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Artificial Intelligence is making headlines again—this time for its potential to fast-track housing solutions in Australia. According to a recent ABC story, planners and government bodies are using AI tools to generate thousands of housing typologies in record time. It’s a bold move aimed at tackling Australia’s housing shortage. But what does this mean for human-centred design and architectural creativity?
As a local Melbourne architect who works closely with homeowners transforming their second homes into dream spaces, I can tell you—this is not a threat. It’s an opportunity.
The Real Power of AI in Architecture
AI can process thousands of permutations. It can quickly assess compliance, density, sunlight angles, and setbacks. That’s a massive time-saver in the early feasibility stage of a development. What used to take weeks can now be done in hours.
But here’s the thing: AI can generate options, not vision.
At Mark MacInnis Architect, we see AI as a digital assistant, not a designer. It can help us explore more alternatives faster, which is a win for clients. However, it lacks the emotional intelligence to understand what a family wants from their space. It doesn’t walk the site. It doesn’t sit down over coffee and discuss lifestyle, light, or legacy. I do.
Housing Is More Than Numbers
Mass-produced housing solutions may tick the boxes for density and speed, but they can lack warmth, personality, and that sense of “home.” AI can’t replace the intimacy of a tailored renovation for a growing family or the clever reimagining of a compact inner-city block.
My role as an architect is to make your space feel right—to shape it around how you live, how you want to move through your home, and what brings you joy.
A Smarter Future Is a Collaborative One
The best results will come when architects work with AI, not against it. Think of it like a creative partnership: AI can draft possibilities, and the architect brings the human filter—insight, empathy, and spatial intuition.
We’re already exploring these tools in our design process to offer faster concept iterations, but your story remains the foundation.
If you’re dreaming of a renovation or extension that reflects your lifestyle, not just a set of AI-generated rules, book a consultation with Mark MacInnis Architect. Let’s talk about what your home could be, with the best of both worlds: thoughtful design and innovative technology.
Curious how AI might impact your renovation project?
Let’s explore creative solutions that still feel like you.