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As an architect constantly exploring new frontiers in design, the introduction of AI tools like MidJourney has been a game-changer in our workflow. This AI-driven image generator allows me to visualize concepts quickly and experiment with ideas that might otherwise take hours, if not days, to render manually. It’s like having an assistant who can bring your abstract thoughts to life in seconds—but, of course, it has its quirks. In this post, I want to take you through how I use MidJourney as a design tool, share some prompt-writing tips, discuss creative ‘aberrations,’ and offer advice to make the most out of this powerful AI tool.
Why Use MidJourney?
MidJourney allows architects and designers to prototype ideas in minutes. You simply input text—called a ‘prompt’—and the AI generates images based on the description. Whether it’s exploring new architectural styles, material compositions, or entire site layouts, MidJourney can visualize concepts rapidly, offering endless creative possibilities. For me, it helps bridge the gap between conceptual design and reality, making it easier to communicate ideas to clients, who often struggle to visualize raw sketches or technical drawings.
Prompt used: “Moodboard showcasing, a mediterranean rustic material board with natural stone, dark wood, pale-blue fabric, patterned tiles, cinnamon color details and brass details, soft morning glow”
The Art of the Prompt: Writing a ‘Recipe’
The beauty of MidJourney lies in the prompts, which act as the ‘recipe’ for your visual outcome. While it may seem simple to type a few descriptive words, crafting an effective prompt requires nuance. I treat prompt creation like writing a brief for a design competition—concise, clear, and intentional.
Here are a few elements I consider when crafting my prompts:
1. Style & Aesthetic: Be specific about the style you want, such as “brutalist,” “minimalist,” or “Scandinavian-inspired.” If I want a modern facade, I might use a prompt like:
“Minimalist, cantilevered structure with large glass panels, surrounded by lush greenery, brutalist concrete textures.”
2. Materials & Lighting: Mention specific materials and lighting conditions to guide the AI’s interpretation. For instance:
“Polished steel frames, matte black stone cladding, diffused ambient lighting.”
3. Context: Include environmental details to contextualize the building. A simple prompt like “urban” or “coastal” changes the entire vibe of a design:
“Urban infill project, located in a dense city center, with green rooftop and sustainable materials.”
4. Details & Features: If there are key architectural features you want to see, include those. It could be skylights, courtyards, or floating staircases.
“Spiral staircase with glass balustrades, expansive skylight bringing in natural light, flowing interiors.”
The trick is finding a balance between too much detail (which may confuse the AI) and not enough detail (resulting in generic or uninspiring outcomes). I experiment with different ‘recipes’ until I find the sweet spot that aligns with my vision.
Aberrations: When Things Go Off-Script
One of the most fascinating aspects of MidJourney is the unexpected outcomes, or what I like to call “aberrations.” Sometimes, despite your best prompt efforts, the AI produces something entirely different from what you imagined. And often, these deviations are where the magic happens.
For instance, I once entered a prompt for a minimalist interior concept and ended up with a bizarre combination of soft organic shapes, reminiscent of natural cave formations. While this wasn’t what I was going for, the image sparked a new direction for a future design. These happy accidents provide inspiration for pushing design boundaries, introducing forms and patterns I might never have considered on my own.
Tips for Optimizing Your Use of MidJourney
1. Iterate, Don’t Settle: The first few images may not hit the mark, but that’s part of the process. Fine-tune your prompt by adding or removing elements until the output matches your vision.
2. Start Broad, Refine Later: Begin with a broad concept and refine your prompts as you go. For example, start with a general description like “futuristic high-rise building” and then add specific elements like “angular glass facades” or “parametric design” to hone in on the details.
3. Embrace Variations: Use MidJourney’s ability to generate multiple versions of an image. I often create multiple variations from a single prompt to explore different architectural approaches simultaneously. It’s like having a brainstorming session, where the AI suggests alternative design routes.
4. Incorporate Real-World Constraints: While it’s tempting to dive into fantastical designs, grounding your prompts in real-world architectural principles—such as load-bearing walls or sustainable materials—can help create more usable, practical designs. This also ensures that the AI-generated designs remain feasible, bridging the gap between conceptual aesthetics and functional structures.
5. Collaborate with AI, Don’t Rely on It: MidJourney is a tool, not a designer. While it can generate stunning visuals, it doesn’t understand design challenges like site context, human scale, or function. As an architect, I use MidJourney as an assistant to spark new ideas, but I always ensure that the final designs adhere to architectural best practices and meet the project’s specific needs.
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Where AI Fits in Our Workflow
I see MidJourney as part of a larger design ecosystem. It complements traditional tools like Rayon or Archicad, helping me brainstorm and visualize ideas faster. When combined with AI tools for technical documentation and design revisions, such as Archicad’s AI Visualizer, my process is streamlined from early concept to completion.
In our practice, I often use MidJourney in the conceptual design phase. It’s ideal for generating multiple visual directions that I can then refine in more detailed CAD or BIM software. Whether it’s experimenting with facade treatments or developing interior concepts, MidJourney accelerates the process, making it easier to present compelling ideas to clients early in the project.
Conclusion: AI as a Partner in Design
AI tools like MidJourney have opened up an entirely new dimension in architectural design. They allow for faster ideation, experimentation with materials and forms, and a broadened creative perspective. The key is to see AI not as a replacement but as a partner—a tool that enhances creativity while freeing up time for architects to focus on the deeper aspects of design.
If you haven’t yet explored using MidJourney in your practice, I highly recommend giving it a try. Not only does it help with visualization, but it also brings an element of surprise to the design process—leading you to unexpected and, often, extraordinary outcomes.
