The University of Maryland’s School of Architecture, Planning and Preservation will launch a new artificial intelligence in architecture minor in Fall 2026.
The 15-credit AI in Architecture minor will guide students in the practical and ethical application of AI in the design process, from data-driven analysis of a building’s energy performance to rapidly testing design ideas. Students will gain foundational concepts and develop technical fluency through applied studio work across five required courses.
Artificial Intelligence is rapidly gaining a foothold in the design industry as a tool for dramatically cutting both time and effort in various stages of the design process—including research and analysis, image generation and idea refinement. A survey of 800 architects and designers by Chaos and Architizer found that 64% are using AI in their workflows, particularly in visualization and concept design.
While the minor offers a primer on the emerging role of AI in the built environment, it also helps students to critically understand its shortfalls, said Associate Clinical Professor Hooman Koliji, who directs the minor.
“AI should be approached not as a replacement for human creativity, but as a collaborative partner,” he said. “It is already a huge part of workflows in the design world; we want our students to have the critical awareness and knowledge to recognize when to follow the outputs, when to question them, and when to reject them entirely.”
Funding from the Artificial Intelligence Interdisciplinary Institute at Maryland (AIM) 2026-27 course development grant program will help develop new AI-centered coursework in the future. The minor is currently open to undergraduate students pursuing a B.A. or B.S. in Architecture. Applications for the fall are due May 20, 2026. Find more information on the minor’s website.