PhD Scholarship: Reimagining Architectural Practice through AI - An Industry

The Opportunity

This is an unprecedented opportunity for an outstanding PhD candidate to help shape the future of architectural practice through an industry-embedded research position. Working at the intersection of artificial intelligence (AI), architectural design, and professional practice, the successful candidate will be uniquely positioned between one of Australia's leading architectural firms, Jackson Clements Burrows (JCB), and Monash University's Future Building Initiative, a research group that explores the development and impacts of technology on design for the built environment.

As AI/ML technologies emerge as transformative forces across industries, architectural practice stands at a crucial junction. This research will tackle both immediate challenges - how to integrate AI tools into current workflows - and broader strategic questions about the future of architectural practice in an AI-augmented world. The successful candidate will help shape how architects work with AI, ensuring these powerful tools enhance rather than diminish creative control and professional expertise.

The PhD candidate will leverage their knowledge of the local architecture context, to work embedded within JCB's Melbourne studio, collaborating with practicing architects, while conducting research into how emerging AI/ML technologies can transform architectural workflows and creative processes. This distinctive arrangement offers both immediate practical insights and the opportunity to envision longer-term transformations in architectural practice.

Working at the Future Building Initiative, the successful PhD candidate will be immersed in the Art Design and Architecture faculty’s broader community engaged with issues of technology and AI, notably through collaborative research events and workshops with aligned research groups, such as SensiLab.

Everyone needs a platform to launch a satisfying and meaningful career. At MADA, you will find the space to take your career in all kinds of new and exciting directions, with access to quality infrastructure and learning facilities to support the development of research into design and the built environment. We are a faculty full of energetic and enthusiastic minds, driven to challenge what’s expected, expand what we know and learn from other inspiring thinkers, which, coupled with our access to the broader Monash community, with its great breadth and depth of talent creates an ideal environment for exploration and innovation for a better future.

Monash University strongly advocates diversity, equality, fairness and openness. We fully support the gender equity principles of the Athena SWAN Charter.

Research Environment

Future Building Initiative / Faculty of Art, Design and Architecture

The Future Building Initiative, one of the research labs in the Faculty of Art, Design and Architecture and directed by Associate Professor Duncan Maxwell, is an interdisciplinary research group that explores how buildings are designed, developed and made. The group conducts research, exploration and testing to understand how new building design and construction technologies can improve process and product to benefit society and the environment. The group's Digitalisation and Computation Stream is led by Dr Camilo Cruz Gambardella who is developing new understandings of AI and Machine Learning tools for design generation. The stream's research utilises digital data and works with partners to co-develop tools and systems that improve the design of buildings and associated workflows for procurement, production, and assembly.

JCB Architects

JCB Architects is a leading Melbourne-based architecture practice renowned for their innovative approach to design and commitment to research and development. Their diverse portfolio spans residential, commercial, and public projects, with particular expertise in multi-residential design. The firm's forward-thinking approach to technology and design processes makes them an ideal partner for exploring the future of architectural practice.

The Opportunity

Working under the supervision of Dr Camilo Cruz Gambardella and Associate Professor Duncan Maxwell, in collaboration with JCB Architects, you will:

Map current architectural design practices within a professional setting
Identify opportunities for AI/ML integration that enhance rather than replace creative decision-making
Prototype and test digital tools in a real-world practice environment
Contribute to both immediate practical improvements and longer-term strategic visions for architectural practice
Collaborate with designers, researchers, and technology experts
Participate in the FBI and SensiLab research communities
Candidate Profile

The ideal candidate will:

Have a background in architectural design, computational design, or a related discipline.
Demonstrate a strong interest in applied research, emerging technologies, and the future of the architectural profession.
Show enthusiasm for contributing to sustainable and efficient design workflows.
Be capable of practice-based research, including interviews, workshops, and digital prototyping.
Be interested in translating practice-based research into written outcomes for conferences and journals.
Selection Process

This position has a two-stage selection process:

Stage 1: Expression of Interest

Submit an Expression of Interest via the Faculty of Art, Design and Architecture at Monash:www.monash.edu/mada/future-students/graduate-research/apply

Your proposal should demonstrate:

Enthusiasm for exploring AI/ML applications in architectural design
Understanding of both practical and theoretical implications of AI in design
Interest in developing innovative approaches to architectural practice
Strong computational skills combined with design sensitivity
Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a professional environment
Candidates must also supply a portfolio showcasing relevant work, including:

Technical projects demonstrating computational/AI expertise
Design work showing creative and analytical abilities
Process documentation demonstrating systematic thinking
Any relevant research or professional experience
Stage 2: Full Proposal

Shortlisted candidates will be invited to discuss their ideas with the supervisory team and JCB representatives before developing a full proposal.

This opportunity is available for domestic applicants only (Australian Citizen/Permanent Resident) and the duration of the scholarship is maximum 3 years 6 months.

Enquiries: Dr Camilo Cruz Gambardella, camilo.cruzgambardella@monash.edu

Applications Close: Thursday 15 May 2025, 11:55pm AEST

Supporting a diverse workforce Read more