The challenges and benefits of artificial intelligence (AI) have become major, and often charged, discussion points in a variety of fields, including architecture. As a regulator, the OAA has been considering its own role and responsibility in providing information regarding the topic. 

At its annual strategic planning session earlier this year, the Association’s governing Council conducted a brainstorming session regarding the immediate and future impacts of generative AI, as well as the implications for the architecture profession through a regulatory lens. Quebec architect Laurent Mercure joined the session virtually to share how his firm, NFOE Inc., has been using the technology in various aspects of practice. 

After the planning session, members of Council shared their own familiarity with the topic, agreeing it is a tool that is only as good as both its user and the information from which it pulls. There was talk about firms using generative AI for components of writing or design tasks, including generating content for RFPs. Some Councillors shared they had seen generative AI being used to create building design options, but it often resulted in ones misinterpreting the goals or parameters, or it yielded boring ideas. 

Many felt AI could selectively support, but not replace, a well-trusted and qualified expert, assisting in expediting routine tasks and leaving more human time for concept design and development. Other examples included using AI to begin complex work like code analysis or decarbonization calculations that would then be reviewed and monitored. Many felt the use of AI to perform design tasks is still in its infancy and did not appear to be expediting processes. 

The OAA’s Role 

From a regulatory perspective, it is important to understand AI’s impact on member competency, standards of practice, and definitions—such as authorship and accountability—as well as issues related to ethics, copyright, data management, and security. 

The OAA issues licences and limited licences to individuals and grants certificates of practice (CoPs) that authorize the provision of architectural services to the public. Every CoP is subject to the condition that architectural services be provided exclusively under the personal supervision and direction, on a full-time basis, of an OAA member. 

Regardless of the use of AI, the OAA member responsible for supervising and directing the practice of architecture remains fully accountable for maintaining professional standards of conduct and competence, as if they had personally undertaken the work. Likewise, OAA members must ensure any AI use complies with applicable laws, including legislation on data privacy and discrimination. Ultimately, AI is a tool—the responsibility for the final product rests with the OAA member. 

Conversations continue among Council and the OAA Governance Committee, as well as with Pro-Demnity Insurance Co., and the administrators of the Canadian architectural regulators and other self-regulating bodies. Association staff members are also seeking additional outside training on various aspects of AI, including its use and application by other organizations, its legal ramifications, as well as how it might be employed by a regulator to improve operations and find efficiencies. 

As part of its Continuing Education Webinar series, the OAA has offered sessions on the topic, led by presenters with different perspectives and backgrounds. Three of these are available for free viewing on the OAA’s YouTube Channel, with more planned: 

“Building Blocks of Innovation: Introduction to Generative AI for Architects;” 

“Usage of AI and IR Imaging in Energy Efficient Retrofits;” and 

“Practically Magic: Practical Applications for AI in Architecture and Construction.”