The Department of Architecture and Built Environment at South East Technological University (SETU) is at the forefront of integrating artificial intelligence into architectural education in Ireland. Through curriculum innovation, international collaboration and engagement with leading architectural practices and technology companies, SETU is developing new approaches to how architects understand and use AI within design, planning and the wider built environment.
Led by architect and lecturer Garry Miley, this work combines teaching, research and public engagement to explore both the opportunities and the challenges that AI presents for the future of architectural practice.
In 2025, Garry was shortlisted as a finalist in the National AI Awards (Research and Education category), recognising the emerging work being undertaken at SETU in the area of AI and architectural education.
“Architecture currently has a missing AI middle — the space between feasibility modelling and image generation.” Garry Miley, SETU
Integrating AI into Architectural Education
Artificial intelligence is currently being integrated into SETU’s Bachelor of Architecture (B.Arch) programme through both Design Studio and Techne modules. Rather than treating AI as a standalone technical tool, students are encouraged to explore how these technologies interact with architectural thinking, design workflows, and the realities of contemporary practice.
Students experiment with emerging generative tools, explore AI-supported design processes, and critically assess how AI may influence architectural creativity, feasibility modelling and decision-making within the built environment.
This approach reflects the department’s aim to ensure that graduates are not only familiar with new digital tools, but also able to engage critically with the opportunities and limitations of AI in architecture.
International Collaboration
SETU has also engaged in international collaboration in this area. Led by Garry and through contact with Phil Bernstein at the Yale School of Architecture, SETU students attended online lectures alongside Yale students and completed the same design assignment used within the Yale programme.
This collaboration provided a valuable opportunity to benchmark SETU students against an internationally recognised architecture school while engaging directly with emerging AI-driven design methodologies.
Connecting Education and Practice
The Department works closely with industry to ensure that emerging technologies are explored within the context of real architectural practice.
Collaboration with Henry J Lyons Architects, through architect Breffni Green, has supported the development of AI-related topics relevant to contemporary design and construction workflows.
This connection between education and practice has already led to tangible outcomes. One recent graduate, Conor Nolan, has taken up a senior technology-focused role within the firm following his work exploring digital design methodologies during his studies.
