Over the past decade, we’ve witnessed remarkable transformations in architecture and technology. With the rise of visualization, virtual reality (VR), and now generative AI, architects are finding new ways to express their creativity and streamline their workflows. Recently, I had the pleasure of speaking with George Proud, co-founder of Gendo, on the EntreArchitect Podcast, where he shared invaluable insights into the intersection of AI and architecture.
This article breaks down the major takeaways from our conversation, highlighting how AI-driven tools are reshaping architectural visualization, design processes, and firm operations.
A Story of Technology and Entrepreneurship
George Proud’s journey into architecture was shaped by his dual interests in art and science. While studying architecture, he was drawn to emerging technologies that could enhance design communication. He first experimented with VR in 2011, long before the metaverse became a buzzword. This early exposure to cutting-edge tech planted the seeds for his future entrepreneurial pursuits.
His transition from a traditional architecture career to a startup founder was inspired by a friend who had built an AI-driven voice generation company that was later acquired by Spotify. Intrigued by the startup world, George joined an incubator program, Entrepreneur First, which ultimately led to the creation of Gendo alongside his co-founder, Will.
From Incubator to AI Startup: The Evolution of Gendo
When George and Will first entered the incubator, they didn’t have a clear product idea but knew they wanted to solve pressing challenges in architecture. Their realization was that architects often had to repurpose software not specifically designed for the field, leading to inefficiencies.
Their early iterations focused on developing an AI-powered solution tailored to architecture, aiming to bridge the gap between generative AI and practical design applications. After bootstrapping an initial prototype, they secured venture capital funding to scale Gendo into the powerful visualization tool it is today.
What is Gendo? Solving Architectural Visualization Challenges with AI
Gendo is a browser-based platform that allows architects and designers to render images using AI with greater control and accuracy. While popular AI tools like MidJourney and Stable Diffusion allow users to generate images from text descriptions, they lack precision, often producing inconsistent results. For architects, specificity is paramount—designs must reflect intent, not random AI interpretations.
Gendo’s core innovation is its ability to take a 2D architectural image and apply generative AI to render it in photorealistic detail while maintaining the original design’s integrity. Unlike traditional rendering workflows that require expensive software and weeks of processing time, Gendo provides a faster, more iterative approach. Soon, the platform will also support 3D model inputs, further expanding its capabilities.
AI’s Role in Architectural Workflows
Architects are no strangers to AI’s growing influence, but many still wonder how it fits into their workflows. According to George, AI is not about replacing designers but empowering them. Gendo streamlines time-consuming rendering processes, freeing up architects to focus on design rather than technical execution.
One of the standout features of Gendo is its ability to modify specific elements within an image. Architects can select areas of a rendering—such as a wall material or lighting conditions—and make targeted edits without regenerating the entire scene. This level of control is something traditional AI tools lack, making Gendo a game-changer for professionals who need precision.
The Business of AI: Funding, Growth, and Market Strategy
Gendo’s journey through venture capital funding underscores the challenges and opportunities of launching an AI-driven startup. Initially, the incubator program that George and Will joined chose not to continue supporting their project. Undeterred, they bootstrapped their early development, proving the viability of their concept before securing investment.
Their fundraising strategy evolved as they refined their vision. Early prototypes focused on generating AI-driven people cutouts for architectural renderings—a highly specific but widely needed feature. This proof of concept demonstrated market demand and set the stage for broader applications.
Eventually, they secured funding through a mix of angel investors and venture capital firms, enabling them to grow their team. Today, Gendo has expanded from a four-person team to a growing company, with roles spanning AI development, product design, and marketing.
The Future of Architectural AI
Looking ahead, George envisions a future where AI levels the playing field for small and large architecture firms alike. By automating labor-intensive tasks, smaller studios can take on more ambitious projects, competing with larger firms without being constrained by resources.
He draws a fascinating parallel to AlphaGo, the AI developed by Google to play the board game Go. Initially seen as a threat, AlphaGo ultimately improved human players by introducing new strategies. Similarly, AI in architecture isn’t about replacing designers but enhancing their capabilities, enabling them to push creative boundaries further than ever before.
Practical Advice for Architects
For architects wondering how to integrate AI into their practice, George offers a simple but powerful piece of advice: experiment. The technology is evolving rapidly, and those who actively explore AI’s potential will be better positioned to leverage its benefits.
Instead of viewing AI as a disruptive force, architects should see it as a tool that enhances creativity and efficiency. Whether it’s through platforms like Gendo or other emerging solutions, embracing AI-driven workflows will be key to staying competitive in the years ahead.
Explore Gendo and the Future of Architectural Visualization
Our conversation with George Proud provided a glimpse into the exciting possibilities AI holds for architecture. With tools like Gendo, architects can render their designs with unprecedented speed and accuracy, transforming how projects are visualized and communicated.
If you’re interested in learning more, I highly encourage you to listen to the full episode of the EntreArchitect Podcast at https://entrearchitect.com/594. AI is here to stay, and those who embrace it early will have the advantage in shaping the future of design.
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