AI Architecture Summit UK 2025 Introduction - Professor Des Fagan - Lancaster University

Video from the AI Architecture Summit UK 2025: Sustainability. Introduction to the Summit from organiser Professor Des Fagan, contextualising the use of AI in the practice of architecture, referring to the RIBA AI survey and current software use. Des is Head of Architecture at Lancaster and his field of research interest is in Optimisation and Deep Learning (Artificial Intelligence) for Decision Support Systems in design. He is particularly interested in the impact that Machine Learning will have on design processes and the regulatory and policy implications for the RIBA and ARB. In his current role as Chair of the National Practice and Policy at the RIBA, he oversees the development of a programme of policy and public affairs activity, representing over forty thousand UK architects, to affect change in Whitehall, Westminster, and beyond. He is Deputy Chair of the QAA Subject Benchmark for Architecture in 2025, and his roles in the field of AI and Architecture include being a member of the Expert Advisory Group on Data and AI in Practice (RIBA) and Lead of the Working Group on AI in Architectural Education (SCOSA), where he leads a network of industry partners, including AutoDesk, Google, and OpenAI, to guide the future integration of AI across UK practices and teaching across all 65 Schools of Architecture.