By Sonia Singh, Dezeen
This article was written and originally published in July 2026 by Dezeen, the leading online architecture, interiors and design magazine. Published with permission.
Human judgement and storytelling should remain central to architecture as artificial intelligence becomes increasingly embedded in the design process, according to a panel hosted by Trimble SketchUp and Dezeen in San Diego during the AIA Conference on Architecture & Design® 2026.
Christopher Cronin, senior vice president of architecture and design solutions at Trimble, was on the panel for “The Productive Architect: How AI is Changing Our Approach to Design”.
The panelists explored the evolving role of artificial intelligence (AI) in architectural practice, arguing that while it can complement the design process and improve productivity, human interaction and ingenuity must remain at the forefront.
Taking a step back and adding critical thinking
"Fundamentally, architecture is a human endeavour," said Perkins Eastman design principal Omar Calderon Santiago.
Despite the rapid pace of AI development, Calderon Santiago argued that speed does not always equate to value or quality, encouraging architects to take a step back and approach each project with critical thinking.
Dezeen co-CEO Benedict Hobson (second from left) moderated the session. The panel included Omar Calderon Santiago (left), Marissa Ritchen and Christopher Cronin (right).
"With the speed of things, it's very easy to rabbit hole yourself," he said. "I think we need to slow down and try to get back to the root of what we're trying to do."
He explained that he begins projects with hand sketches before introducing AI into his workflow, using the technology to develop ideas rather than generate them.
"I use that as the point of departure to then help AI boost the story that I'm trying to tell," he said
Calderon Santiago also reflected on the importance of maintaining a human connection throughout the design process, recalling a client presentation where he deliberately chose hand drawings over polished renderings.
"This individual connected with us at a human level, because he was seeing in these drawings something that someone had taken the time to make," he said.
Architects are storytellers
The panelists also discussed how AI can remove repetitive tasks, allowing architects to spend more time refining ideas and solving complex design challenges.
Licensed architect and Kestrel Labs chief industry officer Marissa Ritchen cited her company's code compliance platform as an example of AI being used to automate time-consuming processes.
She said the technology should create more time for storytelling and creative exploration rather than replace them.
"I think an architect will always be a storyteller," she said.
"That idea of lived experience will always inform the architect. You're bringing all of your lived experiences and you are distilling them, and bringing folks in and inviting them into a space that they're collaborating on."
Technology suppliers must stay agile
Christopher Cronin, senior vice president of architecture and design at SketchUp and education at Trimble, described how he is approaching the rapid pace of AI development.
"You have to be very nimble," Cronin said. "AI 3D model and image generation capabilities are moving incredibly quickly. We as a company need to stay on top of it and test and adopt the new models as soon as they come out."
He shared how tools such as the SketchUp Connector for Claude, an AI-driven MCP integration that generates 3D models through natural language, are already changing the design process.
