AI in Architecture: George Guida on Designing the Future
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is no longer a buzzword in architecture—it’s becoming a transformative force. We spoke with George Guida, founder of XFigura, an AI-powered platform designed specifically for architects, to explore how technology is reshaping design processes, workflows, and even the profession itself.
From Oxford Brookes to Harvard: A Journey into AI
George’s path began like many architects: traditional training at Oxford Brookes and the Architectural Association, followed by years at Foster + Partners. But his curiosity for computational design and robotics led him to Harvard, where he immersed himself in applied machine learning and generative design.
“At Harvard, I realised the potential of language and code in design,” George explains. “My thesis explored converting text into images—a concept that was mind-boggling at the time. There was no hype, no DALL·E, no Midjourney. It was just me experimenting with datasets and algorithms.”
This early experimentation laid the foundation for XFigura, a platform that integrates cutting-edge AI models into a collaborative design environment.
Why Architects Need AI—Now
The architecture profession is under increasing pressure: tighter deadlines, complex regulations, and rising client expectations. George believes AI can alleviate some of these burdens without replacing the architect’s creative role.
“AI should be seen as a collaborator, not a replacement,” he says. “It’s about accelerating ideation, reducing repetitive tasks, and freeing architects to focus on critical thinking and client relationships.”
XFigura embodies this philosophy. Think of it as “Miro for architects”—an infinite canvas where teams can sketch, iterate, and generate high-quality visuals, videos, and even 3D models, all powered by AI. The platform hosts 25 of the best AI models, from text-to-image generators to advanced video and 3D workflows, centralising what would otherwise be a fragmented process.
The Challenge of Fragmentation
One of the biggest hurdles George identified while consulting for architecture firms was the overwhelming noise in the AI space. “There are hundreds of tools, each with different strengths. Some models are great for relighting images, others for zooming or generating 3D. Every dataset carries bias, and every model has limitations.”
This fragmentation inspired XFigura’s core mission: to simplify access and provide architects with a curated, intuitive interface. “User experience is critical,” George stresses. “Architects shouldn’t need to be coders to leverage AI.”
Education and the Next Generation
George is passionate about preparing students for this new era. He teaches AI and architecture at the University of Pennsylvania, introducing non-coders to Python and tool-building. His advice for students? Engage critically with AI.
“Understand the ethics, the biases, and the creative implications,” he says. “Experiment with generative tools like Flux or Ideogram, but also learn how to debug and build. The future belongs to architects who can combine design thinking with technological fluency.”
He also advocates for flipped classroom models, prioritising in-person time for collaboration and critical thinking while using AI to augment lectures and passive learning.
Will AI Replace Architects?
Despite sensational headlines, George doesn’t foresee AI replacing architects. Instead, he predicts a shift in roles. “Architects who adopt AI will be more competitive. Those who ignore it risk falling behind.”
However, he warns against blind reliance. “AI is still a black box. Explainability is limited, and accountability remains a concern. Imagine an AI system handling code compliance—if something goes wrong, who’s liable? We need clear standards and guidance from bodies like RIBA and AIA.”
The Entrepreneurial Mindset
Beyond technology, George champions an entrepreneurial approach to practice. “Architecture needs to embrace startup culture,” he says. “Think about vibe coding, rapid prototyping, and diversifying services. Projects will move faster, and architects must adapt.”
His own journey reflects this ethos. Launching XFigura meant navigating uncertainty, imperfect MVPs, and the challenges of remote collaboration. “You’ll never feel fully ready,” he admits. “The key is to get your product out there, learn, and iterate.”
Looking Ahead
George is optimistic about the future—both for AI and architecture. “We’re at a pivotal moment. If we position ourselves as innovators, not followers, we can expand our scope and redefine the profession.”
For architects, that means embracing flexibility, adaptability, and resilience—the very skills the World Economic Forum identifies as essential for the next generation of workers.
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