Technology, and artificial intelligence (AI) specifically, are transforming the field of interior architecture. Our commitment to creativity, efficiency, and client satisfaction drives us to explore innovative solutions. One of Ware Malcomb’s core values is innovation – and we strive to evolve everything we do. Utilizing the latest technology solutions, we deliver creativity to help our clients succeed.
Our intent is to break down the barriers of technology and show how we are putting technology into practice internationally across our company. We’ll take a look at a few of the different phases of interior architecture and design and discuss how specific technology impacts and improves these project phases.
I. PROGRAMMING
Space Plan Wizard
Utilizing technology such as Space Plan Wizard, our designers can develop multiple options more effectively with linked data for addressing hybrid workspace requirements. This three-step process of analysis, programming and planning explores current conditions, desired future state options and the details for how to get there. Existing metrics are digitally captured from floor plans that summarize space ratios for a baseline and to inform recommendations. Based on various future growth models Ware Malcomb develops multiple high level, informed scenarios based on data including square footage, headcount, seat count, and collaboration space requirements.
This technology allows us to almost triple the number of options we can provide our clients in the same amount of time. In addition to providing our clients with more options, it enables our clients to make faster decisions on their spatial needs.
In a recent project, after holding an in-depth Envision visioning session to understand our clients’ objectives and challenges, our designers obtained information about success measures, employee experience, workplace standards and environmental branding and wayfinding. Then, the team used this intel to establish the guiding principles and design strategies.
Space Plan Wizard was used after the Envision session to dissect our clients’ space allocation data, and it allowed us to understand existing metrics and balance it against the benchmarking data. The data ultimately reinforced our client’s Envision results – that the current space and environment lacked spaces for employees to do their best work.
The key to success is the marriage of the technology tools and the personal approach through the Envision process. This combination of qualitative and quantitative data leads to the best action plan for clients’ spatial needs.
Caption: Examples of Space Plan Wizard Exports.
Programming Survey Tools – Automation Intelligence
Tools like Mentimeter are used throughout the programming process to identify and collect quantitative and qualitative data quickly.
Technology engagement tools offer a greater ability to collect employee input to aid in programming discovery and visioning. These tools allow all individuals to have a voice and can even provide direct real-time feedback.
The next evolution of this technology use is to include Intelligent Automation tools (IA), which we have begun exploring. In the future with IA, the separate Envision session, programming tools and data can evolve into a linked entity. Where formerly quantitative-only results based on desired metrics will be tailored to fit beyond typical industry standards, to specific designed space types matching the client’s direct functions.
II. VISIONING & DESIGN
Rich Inspiration in Less Time
We are always searching for more efficient ways to aid us in the design process. As such, our Architecture & Interior Design teams are experimenting with Microsoft’s Copilot AI tool to think outside the box to communicate our designs to clients.
Copilot can be used for a simple means of describing a design concept more holistically or provide detailed step by step framework to generate storyboards in the following steps: conceptualization, components, connections, functionality, feedback and iteration.
At Ware Malcomb we customize every project specific to the client’s needs and vision to align with their overall functional requirements and budget. We use AI tools to facilitate the process, but not to design – these are unique to every project we take on.
In the project instance where design direction is limited due to an accelerated schedule, during the conceptual design phase, our designers can utilize Copilot to reimage a space quickly and provide multiple options to receive client buy-in. This helps establish the vision in a quick and efficient manner and align client stakeholders, so the next phase of the project can begin.
In addition to the benefits of flexibility and efficiency, an additional benefit to using Copilot is that our clients’ information is safe and secure, because it is a closed loop network. Unlike going to open-source AI tools on the web, our company has invested in Copilot to ensure proprietary client information, and Ware Malcomb firm information, is not shared externally.
Examples of Copilot Generated Concept Images:
The use of AI in this case helps designers communicate our visual designs and formulate stronger (and more) concepts at the same time – similar to the programming scenarios. The technology tools are helpful not only for visuals, but also for the narrative to communicate the concepts.
Virtual Reality (VR)
Scan the QR code below to experience an example of our designers’ use of virtual reality. This technology allows our clients to experience a space before it is built, either with a 360 view or with a full walkthrough of the environment. This tool is especially helpful for clients that need more visualization beyond a 2D environment and enables clients to obtain faster and more efficient stakeholder buy-in on decisions. By leveraging VR, these critical client decisions can be made early on instead of emerging later in the project as change orders during construction.
III. Looking Forward
We all know technology is constantly changing our day-to-day lives, including how and what we design. We are excited to continue embracing future technologies created to enhance our design practice, make more sustainable and efficient choices, all for the betterment of our clients and our team members.
AI empowers Ware Malcomb’s interior architects to craft efficient, personalized, and visually captivating designs, ultimately enhancing the overall client experience and service provided. Our utilization and creation of new technology empowers architects, designers and engineers to deliver superior projects faster and more efficiently than ever before.
The company’s Digital Transformation Studio (Dx) has technology tools in development and aims to revolutionize architecture and engineering with cutting-edge AI and custom geospatial applications. These AI-powered tools create bespoke ideas & inspiration that resonate with individual client preferences. By analyzing data on style, color, and budget, our designers offer tailor-made solutions that align seamlessly with our clients’ vision. Stay tuned for future updates from our Dx team.
Learn more about Ware Malcomb’s innovative interior architecture and design studio.
