As the world rapidly evolves, so does technology, reshaping industries in ways we never imagined. At Southern Green, we are stepping onto the fast-moving train of Artificial Intelligence, exploring its potential in landscape architecture and conceptual design.
Recently, we experimented with various AI platforms to generate images and refine concept designs. What fascinated us most was the ability of some AI tools to transform a simple hand-drawn sketch into fully rendered visual interpretations. This technology not only enhances initial line work, but also opens doors to innovative workflows.
During our usual Monday knowledge sharing session, I had the opportunity to showcase an intriguing experiment. Using a hand sketch created by one of my colleagues, I applied different AI-generated prompts to explore multiple design possibilities in mere seconds. The results…? A spectrum of styles, some wildly extravagant, others just faraway of our aligned expectations. While none of the outputs were perfect, they served as an excellent brainstorming tool, challenging conventional design boundaries and sparking new ideas and inspiration.
One particular AI-generated interpretation stood out. It transformed the original sketch into a surreal metallic structure, resembling a 3D-printed element emerging from a solid block of metal. This unexpected outcome highlighted the eclectic nature of AI creativity, pushing the limits of traditional design perspectives.
Reflecting on this experiment with my colleagues, I posed a question: “Do you remember when all plans were drawn by hand, and then computers revolutionized the process with AutoCAD? Only the firms that embraced digital transformation thrived. Now, in 2025, what design firm still produces documentation entirely by hand?”
AI is advancing at an exponential parabola rate, and its capabilities today will likely be unrecognisable in just a few years or maybe months. While human input remains essential, AI is already streamlining workflows, optimizing repetitive tasks, and enhancing creative exploration. Rather than resisting this shift, we are excited to embrace it, exploring how AI can seamlessly integrate into our processes and elevate our work.
This journey is just beginning, but one thing is clear: the future of design is not in the distant horizon, it is already here, unfolding before us, hey you wake up! At Southern Green, we are eager to continue experimenting, blending human creativity with AI’s limitless possibilities to shape the next era of landscape architecture.
