far more relaxed about the use of so-called predictive AI models. “Applications like these can improve planning management in the long term. Through automation and pattern recognition, large volumes of data are classified and made usable without manual effort,” says Wendl. Large architectural projects are often based on a multitude of CAD, DWG and other industry-specific file formats that contain numerous versions and sensitive information and are, moreover, scattered across different storage locations in the company. AI-based enterprise search software with automated classification brings maximum structure and order to the mass of data with minimal human effort. ## Documentation and archiving: how projects can be optimised with AI Complex architectural projects require careful documentation and structuring, from design plans and building regulations to tenders. Intelligent tools now make it possible to create a central overview of project-relevant documents at the push of a button. This not only provides a good and always up-to-date overview of ongoing projects, but also makes it easier to reuse relevant archive material and designs in future initiatives. In this way, valuable time and resources can be saved in all sub-processes. But that is not all: AI tools in data management also enable a comprehensive evaluation of project-related data using AI-supported analysis functions – making it easy to optimise future projects. Thanks to artificial intelligence, well-founded decisions are not only simplified but also accelerated. ## Smart and secure: teamwork and project security in focus AI tools for central data management can make not only decision-making but collaboration in general easier, because they give everyone involved access to current drawings and project-related information. Wendl stresses: “Central data management ensures that everyone is on the same page – and that in turn secures the success of the project. If the data is centrally available and always up to date, errors can be avoided and the risk of wrong decisions minimised.” In addition, the protection and security of company and customer data have top priority when introducing new digital tools in the architecture firm. For this reason, only a solution that offers the highest security standards as well as innovative functions should be considered. It should go without saying that the authorisation system in force in the company is also applied in any new software. “In the project area there are often strict non-disclosure agreements. Not every employee should be able to access all files – and of course that must also apply to searching for building plans, design drawings and other sensitive information,” reports Wendl from practical experience. ## An example of efficiency and security: the cross-source AI search function As an example of an innovative AI solution, Wendl cites searchit, the enterprise search software from Iphos IT Solutions, which was developed specifically for the requirements of architecture and planning firms. This internal search engine offers AI-supported full-text search, with which even complex information from CAD drawings can be searched quickly and centrally – even if it is stored in different locations. “The software integrates all connected company data and, for example, allows CAD and DWG files to be previewed without having to install the licensed software first. Thanks to the cross-source search function, architects find relevant content with just a few clicks and thus win back the time they previously had to invest in manual data management,” explains Wendl. ## Usability, customisability and reliability: what matters when choosing AI tools for construction In general, he says, it is important to pay particular attention to three aspects when choosing digital applications: fitness for purpose, usability and reliability. “An AI tool must simplify everyday work, not complicate it. Only if it fits seamlessly into existing workflows and is intuitive to use have you done yourself a favour,” remarks Wendl, whose company develops tailor-made software solutions for planning and construction: “The software may well be complex, but its handling must not be. If a tool is to be used, it must be as simple as possible to use – only then will a new tool actually be accepted and used by employees.” ## The role of AI in architecture: assistance rather than leadership in the creative process Despite all the progress in AI, Christoph Wendl stresses: “Artificial intelligence can optimise processes, organise data and provide information, and so complement the view of the bigger picture with important details, but it can never replace human intelligence and creativity.” Architecture in particular shows that AI is most sensibly used in an assisting role: “A good AI tool can take over routine tasks and thus give architects more room for the creative process,” Wendl concludes. More information on enterprise search with searchit: [www.searchit-enterprise-search.com](https://www.searchit-enterprise-search.com) More information on enterprise search with searchit in planning and construction: [www.searchit-enterprise-search.com/cad-datenverwaltung-im-bauwesen/](https://www.searchit-enterprise-search.com/cad-datenverwaltung-im-bauwesen/) ## About searchit The international company Iphos IT Solutions is redefining “enterprise search engines” for businesses. Since the launch of searchit, the Viennese company has established itself as a sustainable innovator in the industry. With numerous AI functions, such as AI-supported image search, searchit is setting new standards in the industry. The in-house AI Lab works on highly innovative AI applications in search through the processing and generation of images and texts. Ing. Christoph Wendl, together with Lyubomir Ivanov, leads the company, founded in 1998, as Chief Executive Officers (CEO); the company meets the current challenges of IT with innovative solutions. ## Media contact - Ing. Christoph Wendl, Managing Director, Iphos IT Solutions GmbH - Khekgasse 35, 1230 Vienna, Austria - Phone: +43 1 869 84 00 - Email: [info@searchit.cc](mailto:info@searchit.cc) - [Release as PDF (German)](https://searchit-agent.ai/pr/kuenstliche-intelligenz-in-architekturbueros-struktur-schafft-klarheit/20241030-ki-tools-in-der-architektur.pdf) --- - searchit AI Agent: This version is generated from the page's language files (scripts/gen-unternehmen.py). The page itself is authoritative.