The Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) has published the results of the second survey among its members into attitudes towards, and usage of Artificial Intelligence (AI).
The RIBA AI Report 2025 shows a jump in the number of architects’ practices now using artificial intelligence, from 41% in 2024 to 59% in 2025. With many contributors now reporting that they view AI as having the potential to be a valuable tool for addressing some of the significant challenges the industry faces.
Well over half the architects taking part — some 65% — think that AI will have an increasingly positive effect on productivity in the construction industry. 65% also feel it will help the sector meet its net-zero targets, and 63% believe it will enable architects and developers to create buildings that will better meet current and future performance requirements.
Only 18% of practices envisage that AI will lead to job losses, and just 4% of those surveyed think that human creativity will no longer be needed for building design because of AI.
Image: Jackie King Photography
Nevertheless, a significant proportion (35%) remain concerned that AI will threaten the profession, 67% worry that it will increase the risk of work being imitated, and 44% are concerned that it will enable those without sufficient professional knowledge to design buildings.
Despite this, however, the overriding sentiment among the architects who responded is that AI offers a route to enhancing some of the professions’ core offering and boosting design innovation and creativity. RIBA is working to develop guidance and demand greater transparency to ensure that architects can harness AI without losing agency over their creative output.
UK architects are increasingly interested in the latest developments in AI technology and RIBA’s first AI in Practice Summit, held this May, attracted 240 members.
RIBA President, Muyiwa Oki said: “What a difference a year makes. The sharp rise in AI use among our members illustrates how all-encompassing this technology is becoming and how willing architects are to embrace new ways of working, to achieve even better results.
“Despite the very legitimate concerns many have around imitation and the reliability of data, it’s clear that architects are keen to be on the right side of digital innovations and lead by example rather than be left to catch up.
“RIBA is committed to making sure the profession continues to reap all the benefits that AI offers and I’m excited to see what the future holds.”
