Generative AI does not replace the architect, but it redefines their role around creative direction

Syntaxe didn’t wait for the rise of data to invest in technology. Its partners are even pioneers. Today, they rely on the power and stability of HP Z workstations to take full advantage of AI.

“The construction industry is undergoing a true revolution: projects are becoming more complex, regulations are piling up, and expectations regarding sustainability are intensifying. In this context, data is becoming the backbone of buildings!”

Architecture, a profession undergoing profound change. However, the spirit of Syntaxe remains true to its original ambition from 2004: to foster a close bond among architects—a connection forged during their studies and strengthened by many years of collaboration within various Belgian and international firms, explains Ronald Rifflart, one of the firm’s three partners, alongside Joël Meersseman and Rénald Pansaerts.

So, at the start, three friends who met during their studies. Today, a firm recognized in Belgium and France, with around thirty staff in Haut-Ittre and about ten in Tilff through L’Atelier du Sart-Tilman.

“Very early on, during our studies, we embraced technology—which was still in its infancy at the time,” continues Ronald Rifflart. “We even built our own machines using the best components available at the time… Today, architects, engineers, and clients no longer expect just blueprints; they want a dynamic, continuous, and reliable view of their projects. That’s where our expertise makes the difference!”

All employees work on HP Z workstations. “After testing other brands, we chose HP through SoftCell Consulting’s ZStore platform. HP guaranteed the power and quality of its workstations; ZStore provided the advice and service,” summarizes Ronald Rifflart.

Generative AI is redefining the architect’s role

Drafters are making a comeback in major architectural firms, in an evolved form as BIM modelers. Digital technology plays a dominant role. And the arrival of AI is the best illustration of this. New software generates photorealistic visuals in seconds from text, sketches, or programmed constraints. This is disrupting traditional methods.

At the same time, AI agents and automation solutions are transforming project management: task tracking, coordination, document analysis, and consistency checks increasingly rely on machines. Studies show that most project managers see this as a way to automate tasks and improve resource allocation.

“No, generative AI does not replace the architect, but it redefines their role around creative direction, synthesis, and balancing technical, regulatory, and societal constraints,” explains Ronald Rifflart.

BIM and Digital Twins

Today, modern architecture is increasingly incorporating BIM (Building Information Modeling) not only as a 3D design tool, but as the foundation for digital twins, enabling the simulation and management of buildings in real time using IoT data. Digital twins alone are revolutionizing the profession, observes Ronald Rifflart.

“They can be used to unveil models to the general public and demystify concepts of urban planning or mobility.” 3D visualization of projects allows people to see how they will use the space once the project is complete. They can also provide feedback and suggestions in real time during design meetings, thereby fostering the participation of everyone involved.

“More than ever before, the architect is becoming a conductor. They articulate the vision, select relevant options proposed by algorithms, evaluate them against the real-world context, and translate them into buildable and responsible solutions. ”

This is a significant advancement. Before the advent of BIM, professionals worked on 2D plans without such advanced real-time collaboration features, which often led to a lack of synergy among the various parties.

Now, architects integrate data in real time by communicating with the various stakeholders—the client, of course, but also engineers, contractors, and other developers, not to mention government officials. “We detect inconsistencies between the different disciplines almost instantly. And we save a lot of time. Better yet: this technology adds a functional dimension to the models, providing essential information that might have been omitted in a simple mock-up. ”

ZStore, a committed partner

Hence the importance of the tools used, whether software or hardware. “HP’s Z Workstations are not only extremely powerful, but they are also very stable, and for us, stability and reliability are a guarantee of resilience. We can’t imagine being at a client’s site and having to acknowledge any technical failure, especially since our employees are increasingly on the go with their workstations!” For Syntaxe Architectes, durability is another key factor; the lifecycle of some machines often exceeds five years.

The final argument put forward: trust. “We have found in ZStore a committed and responsive partner. We can discuss things very frankly,” concludes Ronald Rifflart. “Not only will we be heard, but we will be guided in our choices with competence and integrity.”