KUALA LUMPUR – As artificial intelligence (AI) and sustainability increasingly influence architecture, Malaysian industry leaders emphasised that human creativity and intent remain indispensable.
Speaking to Scoop during the Architects exhibition and conference, Group CEO and Principal of Thinkscape, John Jong, said AI should be embraced as a design tool, but warned against overreliance on technology at the expense of meaningful work.
“I always use the analogy of when the first calculator was invented in the 70s and people, mathematicians, rejected it. Why do we need a calculator? But calculator doesn't make you rich. But it's really a tool to help you get rich,” he said.
Jong cautioned that an overemphasis on AI-generated visuals without deeper purpose could be detrimental.
“There are too many pretty pictures, there's no meaning to it. It's on your IG and whatnot. And your Pinterest is full of AI-generated things that have literally no meaning. And that is dangerous,” he added.
Founder and Chief Executive Designer of Blu Water Studio, Lai Siew Hong, said the architecture sector has been slow to adopt digital tools. “I guess we should embrace AI a long time ago. We're very afraid. We're very behind,” he admitted.
Lai likened AI to earlier technological shifts, such as the move from manual drafting to CAD, BIM and 3D rendering software.
“So it's a tool. We need to master this tool and how do we make our design better and so on,” he said.
He also stressed the importance of mindful use, warning, “But of course, we need to use it mindfully and not just being lazy and just ask AI to do everything for you. That's the danger when you just depend so much on AI that you become useless.”
Describing AI as a “coach,” Lai said it prompts designers to think deeper and refine their ideas. “So with AI, I treat it as a coach. I speak to them. They prompt you. They ask you questions. They ask you to think more,” he explained.
Chief Curator of Kuala Lumpur Architecture Festival (KLAF) Rien Tan said AI allows designers to focus on problem-solving and creative thinking rather than technical production.
“Everyone can learn, but how can you probe in such a way that you can achieve the thing you want. So it will go back to the fundamental thing on how is your thinking process,” he said.
KLAF Director Lim Gim Huang added that AI encourages better questions and more thoughtful approaches to design.
“To sum it up, the existence of AI has prompted us to ask better questions in our generations,” he said.
He also noted the time-saving benefits of AI, allowing designers to devote more energy to refining their work.
Rien highlighted sustainability as a baseline expectation in modern architecture. “Sustainability to us is the basic thing that we need to look into,” he said, noting ongoing efforts by the Malaysian Institute of Architects (PAM) and Green Building Index (GBI) to promote green design practices.
Lai stressed that sustainability extends beyond green technology to purposeful design. “Moving forward, it's not about how pretty that building or that utility is. It's how that space works with a purpose. If you don't need certain things, you don't build it,” he said.
He also criticised trend-driven design, urging architects to prioritise timeless and meaningful creations. “Once you choose something or design something that is so trendy, after 10 years, the trend shifts. This is not trendy. You've got to throw it away,” he said.
Jong echoed this, saying, “Really about meaningful spaces. Do we need it to be there? Does that thing need to be there?”
The interview took place during the launch of the 2026 edition of Archidex, which leaders described as one of Southeast Asia’s premier architecture and design platforms.
The exhibition, scheduled for July 29 to August 1 at the Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre (MITEC), will bring together architects, designers, suppliers, exhibitors and industry professionals from across the region. - May 23, 2026
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