Control or collaboration? Reflecting on AI integration in professional practices

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is increasingly redefining the landscape of creative and professional disciplines, particularly within architecture and design. Transitioning from a passive tool to a potential active digital collaborator, AI presents new challenges and opportunities in creativity, operational efficiency, and human–machine collaboration. This literature review examines the implications of AI integration, particularly in the context of the Architecture, Engineering, and Construction (AEC) sector, where maintaining high standards of adaptability, professionalism, and accountability is paramount. Generative AI tools enable rapid exploration of design alternatives and offer real-time feedback, improving workflow efficiency and supporting iterative ideation. However, the increased reliance on AI poses risks, including design homogenization, excessive automation, and potential misalignment between AI-generated outputs and human creative ideation. Addressing these challenges requires structured methodologies that support AI augmentation while preserving the uniqueness of human-driven design processes. The review highlights hybrid collaborative environments where human designers and AI systems interact through dynamic, iterative workflows. These models encourage shared control and adaptability, allowing AI to enhance rather than obstruct creative development. Ethical considerations—including authorship, bias, and decision accountability—are also central to ensuring responsible AI integration. To fully realize AI’s potential in design, educational systems must evolve to include AI literacy, algorithmic ethics, and collaborative design strategies. This will prepare future professionals to critically engage with evolving digital tools and the changes of next societies. Future research should focus on scaling these frameworks across the entire design lifecycle and assessing AI’s long-term effects on professional practices.By fostering balanced collaboration, AI can address pressing global challenges while amplifying creativity, diversity, and inclusivity in the design process.