Construction technology company iconsthe Texas-based startup behind the world the largest 3D printed neighborhood in Austin, announced the beta version of an AI architecture robot last month that can provide floor plans for a dream home.
The AI, named Vitruvius after a Roman architect, took the company 18 months to develop and works just like OpenAI's ChatGPT or Google's Gemini — except instead of conversationally answering questions, the bot will help users make plans for their home.
entrepreneur tested the bot, which is currently in beta and available for free, on Thursday — and was blown away by the result.
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Starting with Vitruvius requires no knowledge of architecture, just a written application.
The Vitruvius AI chatbot suggests requests and gives users a chance to enter their own. Credit: Entrepreneur
I wrote: “I want to build a house in NYC with 4 beds and 3 baths, and a garden, in a classic Victorian style with lots of plants and a cool roof.”
Vitruvius immediately responded, “That sounds like a beautiful and lively living space! For the interior, are you envisioning a more open floor plan or separate rooms, dedicated to specific functions such as a dining room, library or office in home?” He also asked two other clarifying questions about my vision for the space.
From the responses, the chatbot came up with three models:
Credit: Vitruvius AI
The site is currently limited to floor plans and exterior and interior paintings. Prices and 3D models are coming soonwhile construction documentation and images without watermarks are expected in the future.
On the plus side, the floor plans included all of my specifications and came with ideas of what the interior and exterior of the house could look like. On the downside, HE put the house on one floor of a townhouse when I wanted it to spread out the bedrooms and bathrooms over multiple floors.
An example floor plan can be found for one of the designs here. Vitruvius warned when I made a free account that even though the AI has “sophisticated modeling capabilities,” I should always talk to an engineer about the “structural soundness” of the models the AI generates.
“Furthermore, it is your responsibility to ensure that all plans adhere to applicable building codes and zoning laws,” the disclaimer read. “Professional verification is essential to ensure the safety and legality of your project.”
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The next step with AI, according to NBC Newsis adding electrical, structural, plumbing, and mechanical details to plans—making the process of designing a new home less expensive and faster for buyers, but also undervaluing human architects.
“Vitruvius' big vision is to go from human desire to delivery,” said Icon co-founder and CEO Jason Ballard. NBC Newsexplaining that paperwork, schedules and even robotic construction may one day be involved.
Architects currently require between 5% and 15% of the total cost of a new home for new construction, Forbeswhich can cost buyers tens, if not hundreds of thousands of dollars.
The concept behind Vitruvius appears to be new, with AI industry leaders like OpenAI and Google yet to offer AI that can do exactly the same thing.