---
title: "Beyond the Render: The AI Workflow Shift in Architecture (2026 Research) | Gendo"
url: https://gendo.ai/research/beyond-the-render-2026
description: "Gendo user research, 2026. What 739 responses reveal about design iteration, time savings, changing visualisation workflows and the demand for control in architecture."
lang: en
---

Skip to content

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.

Get the free reportSee what's inside

GENDO USER RESEARCH, 2026 FIG. 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.

## How to read these figures

- **Self-reported**Time and spending figures are respondents' own estimates, not audited savings.
- **Question-specific bases**Every percentage shows the number who answered that question.
- **Cohorts kept separate**Studio and Free results are shown side by side, not combined.
- **Gendo users**Not a representative sample of all architects. Associations, not causes.

## Structured data

```json
{
  "@context": "https://schema.org",
  "@type": "Report",
  "name": "Beyond the Render: The AI Workflow Shift in Architecture",
  "headline": "Beyond the Render",
  "description": "What 739 Gendo user responses reveal about iteration, time savings, changing visualisation workflows and the demand for control.",
  "datePublished": "2026-10-08",
  "inLanguage": "en-GB",
  "url": "https://gendo.ai/research/beyond-the-render-2026",
  "image": "https://gendo.ai/research/beyond-the-render-2026-og.jpg",
  "isAccessibleForFree": true,
  "publisher": {
    "@type": "Organization",
    "name": "Gendo",
    "url": "https://gendo.ai/"
  },
  "author": {
    "@type": "Organization",
    "name": "Gendo"
  }
}
```