AI in Architectural Visualization: A Shift in Workflow or Just a Trend?

Artificial intelligence is no longer a futuristic concept in architectural visualization. The 2025 CGarchitect Rendering Engine Survey confirms that AI-assisted tools are becoming more prevalent in the industry, with professionals adopting them for various stages of the creative process. But while some see AI as a game-changer, others remain skeptical about its impact on workflow, quality, and creative control.

Survey data shows that AI is being integrated into visualization pipelines in different ways. Some artists use it for concept generation, speeding up the ideation phase with AI-assisted sketches and image enhancements. Others are applying AI for automated detailing, such as refining textures or quickly generating variations of a scene.

However, the survey also reflects concerns about control and consistency—many professionals worry that AI-generated results can be unpredictable and difficult to fine-tune. While AI can accelerate certain aspects of visualization, it often lacks the precision required for high-end architectural work.

The growing interest in AI has also led to a demand for structured workflows and educational resources that help artists use these tools effectively. New courses, such as the recently launched CommonPoint 3D+AI Masterclass, are an example of this trend. Covering both traditional 3D fundamentals and AI-driven workflows, these courses aim to teach professionals how to balance automation with artistic control.

Rather than replacing traditional skills, such training programs focus on integrating AI into existing workflows, showing where automation can improve efficiency without compromising creative direction. The increasing availability of such resources suggests that AI is not just a passing trend but a technology that is actively reshaping the way archviz professionals work.

While AI in archviz is still evolving, the survey results suggest it will continue to influence workflows rather than replace traditional rendering engines. The challenge for professionals is to determine where AI can be effectively integrated and where human expertise remains essential.

As more structured approaches to AI emerge—including dedicated courses and workflow optimizations—the conversation around its role in visualization will continue to evolve. For now, AI seems less like a replacement for traditional rendering and more like a new creative tool that, when used strategically, can open up new possibilities for 3D artists.