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    SURVEYED SEPTEMBER TO OCTOBER 2026

    Beyond
    the Render

    The AI Workflow Shift in Architecture

    From early concepts to client presentations, see where AI is already changing the way designers explore, communicate and move projects forward. Insights from 739 responses across Gendo's Free and Studio users.

    GENDO USER RESEARCH, 2026FIG. 00

    AI in architecture is moving beyond the image. Where does it make the biggest difference?

    739

    responses

    Across Studio and Free Gendo users.

    77%

    reported time savings

    At least some time saved in the previous 30 days. Full distribution in Chapter 02.

    51%

    of Studio users saved 6+ hours

    In the previous 30 days. Free cohort and question bases in the report.

    Source: Gendo User Research, September to October 2026. Question bases shown. Multiple selections where applicable. Self-reported estimates.

    A FIRST LOOK

    From one-off images to an integrated workflow

    How many respondents use Gendo at three or more of six project stages, and how that differs between Studio and Free users.

    Studio and Free results, with question bases, are in Chapter 01.

    INSIDE THE REPORT

    Seven chapters, every answer base shown

    1. 01

      The work is moving beyond the concept stage

      Where respondents use Gendo across a project, from early concepts to competitions and client presentations.

    2. 02

      Time back, options forward

      Every self-reported time-saving band, including the less flattering answers.

    3. 03

      The connection between workflow breadth and impact

      How breadth of use relates to reported value, and what that association does and does not show.

    4. 04

      A changing visualisation stack

      Which tools and services respondents now use less, and what they report about external spending.

    5. 05

      AI is appearing in the planning process

      How Studio users use visuals in planning applications, and what the outcomes do and do not show.

    6. 06

      Control is the next competitive advantage

      Why accuracy, consistency and design intent decide professional adoption.

    7. 07

      The next architecture workflow

      Practical implications for studios moving from single images to a shared design process.

    Plus an executive summary, practical implications for studios, and a full methodology appendix. Available online and as an A4 PDF.

    “What’s great about Gendo is the Miro-like environment, where all the different options, explorations and tests are preserved. It’s ideal for reviewing and evaluating the process together as a team.”

    Jochen Cielen, survey respondent, paid Gendo user

    Get the full findings

    Explore the charts, respondent perspectives and practical implications for your studio.

    Based on 739 Gendo user responses. Free to read.

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    How to read these figures

    • Self-reportedTime and spending figures are respondents' own estimates, not audited savings.
    • Question-specific basesEvery percentage shows the number who answered that question.
    • Cohorts kept separateStudio and Free results are shown side by side, not combined.
    • Gendo usersNot a representative sample of all architects. Associations, not causes.