Interview with Páraic Walsh

Architect and Digital leader

Sydney, Australia

1.Can you introduce yourself and your background in architecture or design?

“I’m Páraic, a Digital Leader with over a decade of experience in award-winning design practices, both internationally and in Australia. I specialize in technological strategy, governance, innovation, and product development, bringing strong leadership to drive transformation and efficiency.

With a sharp focus on identifying opportunities to upskill teams and foster growth, I ensure that design practices remain at the forefront of the industry. My expertise has played a key role in delivering high-profile projects across diverse sectors, including commercial, mission-critical, infrastructure, education, healthcare, sports, and residential.”

2.How do you integrate AI into your creative or design process?

“For me, AI is a powerful tool that enhances—rather than replaces—the human-centric approach to design. I use AI to automate repetitive tasks, streamline workflows, and analyze complex data, allowing our team to focus on creative problem-solving and meaningful collaboration.

By integrating AI-driven tools for generative design, performance simulations, and real-time visualization, I can prioritize the bigger picture—crafting intuitive, user-centered solutions that balance functionality and aesthetics. AI also plays a key role in identifying patterns, optimizing materials, and advancing sustainability, ensuring that design decisions are not only efficient but also responsible and forward-thinking”

Sculptural Villa Concepts clad in curved timber batten nestled in the forest imagined with #midjourney

3.What are your thoughts on AI-generated architecture competitions and their impact on the industry?

“As AI continues to evolve, the industry must strike a balance between leveraging its capabilities and maintaining the artistic and ethical integrity of architectural practice. Ultimately, the most impactful designs will come from a fusion of AI-driven efficiency and human-centered creativity.

That said, the challenge lies in ensuring AI is used responsibly. Design is inherently about storytelling, community, and human connection—elements that require intuition, empathy, and critical thinking. AI-generated designs should be seen as a tool for enhancing these qualities, not a substitute for them.”

Parametric Modernist Villa with Timber Cladding #midjourney

4.What advice would you give to architects or designers who are looking to explore AI in their work?

“Begin by experimenting with AI tools like MidJourney for concept visualization. Stay curious and adaptable—follow AI trends, newsletters, and industry leaders to keep up with advancements. Most importantly, balance AI’s efficiency with human creativity. Use it to streamline tasks, freeing time for deeper design exploration, problem-solving, and meaningful innovation.”

5.What tools or software do you find most useful for AI-driven design?

There are 1000’s of tools out there which can be overwhelming but if I could summarize my top 5  for design, visualization, and workflow optimization:

1. MidJourney

2. Kling AI

3. OpenAI (ChatGPT & DALL·E)

4. CoPilot

5. Canva

Concept for An ultra-modern café with a parametric design

Follow Páraic on Instagram for more creative Ai-Assisted designs: @paraic_walsh_arch