An interview with Architectural Researcher and Practitioner Jingwen He

Artificial Intelligence are reshaping various walks of life and realms in practice, including architecture. Although there are still some recognition gaps and pending intractable problems to be resolved for the output accuracy and efficiency of AI-driven tasks, it is perceivable that AEC industries and professionals will undergo transformative shifts with AI-assisted methodology in sustainable building design and workflow in the upcoming future. The AI- assisted problem-solving technique has received its fundamental initiatives from Jingwen He, researcher and practitioner of architecture, who has conducted ever-evolving researches and published numerous papers in the directive journals discussing how AI could assist AEC professionals to envision both streamlining design articulations and carbon sequestering performance in the project delivery processes.

Interviewer: Welcome, Jingwen! It’s a pleasure to have you here. Your current studies in AI-assisted pathways for net positive architectural design as well as AI-integrated workflow is truly pioneering. Could you give us a brief overview of your research and what led you to explore this intersection between AI and sustainable architecture?

Jingwen He: Thank you! My research focuses on leveraging AI to optimize design solutions that contribute to net positive outcomes—meaning designs that go beyond sustainability to actively restore and enhance their environments. My studies focused on Net-Zero-Carbon design and execution utilizing the advanced AI technologies and deep learning networks, exploring the integration and optimization of AI-generated solutions in sustainable practice of architecture.

I became interested in this area after seeing the inefficiencies in conventional design processes, where architects often struggle to balance environmental impact, client requirements, and regulatory constraints. AI has the potential to help us synthesize vast amounts of data within short period of time and generate optimized, context-aware solutions in such ways that were previously unimaginable.

Interviewer: That’s fascinating. How do you see AI transforming the way architects approach sustainable design and best practice in general?

Jingwen He: AI introduces a paradigm shift by enabling predictive analytics, generative design, and real-time environmental simulations. Instead of relying on static models, architects can now iterate design options swiftly, testing various configurations to maximize energy efficiency, material optimization, and ecological integration. AI also facilitates sustainable building performance—upgrading aspects like carbon sequestration, thermal performance, and biodiversity impact simultaneously. The experimenting outcome is more resilient, adaptive, and regenerative.

Interviewer: You’re also an entrepreneur. How do you integrate your research findings into your project and professional practice?

Jingwen He: I incorporate AI-assisted tools to streamline decision-making and enhance design efficiency. For instance, I use machine learning models to analyze site-specific climate data, guiding passive design strategies that reduce reliance on MEP systems. Additionally, AI-driven material analysis can help in selecting low embedded carbon and recyclable materials. So far, AI has made significant contributions to my projects, such as generative design, energy modelling, smart building systems, and project management automation, etc.

Interviewer: Many architects are still skeptical about implementation of AI in architectural professions. What challenges have you encountered in adopting AI in architectural workflows?

Jingwen He: One major challenge is the learning curve—most architects are trained in traditional methods and may find AI-driven processes unfamiliar or intimidating. Another issue is data accessibility and accuracy; high-quality, localized data is essential for accurate AI modelling but isn’t always readily available. Last but not least, there are ethical considerations —the concern about AI might replace humanity. On my personal level, AI as an augmentation tool, not a replacement. It enhances our ability to make informed decisions while still provide intuitive zones for human intervention.

Interviewer: That’s a cool perspective. How do you envision the future of AI-assisted strategies would play out in architecture?

Jingwen He: I think AI will become an integral part of a collaborative environment where architects, engineers, and contractors work seamlessly with integrated project domain. Moreover, the synergy between human intuition and machine intelligence will be improved and future advancements will likely include AI models to help scale up sustainable design by making it more accessible and cost-effective, particularly for underserved communities. I firmly believe that advancing AI tools are ultimately transformative catalyst inducing innovations for modern architecture while reinforcing the architect’s role as a critical thinker and designer.

Interviewer: That’s an inspiring and riveting vision! Thank you for sharing your insights, Jingwen.

Jingwen He: Welcome, it is my greatest honour having the chance to speak with you.

Jingwen’s intriguing research findings and applications of AI driven mechanism in architecture have led us to a fair anticipation of new possibilities for architects to automate the design with greater environmental responsibility and creative agility. As the profession evolves, the collaboration between human intuition and AI-driven platforms will become a key cornerstone of innovative architectural practice.