Mathew Kaplan

Artificial intelligence is reshaping how architects evaluate sites and make early design decisions. Traditional site analysis often involves time-consuming manual work, sifting through maps, zoning rules, environmental data, and community information. AI tools now help architects process vast amounts of data quickly and generate multiple design options that meet regulations and environmental goals. This shift allows for faster, more accurate, and more sustainable site selection and planning....

Architectural visualization has always been a crucial part of design, helping architects and clients see what a finished building might look like before construction begins. Recently, Google’s advanced AI tools like Imagen and DeepMind’s visual generation models have pushed this field into new territory. These technologies create images that are almost photorealistic but sometimes include subtle, surreal distortions. This phenomenon is known as the Nano Banana Effect . Understanding this...

The field of architecture in the United States is at a crossroads. Traditional routes to becoming a licensed architect, long defined by specific degrees and accreditation, are being questioned. Universities and state licensure boards are reconsidering what qualifies as a "professional" architecture degree. This shift is driven by efforts to diversify the profession, lower barriers to entry, and better align education with modern design practices and real-world demands. This change raises...